After days of walking, trekking, riding and climbing in the tropical countryside, a massage is very welcoming. A good Lao massage will relieve the aches and pains weathered during the bumpy bike rides. Lao massage is a kind of deep tissue massage, with real hard pressing and poking. Someone not used to a strong massage; it will hurt for a while. Having said that, a massage is definitely soothing and relaxing for tired muscles. There are plenty of parlours and retreats around Luang Prabang and Vientiane to choose from. They come in variety of price range; even at a premium parlour it would still be a steal at $8 an hour for a full body massage. If bone breaking massage is not your thing, then opt for a herbal steam massage, where heated cloth compresses are rubbed along the body, followed by sauna. This is quite soothing as well, and will not break your bones nor the budget. Learn to say few words in Laotian to give commands, or the masseuse will go all out to ensure you get the best!