UPDATE 2018:  I went back to the Thai Blind Massage and was really disappointed with the masseuse who was assigned to me (the man that lovingly tortured me in this post didn't seem to be there). I enjoy rigorous massages but this time, the masseuse (a woman) basically just lightly squeezed my legs (mostly) when I specifically asked for a back/neck massage. When I arrived, another foreigner had finished his session and said it was amazing (same reaction I had the first time I went) so I guess it's hit or miss depending on who is giving the massage.

But.....the good news is: After fine-combing reviews on TripAdvisor, I decided to try another massage salon which, as luck would have it, was a few steps from where I was staying in the old town of Chiang Mai.

Aumaporn, the chatty owner of Om Healing Hands, is a certified professional massage therapist and gives excellent, personalized massages. She speaks very good English and has an extensive knowledge of the human body and the (after) effects of massage therapy.

Her hands are truly healing (but beware she can be rough if you let her!). I would say she's a cut above most of the so-called masseuses in Thailand. She also has an assistant but I would recommend you take an appointment (she's very busy!) with Om to truly benefit from your experience.

The prices are slightly higher than at other places but it's really worth it! I chose to have a Back, Shoulder & Head massage for 350 baht. A Traditional Thai massage is also 350 baht but other types range up to 850 baht (for a Swedish massage).

The following depicts my first experience at the Thai Blind Massage in Chiang Mai back in 2016:

I had a whole day all to myself to discover the old walled city of Chiang Mai. I wandered around aimlessly, discovering unknown streets and hidden alleys. I went wherever my eyes and feet lead me. I took my sweet time in shops admiring every wonderful item.

I visited temples not bothered by a fixed timetable nor by the never-ending groups of tourists photobombing my shots (okay that did bother me!). I took detailed pictures of tooth-bearing serpents, sitting Buddhas and glowing golden-tipped stupas. I was ready to enjoy my day!

But I do have a small confession to make: I did have a slight plan in mind. Ever since I knew we would be going to Thailand, I was determined to get a massage.

A real massage.

A Thai Massage.

So on this day free for me to do whatever I pleased, my only concern was where to go to get my long-awaited massage. Let me set this up for you: massage salons in Thailand are at every corner - no, wait, not every corner but rather every ten steps. Really, seriously - how is a girl to choose??

But fear not, after doing a little research flipping through my PDF version of Lonely Planet, I decided to basically eliminate all but two of the salons: the Thai Massage Conservation Club and the Vocational Training Center of the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institute. The major difference between the two is that one of them only employs blind masseuses while the other only employs female inmates transitioning to life after imprisonment. Both good causes but I could only choose one.

As the day went on and my whole body was aching from all that walking and temple-seeing, I needed to make a decision. I chose to go to the Thai Massage Conservation Club (Thai Blind Massage). I based my decision on the fact that the visually-impaired are known to have a sort of sixth sense - one that I figured would make a difference in the way they gave a massage.

And I was right.

First of all, erase any images you have of massage salons decorated with glittering chandeliers, damask wallpaper and invitingly comfortable white leather lounge chairs with the typical splashes of gold accents. Done? Ok now you can read on.

The majority of massage salons in Thailand (with the exception of a few higher end ones) look more like the reception area of a run-down insurance office from the 1970's. It doesn't sound very glamorous but let me assure you all their efforts go into giving their clients a very efficient massage.

When I walked in I expected to be taken to a private room, asked to fully undress and handed a white sheet to cover myself. Wrong. There was only one common room with five massage tables and optional sliding curtains that were closed only for certain people (I assume) - example monks (there was one next to me getting a massage). And, to my surprise, I remained fully dressed.

My masseuse was, of course, blind but spoke enough English to tell me what to do - now back, now left side, now stomach. I chose the full-body massage and it began smoothly with my feet (ah...so nice!) then my thighs (&&!?#* the pain!!) and then each part of my aching body causing me to grimace and squint each time he firmly pressed his diligent little fingers in my flesh.

When my masseuse would find a knot, he would let out a small chuckle, grin and teasingly ask me in his Thai accent - you okay? I hardly had enough breath to answer but he already knew I was in deep pain which seemed to add to his pleasure - not so much mine.

He knew exactly where I needed the most work done and persistently continued to massage those exact areas until he was satisfied - and until I was almost in tears. I was relieved that he was blind this way he couldn't see the tears I so desperately and unsuccessfully tried to hold back.

Read also: Mishaps of my Trip in South East Asia

The whole time I was being massaged, all the masseuses were quietly chatting and laughing. It certainly wasn't the peaceful setting one would expect from a massage salon. It wasn't noisy in any way but it was unusual for a Westerner like myself.

Just like when my masseuse was behind me diligently pressing his knees into my back, he casually let out a loud, unapologetic burp! I looked around to see if anybody would react and listened for a condemning remark but everybody just went on like nothing happened - it was just normal. So normal in fact that another masseuse also let out a burp. Good thing nobody could see the quizzical look on my face.

I've had massages before back home in Montreal but this one was different in more ways than one. First of all, the fact that I was fully dressed made it more comfortable and much-less awkward (like it can sometimes be when you're butt-naked).

Second of all, my masseuse was fully committed to performing the task at hand (no pun intended). No need for relaxing background sounds of waves crashing or soft, sleep-inducing music or the use of any massage oils - his bare hands were enough to get the work done. This was serious business.

After an hour of wavering between pleasure and pain it was over. I wasn't sure if or how I would make it back to the hotel (about a 20-minute walk). I felt like I had been hit by a thousand rolling boulders.

After thanking my masseuse, I slowly got off the table and made my way out the door and then it happened - I was floating on air! I felt like I had a whole new body void of any recollection of any pain I previously had - I had never felt better. I had a huge smile pasted on my face all the way to the hotel; I couldn't believe how good I felt!

In the end despite all the pain and tears, I truly enjoyed my experience. I can say it was well worth it especially for only 200 bahts which is less than $6 USD. At that price, I definitely plan on getting another massage - but next time I'll make sure to bring some tissues.

Lydia

I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.

More about me here.