Comments on: A Backpacker’s Guide To Massages In Asia http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/ Around the World Travel Blog Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:02:23 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: The Artist Chef http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-14671 The Artist Chef Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:40 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-14671 Hi to all the backpackers in the world!<br><br>If you plan to visit Saigon, Vietnam--Try to experience a unique and uncommercialized dining.<br><br>Visit:<br><a href="http://www.artist-chef.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.artist-chef.blogspot.com</a> Hi to all the backpackers in the world!

If you plan to visit Saigon, Vietnam–Try to experience a unique and uncommercialized dining.

Visit:
http://www.artist-chef.blogspot.com

]]> By: The Artist Chef http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-14670 The Artist Chef Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:15:40 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-14670 Hi to all the backpackers in the world!<br><br>If you plan to visit Saigon, Vietnam--Try to experience a unique and uncommercialized dining.<br><br>Visit:<br><a href="http://www.artist-chef.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">www.artist-chef.blogspot.com</a> Hi to all the backpackers in the world!

If you plan to visit Saigon, Vietnam–Try to experience a unique and uncommercialized dining.

Visit:
http://www.artist-chef.blogspot.com

]]> By: Dave http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-14107 Dave Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:39:21 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-14107 Hey Blake - too each their own! I believe the Turkish massages can get pretty physical too. I actually met an American girl who got all but molested during a massage in Turkey. Ok, she actually DID get molested if I'm being honest about her story. <br><br>The prices didn't vary too much from what you'd find in Thailand. I would guesstimate all the 1-hr massages averaged out around $8-10. Sometimes I'd get 1.5 hours to splurge. I also got tons of other spa treatments like a body wrap in Laos and manicures/pedicures. I got a feeling for why women like to hit the spas/salons so often. <br><br>Nope, no video of the massage places! Hey Blake – too each their own! I believe the Turkish massages can get pretty physical too. I actually met an American girl who got all but molested during a massage in Turkey. Ok, she actually DID get molested if I'm being honest about her story.

The prices didn't vary too much from what you'd find in Thailand. I would guesstimate all the 1-hr massages averaged out around $8-10. Sometimes I'd get 1.5 hours to splurge. I also got tons of other spa treatments like a body wrap in Laos and manicures/pedicures. I got a feeling for why women like to hit the spas/salons so often.

Nope, no video of the massage places!

]]> By: BlakesJourney http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-14103 BlakesJourney Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:00:23 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-14103 Wow, you really don't use the term massage conoisseor lightly- you've tried every fucking one. I fell in love with traditional Thai massage- I love getting streched and cracked. LOVE IT. In fact, when we were in Rajistan I got an oil massage and it didn't do anything for me.<br><br>You didn't comment on prices. Do they vary greatly? Or, is it more or less 5$/hr like Thailand?<br><br>Actually, hour-massage prices have really gone down in the States; perhaps because of the troubled times. I've been seeing signs in my humble suburb of Atlanta for 25$/hr. Too much for my blood (my wife and I are saving for our own RTW trip currently).<br><br>Any video of the massage places?! lol<br>Blake. Wow, you really don't use the term massage conoisseor lightly- you've tried every fucking one. I fell in love with traditional Thai massage- I love getting streched and cracked. LOVE IT. In fact, when we were in Rajistan I got an oil massage and it didn't do anything for me.

You didn't comment on prices. Do they vary greatly? Or, is it more or less 5$/hr like Thailand?

Actually, hour-massage prices have really gone down in the States; perhaps because of the troubled times. I've been seeing signs in my humble suburb of Atlanta for 25$/hr. Too much for my blood (my wife and I are saving for our own RTW trip currently).

Any video of the massage places?! lol
Blake.

]]> By: Dave http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13980 Dave Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:58:57 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13980 Wow, Amanda - you've cleaned up. :) I know I probably could've bartered free hostel accommodation or other things for reviews on my blog while on my RTW trip, but I wasn't particularly pressed to do so. Plus, I think by not taking that angle, I maintain some street cred with my fellow travel bloggers. I do really enjoy working with WordPress though, and I can set up a new, well functioning blog within minutes at this point. Once you know where to go to put the pieces together, it's easy. Much easier than fiddling with HTML! Wow, Amanda – you’ve cleaned up. :) I know I probably could’ve bartered free hostel accommodation or other things for reviews on my blog while on my RTW trip, but I wasn’t particularly pressed to do so. Plus, I think by not taking that angle, I maintain some street cred with my fellow travel bloggers.

