Everything under one roof
Most 5-star hotels boast very reputable spas. There are numerous outstanding options, especially in the Bang Rak district on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Visit the Oriental Spa in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for classic Thai therapies. Nearby is Shangri-La Hotel's Chi Spa which specialises in Tibetan and Chinese treatments. On the other side of the river lies The Peninsula, with a spa in a beautiful garden setting. Here you will find both European and Asian-style massages.
A relaxing day
Bangkok also offers many day spas where you can let yourself be pampered from early morning to evening. For example the Oasis Day Spa at Sukhumvit Road is a true oasis indeed. From the busy business district you go through a gate, walk down a path and enter a fairytale setting of lush green, ponds, waterfalls and idyllic bridges. The Banyan Tree Spa at Sathom Road and the So Thai Spa at Sukhumvit Road are also highly recommended.
Traditional Thai
For an authentic Thai massage visit the Wat Pho. This is not only the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok but also the place where classic Thai massage was born. Centuries of knowledge about traditional medicine and massage techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. Today the temple also houses a massage school where dedicated students are trained to be expert massage therapists.