Ratchadaphisek soapy strip

The strip runs along Ratchada Road, north of the Rama 9 junction, in the Ratchada and Huai Khwang area. It falls under the Ratchada and Rama 9 district. The big soapy massage parlors stand in a line along the road, so you can see the entrances from the pavement and the MRT is the usual way in rather than a taxi through traffic.

They are Bangkok's big soapy massage parlors: large buildings where women wait behind glass in numbered badges, you choose one, and she takes you to a private room with a bath and an air mattress. The set-up is much grander than a street massage shop. Emmanuelle and Poseidon are two of the names that sit along this stretch.

The women sit behind glass wearing numbered badges, and you tell the floor staff the number you would like. Prices differ by section and badge color, so ask before you commit. You pay at the desk and she takes you upstairs to the room. Do not point, stare or take photos, and ask the host for a recommendation if you are unsure.

A soapy takes place in a large parlor, in a room with a bath and an air mattress, and the full service is usually part of the package. Nuru is a slippery body-to-body massage with a special gel on a mat, usually in a smaller shop. Soapy is the big-parlour format you will find along Ratchada Road.

Besides Emmanuelle and Poseidon, the closest places include Sabai D Massage, Utopia Entertainment Complex, Maomai bar and the Train Night Market Ratchada. The night market is handy if you want to eat or wander before or after. Most of what is around here is massage and food, so it is a different evening from Sukhumvit's bar streets.

Not usually. The big soapy parlors are walk-in and keep daytime hours from around noon, so you can simply turn up. Some men like to arrive early to avoid queues on busy evenings. For anything specific, a particular badge or a package, ask at the desk when you arrive. Check current opening times before you go, since they change.

They are different games. Ratchada has the big soapy parlors in a row, with the whole format under one roof and a fishbowl to choose from. Sukhumvit Soi 33 and the sois around Soi 11 to 13 are small oil, nuru and body-to-body shops. If you want the full parlor experience, Ratchada is the place to go.

Go with a rough budget in mind and ask the host to explain the sections and badge colors before you pick. Agree what is included at the desk, tip the masseuse directly and never leave money at the counter. Treat it as an afternoon or early-evening outing, since the parlors are walk-in, and check the current price on the venue listing if you are a VIP member.