Chiang Mai Bliss
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Kristie Kellahan shares her insider tips on the best spas in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern star.
One of the very best things about charming Chiang Mai is the spa culture. Never far away from a relaxing massage or foot rub, it is nigh on impossible to walk a single city block without being tempted into a deluxe spa or cheap and cheerful massage shop with rattan mats on the floor. I’ve spent a good part of the past decade in Chiang Mai; working, volunteering and trying out as many spa treatments as possible. Here’s a round-up of some of the best on offer.
Best Massage at the Markets
Hands down, the top pick of the markets around town is the Sunday Walking Street along Rachadamnoen Road. Hundreds of vendors, thousands of shoppers, all manner of gorgeous things to buy and delicious snacks to sustain you on the long walk from start to finish, with stalls spread out over an entire suburb. Stop, revive, survive at one of the plentiful massage zones dotted around the market. Sit back in a wicker chair and be treated to a foot rub, or head and shoulder rub for the princely sum of 59 baht (about A$2) for a half hour. With the stars shining above and live music from roving bands filling the air, it is one of my all-time favourite Chiang Mai experiences.
Where: Sunday Walking Street, Rachadamnoen Road near Wat Phra Singh.
When: Every Sunday from 5pm.
Best Deluxe Spa
Head to Oasis Spa when you need to leave the chaos of real life behind. Stepping inside the dusty pink walls of this private compound on Samlan Road is to surrender to deluxe pampering and first-class service. Members of the Thai royal family have been known to book a private suite here and who can blame them? With Jasmine Rice Body Scrubs, Ayurvedic Head Massage and soothing Pevonia facials on the menu, it’s just the place to soothe your royal pains as well.
It’s certainly not the cheapest spa in town, but then again you do get what you pay for in terms of quality products, therapists and environment. The packages represent good savings. Also, keep an eye on the website for regular discounts and special promotions.
My top pick at Oasis Spa is the Four-Hand Massage, a delightful treatment performed in unison by two Thai masseuses. You will be left truly floating after this 90-minute warm-oil treatment. If you’re celebrating a special milestone or anniversary then hang the expense and go for the Golden Lanna Massage: two therapists apply fragrant oil infused with flakes of pure gold from head to toe.
Where: 4 Samlan Road; +66 53 920 111; www.oasisspa.net.
When: Open daily.
See the Oasis Spa on You Tube by clicking HERE
Best Get-out-of-Town Spa
As chilled as Chiang Mai is, it’s still refreshing to head for the green hills and a slower pace of life. In Mae Rim, about half an hour from Chiang Mai city centre, the jewel in the crown is the Four Seasons Resort. Lanna-style pavilions, surrounded by mountains, overlook rice fields and a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. Inside the resort it’s all about luxury, elegance and cultural seamlessness.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has won all sorts of awards, including being crowned World’s Best Spa by Conde Nast Traveller readers a few years back. High praise, indeed.
Each of the seven spacious spa treatment suites has top-of-the-range facilities including outdoor showers, private herbal steam rooms and outdoor soaking tubs. Insider tip:- ask for the suite with tropical rain shower massage table for a special treat. An afternoon here is one to remember.
Where: Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim; +66 53 298 181.
When: Every day, by appointment.
Best Everyday Spa
It’s a gorgeous treat to occasionally feast on a fancy lobster dinner complemented with fine French champagne. Other days you want to avoid the pomp and pageantry and gostraight forsome tasty pub grub washed down with a cold beer. And so it is with spas. For those times when you just want the knots worked out of your shoulders and the fatigue worked out of your soul - minus the fancy spa trimmings and pricey bill - head straight for Relaxation Spaat Airport Plaza. Located right by the multiplex cinemas and food court, it’s clean, comfortable and consistent.You never need an appointment, you always get what you pay for, and the prices are so low you could make it a regular treat. Oil massage, traditional Thai massage and foot massages are on the menu. Expect to pay less than A$10 for an hour. My favourite treatment is the Dream Massage: nestled into a leather recliner chair in the semi-darkness of a group treatment room, your tootsies will first be renewed with an hour of reflexology, followed by an hour of head, neck, arm and shoulder massage. Two hours of bliss for A$14? Unbeatable.
Where: 4th floor, Airport Plaza; +66 53 274 043.
When: Open everyday till 9pm.