Literally
translated as 'bathe, bake, massage', Bangkok's
'ab ob nuad' massage parlors offer sexual services
as well as various courses of massage. Generally,
the masseuses wait in a brightly lit room, like
a 'glass tank', for men to call out their numbers.
The masseuses are graded according to skill and/or
looks. The so-called 'dara' or 'superstars', which
are supposed to look like fashion models or actresses,
being the most expensive. Depending on the place
and the masseuse, prices are around 1,200 baht
on up for one hour of massage, with or without
additional services.
Bangkok
is internationally famous for its massage parlors, be they
traditional Thai massage salons (nuad
pen boran) or entertainment complexes for slightly more
carnal pleasures (ab
ob nuad).
Traditional
Thai massage can be found all over town, in hotels, at Wat
Pho, the center for Thai massage instruction, and particularly
in the Surawong Road part of town. Thai massage is recognized
for its health benefits and relaxing effects, both on the
body and on the mind. Thai massage, foot massage and oil massage
are the most popular courses. A one-hour Thai massage can
cost as little as 150 baht.
Even
more plentiful are 'ab ob nuad' places, which usually combine
massage, sauna, Turkish bath and other entertainments in one
large complex. These massage parlors are male-only places
and inevitably offer sexual services in addition to massage
and bathing. 'Ab ob nuad' can be found all over town but the
most popular areas are along New Petchaburi Road (generally
older establishments), Pinklao, Rama IX Road, and Ratchadaphisek
Road (Huay Kwang). The most in-fashion spots include places
like Emmanuel, Poseidon and Caesar's Palace on Ratchadaphisek
Road, which offer karaoke, bars, restaurants, snooker and
other entertainments in addition to the conventional services.
Coach-loads of predominantly Asian tourists as well as well-heeled
locals patronize the glittering neon-strip of Huay Kwang.
Even
more plentiful are 'ab ob nuad' places, which usually combine
massage, sauna, Turkish bath and other entertainments in one
large complex. These massage parlors are male-only places
and inevitably offer sexual services in addition to massage
and bathing. 'Ab ob nuad' can be found all over town but the
most popular areas are along New Petchaburi Road (generally
older establishments), Pinklao, Rama IX Road, and Ratchadaphisek
Road (Huay Kwang). The most in-fashion spots include places
like Emmanuel, Poseidon and Caesar's Palace on Ratchadaphisek
Road, which offer karaoke, bars, restaurants, snooker and
other entertainments in addition to the conventional services.
Coach-loads of predominantly Asian tourists as well as well-heeled
locals patronize the glittering neon-strip of Huay Kwang.
