Soapy in Phrom Phong, Bangkok

Phrom Phong has more soapy massage places than every other part of Bangkok combined, and the nearest is only about 60 metres from Phrom Phong BTS. Almost all of them are massage shops that also offer soapy, rather than standalone bath houses, so expect smaller premises spread over many side streets instead of a few big buildings.

Soi 33 and Soi 22 first

Two sois carry the bulk of the choice. Soi Sukhumvit 33, including its small branch lanes, has well over a dozen addresses, and Sukhumvit Soi 22 has around a dozen more. Soi 24 and Soi 26 each have a handful, with others on Soi 18, 20, 30, 31, 37 and 39. Soi 33 is on the north side of Sukhumvit and Soi 22 and 24 are on the south, with venues on both sides of Sukhumvit rather than a single continuous strip. One Soi 31 venue uses EmQuartier and the BTS as landmarks; no walking time has been checked here. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT is also about 420 metres from the nearest venue.

Most places open between 11 am and noon. Midnight is the usual close, but over a dozen run to 1 am, 2 am or later, mostly on Soi 22, Soi 26 and Soi 33.

With this many venues, reviews vary a lot. Many praise friendly managers who explain the options, clean rooms and staff who speak Japanese, Chinese or Korean. The complaints repeat too: drinks added to the bill without asking, a fee added at payment that was not on the menu, sessions ended early, and people who did not match their photos. Confirming the total before you start and asking for an itemised bill can clarify the bill, but cannot guarantee how a session will run.