Tucked away in a mini-mall in Thai Town, Pho Siam is the place to go for a no-frills, deep tissue kneading and muscle stretching massage. For about $35, you'll be greeted by the friendly staff, instructed to strip down to a pair of very utilitarian cotton pants and get led to a 'room' (basically a floor mattress surrounded by floor to ceiling cotton curtains). In a matter of minutes, your muscles will be pushed, pummeled, kneaded and stretched by skilled, albeit not always gentle hands. The scent of tiger balm reigns here -- no foofy 'aromatherapy' oils are in their repetroire. But by the time they're done, your kinks will be gone, at half the price of more 'upscale' spots. I've usually been able to walk in anytime, though as word gets around, making an appointment may be a good idea.
Pros: inexpensive, unpretentious, walk-ins welcome
Cons: no frills decor, parking is limited
more