My husband Louie has been mentioning about floating for several months now. He was very psyched when he discovered that there’s a float center in Manila. Unfortunately, after contacting them, we learned that it’s temporarily closed as it will be moving to another location from Makati. Since we were going to Bangkok to attend a friend’s wedding, we looked for available float centers online and actually found Bangkok Float Center in Show DC Mall.
We booked via Gowabi and were lucky to even had scored a good discount. Bangkok Float Center is in the heart of Bangkok at SHOW DC Entertainment Mall. Bangkok’s first retail and entertainment mega-complex. In this post, I’ll talk about what floating is, the benefits of floating, what to expect, some tips, and all about our unique experience. So, what is it really like to float in a sensory-deprivation tank?
Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)
We went to Bangkok Float Center on our first day in Thailand. The experience was smooth and we had a good interaction with the friendly and eloquent staff. With a serene spa-like reception, the ambiance of the float center was really nice and zen-like. Its facilities were easily accessible and convenient for use throughout our stay. Outside the treatment rooms, there’s a nice sitting area with water and tea for refreshments and hydration.
What is floating?
The way I see it, floating is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from devices, detach from both the physical and digital worlds, and just connect with yourself. It is a water therapy product originating from Dr. John Lilly from the USA in the 1950’s that’s designed to aid total relaxation of body and mind by taking the effort out of floating on water. I think you’ll get a similar experience by floating in the sea, as salt water is denser than freshwater. However, floating mindlessly in the sea carries the risk of being taken away from shore by an outgoing tide. Whoops! As float is designed to be used in a swimming pool, it’s likely to be a safer alternative.
Floating weightlessly is such a cool experience because it lets the mind drift into the deepest state of relaxation possible. The ultra-deep relaxation of floating “resets” the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance, strengthening resistance to and accelerating recovery from the effects of stress, illness, injury or strenuous exercise. It allows you to be free from all sensation of gravity, temperature, touch, sight and sound.
Inside the tank, there’s 600 kilograms of Epsom salt added to 1000 liters of water, creating a 30-cm deep solution heated to 35.5 degrees Celsius. The skin-temperature liquid is just good enough for the body to be “in peace” with the water. This means that once you’re settled inside, it will be virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in contact with the water and those that aren’t.
What are the physical benefits of floating?
Since we’re first timers, we had a guided orientation about floating. All our questions were answered before we entered our private Dreampod rooms. The staff of Bangkok Float Center explained the floating process and mentioned that there are several good health benefits of floating primarily because of the magnesium content from the Epsom salt that’s absorbed by the skin. Magnesium is a mineral that helps relieve constipation, relax muscle tension, and promote calmness and peaceful relaxation in the body.
Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout the body. There’s no need to readjust your position to get comfortable. Floating also helps improve circulation, increase distribution of oxygen and nutrients, reduce blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption, and many more. If you have a difficulty falling into deep sleep, this may be the answer to your problem.
What feeling to expect?
In the first 10-15 minutes, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable and have a hard time finding a good position for the body and head. It’s also normal to feel strain in the neck. The key is to relax your head and let the water support it, focus on breathing, forget you’re in a float pod, let go of control, and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. Many floaters report a feeling of total relaxation comparable to an intense yoga or meditation session. Some people fall into sleep, and it’s totally safe.
Contained in a totally private room for maximum comfort, the Dreampod can be left open for those who are claustrophobic, and the lights can stay on for those who are afraid or feel uneasy in the dark. There are buttons inside to adjust the light and sound/music. I preferred complete darkness (even when eyes were opened) so I turned the lights off and closed the tank. There was no visual input and no audible input. I heard nothing inside but my own stomach growling a few times and my heartbeat. I thought my brain slowed down and took a break. Time meant nothing; the hour didn’t feel too long or short. For a moment, there’s nothing to worry about.
The water in the tank felt slippery, but after a while, it couldn’t be felt at all. We floated for an hour and a half gravity-free. After emerging from the tank, my back felt lighter and more pain-free than it had in months. I also felt clear-headed and somehow tired, as if I had just swam tens of laps in a pool. We took a shower to wash off the salt, and our skin felt soft like silk.
Wrap Up
Floating at Bangkok Float Center is one of the most surreal yet relaxing experiences I’ve ever had. The sensation of being completely weightless was hard to grapple at first. I tried about three times to forcefully touch the bottom of the tank but I kept bobbing back up. It took me less than five minutes to find my most comfortable position and lie motionless.
