Women’s Prison

Though an obvious change from the 5-star spas mentioned above, the women’s prison offers an experience just as unique and memorable. Technically known as Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Training Center, most people seem to know the spot as the “women’s prison massage”. It’s a massage shop where female inmates are going through a rehabilitation program to learn life skills they can use once back in society. These unique masseuses aren’t hardened felons, but are serving time for ‘minor crimes’. Their wages and tip money are set aside and saved for their release. The center also has a small shop and cafe on the premises selling coffee and tea along with some standard Thai and western dishes at affordable prices. Thai massages themselves start at 180 baht (about $6) an hour. Tell any tuk tuk driver or songthaew that you want to go to the women’s prison massage and they’ll know where to take you. If you go on your own, first head to the Three King’s Monument in the center of town then walk further west along the road to the right of the monument; the center is just a block behind the monument.