I do really enjoy working with WordPress though, and I can set up a new, well functioning blog within minutes at this point. Once you know where to go to put the pieces together, it’s easy. Much easier than fiddling with HTML!

]]> By: Amanda,traveling wedding photographer http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13966 Amanda,traveling wedding photographer Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:23:38 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13966 For my photo trades, this is what I've done so far : Art prints and portrait work for massage from Rob in Salt Lake. Family Portrait for siding repair on my house - $250 saved. Wedding photos for roof repair on my house - $500 saved. Portrait work for interior painting - $250 saved. Trade for stay in Costa Rica b and b ( photos of the property traded ). Trade for beautiful glass bowl by artist at the top of her game (did her headshots ). My current trade is for yoga classes ( I'm taking photos of the place + instructors in poses for their website ) . Trade with Gourmandies cafe for photos of plated food, staff, interior/exterior property - $500 in gift certificates . I think there might be a couple more somewhere in there ......... Barter is perfect by any means ( I've had a couple people not hold up their end of the bargain .... they never did the work ...never got the photos ) , but things happen. For my photo trades, this is what I’ve done so far :
Art prints and portrait work for massage from Rob in Salt Lake.
Family Portrait for siding repair on my house – $250 saved.
Wedding photos for roof repair on my house – $500 saved.
Portrait work for interior painting – $250 saved.
Trade for stay in Costa Rica b and b ( photos of the property traded ).
Trade for beautiful glass bowl by artist at the top of her game (did her headshots ).
My current trade is for yoga classes ( I’m taking photos of the place + instructors in poses for their website ) .
Trade with Gourmandies cafe for photos of plated food, staff, interior/exterior property – $500 in gift certificates .

I think there might be a couple more somewhere in there ………

Barter is perfect by any means ( I’ve had a couple people not hold up their end of the bargain …. they never did the work …never got the photos ) , but things happen.

]]> By: Amanda,traveling wedding photographer http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13964 Amanda,traveling wedding photographer Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:15:40 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13964 Barter has really helped me! I've done a few websites for other people in addition to working on my own ( I'm not a pro by any means and I actually don't ever take any anymore because I don't enjoy it at all ). The thing that you'll need to be careful of is making them understand the parameters of the project. Like .... they can't just change the whole look of the website ...once they decide ... it sticks or they pay you to change it. You need to make sure they understand to get you all the text and photos at once and that can be hard for a small business owner to visualize. I've had a couple great web projects ( this lawyer who practically had his site ready to go for example ) and some nightmare ones ( the clients who think changes should be free even though they are taking your time ). I've dabbled only very lightly in web design (I was interested in completely mobile work). You seem to be good at it, so you might find barter helpful. Pretty much anyone who sells anything needs a website, so you can trade for A LOT with that skill. Barter has really helped me! I’ve done a few websites for other people in addition to working on my own ( I’m not a pro by any means and I actually don’t ever take any anymore because I don’t enjoy it at all ).
The thing that you’ll need to be careful of is making them understand the parameters of the project. Like …. they can’t just change the whole look of the website …once they decide … it sticks or they pay you to change it. You need to make sure they understand to get you all the text and photos at once and that can be hard for a small business owner to visualize. I’ve had a couple great web projects ( this lawyer who practically had his site ready to go for example ) and some nightmare ones ( the clients who think changes should be free even though they are taking your time ). I’ve dabbled only very lightly in web design (I was interested in completely mobile work).
You seem to be good at it, so you might find barter helpful. Pretty much anyone who sells anything needs a website, so you can trade for A LOT with that skill.