Floating gives an overall feeling of freedom and it eliminates toxins and stress. It’s soothing and we came out feeling refreshed and content. I recommend this to anyone looking to put health and well-being on the forefront. It’s definitely worth a try! 😉 Price for four of us for 90 minutes is 7,704 baht.
Things to bring:
- Guests do not need to bring anything. Swim wear is NOT necessary; we were advised to be naked so we would feel free and in tune with the body and mind.
- Towels, shampoo, soap, earplugs, and other toiletries (and even foundation, powder, and makeup remover) are all provided. Each of us had our own personal spa suite with Dreampod, private shower, and dressing area. We also had full access to a chill out lounge directly outside the float room.
Things to avoid:
- Avoid floating after a big meal or when you haven’t eaten at all.
- Avoid drinking anything for at least two hours before floating. You don’t want a full bladder ripping you away from “the zone,” so make sure to go in empty.
- Avoid shaving prior to floating. When you have cuts, you may use Vaseline or waterproof bandaids to cover.
- Avoid drifting in the tank. Drifting will cause you to ping off the walls and in some cases will give you a sense of spinning. Simply touch the sides of the tank with your hands and feet until your body is centered. This can take up to a minute or two depending on how much you disturbed the water.
- Avoid putting your hands on your eyes when in the tank because it’s saltwater. It will sting a lot.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I have never heard about “floating” but this sounds and looks so interesting. did you not initially felt a bit anxious when the closed the dreampod? I am just wondering how it would feel in such tight surroundings.
Good thing I’m not claustrophobic. It’s okay for me to stay in the dark because I know I’m the only person inside the private Dreampod room. It wasn’t scary since I could always turn the light on if need be. 🙂
The whole idea of detaching oneself from any mundanity is great, and a necessity for most nowadays. I, on the other would rather opt for other things to relax my mind and body than this. I’m claustrophobic! By just looking at those capsule tanks already give me the creep.
Oh, there are other forms of relaxation. This may not be for you. However, if time comes and you feel ready, you can use the tank with the door completely open, you can keep it partially open, or you can close it. There is an interior light. You can turn that light off or leave it on. There is no particular way to use the tank that is more correct than another. Any way you use it, that is comfortable for you, is correct.
What an interesting place and activity that I had never heard of. Must be claustrophobic in that pod, might not be for everyone. Will want to read more about this before deciding to try it out.
We have watched a lot of videos regarding floating prior coming to Bangkok Float Center. It really also helped that the staff was very accommodating so our anxiety and fear would be gone. 🙂
Wow this looks like an interesting experience 🙂 I am a little claustrophobic, so I don’t know if I’d enjoy this though. LOL
That may be a problem.I think even people who don’t have fear in being in tight spaces would be anxious to be inside for that long. It’s not too easy to settle right in comfortably at once. The staff shared that claustrophobic individuals can’t help but feel afraid on their first session without much ado. Fears and concerns are typically dissolved by the the second or third session. The float chamber itself is excellent at calming the mind and any fears it may harbor within it. This is simply the nature of the zero stimulation environment.
At the beginning reading your personal account with floating experience I’m expecting a good, a good ambiance and the like as far as culinary or foods are concerned for I reading your foods review and on like manner I am relating it to a floating resto on Bohol. What a misleading preview I made! Sorry! This is the first time I know this floating therapy. It’s a healthful info so far.
Hahaha I think you’ve already grown so familiar with the type of posts I publish. Setting food reviews aside, this floating spa is one we truly recommend. The experience is exceptional and the results are amazing.
I have never heard of float centers before, but it sounds like a great way to destress. I would love to try it except that I am a bit claustrophobic too! Not sure if I could handle being in the pod for so long so I would probably leave it open.
Yup, that’s alright. I think there are more floating centers now opening since people have become more open to the idea of floating as well. The staff says for some people, the float tank can be used as a tool to help you overcome fears. The zero stimulation environment triggers some pretty profound physical and mental effects. There is no pressure anywhere on the body.
Okay I have never heard of these centers but this looks amazing! It looks like a unique and relaxing experience. I can always use a way to destress and relax!
Yup, it’s really unique. Once inside the tank, there’s no longer a sense of struggling against the pull of gravity. As a result, our blood pressure is reduced, stress hormone levels fall, and endorphins are released. This creates a pleasurable experience. Once you reach the super-relaxed theta brainwave (lucid dream/meditation) state all concept of time vanishes. The session ends in what feels like mere minutes after that.
I had never heard of a float center. Such an interesting concept and experience. I don’t know if they exist in the UK. So interesting to read about them
I’ve searched on Google just now and found that there’s several in the UK. I’m just not sure if these are close to your location. You may want to try searching for them as well and book a session in one. 🙂
I have a good friend that loves to float. He does it a few times a month. I have not tried it yet because it has me a bit nervous to be inside the tank. I know it is great for oyur health so I would like to try it one time.
