This Bangkok massage guide for anyone who has never had a Thai massage treatment and is perhaps a little apprehensive or just not sure what to expect. Bangkok local and massage lover Stephen Christopher shares what he has learned from seven plus years of getting weekly massages in Thailand.
This page contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
If you’ve never had one, a Thai massage is a form of massage therapy that involves stretching, pressure points, and muscle pain relief. I get one a week, it’s a welcome respite from office syndrome, leg pain from running, and headaches from sitting and writing too many blogs hehe.
Massages are available all over Bangkok. In the bigger suburbs, shops can be found on many streets and shopping malls. So how do you identify which shops and massage therapists are good or if they’re ones you should steer clear of?
After seven years of extensive research, here’s my guide to getting a massage in Bangkok.
The main Types of Massages Available in Bangkok
Go to some massage shops in Thailand, and you’ll be presented with a booklet with pages of different massages. For the average person, there are only three massage treatments that you really need to know…
Traditional Thai Massage
If you’re not familiar with it, a Thai traditional massage is a healing system that combines acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. Known for its energising and rejuvenating properties, it doesn’t involve oils or lotions. You’ll remain fully clothed during a session.
The unique cycle of active and passive stretching promotes relaxation, improves flexibility, improves blood circulation and helps to relieve muscle and joint tension.
I have one of these a week and like to indulge for 2 hours. 30 minutes really isn’t enough, so at least choose the 1-hour option
Foot Massage
Thai foot massage, also known as foot reflexology, is a soothing therapy deeply embedded in Thai health traditions. It revolves around the understanding that your foot is a map of your body, with different points correlating to organs or systems.
Employing the art of pressure point massage with a small wooden stick, therapists carefully knead these points to stimulate health benefits across your body.
Meridians located on your feet are believed to be channelled to various bodily systems, so don’t be surprised if a focused pressure on your toes relieves a midday headache!
I love getting one of these, especially after a running event or a half day of shopping — it rejuvenates your feet to keep going for another half day. Again, for me, 30 minutes isn’t enough, I like a 1-hour one.
Oil Massage or Aromatherapy Oil Massage Treatments
An oil massage or aromatherapy massage in Thailand involves a practice that relies heavily on essential oils to create a highly relaxing experience. The massage therapist very smoothly rubs these oils into your skin throughout a session, using specific techniques to work the muscles.
It’s different from a traditional Thai massage in that it opts for gentler, flowing strokes rather than vigorous stretching. It’s incredibly indulgent, and if you’re looking for the best massage to help you unwind and promote relaxation rather than ease muscle tightness, it might be just the ticket for you.
Oil massages are more expensive than Thai, so allow double or more.
How to prepare for your Thai Massage
To enjoy your first Thai massage to the fullest and respect Thai massage traditions, there are a few best practices to follow.
- Try to be on time. Arriving early lets you wind down before your session and shows respect for the therapist’s schedule. It’s about setting aside the day’s rush and readying yourself for a calming experience.
- Good personal cleanliness is vital. Coming to the spa clean and without strong fragrances makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. If you’ve been out in the busy city all day, maybe stick to a foot massage 😉
- Loose, comfortable clothes are best for Traditional Thai or Foot massages. These allow therapists to move you easily, and you to relax. If you’re having an oil massage, spas typically provide a disposable outfit.
- Turning off your mobile phone, or at least putting it on silent, helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere. It’s better to keep phone use to a minimum.
- Before your session starts, talk to your therapist about any physical issues or preferences you have. Let them know about any special focus areas or areas to avoid, your pain threshold for deep tissue massages, and your preferred pressure level. This means you’ll get a personalised treatment.
By following these simple rules, you can ensure a satisfying experience for both you and your therapist. Plus, you’re continuing the important tradition of Thai massage therapy.
Three Types of places to get a massage
You have three choices in getting a massage. You can go to a shopfront salon, a night market massage stall, or a hotel or boutique spa massage.
Shopfront Massages
These are easily identified by the massage chairs lining the walls of the shop. On quieter days, the staff will sit out the front, asking passers-by if they’d like a massage.
Upmarket Spas
Next up is the upmarket spa. There are several massage chains in Thailand. Probably the most well-known is a chain called Let’s Relax Spa.
These are full-service operations with showers, steam rooms, freshly laundered towels, and some even have drinks and snacks available.
Naturally, you get what you pay for with spa treatments, so these will charge more than street front shops.
Night Market Massages
If you’re tired from exploring Bangkok’s busy night markets, a quick massage at a market massage stall could be a good option.
