Thailand in Southeast Asia has been one of the world’s most visited countries for the best part of four decades with welcoming people and natural beauty including beaches and mountains that would satisfy the most discerning of travelers. The myriad accommodation choices, superb and varied cuisine and weather make it an ideal holiday choice.
But over the last twenty years, it has been increasingly becoming a centre for health and wellbeing as well as a place for specific procedures. Much of this grew out of the traditional massage scene but more of that later in this blog when we come to Phuket massage services.
Now picking up post-pandemic many opt to travel to Thailand rather than wait in the US and Canada for elective procedures and surgeries. A well-regulated and highly professional medical community – with many trained Stateside or in Japan – has an increasingly well-earned reputation for excellence.
In addition, English is widely spoken taking that bugbear out of the conundrum. The truth is that in procedures ranging from cosmetic to dental to cancer treatments, Thailand represents a cost-effective alternative to waiting in one’s home country in pain or discomfort when it could all be solved now with a great holiday thrown into the mix.
In our case, we had needed procedures related to skin conditions as well as some dental procedures that we planned on having through an extended stay in the Thai capital Bangkok and in the south of the country on the Pear of the Andaman, lovely Phuket island situated about 510 miles towards Malaysia.
All this was arranged back home and done expeditiously and at a fraction of the cost than we first imagined even factoring in the flights. We would recommend Thailand to everyone as we have done with friends in similar positions waiting for a diagnosis albeit with different conditions to us!
But perhaps the highlight of our stay was in Phuket in a four-star hotel near Patong that had all the facilities we needed for R and R following the procedures in Bangkok.
It was here that we were introduced to massage with a difference. Apart from traditional Thai massage that pulls you about a bit – always look for trained and certified practitioners – they offer a full Phumm Panya massage, head massages, aromatherapy, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and a variety of herbal compresses.
I was astounded by the improvements to my overall health that a series of foot massages would accomplish.
The surroundings of the hotel and all the things that one could do in Phuket – including satisfying our love for sailing and climbing – was undoubtedly a highlight of our several months in the country during the North American winter.
In conclusion, Thailand is a great place for medical tourism, wellness programs and spa/massage with a truly memorable holiday that can be funded with healthcare savings.
