Skills Development Center for the Blind

This outreach centre north of central Bangkok trains the blind in the ancient techniques of Thai traditional massage, developing what many people consider to be expert masseurs. Getting out here can be half the fun. Take the Chao Phraya Express north to Tha Nonthaburi, where you will connect to a Laem Thong boat (5.45am to 5.45pm) to Tha Pak Kret. From the pier, hire a motorcycle taxi to take you to the Skills Development Center (one way 10B). You’ll need to speak a little Thai to pull this off (ask for suun pháthánaa sàmàtthàphâap khon taa bàwt, but Pak Kret villagers are pretty easy-going and willing to listen to foreigners massacre their language. The easier option is to just get in a taxi and get the driver to call the centre for directions.