Although there were still quite a few sights we really wanted to visit before leaving Chiangmai, we had simply run out of steam. With just Panthip Plaza (IT mall) within walking distance of the Royal Princess Hotel, our choices were pretty limited with how to spend the last few hours in Chiangmai. After wandering around for a while, I decided that it was an ideal opportunity to try out a fish spa! I’d heard of them before, but never had the opportunity (or much of an inclination really) to try it out for myself. But we had been driving past one everyday, and as it was a stone’s throw behind our hotel, it seemed a good time to just check it out.

But when we got there, we noticed that the establishment was a full fledged spa! Perfect for passing 3 hours and relaxing at the same time. And the prices were very affordable: 2 hours of Thai massage for just 400 Baht!

Baan Kwan was small but very clean. We were led to sunken sinks upon arrival and our feet washed by our assigned Therapists. We were then led to a pleasant room with 3 or 4 mattresses on the floor, separated by curtains. The Therapists were excellent. Extremely gentle! They kneaded and pulled all the knots out of our muscles in the 2 hour session. Thai massages can be quite scary at times, especially the mandatory cracking at the end. But there was no cracking here. Either she felt my back was too stiff or she realised I dreaded it. But even without the cracking, everything felt looser and more relaxed at the end.

With half an hour to spare before check-out, I decided that I had to try a quick fish massage. So I paid the 150 Baht and was led to the adjoining shop to feed the fishies their breakfast.

The moment I dropped my feet into the tank, all the fish swarmed onto them and the nibbling frenzy began. And it was TICKLISH!!! It was so ticklish that I almost gave up! But that sensation died down after a while and it was quite pleasant to have all the dead skin nibbled off.

Would I do it again? Most likely! We definitely want to return to Chiangmai soon, and this would certainly be a good place to visit before returning to Singapore, if not more often during the trip to indulge in their wonderful massages.

Baan Kwan Massage
Kamphangdin Road
Changklan
Mueang Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai 50100