http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26024 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26024 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24086 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24086 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23502
I was not disappointed. The ambience and the atmosphere were superb. The centre is situated in a beautiful environment at a river bank and very close to nature. The weather was also magnificent.

The ayurvedic team, led by Dr. K. Krishnan Namboodiri, were professionals to the core, warm and caring. They immediately diagnosed my condition and prescribed suitable treatment for my battered body and tired mind. I had several enjoyable sessions and every part of my body received expert attention –my head, legs, shoulders, tummy, etc were oiled and massaged among other things - I felt totally rejuvenated.

I left as a new man – physically and mentally. I resolved to return a year later for more of the same. In comparison to some over-priced Ayurvedic places, the Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre in Kalady is eminently affordable. The food is good, hygiene is of very high standard, services very friendly and as for the Ayurvedic treatment, it is in a class of its own. I unhesitatingly recommend Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23502 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20957 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20957 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19238
I dropped in on a friend's recommendation after having injured myself biking. Their sports therapist soon had me fixed up and on my way.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18582 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18582 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17971 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17971 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17473 On top of massage, exfoliant and other treatments, many offer food and drink, and you can sometimes stay overnight at no extra charge.
Ranging from gaudy-baubley hangouts for China's newly-rich to the unassumingly traditional, my favourites are somewhere in between.

The best of these that I've been to is Hanjiang, with great staff, good treatments, basic surroundings and an interesting mix of clientele.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17473 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287
We did loads of the stuff recommended in it and it helped us meet local people and ensure that our money was going to worthwhile places.

For example: teaching locals to read English (Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang - fantastic place!).

If you fancy a massage, go to the Red Cross in Luang Prabang. It's not luxury - none of your scented candles here - but a great massage and all the money goes to the Red Cross. The brave can even donate blood.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14476 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14476 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14465
It costs about £2 for an hour.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13031
It is far less busy and polluted than Bangkok and much less commercial than Phuket and the islands.

There is tons to do. I have been trekking, done a cookery course, had loads of massages and spa treatments and the food is terrific. A wide variety of choice and at ridiculous prices.
Brilliant all round so my tip is go to Chiang Mai!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13031 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12019
If you’re tired out by all this...get a massage. Make sure it’s actually a massage establishment and not a “gentleman’s relaxation” facility! There are plenty of small boutiques you can go in and get a 1or 2 hour leg rub for about 200 to 400 baht and some beautiful spas that will pamper you for the best part of a day for a few grand.

Pattaya remains one of the few seaside towns where anyone can do just about anything they want.... But at half the price!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12019 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10746
The town is lovely, warm (it is set in a south-facing valley) and lively, the mountains around are gorgeous and the trekking fabulous.

The food, beer and wine are excellent (northern Italian and Austrian style food both available).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10005 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10005