Thai massage in Bangkok

Thai massage (nuad thai) is done on a padded mat or a bed, fully clothed: the shop usually lends you loose cotton trousers and a top. The therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows and feet, and stretches you through yoga-like positions. No oil is used.

Most shops sell it by the hour, with 60, 90 and 120 minutes the usual choices. Many combine it with a foot massage, a herbal compress or a head-and-shoulder massage. The price list on each shop's page shows what that shop charges; the prices page shows the medians across Bangkok.

Most shops give you loose cotton clothes to change into. You keep your underwear on. If a shop doesn't, wear something you can stretch in.

It's firm, and the stretches can be strong. Tell the therapist bao bao (gently) or nak nak (harder). If you have an injury, back trouble or are pregnant, say so before you start, or ask a doctor first.

Tipping is usual in Bangkok's massage shops and is given to the therapist in cash. It isn't included in the prices shown here.

Wat Pho temple runs Thailand's best-known traditional massage school. Shops that say their staff trained there usually show the certificate; this guide only repeats it when the shop says so on its own website.