Massage parlours in Thailand are largely associated with sex, and while massages are a popular tradition in Thailand, the word ‘parlour’ generally implies a lot more than just an innocent body rub. Although these are concentrated mostly in Bangkok, there are a number of very discreet places in Chiang Mai where you can avoid the bar scene altogether and engage in your own private fun.
These sex massage parlours are not entirely geared to the tourist trade and are kept quite hidden here in Chiang Mai. Since the parlours provide the rooms for a short-term service (the girls aren’t taken off the premises) these are popular with Thai men who want to keep things quiet. Some local expats occasionally frequent them and if you’re not travelling alone they are useful, but on the whole you get a much better experience taking a girl out the bar. These sex massage girls are very ‘business-like’ and over-used, so don’t expect anything intimate or sensual from them.
Typically, these places are attached to a larger entertainment complex and can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look. Upon entering, you will find that the girls are displayed behind a one-way mirror, or clear glass, known as a ‘fishbowl’. The selection varies according to the time of evening (some are even open from early afternoon) or time of the month, and each wear a number, making it easier for you to select one. Usually the girls are separated into different price brackets, according to their popularity and beauty.
The sex massage begins with a thorough soaping down in a large tub, attached to the room. The girls can be quite adept at this and will join you in the tub. After that, you get a romp on the bed. Girls in these establishments may go with quite a few men during a day’s work, and the whole encounter is supposed to last about an hour and half. Mostly, they expect to be done in less than 45 minutes, and the moment you shoot, she’ll generally wrap it all up. Price is between 1,000 and 1,600 Baht.
Dirty massages
A far tamer massage often given is known as the dirty massage. This is an oil massage where you get massaged in ‘additional places’ for an extra fee of about 400 Baht (on top of the 200+ Baht for the massage). There are places that specialise in this and others that will oblige, provided you are in a private booth.
However, not all massage places are willing to do this, some may even be a little surprised at the suggestion, though you probably won’t have been the first to ask. You best bet is to head to Loi Kroh Road, where there are sexy ladies outside tempting you with ‘oil massage’. In the low season this is how many manage to make a living and the manager tends to turn a blind eye. They won’t agree to sex, though some might agree to give you a massage ‘outside’, which incurs an extra fee (it ends up cheaper hiring a girl out of a bar).
Sex massage parlours in Chiang Mai
Massage parlouts are often a little difficult to find, as Chiang Mai tries to maintain a more respectable image than Bangkok. However, they do exist and the selection can be good if you get there at the right time (before 19:00, when tour groups start arriving). Prices can vary wildly.
All the places mentioned below have a decent selection of girls, clean rooms and are safe. Most close at midnight, with last admittance 30 minutes before. Ask any tuk-tuk driver and he’ll know where to take you (since he usually gets a commission).
Sayuri Complex: Chiang Mai’s best known and most recommended, catering specifically for the visiting Asian crowd (mainly Japanese and Koreans), therefore, the selection of ladies suits their tastes and wallets. Some say this place has the best selection, and prices are fair (from 1,200 Baht), but the ladies are sometimes uncooperative and it gets really busy. Rooms are comfortable (but small), and it includes a karaoke lounge and bar as well as the massage. 3 Bumrungrat Soi 2, Bumrungrat Rd., Wat Gate. Tel: (053) 242 361, 243788.
Chiang Mai Massage Parlour: Located besides the Phucome Hotel, with its discreet entrance this place has seen better days and needed a renovation years ago, though there’s usually a decent selection of ladies and reasonable rates (1,000-1,600 Baht). It all depends what time of year and the time of day you come, as the adjacent hotel is usually full of bus tours of Bangkokians. Corner Huay Kaew & Cholpratan (Canal) Roads, West of City (entrance in adjacent hotel car park).
Most ‘bachelors’ visiting Thailand opt for the easy solution of visiting go-go and girlie bars, but there are also lots of regular girls who aren’t prostitutes that are keen on meeting foreigners for a fling. Hundreds of lonely and horny modern city girls go looking online for sex with visiting or resident Westerners; no strings attached. They aren’t expecting money or a boyfriend and haven’t been with scores of other men. The best place to meet these girls is on Adult Friend Finder, where there are more than 10,000 registered Thai female members.
Phing Phayom: Part of a complex that includes a bar, snooker room and karaoke, with an unreliable selection of young women at variable rates (1,100-1,600 Baht). Rooms are small, but modern, and we’ve heard mixed results from this place. Entrance is at the back – drive through to the car park. Corner of Suthep Road & Airport/Wing 41 Road. Tel: (053) 277 497.
Pandora Complex: Looks like a Greek revival palace from the outside but is pretty nondescript inside and has a poor selection if the tour buses of Japanese and Koreans have got there before you. It’s 1,600 Baht and up and is poor value for money. 459/62-64, Charoen Muang Rd., Tel: (053) 302 357.
StarXix: A deserted pole-dancing club opposite the Chiang Mai Entertainment Complex, but the massage shop below specialises in oil massages that will put a smile on your face. Don’t be deceived by the old lady who gives them, she knows what she’s doing (500 Baht). Soi 3, Loi Kroh Road, besides the Chiang Mai Entertainment Complex (near the Imperial Mae Ping hotel).
Tinder is the number one app in dating right now. It is also the biggest name in the Thai market. Signing up and logging is easy as you do so through Facebook. It’s also free which makes it even more appealing. It’s a great app to have while you’re traveling to meet local Gays that can sometimes also be your tour guides and show you the city. Or meet up with other Gay travelers.
Badoo is one of those apps I never heard of until coming to Thailand. The profile viewing has two options “Encounters” which is set a random and “Discover” shows people that are around you. Not match is formed until 2 members decide they like each other profile, just like tinder. Users that like your profile can not be seen unless you upgrade your account or unless you match with them. Badoo seems to be growing steadily and becoming popular in Thailand.
Thai Friendly has over 600,000 members from all over Thailand. This dating site is good because you can send messages for free but there is a 10 minute waiting period between sending each message. This can be frustrating if more than one person is interested in you but you can always upgrade to a paid subscription removing the wait and giving extra search options to filter search results. Thai Friendly also now comes with its own app.
Paktor is a Tinder look alike but the user base is growing in Asia and Thailand. The app itself tries to give you more options and has more of an elegant look. It’s definitely worth a look.