Night market massages here are typically cheaper than at a full-fledged spa or massage parlour. This experience is a great way to try out massage, but the busy setting and lack of privacy can make them less relaxing than salons and spas.
How Much Does a Massage Cost?
If you are wondering what you should expect to pay for a massage in Bangkok or you have not visited for a while it’s worth knowing that prices have increased since massage shops reopened after the pandemic, probably to recoup the two years of losses they experienced.
Street-front shops are a lot cheaper than spas. Here’s a rough average in 2024:
| Style | Local Shop/Market – Baht | Spa/Boutique – Baht |
|---|---|---|
| Foot – 30 mins | 150 | 300 |
| Foot – 60 mins | 250 | 500 |
| Thai – 60 mins | 250 | 600 |
| Thai – 120 mins | 400 | 1000 |
| Oil – 60 mins | 350 | 1000 |
| Oil – 120 mins | 600 | 1800 |
How Much Should You Tip
When it comes to how much to tip for your massage you should know that masseurs don’t earn much. Some shops are generous and split the fee with them, so if it’s 400 for 2 hours, the shop gets 200, and the practitioner gets 200. But this is rare, some get a flat fee of 50 baht per massage no matter the duration.
I like to tip the masseur 100 Baht per hour. This is no hard and fast rule, but they always appreciate it.
How to Avoid the ‘Special’ Massage
South East Asia is well known for the ‘happy ending’ massage, and “special” spa massage treatments. Unfortunately, Thailand is up there. If that’s not what you’re looking for, don’t worry; there are many ways to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. Here are some ways to avoid it.
Choose Your Venue Wisely
The easiest way is to make a savvy decision about where to get your massage. You’ll be fine if you go to one of the well-known chains or luxury spas. They’re above board, they have regular inspections, and while you pay more for the massage, you’ve got 100% peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a shopfront massage, there are some areas where the ‘special’ might be more likely to be offered. Avoid shops near red-light districts like Soi Cowboy in Sukhumvit, Soi 6 in Silom and anywhere near Nana Plaza.
Most shops on main roads and in shopping malls will be fine, but I’d be slightly suspicious of any shops tucked away in the back of a soi, be sure to have a conversation with them to be sure (see below).
Check the Gratuity Suggestion
Some shops will have a recommended amount the masseur/masseuse expects to be tipped.
If a tip of 1,000 baht is mentioned, that would suggest that there’s more on offer than a regular massage.
So feel free to turn around and walk out. A tip of 100 baht an hour is more appropriate for a genuine massage.
Discuss it Up Front
I’m not shy about being clear that I don’t want it. ‘No special’ is clear enough to let the masseur/masseuse know that’s not what you’re there for. If they agree but then, during the massage, decide to get a little too handsy, stop the massage and leave.
I once had this happen to me in Vietnam, despite all my protests and her false promises she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I ended the massage and ignored her demand for a tip.
Some shops will preempt the conversation by having a ‘no sex’ sign at the register.
Looking for an Authentic Thai Massage in Bangkok
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been getting massages here for over seven years and have seen many shops come and go. Let’s start with the most traditional option.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is no ordinary massage destination; it’s the birthplace and spiritual home of Thai massage, widely recognised for its hallowed healing tradition. The art of Thai massage has been perfected and practised within the sacred walls of Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most famous temples, for more than 200 years.
Once inside the serene temple surroundings, expert therapists will skillfully apply ancient techniques that are known to ease every ounce of tension and fatigue from your mind and body.
Darin Spa
Currently, my favourite place to go in Bangkok, surprisingly for many, is Khao San Road. Well, actually, in the adjacent street Thanon Ram Butti. The place is called Darin Spa, and the prices are the same as in the left-hand column of the table above.
They’re all very professional, and you can choose to have a male or female masseur — I prefer a male as usually they give more vigorous massages.
Luxurious treatments & Hotel massage treatments
If you want a bit more luxury then the spas in Bangkok’s five-star hotels offer some of incredible spa treatments including traditional Thai massages as well as things like hot stone massage, facial treatments and body scrubs.
There you have it! If you’ve never had a Thai massage experience, head to my favourite Darin Spa or any of the thousands of other massage shops across the city next time you’re in Bangkok. Enjoy!
About the author: Stephen left Australia in 2016 with a one-way ticket to Thailand
and hasn’t been back since. Seven years later, he’s “living the ex-pat dream”, married and settled down; he and his partner travel across Thailand competing in half-marathon running events and sampling coffee at cafes.