Reputable Massage Shops in Thailand

There are countless massage shops and spas in Thailand, and plenty of them will provide a good therapeutic Thai massage. But there are also many that are neither good nor family-friendly. This article will focus on reputable massage shops which will provide, at the very least, a decent and proper traditional Thai medical massage. You should be able to get a massage at any of these places without worry. I am mostly going to list well known chains that have been around for a long time or reputable independent shops that I personally visit.

This is the last section in my four part series about massage in Thailand. You may also want to learn about the types of massage in Thailand, advice on getting a massage, or how to avoid a bad massage.

This article is about LEGITIMATE family-friendly massages. If you’re looking for something else, this article is not for you.

Since this about legitimate Thai therapeutic massage for health and wellness only, I will refer to the masseuse as a massage therapist from here on out.

Note: Due to the strong anti-defamation laws in Thailand, unfortunately I can not list specific massage shops to avoid.

Bangkok

I know the most about Bangkok since I live here. If I were to list all the reputable places I know of, I'd be here all day. Just because it isn't listed doesn't mean it's bad. But if you're new to Bangkok or visiting for the first time, you can't go wrong at any of these locations.

Health Land

Health Land is the largest therapeutic massage business in Thailand. The branches I’ve visited in Bangkok are the size of mansions. It’s got a stellar reputation. At 2-hours for 650 baht, the price of their traditional Thai massage is hard to beat. They also offer Ayurvedic treatments, but I haven’t tried any. Health Land is recommended in a lot of guidebooks for good reason: It's dependable. Due to its sheer size, if you find a massage therapist you like, you must get their name if you want to go back, otherwise you may never be able to find them again.

Body Tune

Body Tune is another chain with five branches in Bangkok at the time of writing. When I first moved to Thailand, the Body Tune branches on Sukhumvit Soi 39 and in Silom were my go-to spots. Since then, I’ve found some local shops I like, but I still enjoy Body Tune, because they always have great specials and package deals. You can often get a discount on a combo such as a one-hour foot massage + one-hour aromatherapy oil massage. The atmosphere of Body Tune feels like a spa rather than a massage shop.

Asia Herb Association

Asia Herb Association is a long time staple of the reputable massage chains in Bangkok. When I was in the neighborhood, I used to visit their Thong Lo branch, which has since closed. Unfortunately some branches closed during the pandemic, but three branches still remain open around Bangkok.

FootMaster

FootMaster is different from the other businesses listed in that it focuses on traditional Chinese reflexology instead of the Thai style foot massage. Expect it to be more painful, but more refreshing afterward. FootMaster is also more expensive than getting a standard Thai foot massage. If you want to go, I advise booking a senior therapist. They also have other types of Thai and Chinese massages and treatments, including cupping and gua sha, but I’ve only gone there for the foot massage. 

Massage inside Wat Pho

You need to pay to enter Wat Pho to get a massage within the temple, but they have a sister branch nearby at Chetawan Massage School. Some of the best traditional Thai and Thai foot massages you will get in Bangkok come from the professionally trained staff inside the massage pavilion at Wat Pho. If you’re just visiting Bangkok you must go here.

Yunomori Onsen

Yunomori Onsen is a traditional Japanese onsen (bath house) in the heart of Bangkok. It has two branches, and great massages. In additional to traditional Thai massages, herbal ball massages, and the like, they have a special “deep sleep head massage” which focuses on your head and neck to promote deep relaxation. It’s really wonderful. You don't have to enter the onsen to book a massage here, but you will certainly benefit from spending half a day at the onsen and getting a massage.

Lek Massage

I’ve never actually been to any of the branches of Lek Massage, but it consistently gets good reviews. I sent some friends there who were visiting me, since the branch was open later than the other shops. They raved about it and called it the best massage they had yet. 

Ban Chomnard Sala Dang

Ban Chomnard is my go-to shop in the Silom area. As far as I know it’s a small locally run shop, though the owner has/had at least one more shop under a different name. I’ve been going there for years. Normally I go for foot massage but I’ve been there for Thai massages too. The massage certifications are out in full customer view as well.

Hotel Spa's

If you're staying in a decent 3-5 star hotel, your hotel will probably have a spa with massage options. Usually the therapists working at hotel spa's are quite good, but the massages will cost more.

Perception Blind Massage

I personally haven't been to Perception Blind Massage, but I've heard good things. As the name suggests, all of their massage therapists are blind. They offer traditional Thai massage, herbal ball, head/back/shoulders, and foot massage.

Chiang Mai

I find it easier to get good massages in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand in general. I can't even remember a particularly bad massage I had in Chiang Mai. Regardless, here are a couple of shops that I've been to and know to be reputable.

Lila Thai Massage

Lila Thai Massage is often listed in Thailand guidebooks because the chain was started to employ formerly incarcerated women who have gone through a traditional Thai massage training program while in prison. It gives them a livelihood when they get out of prison. I've gotten massages here many times. There are a lot of branches around town.

Lantana

There are three branches of Lantana Massage and Spa, and I'm assuming they are all related. If you're staying in the Nimman Road area of Chiang Mai, all three branches are around there. I've been here a few times and the atmosphere is nice and the massages are solid.

Temple Massages

Some of the temples in Chiang Mai have no-frills massage shops attached. They are going to be very cheap with very basic amenities. Expect a mat on the floor next to other mats on the floor. But the quality should be quite good.

Ubon Ratchathani

Garden House Thai Massage

In case you find yourself in Ubon, I was impressed with the quality and professionalism at Garden House Thai Massage. I actually went there twice.

As I discover more reputable massage shops and spas around Thailand, I will update this list.