In an exotic island-paradise with beautiful and hospitable local women, massage could mean many other things in addition to its most accepted and proper definition. Sihanoukville in Cambodia is a leading Southeast Asian tourist destination. This means there are plenty of Western male tourists who have tons of money ready to be spent for the most exotic form of entertainment, and pretty local women who are eager to give all kinds of entertainment for a price. The result is a male-oriented massage that is done under the covers of dark wooden shacks. The good news, however, is that there are more legit centers for spa and massage in Sihanoukville than the improper ones. Southeast Asia is known as the birth place for many exotic types of massage that could truly knead away all kinds of stresses and bodily pains. The most popular Asian massage is that of the Thais, and Cambodia is just a stone’s throw away from Thailand.

Cambodia is similar to Thailand in many ways, and often one is trying to upstage the other in more than a few occasions, even in massage. Cambodians boast that Khmer massage is more relaxing and effective than Thai massage. Sihanoukville is a small provincial town and so all its landmarks are very close to each other. This is also true with its spa and massage centers. Below is a list of massage parlors that offer relaxation and wellness to both men and women who are in search for the best traditional massage in Asia,
First is the Islands Massage on Ekareach Street. This is very popular primarily because it has another branch in the capital city of Phnom Penh, 4 hours away by bus. It offers traditional Khmer massage and foot massage inside a fully air conditioned parlor. It is near the beach, which makes it a practical stop before vacationers head back to their hotels.
How does Khmer massage work exactly? It makes use of different body positions to help loosen up tense muscles and improve one’s flexibility. It also makes use of the masseuse’s full body wait to adjust one’s skeletal structures. This may sound scary but the therapists are well trained. The idea of Khmer massage is to increase flexibility, relieve muscle tensions, and balance the body’s energy system. Again, this may sound risky, but Khmer massage is, in fact, gentler than Thai massage.
On the same street is Tropical Massage offering all kinds of tropical massage treatments, which include foot massage, aromatherapy, oil massage and power massage. It opens at 9:00 AM and closes at midnight. BTW, if you happen to visit Malaysia for a holiday vacation and you decided to relive your aching body after a long day of exploring then try massage in Kuala Lumpur, they also offers a wide variety of massage services.
Another massage parlor in the vicinity is Lotus Spa Massage located near the Golden Lion Traffic Circle. Its specialty is traditional Chinese health massage while also offering foot massage, as well as manicure and pedicure. It also closes at midnight. (As side note, the not-so-decent massage remains open until the wee hours of the morning.)
There are two massage centers that stand out, basically for their especially gifted masseuses. Sala Santepheap and Seeing Hands 3 Massage both employ seeing-impaired masseuses. According to those who have tried them, blind practitioners are more effective since they are more sensitive in detecting the most tense muscle groups and applying the most appropriate strokes, chops and kneads. Going to either of these two parlors, which are both located downtown, not only promises a relaxing time, but also provides opportunities to the visually impaired. Seeing Hands also has a branch in Phnom Penh.
Finally, for those wanting to experience luxurious spa and massage in Sihanoukville, Sokha Beach Resort and Spa is the place to go. Located at the upscale Sokha Beach Resort, this massage center offers exclusive massage, aromatherapy, body wraps, facials, jacuzzi, and fitness center. It also has a swimming pool.
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