Sawadee ka!
That’s how they say “Welcome” or “Hello” in Thai. I recently went for a Thai massage at one of the regular places I go to and realised I’d never told you about it – so after sneaking some photos during my most recent session, here it is 🙂
Touches de Siam the place I go to in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur. I believe it is now part of a chain of Thai massage centers under the Thai Odyssey brand but it was the first to be set up I believe. I’ve been going there on and off since they opened quite a few years ago whenever I feel like a bit of Thai massage and do not want to fly all the way to Bangkok for it 😛
Part of the reason I go to Touches de Siam is because I found that their Thai traditional massage was quite “authentic” in that it was similar to what I had in Bangkok. Also, the prices weren’t all that insanely expensive compared to aromatherapy massages. Granted, it is still substantially more expensive than in Bangkok where I have paid about RM35 for a 2 hour massage, compared to RM98/2 hours at Touches de Siam. But I get a pretty good massage and I think that the price isn’t all that bad considering I’d have to factor in airline costs if I want to pay RM35/2 hours 😛
What is a Thai Traditional Massage?
Thai traditional massages are where the masseuse massages your muscles using the various parts of their body to assert pressure, and stretching your muscles as they go. It can sometimes be painful if you aren’t used to strong pressure so be sure to let your masseuse know if you feel pain.
How best to enjoy a Thai Traditional massage?
The best way to enjoy a Thai Traditional massage is to go limp and let the masseuse manoeuvre your limbs any way they want. This way, you will not feel pain if you resist the movements and there is better “flow”. I have found that the masseuses at Touches de Siam seem to know what they are doing, so I don’t end up feeling bruised after a session. In Bangkok or even in other centers, I’ve actually felt uncomfortable and bruised after the massage.
The other thing I like about a Thai massage is that you keep your clothes on. Well, not your own clothes per se, but a pair of pyjamas you are asked to change into. At Touches de Siam, they ask if you want tiger balm applied on your back – its up to you. I agree because I like the warm and subsequently cool feel on the skin but if you don’t want it, just tell them.
Experience at Touches de Siam
At Touches de Siam, your session starts with a quick wash of your feet after you change into slippers that are provided. There are single rooms for more privacy and couple rooms if you’d prefer to have your massage done with a friend. The lighting is very low and its soothing after you change into your pyjamas.
I usually go for the 1.5-2 hour sessions. Sometimes I doze off, most times I don’t but I’m relaxed either way as the masseuse massages and kneads away at the muscles starting from your legs all the way to your head and ending at your back. Oh and another good thing – the masseuses speak English 🙂
Here’s the menu and the prices based on February 2010 rates as picked up from their counter. The prices haven’t changed much if at all from at least 2 years ago when I first visited them LOL!
There are sometimes promotional discounts with banks (presently its with HSBC Credit Cards) so ask before you pay in case you can save a little money.
They do packages too e.g. Buy 5 Free 1 but I don’t buy packages because I don’t go all that often. I also like the flexibility of being able to choose something else if I want but thus far, I’ve stuck to the Traditional Thai Massage.
Tip: Since we are mostly women here, my advise will be NOT to partake of Thai Traditional Massage if you are having your period. I find its more uncomfortable even if you use a tampon as you are pulled in all sorts of directions.
Touches de Siam Bangsar is at Jalan Telawi (above the Al Rajhi Bank) and parking is hell in that area as anyone who lives and works and goes there knows. You can park in Bangsar Village for greater convenience and walk. Its not far. Best to call for an appointment just in case they are full.
If you have tried the massages at Touches de Siam, do share your experience. I have not tried any of the other outlets so I cannot compare but I’d likely just stick to this one for convenience. 🙂
Paris B
I tried Thai massages in both Bangkok and locally but I still find them painful 🙁 I’m a wuss and only like those that are more “pampering”.
I guess I do have a high tolerance for massages hehe… I’m always asking them to press harder 😛
Ooooo…. I’ve never tried massages of every kind. Hehehehe. ^.^
Try it some day. Its therapeutic!
I like the foot massage (reflexology) at Reborn spas. In particular the one in Kota Damansara. It’s done the authentic Chinese way and it can be painful but soooooo good for circulation. Sleep like a baby after.
Thanks for sharing! I’m scared of foot massages. It always hurts… which means there’s something wrong? 😛
ooh Thai massage! I like bits of it but not too keen when they crack your joints!
I prefer more traditional deep tissue massages. Would love to see more spa recs from you!
Haha I tell them to stop at cracking my neck joint. I’m always afraid they’d rip my head off 😛 I haven’t been going to spas a lot recently but I’ll be sure to share the ones I’ll go to now and then (good and bad)
If u are coming to Bangkok again, try the Thai massage at Health Land, it’s quite good. They are a lot of branches in Bangkok. If Thai massage is too painful for you, tell them “jeap” and they will “adjust” the pressure. If you prefer a harder press, say “nak”, which means harder. You can always tell the masseur if you have back ache, or stiff neck and etc before starting any session. 🙂
Thanks for the recs shoppingmum! Its always good to know where’s a good place to go to in Bangkok from someone living there 🙂
Interesting! I don’t really try massage places all that often because I don’t like to take off my clothes. 😛 Normally I go to Kenko Fish Spa in MidValley cos I quite like the half body massages there.
Thanks for describing the Thai massage – I know quite a few ladies who go to Bangkok specially for them. Now that you mention “pain”, it’s definitely not my cup of tea! LOL
I’ve only ever gone for the aromatherapy-based, relaxing, Dermalogica products only (and expensive!) massages at Leonard Drake (in the good ole days when I was working full-time earning $$$). Sigh…sure miss them!
Recently, I’ve gone for the post-natal Malay massage, which does wonders for my BAD back. Will share about it one day 🙂
I can’t live without at least one massage per week. 🙂 Luckily, I live in a country where massages are really good but cheap 🙂
thanks for recommending this PB! Went there yesterday and it was the best Thai massage I had since my trip to Bangkok 2 years ago…!
That’s great to know that someone else enjoyed it too! 😀 Thanks for letting me know
i had my first massage in BKK and I don’t think I want to do it again!
made me so tired, achy all over and every part of me is PAIN! but i love the foot massage tho! 😛
Yes! I know exactly what you mean. Some of these Thai massages make me feel even more tired than when I started. But not at this place I go to hence the reason I go back hehe…
Just came across your website and must say thai odyssey massages are quite authentic – however, just went a month ago and they charge a whopping rm88 plus 6 percent tax for 1 hours massage, so it works out to be rm93 PER HOUR
However, I recently discovered a place in taman tun (ttdi) called Amanwadi (I think their website is amanwadithaimassage.com), which offers very authentic professional thai massage at only RM52 (all in) per hour, which I found was very good value for money.
Their staff are all professional and it is exactly what you would find in Bangkok. The ambience is nicely done Thai style and very cosy and warm.
I believe their contact number is 016-3322678. They have aromatherapy massage for RM60 as well, but I have yet to try. Too happy with the thai traditional massage I guess, haha