Fish Food

Fish Food

Posted on 12. Feb, 2010 by April in Thailand

When we were up in Chiang Mai, we decided to pop into one of the widely popular “fish spas.”  It’s a big hit with tourists, and although fish spas are popping up in the US, the Thai price (a fraction of the cost!) is bound to keep business here booming with tourists.

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What a funny experience!  Immediately when you stick your feet (or hands) into the tank, the fish swarm them and start nibbling away.  And it tickles!  Usually the tickling wears off after a few minutes, but they’d sometimes find a spot that was still ticklish after that.

The Garra Rufa fish are a species originally from Turkey.  Something about the lack of food in their particular environment made them start nibbling dead skin off of people who swam there.  They don’t have teeth, so it doesn’t hurt.  But it sure makes for a unique spa experience!  Here’s another article if you want to know more about these fish.

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4 Responses to “Fish Food”

  1. Cherith

    12. Feb, 2010

    oh I still think that is so weird. Now my question to you is, is that ALL you get in this spa experience?? do they paint your toes too?? LOL.. just curious

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  2. april

    12. Feb, 2010

    yep- just the fish nibbling the dead skin off your feet :) but for 3 bucks we couldn’t complain… I think you’d like it! :D

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  3. Kassie

    12. Feb, 2010

    Yes, it does look weird!! Is the water warm, or cold? I guess in Thailand, cold water would feel best since its so HOT there!
    Also….can you feel the difference? Is it more like a massage, or are you supposed to feel/see a difference in the condition of your skin afterwards?

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  4. April

    13. Feb, 2010

    I think the water was cool… not to cold, but certainly not bath-like. Afterwards, our feet did feel smoother… although it could have been because they were soaking in water for 20 min ;) But I’m pretty sure the callouses on my feet were reduced. The article mentioned that these fish are used to treat certain skin disorders by removing the dead skin

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