Massage is an Asian specialty. There are few better ways to reinvigorate yourself after a busy day in hot temperatures than to relax and be pampered. There are some good alternatives if you are on a Myanmar tour and spending some time in the former capital of Yangon. If you are also going to neighbouring countries on an Indochina tour, it may be that you will go to a spa and massage place more than once on your trip.

You can get advice if you are on a Myanmar travel package and here are some recommendations for you to look at further.

•    The Spa at The Strand. The Strand is a 5 star hotel and its spa matches the quality you would expect from 5 stars. High ceilings, teak floors and antiques create a great ambiance. There are small rooms, private and lit by candles. Rose petals in the bath and massage oils add to the experience. The main treatments are traditional Myanmar massage, the traditional Asian foot massage and the specialty, a mix of East and West, Balinese and Swedish techniques.

•    Inya Day Spa is really good value; its location is a garden with fish ponds. It opened in 2009 and has regularly been positively reviewed ever since.  You can have a body scrub, facial or hot stone massage before relaxing with a delicious fruit ‘’smoothie.’’

•    La Source Beauty Spa is in a quiet street off Inya Road and has built a clientele including many of Myanmar’s rich and famous. It is very stylishly decorated and provides a great tranquil atmosphere. You will need to book in advance, as indeed you should do elsewhere in Yangon. You can get a wide range of treatments including facials, hair services, waxing, body wraps, massage and manicure/pedicure.

•    Spa at Sule Shangri-La is at the high end for price. You will get complete privacy and have your own shower and toiletries. Treatments range from deep tissue and foot reflexology to “head, back and shoulder massage.”

•    T8 Zen Spa began with hair salons and while this may not be as lavish as some others, there is real value for money in treatments including facials, massage, body scrubs and masks as well as manicure/pedicure treatments. If you want a private room rather than just a cubicle with curtains, they are available for clients who book them in advance

•    Thaya Day Spa is open 7 days a week, 10 am until 8 pm and uses only natural ingredients in its treatments. Whether you just choose a foot massage or go for the whole body, you will emerge relaxed at the end.

•    Sapel Burmese Traditional Foot Spa in 15th Street specialises in Traditional Burmese Foot Massage in an open hall. Just walk in off the street and walk back out fit enough to walk miles through nearby Chinatown.

•    Health Blessing on 19th Street hasstaff well- trained in the Thai Massage and Reflexology Foot Massage. The owner learnt the art at Thailand’s Wat Pho Massage School.