Get a massage…or five

With a massage shop on nearly every corner, you couldn’t visit Chiang Mai without testing out the traditional Thai massage or relaxing with an aromatic oil massage. What’s better, is there’s a massage shop to fit any budgets with hour-long Thai massages starting around $6 USD. If you’re looking for something fancier, the city is also home to a number of high-end spas that will make sure you’re fully pampered from head to toe. Influenced by Chinese, Indian and other Southeast Asian medicinal practices, Thai massage is known for its rhythmic pressure and yoga-like poses. If a traditional Thai massage isn’t what you’re looking for, most shops offer a variety of massage styles along with body scrubs, facials, peels, pedicures and more. Most places you can just walk into without an appointment, but if you’re looking forward to a treatment after dinner in the high season you’ll want to call ahead and make a booking. Many places also offer package deals, transportation to and from your guesthouse, and specials for couples.

Note: There are spas and shops everywhere, especially around the Old City.