There are patients who float regularly. The float experience resembles an onion. At first you might only get one or two layers deep. Whether you suffer from a phobia or not, it is important to recognize that it takes 3-5 sessions to really get a feel for floating’s potential. A great number of beginners settle right in and have an incredible first float, but for a number of others the initial sessions can be challenging. In the beginning you might find some difficulty getting physically comfortable within the new environment. You might not be able to quiet your thoughts. You may experience some fleeting feelings of claustrophobia or anxiety. You may even end your initial sessions early. These are all normal.
I have never heard about floating center. You may feel like a floating type and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. and if I had a chance to go in Thailand, I will definitely try this Bangkok Float Center.
Update: There floating center in the Philippines is now open, however they’re only taking one customer at a time since they have one dream pod. I’ve checked the price of a dream pod online and it costs about P750,000. I guess the P2000-P3000 per session is worth it, in that case.
I have personally never floated but would love to try it out. There is a center near here that is pretty interesting and I have thought about trying it out but I have a medical condition that may keep me from being able to try it. I love the idea though and I think it is really beneficial, maybe I can get my husband to try it out.
Floating is not a one shot miracle cure, but if you stick with it, miraculous changes can happen. One of the greatest gifts floating can provide is the realization that you are truly the master of your own thoughts. Relaxation and other health benefits follow next.
Wow! I’ve definitely never heard of this before! So interesting! Wish you’d taken a picture with you in it! I’d like to see closeup how you really get into it. I might get a little claustrophobic though since it looks like you’re encapsulated. Surely it’s very relaxing though.
There are several videos on YouTube and you can try searching for them with the keywords “inside a float tank” or something similar. Just imagine a body floating in a pod with shallow water. That’s it. 😉
OMG I’m so jealous, I really want to go into a sensory deprivation tank. Maybe watching Stranger Things has something to do with this being on my bucket list. But I’m such a big fan of floating in the pool, it’s really good for your brain to just float. I’m sure it was amazing! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Speaking of Stranger Things, we’re excited to see the next season. It’s coming soon. 🙂
I have never been to a float center and honestly, it took me a moment to realize what it was before further reading your post. This place looks so advanced and clean! I would definitely love to give it a try!
Yeah, this place’s ambiance is amazing and it helps to banish away fears especially for those who are in it for the first time like us. The staff said that there are also many tourists who are booking sessions with them. I guess it’s one of the places you have to visit when in Bangkok.
Who knew floating was a thing?! I’d love to try it and am going to look for a spot in our area. How relaxing to simply unplug my mind and not have a care in the world. Thank-you for bringing the experience to your readers! x
It’s my pleasure to share these experiences. I’m personally interested in “weird” stuff, or those not occurring as normal within the premise of our location. Going to Bangkok to discover and try out what floating is about is not regrettable. The floatation tank appeared more welcoming than I’d expected. It was white and sleek, and it gaped amiably, like a big clam.
This is really cool and something I would like to try just for the experience. I have a friend who is heading to Bangkok in October who I think might be too nervous about getting out of her comfort zone but I will show her this post and hopefully she will. What a great experience!
Floating is a way of rediscovering the mind. You can tell your friend to book online in advance for convenience. 😉
I have never ever heard of this before. I can only imagine how relaxing this is. I will be on the look out. Willing to try it.
Love the positivity! Floating does come with a learning curve, but it will only take a few minutes until you get used to it.
This is exactly what me and my husband would need. Now that school is about to start, we’re going to have busy days and crazy schedules ahead. I will need to find out if this is available here. It sure would be nice to just float, relax, and let all pain and tiredness sink to the bottom of that dream pod.
The serenity and quiet of float pods is the ideal environment for your body to achieve total relaxation. It can also make you sleep and put stressors behind. Hope you’d find a floating center near your place and try it out soon! 😀
Oh! I haven’t heard about this concept at all! So, thanks for introducing it to me! This is the indoor version of floating it the dead sea!!! Sounds cool!!!
That’s a good way to describe it. When you encounter a float center in one of your travels, I hope you can try and experience floating as well. 🙂 It’s a good form of therapy to help relax your muscles after all the walking in tours. You’re always in control of your environment, and you can get out anytime.
this is new to me.. now after reading your post i kinda wanna try this as well.. hope i get to visit thailand soon.
Thank you for the thorough review. This is the first time I`ve read about “floating.” This seems like a wonderful therapy for the body and mind.
❀ Grace ❀