]]> By: Dave http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13959 Dave Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:20:17 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13959 Hi Amanda, The barter system is alive and well in ways I never would've expected! Bali has such a wide range of spa services - you can spend very little and get great service, and I imagine there are some fancy-schmancy resorts where you can spend a grand or two and get spoiled in a more opulent environment. Hmmm.....setting up websites for massage therapists.....you might be on to something! ;) Hi Amanda,

The barter system is alive and well in ways I never would’ve expected! Bali has such a wide range of spa services – you can spend very little and get great service, and I imagine there are some fancy-schmancy resorts where you can spend a grand or two and get spoiled in a more opulent environment.

Hmmm…..setting up websites for massage therapists…..you might be on to something! ;)

]]> By: Dan http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13953 Dan Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:31:12 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13953 Its funny the massages in Thailand I had were quite gentle and really good. I had one in BKK by a male to avoid the question and yeah, I felt like I'd just gone 10 rounds of Mauy Thai, it was excruciating. Its funny the massages in Thailand I had were quite gentle and really good. I had one in BKK by a male to avoid the question and yeah, I felt like I’d just gone 10 rounds of Mauy Thai, it was excruciating.

]]> By: Amanda,traveling wedding photographer http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13952 Amanda,traveling wedding photographer Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:22:34 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13952 Oh ...... and the experienced I missed out on ! I was in in Mexico near Puerto Vallarta ( I know .... touristy ... don't judge! ) and wandered down to Mismaloya beach. It was this perfect and gorgeous little beach. There was a hut right by the ocean for massage and I should have done it! We were snorkeling and worn out, but I should have gone back. Oh …… and the experienced I missed out on ! I was in in Mexico near Puerto Vallarta ( I know …. touristy … don’t judge! ) and wandered down to Mismaloya beach. It was this perfect and gorgeous little beach. There was a hut right by the ocean for massage and I should have done it! We were snorkeling and worn out, but I should have gone back.

]]> By: Amanda,traveling wedding photographer http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13951 Amanda,traveling wedding photographer Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:08:18 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13951 Thanks for this run down! I LOVE massage and get them every month. I'm in Salt Lake City Utah now and there is a massage school that does 50 min. $22.50 + tip - awesome! I am currently alternating between the school and my awesome licenced therapist ( we trade for photography ) who is AMAZING at hot stone massage. I still haven't gone to Bali ( I found your blog way back when you were traveling there ) , but the massage and spa offerings are one of the main reasons I'm looking forward to going. Don't suffer through a bad experience - it's ok to ask the Costa Rica guy you mentioned not use the rocks of let them cool a few minutes on a towel first. I've been there too though. I've suffered through therapists talking the whole time ( I promised myself I will not let them happen again .... I'll ask for quiet ). If you are good at web marketing and web design, you could probably find a therapist who would love to trade with you! Thanks for this run down! I LOVE massage and get them every month. I’m in Salt Lake City Utah now and there is a massage school that does 50 min. $22.50 + tip – awesome! I am currently alternating between the school and my awesome licenced therapist ( we trade for photography ) who is AMAZING at hot stone massage.

I still haven’t gone to Bali ( I found your blog way back when you were traveling there ) , but the massage and spa offerings are one of the main reasons I’m looking forward to going.

Don’t suffer through a bad experience – it’s ok to ask the Costa Rica guy you mentioned not use the rocks of let them cool a few minutes on a towel first. I’ve been there too though. I’ve suffered through therapists talking the whole time ( I promised myself I will not let them happen again …. I’ll ask for quiet ).

If you are good at web marketing and web design, you could probably find a therapist who would love to trade with you!

]]> By: Monica http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2009/09/01/a-backpackers-guide-to-massages-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-13942 Monica Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:51:50 +0000 http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/?p=1493#comment-13942 Here in Ecuador it's very affordable as well, although I don't think it's as cheap as in these Asian countries. Of course, you may also encounter scary masseurs. It's good that these services aren't expensive so you can leave before the session ends without money guilt. Here in Ecuador it’s very affordable as well, although I don’t think it’s as cheap as in these Asian countries. Of course, you may also encounter scary masseurs.

It’s good that these services aren’t expensive so you can leave before the session ends without money guilt.

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