Soi 11–13 massage shops

They are on Sukhumvit Soi 11 to 13 in the Sukhumvit district of Bangkok, in a dense cluster of small oil-massage shops. Hillary 3 Bar, Sugar Club, Old German Beer House, Zak's Wine Pub, Prauw Spa and Mulligan's are all close, so you can combine a massage with a drink or a club.

A dense cluster of oil-massage shops, and I would say standards vary shop to shop. Some are tidy and professional, some are not. Look at the entrance, the price board and the staff before you go in. Never ask for extras at a traditional shop, because it embarrasses the staff.

Traditional shops look the part: open fronts, foot-massage chairs by the window, staff in uniform and a clear price board. Extras shops tend to have tinted windows, dim lighting, dressed-up staff calling from the doorway and vague price lists. If you want a plain massage, choose an open-fronted shop.

Thai massage is clothed, with stretching and pressure along the body. Oil massage uses oil on bare skin and is the main style on this cluster. Some oil shops also offer a hand finish, agreed with the masseuse as a tip. Settle what is included before you start.

Usually at the turnover, when she asks you to roll onto your back partway through, you will hear a question like you want special. Agree the price and what it covers then, before anything starts. If you would rather not, a polite no thanks is enough and the massage carries on.

Not at most shops. Traditional and oil massage shops take walk-ins, and outside the evening rush you will usually be on a mattress within minutes. Booking helps if you want a particular masseuse or a weekend evening slot, and many shops take bookings through LINE.

Tip the masseuse directly, never at the counter. At a traditional shop a small tip per hour is normal. At an extras shop, the tip is effectively the price of the extra service, and you should agree it with her before anything starts. VIP members see shop-by-shop reviews and current prices.

Walk the row first, choose a shop that looks clean and has a clear price board, and ask what is included before you pay. Tip the masseuse directly and keep your valuables locked away. If a shop disappoints, leave politely and try the next one.