More Massages in Thailand

I recently spent four weeks in Thailand, visiting Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Trang, Koh Ngai, Ao Nang and Bangkok. Whilst on my travels I had several massages and picked up a few more useful techniques to incorporate into my repertoire.

In Chiang Mai I tried a Tok Sen massage which had intrigued me a year earlier. It originated in northern Thailand and involves tapping the body using a wooden mallet and wooden chisel. The idea is that the taps generate vibrations which softens and releases tensed-up muscles.

Illustration of Tok Sen massage

In my Tok Sen massage each stroke involved tapping the chesil three times as it glided over my skin (so three taps in different places on my body). It was an interesting experience being tapped all over the body!

I also bought a couple of Thai massage tools in the Chiang Mai Saturday evening market. They looked ideal for stretching and compressing muscle "knots" (aka trigger points). Chiang Mai has extensive markets every Saturday and Sunday which are a good place to pick up a variety of inexpensive Thai massage tools!

Thai massage tools from Chiang Mai market

At least half a dozen places to get a massage on the mile-long beach of the small island of Koh Ngai

One of my favourites in Ao Nang

David getting a massage at Dada No.9, Ao Nang