Asia
Thai Massage in Bangkok: best Bangkok Massage Parlors + where to get deals
Sep
Thai Massage in Bangkok is a must-do. If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in Bangkok, you can’t go wrong with a Thai massage. Thai massage is a traditional healing art that combines acupressure, stretching, and rhythmic movements to release tension, improve circulation, and balance the body and mind.
Thai massage and general massage and spa in Bangkok (and Thailand) are very affordable and definitely worth trying. I am a Thai massage addict and am so excited to give you my recommendations.
Table of Contents
Thai Massage in Bangkok FAQ
Before we dive into where to go, I want to answer some frequently asked questions about Thai massage in Bangkok and what massage parlors in Bangkok are like.
How much does a Thai massage cost in Bangkok?
The price of a Thai massage in Bangkok depends on the type, duration, and location of the massage.
- Local street-side massage parlors prices should be 200-400 baht, I usually wouldn’t pay more than 250 baht unless it has raving reviews
- Thai massage at a nicer massage parlor or a trusted chain can be 300-700 baht. Personally, I don’t pay more than 400-500 baht even if the environment is a lot nicer.
Most Bangkok massage and spas will also offer packages and other services like oil massage, an aromatherapy massage, or a foot massage. Prices for foot massage will be similar to Thai massage while the rest are all pricier.
Do you wear clothes during Thai massage?
Yes, you usually wear loose-fitting clothes during Thai massage. The massage parlor will provide you with a set of clean clothes to change into before the massage.
You can keep your underwear on beneath the clothes but for ladies, I would recommend removing the bra if you are comfortable with it.
For oil and aroma therapy massage, you may have to remove your clothes and wear a towel or disposable underwear provided by the therapist.
What happens at a Thai full body massage?
A Thai full-body massage is a combination of massage and stretching. It is a dry massage with clothes on and can be jarring to first-timers. The masseuse will use their hands, feet, elbows, or knees to apply pressure along your energy lines and points, as well as stretch your muscles and joints.
You may feel some pain or discomfort during the massage, but it should be bearable and beneficial. A key point is to tell them the level of pressure you can deal with before the massage begins e.g. light, medium, or deep. You’ll be lying on your back, face down, and also sit up during the massage.
There is usually a few stretching moves that involve twisting your body in big movement. If you feel uncomfortable with that, just let them know.
What to expect from a Bangkok massage?
I generally feel more relaxed after a massage, but on occasion, the masseuse used too much pressure; it was a bit painful but overall beneficial. Here are some need to know:
• Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before the massage.
• Inform the therapist of any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, or preferences that you have.
• Drink plenty of water after the massage to flush out any toxins and stay hydrated.
Do you tip massage in Bangkok?
Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, and I generally do not tip. However, you are welcome to tip your masseuse if you are happy with them.
How much tips do you give for a massage in Bangkok?
It depends on how happy you are. As I rarely tip, I would say between 20-50 baht is okay depending on how long your treatment was.
How to pick a good Thai Massage parlor?
I’ll give my recommendations below and it’s always good to look for Google Map Review! I’ll also recommend good apps to use.
Bangkok Massage Parlors – the different tiers
Average Bangkok Massage parlors – you can find them dotted around with only one or two masseuses, it’s a hit or miss
Mid-range Bangkok Massage Parlors – many of these, you best check the review and often more coupons online
Luxury Bangkok Massage Parlors – there are many luxury Bangkok massage parlors too and their price will be higher but you’ll get a great environment
Note: Happy Ending Massages can be found but it is not something I’ll talk about in this article.
Best deals for Thai Massage in Bangkok
I’m always looking for the best deal and I know just the right places where you can get a massage for a good price! In fact, going direct sometimes does not get me the same level of discount which is shocking.
Klook
Klook is a great place to book massage deals for cheap. Almost every massage place I go to I’ve booked via Klook, so I’ll include the booking link for the ones I recommend.
Some of these also let you book a preferred timeslot and the massage parlor can confirm directly. If a time change is needed, you’ll get an email and can talk there, eliminating the need to call or use other apps.
ThaiHand
With ThaiHand you can also book a massage directly and see if there are well-rated massage parlors near you. I didn’t end up using it because of my tight schedule and the app can be a little glitchy. But overall I think it is useful for looking for smaller or independent massage parlors. And often a discount is offered as well.
GoWabi
You can also find discounted massages on GoWabi, but for me, it’s more primarily a beauty app. It requires you to organise a time with the purchased voucher with the vendor yourself, so I haven’t really used it. That said, if you have time and also have the Line App to message, it is also a good platform to search for discounts.
Famous Thai Massage in Bangkok
Wat Pho Wat Phra Chetuphon Traditional Medicine School
If you are looking for a traditional and authentic Thai massage in Bangkok, you should visit the Wat Po Thai Traditional Massage School. This is the first and original school of Thai massage, founded in 1955 at the Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Po) temple. Wat Po is also known as the birthplace of Thai massage, where the ancient art of healing has been practiced for centuries. At Wat Po Thai Traditional Massage School, you can learn the theory and practice of Thai massage from qualified instructors, or enjoy a relaxing massage session from experienced therapists. The school offers various courses and services, such as general Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage, herbal massage, and spa treatments.
Opening times: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thai Massage Workshop in Bangkok
ThaiHand Massage Workshop
ThaiHand Massage Workshop at I’m Chinatown is a unique opportunity to learn and practice authentic Thai massage in Bangkok. Thai massage is a traditional healing art that involves stretching, pressing, and kneading the body to promote relaxation, circulation, and well-being. At ThaiHand Massage Workshop, you can choose from two different courses: a 3-hour hands-on authentic Thai massage workshop or a 90-minute herbal compress massage workshop.
