Rat-U-Thit Road massage shops

They are around the top of Bangla Road in Patong, on and near Rat-U-Thit Road. Jungceylon, Banzaan Night Market and Illuzion are all close, so the shops are easy to reach on foot from most Patong hotels. You will see them as you walk along the road, with staff calling from the doorway.

My note on them is oil and special massage shops. Oil massage is the simplest: a massage, and some shops offer extras on top. Traditional Thai massage shops look different, with open fronts and a price board, so look at the shop front before you go in. Do not raise extras in an open-fronted traditional shop.

Traditional shops have open fronts, foot-massage chairs and a clear price board. Extras shops tend to have tinted windows, dim lighting and staff calling from the doorway, with vague lists. If you only want a normal massage, choose the open, brightly lit shop and ask what the price covers before you lie down.

It usually comes up at the turnover, when she asks you to roll onto your back and asks if you want special. Agree what is on offer and the cost before anything starts. If you would rather not, a polite no thanks is enough and the massage carries on as it was.

Yes. Masseuses earn much of their income from tips, so hand a tip to her directly, not to the counter. At an extras shop the tip is effectively the price of the extra and is agreed with her in the room, so settle it first. Do not leave anything at the desk.

Nearby are Jungceylon, Banzaan Night Market, Illuzion, Bondi Aussie Bar & Grill, Abceylon and Tiger Complex. That makes it a good spot to combine a massage with food at the market, then a drink or a club on Bangla Road. You will not need transport between them.

Not usually, since most shops take walk-ins. You can look at a few and choose, and you can often get a slot within minutes outside the evening rush. Booking helps if you want a particular masseuse or a busy weekend slot. Hours change from shop to shop, so check on the day.

Walk past two or three shops before you choose, ask what is included before you go in, and agree anything extra before it starts. Keep valuables in your hotel safe, and tip her directly afterwards. If you would rather have a plain Thai massage, say so at the door and pick an open-fronted shop.