Kobkun Thai Therapy

This was my first professional massage, which is probably a good thing to know if you’re going to take my word for the quality of Kobkun.
The gals here were really clear about what little was expected of me throughout the appointment, which I really appreciated. The whole visit from making reservations on the phone to emerging blissed-​out from my 45 minute traditional thai massage was comfortable and well-​managed. I had a bit of a strange request (I think it was uncommon, but maybe it’s not!) as I called up just the day before my monthly date night with my beau to request a time slot for both of us to get massages in the same room. They had no problem accommodating us.
The room was very comfortable, infused with calming scented oils, and so deliciously warm that I forgot the winter weather outside! It was a real treat.
Price-​wise, it’s pretty standard for London, about a pound a minute.

Lizzie G is right. This place is fantastic. Came here after a 13 hour flight from Cape Town, and booked for 1.5 hours for a deep tissue/​strong thai massage. Right from the get go, I knew this was going to be great. The therapist asked if it would be ok to step on me, which I have no problems with. The therapist knew exactly where to apply very hard pressure, and when to hold back a little. The best part was the scalp massage at the end, which was pretty intense.
I don’t know if the experience is consistent from therapist to therapist, but mine was called ‘O’ or something like that, and works most days except Thursdays.
I, for sure, will be seeing her again. My back feels reborn.

This place is great for Thai massage; good therapists, well priced, clean and an all around good value.

Thank God for Lizzie G!
I’ve had a couple of rough weeks. Crazy, stressful stuff that made it necessary for my doctor to take my blood pressure three times yesterday because it was nutso high. So… this week, I’m trying to channel «Peaceful Erin.» That meant today consisted of a trip to the gym, some reading, coffee with a friend, and an impromptu stop at Kobkun Thai Therapy.
Walking home from that coffee date, I thought, «maybe I should check out that place on Essex that Lizzie gave a 5* review.» I walked in thinking I’d go for a 30 minute back and shoulder massage, but after the woman at the front desk greeted me the words, «I was wondering if you have any appointments available for a 60 minute Thai massage,» tumbled out of my mouth. At 49 quid it seemed like a great deal and, as soon as I completed the short health form, I was walked downstairs to a room with a mat on the floor.
This was the first time I’ve had a Thai massage outside of Thailand and there are some differences (they use oil here), but it was just as good as I remember. The place is a little bare bones in terms of decoration. Sound insulation is non-​existant and you can hear people chatting in the rooms above you. In the middle of the massage, the music cut out so the talking and coughing seemed even louder. That said, the massage was amazing. Simply perfect. Perhaps one of the best I’ve had in London. I wish I could afford to return every single day.

I love paying people to touch me. As a rule, if it involves cash, you’re more likely to walk away a happy girl. At Kobkun Thai Therapy on Essex Road (I haven’t tried the one on Upper Street yet), the wonderful woman who rubbed my back, thumbed my arms and stood on my shoulders deserves a prize or trophy for her wonderful acts of humanity.
I will admit, that this is the first time I have indulged in a massage in London properly. It’s stressful times and after a considerable period of my body lacking attention I jumped on Tinker and cycled down here. I didn’t make an appointment but as soon as I walked it, the line of knitting Thai ladies made it very clear this wouldn’t be a problem. It smells lovely in here and straight away I felt the worries of the world float away. You walk in and take off your shoes off and fill in a little health form. You then tell them what kind of massage you want and you’re taken down into a cosy treatment room.
The rooms are lovely, very calming and toasty warm. There is a large futon and pillow on the floor, you’re told to strip down to your under crackers and lie on the bed while your lovely lady leaves the room. She then comes back as you lie pretty much starkers on the futon and gives you a good rub.
£30 for 30 minutes and when I left I felt like a new woman. Life changing! They told me that they are open until 10.30pm most days so if after work you feel like you need to chill out and you have £30 burning a whole in your pocket, I can think of a lot worse ways to spend your evening.

Today’s my birthday. Although I have a very busy day before my party this evening, I decided to take an hour to get a massage at Kobkun on Upper Street. I made an appointment in the morning and was absolutely clear that I needed to start and leave on time. I arrived early for my appointment to a surly receptionist who pointed to a chair with a box on it, which she left me to move myself so I could sit down. She then handed me a medical questionnaire, which is quite normal, except that it asked weird and irrelevant questions like my nationality. She didn’t say a word while the minutes ticked by past the time my appointment was scheduled to start, so I called her attention the fact that I wanted a full hour and had explained on the phone that I had to leave right on time. I amicably suggested that we cut my massage down to 45 mins instead of an hour, which she agreed to but did not apologize. Another fifteen minutes went by without a word from her, which mean it would be impossible for me to even have 45 mins, so I got up and left. Don’t waste your time with this place; they’re rude and totally unprofessional, and have made my birthday a little bit less special.

Turned up at Kobkun one afternoon, hoping they could fit me in, and to my delight they could. You’re filled with tranquility as soon as you step in through the door. There’s a strict no mobile phone rule, and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. The Therapists were lovely and listened to what you wanted, before making suggestions based on your needs e.g. I was stressed and not sleeping well, so they suggested using particular aromatherapy oils and working on certain parts of the body. Had the BEST full-​body massage I’ve ever had, and it was really reasonably priced. At one point, the therapist was even walking on my legs, which sounds odd, but really worked and I felt deeply relaxed after the treatment. The smells and soothing music from the massage room lulled me into tranquility, and I enjoyed a little afternoon nap as a result. Strongly recommended.