Both courses are designed by senior spa therapists with 20 years of experience and will teach you the theory and technique of Thai massage. You will also get to enjoy a real Thai massage session with traditional Thai drinks and snacks provided. The workshop is located at I’m Chinatown, a trendy hotel and lifestyle complex in the heart of Chinatown (and they have a ChaTraMue).
It is in a shopfront and therefore has glass window, but there is a partition and changing area plus lockers, so you can change with space and privacy and lock your things away.
Three Hour Thai Massage Workshop
We started by learning about Thai Massage origin and theory once we’ve changed and it’s interesting to learn how Thai Massage came to be! The class can be broken down into 4 sections:
- Self Head Massage
- Shoulder and Neck Massage
- Herbal Compress making and how to use it
- Full body Massage techniques
While it cannot be compared to a full course, me and my sister did learn a lot. We tried it on our friends and they’re all quite happy.
You can book it through Klook here or go to their official website
Bangkok Massage Sukhumvit recommendations
Bangkok is a city that offers a variety of massage options for every budget and preference. Whether you are looking for a relaxing Thai massage, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a luxurious pampering session, you can find it in Sukhumvit, one of the most popular areas in Bangkok. Here are some of the best Bangkok massage Sukhumvit recommendations for different price ranges:
Note: as prices depend on the treatment you pick and are also subject to discount availability, I’ll leave the link for you to check.
Budget Bangkok Thai Massage Options
One More Thai
If you are looking for a cheap and value-for-money Thai massage, One More Thai is a great option. Located near Nana BTS station, this place offers traditional Thai massage at one of the best prices in Bangkok.
Previously I’ve found the environment a bit lacking, but they have renovated (August 2023) and it’s a lot better. I booked through Klook and the only downside is that everyone is massage in one big room divided by curtain, and some customers can be noisy settling in and leaving. I opt for a traditional Thai massage but you can also choose from other services such as foot massage, oil massage, and herbal compress.
Mid-range Bangkok Thai Massage Options
Let’s Relax
Let’s Relax is one of the most well-known spa chains in Thailand, with branches all over the country. In Sukhumvit, you can find Let’s Relax at Terminal 21, The EmQuartier, and The Emporium, as well as near Thong Lo station and in hotels. Let’s Relax offers a range of spa treatments, such as aromatherapy oil massage, body scrub, facial, and hot stone massage.
The prices are reasonable for the quality and service, starting from 550 baht per hour. They also have onsen facilities at some of their branches, where you can enjoy a Japanese-style hot spring bath. I quite enjoy their Grand Centre Sukhumvit 33 location with the Onsen packages, and appreciate that I have my own room for a Thai Massage.
P.S. You get a small portion of mango sticky rice as a post-massage treat!
Healthland
Healthland is another popular spa chain that has several locations in Sukhumvit, such as Asoke, Thonglor, and Ekkamai. Healthland specializes in Thai massage and reflexology, but also offers other services such as Swedish massage, shiatsu, and spa packages. The prices are slightly higher than Let’s Relax, but it’s my local friend’s go-to franchise. However, the facilities are spacious and elegant, and the therapists are well-trained and experienced.
Lek Massage and Spa
Lek Massage and Spa is a family-run business that has been operating since 1989. They have many branches across the city and are a solid choice if there are no good ones nearby. Lek Massage and Spa offers a variety of massage services, such as Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage, and herbal ball massage. The prices are affordable for the location and quality, starting from 300 baht per hour. I went a few times and found that the quality differs from branch to branch, so it’s best to check the reviews.
Once Upon a Thai
Once Upon a Thai is a charming spa that is located near Asok BTS Station. The spa has a fairy tale theme, with colorful decorations and whimsical details. Once Upon a Thai offers a range of massage services, such as Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage, and hot compress massage.
The prices are reasonable for the ambiance and service, starting from 450 baht per hour. The staff are courteous and skilled, and the rooms are cozy and relaxing. I do really like their organic ice cream (coconut or mango) post-massage.
Oasis Spa at Sukhumvit 31
Oasis Spa is a luxury spa chain that has several branches in Bangkok, one of which is located at Sukhumvit 31. Oasis Spa offers a variety of spa treatments, such as aromatherapy oil massage, body scrub, facials, and wraps. The prices are high-end for the quality and service, with a serene environment, and the therapists are professional and attentive. You can also enjoy a complimentary pickup service from your hotel or nearby BTS station.
Luxury Bangkok Thai Massage Options
DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa
DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa is a premium spa that is located near Phrom Phong BTS station. DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa offers a range of spa treatments that use natural ingredients and advanced technology. You can choose from different spa menus that cater to your specific needs and preferences, such as Anti-Aging Menu, Brightening Menu, or Slimming Menu. The prices are expensive for the quality and service, starting from 3,500 baht per hour. However, the facilities are luxurious and elegant, and the therapists are highly qualified and attentive.
Divana Spa
Divana Spa is a luxury spa chain that offers a range of spa treatments that use natural ingredients and advanced technology. Divana Spa has five branches in Bangkok, each with its own unique theme and ambiance. You can choose from different spa menus that cater to your specific needs and preferences, such as anti-aging, brightening, slimming, or detoxifying. Divana Spa also provides massage services, such as Thai massage, oil massage, herbal massage, and hot stone massage.
Bangkok Airport Massage
If you’re leaving Bangkok and want one last massage, I’m happy to tell you that it is very possible. However, it’ll cost you a pretty penny compared to the outside prices.
Sensib Thai Massage
There are two massage parlours around the airport that I saw, but prices are almost comparable to Hong Kong. It’s a lot more value for money to go for 45 or 60 minutes versus 30 minutes, but that depends if you have enough time before your flight.
You can get foot massage, back and shoulder massage, Thai massage, as well as Aroma Oil, but only the first two are available for 30 minutes.
