SPAS and massage are a time-honoured tradition in Southeast Asia, and have become bywords for health and relaxation.

Cambodia follows this tradition through the many parlours and shops to the luxury hotels, from Phnom Penh to the coastal resorts, on the island beaches or the northern cities, and the Kingdom has its own distinctive traditions.

But whether you want traditional Khmer massage or Thai and Japanese styles; whether an Indian, Egyptian or Swedish style; whether a local massage parlour or more exotic surroundings; you can always find what you want.

There is medicinal and herbal massage available and in recent years, boutique spas have become quite popular, aimed primarily at women and couples and offering massage, spa and salon services in a refined, tranquil, indulgent atmosphere.

Most spas offer a full range of services including sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, massage, aromatherapy, beauty treatments, wraps, scrubs, and overall packages, while some even have other beauty treatments you can have to get a full health and beauty make-over from hair salon to a pedicure or manicure, and in the areas of the luxury hotels they are also in-house and sophisticated.

Prices vary as does service and location from luxury centres to small back rooms or in the open on the beaches.

There is even the Seeing Hands Massage which does many massage styles and all through blind people.

Many parlours also sell a range of massage oils, bath salts, facial scrubs and other beauty products some made locally others imported, many from Thailand.

Spas and massage are part of our culture, our health and beauty programs but also fun, enjoyable and used every day by our tourists and locals, men and women alike.