A trip to Thailand would hardly be complete without an indulgent pampering session. World-renowned for its wide variety of wellness treatments, the country caters to every need and preference, offering everything from herbal steaming to meditation retreats.
To ensure that the experience stays as natural as possible, Thai treatments across the country rely on a variety of plant-based resources: minerals play an essential role in achieving clear and radiant skin, while homegrown herbs work wonders for the immune system and overall physical health. But each treatment is guaranteed to be noteworthy in its own right, with plenty of fascinating quirks and details that set them apart from each other.
If you’re looking for a wellness experience that will make for a good story, then the Chicken Coop Herbal Sauna is the obvious choice. The 15-minute process will see you sitting inside a bamboo-woven coop, where steamed herbs will help stimulate circulation, remove impurities, and relieve muscle tension. But with relaxing facials, glorious mud masks, and rejuvenating body treatments designed to improve blood circulation, a natural hot sand mud spa is as enticing an option. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picture-perfect forest views as the practitioners work their magic. Those on the lookout for an authentic spiritual treatment and cultural immersion will want to pay a visit to the Cherntawan International Meditation Center, a serene retreat set amid lush greenery. With meditation courses and a library replete with dharma books, the center is the perfect setting to delve into Buddhist doctrine.
Elsewhere in the country, a traditional Thai acupressure will restore balance to both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Combining ancient Indian Ayurvedic principles with local tradition, the treatment holds significant value in Thai history and culture. But if it’s a taste of northern Thai village life that you’re after, then the Yam Khang massage in Ban Rai Kong Khing is the way to go. Passed down from generation to generation, the massage is believed to have a mystical healing power. A heated metal plate that’s been dipped in an herbal concoction is used as part of the sequence to soothe tense muscles. For a light dose of adventure, opt for the Phuklon Mud Spa in Mae Hong Son, a region renowned for its natural hot springs. Loaded with health benefits, the treatment includes a facial, body scrubs, massages, and a soak session in a mineral swimming pool.
Craving a touch of luxury? Then you’re in for a treat, as Thailand teems with top-notch retreats, holistic centers, and hotels that excel at combining authentic treatments with sumptuous surroundings. At Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok’s world-class spa center, customized therapies beckon alongside state-of-the-art facilities, while multi-award winning health resort Chiva-Som offers weight management programs, daily fitness and leisure activities, and individual consultation sessions in a gorgeous beachfront location.
This article was published in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand.