Spas in Chiang Mai - spa treatments
There are many options for day spas in Chiang Mai, ranging from the full pamper luxury treatment, to more down to earth treatment with matching prices. In fact, Chiang Mai is an ideal place to indulge yourself, it's laid back and cheap and you'll certainly want to stay longer. The growth in spas in Thailand in recent years reflects the Thais expertise in creating a relaxing environment and offering a pampering experience and a treatment should certainly be on your itinerary. Here are some recommended spas in Chiang Mai.
Update: Jan. 2010
Oasis Spa
Over the past few years this award winning spa has become one of the leading spa groups in Thailand and now has two well-appointed branches with one conveniently located in the old town beside Wat Phra Singh, another in the Nimmenhemin area. Open from 10am to 10pm. Facilities include a jacuzzi and steam bath and they offer a range of packages to suit all budgets and time scales, in beautiful surroundings.- 2 Branches: Chiangmai Oasis Spa - 102 Sirimuangkarajan Road, Lanna Oasis Spa - 4 Samlan T.Prasing (053) 920 111.
Sinativa Spa
This is a long established spa in the Nimminhemin area with a good reputation. They offer skin detoxification, facial treatment, a relaxing full body holistic aroma massage, an anti-oxidant body scrub, herbal steam, and a mineral / scented floral bath in a Jacuzzi. 22/1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 9, (053) 217 928.
Rarinjinda Wellness Spa and Resort
This relatively new facility has set a new standard in independent spas with its fancy building opposite the Riverside restaurant. Unlike the lovely landscaped atmosphere of others, this is an actual live-in centre with a luxurious resort/hotel and fully equipped spa all in one modern building. These professionals offer a complete wellness experience. Riverfront near Nawarot Bridge. 1, 14 Chareonraj Rd., Watkate, (053) 247 000, 033 030.
Pampering yourself at the luxurious Peak Spa is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. The chic and contemporary settling is matched by the first class service received. Hair cuts and colouring, pedicures and manicures are all available from expert staff. Twin Peak Chiangmai F1 187/13 Changklan Road, near the Night Bazaar. 053-818-869 / 089-757-985 or email contact@peak-spa.com.
Rawee-Waree Resort & Spa
This resort and spa is the height of luxury to the north of the ancient Lanna capital of Chiang Mai. It combines fresh air, peace and tranquillity with a range of exceptional treatments. And all this comes with the traditional warm Thai smile and welcome that melts your troubles away. By Maetaman Elephant Camp, off Mae Rim Road, T.Keudchang A. Mae Tang, (66) 53 317539-40, info@raweeareeresort.com.
Located on Charoen Prathet road alongside the river, this Chiang Mai spa offers a relaxing retreat in stylish rooms, with affordable prices in a convenient location. They also have a resort spa outside of the city in San Phi Sua, if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 219 Moo 9, San Pee Sua, Chiang Mai, (053) 854 778–9, village@bansabaivillage.com.
Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa
This intimate hotel and resort is constructed in elegant 19th century colonial style. It boasts a quiet ambiance while the refined architecture bestows a peaceful atmosphere from which it is possible to explore historic Chiang Mai. Natural materials have been used throughout the 19 guest rooms and the standard of spa treatments mirrors this exquisite attention to detail. 135/9 Charoenprathet Rd, T. Changklan, A. Muang 50100. +66 (0)53-272111, info@pingnakara.com.
The Dheva Spa
For the ultimate in luxury, in the exceptional grounds of the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, this is not only the last word in posh, but also housed in an extraordinary recreation of a Mandalay temple. It might be considered expensive by some but offers 25 treatment suites, with staff trained to the highest level in ayurvedic and health treatment methods. 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Moo 1, Tasala, Chiang Mai, (053) 888 888, mocnx-enquiry@mohg.com
The Spa Resort
This sprawling resort, dedicated entirely to well being practices, is set among a pretty hillside lychee grove North of the city. It offers an holistic approach to health based on programmes developed by well know practitioner Guy Hopkins. Spa treatments, detox, meditation, yoga, nutrition training and exercise are all on the menu, much more than day spa. 165 Moo4, Huaysai, Mae Rim, +66(0)53-920-888, info@thespachiangmai.com.
Four Seasons Spa
Another hotel spa offering a five star service, which was chosen as the World's Best Spa by Conde Nast Traveller (UK) in the 2007 Reader's Award. It features seven spacious treatment suites offering total privacy for individuals or couples and a host of rare products and special treatments. No detail has been spared in this venue to create the ultimate atmopshere and experience. Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, (053) 298 181.
Chur Medical Spa
Situated centrally on Changmoi road, this has treatments that work on your cellulite, reduce stress or firm your body. It's a more modest and affordable option for those on a budget. Experienced staff will give you consultations pre- and post-treatment. Chang Moi road, new city centre, (053) 233 923.
The Spa Resort
This well-being resort, with several national branches, is ideal for a detox retreat, located on hillside in Mae Rim with pretty views of quiet rice paddies and leechie groves. Based on the philosophy of reknown spa therapist Guy Hopkins, the resort offers all sorts of holistic activities and programmes that go beyond an ‘afternoon of pampering’. 165 Moo 4 Tumbon Huaysai, (053) 920 888.
Angsana Spa
Located at the Green View International Resort on the Chiang Mai-Mae Rim road. If you really want to be pampered, with a matching price tag, try this one. It is a sister brand of the award-winning Banyan Tree resort and spa group. Here, you can spend a day being treated like royalty - you can do a treatment with a friend too, as they have double treatment rooms as well! Reservations are a must and the spa will provide free pick-up Tel. 183/1 Chotana Rd., Mae Sa–Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, (053) 297 716, 299 752, greenview@greenviewresort.com
Tao Garden Health Spa and Resort
This remotely located spa has a good detox and slimming program, including chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox and a herbal skin detox. Their scientific approach to health is blended with a natural environment and they are located outside of Chiang Mai in a lovely natural setting. Doi Saket area, Tel: 274 Moo 7, Luang Nua, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai 50220, (053) 921 200, info@tao-garden.com
Rada Spa
For those on a budget who can do without the boutique gardens, this small spa offers massage, facial treatment and other programmes, at prices more in line with massage shops but with a quality service and sweet friendly staff. Located in the Nimminhemin area it’s popular with locals. Soi 3, Nimminhemin, 2/2 Soi 3 Nimmanhaemin Rd., Suthep, Chiang Mai 50200, (089) 556 1103 (English), rada1974@yahoo.com
These are some of the best spas in the city, a few hours in one of these can cost anywhere from 2000 to 8000 baht. But there are dozens more to choose from and many modest places that are actually massage and beauty salons passing off as spas. Others have created a spa-like environment and can offer some relaxing treatments which might suit the pockets of the budget traveller.
However, for those who are more interested in learning about how to give spa treatments or Thai massages, there are also courses available. These can range from one-day "experience" type courses to full-blown certification courses that can take up to three months to complete. A very popular and renowned massage school is the Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai (TMC), on Chiang Mai-Maejo road. It has a course to suit your interest, budget and time (tel: 053 854 330 1). A full accreditation course is also available. The massage school also offers massages - it is sometimes possible to get free massages from the students as well - but these have to be booked in advance. The school can be reached at +66 (0) 53 218632.
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