The ULTIMATE Guide To Massages In Thailand

Traditional Thai massage is an intrinsic part of Thai society. In fact, UNESCO considers Thai Massage to be an intangible cultural heritage of Thailand. In recent years, Thai massage has become a worldwide phenomenon, gaining popularity in many countries around the world. It is a therapeutic medical massage that, over thousands of years, has combined Indian Ayurvedic practices with traditional Chinese and local Southeast Asian medical practices. If you're wanting to get a massage in Thailand, or even if you're massage averse, it's worthwhile to learn the ins and outs of massage in Thailand so that you can make the most of your experience in Thailand.

In this four-part series, I will first give an explanation of the different types of massages you will encounter in Thailand. Next I will explain some things you should know before going for a massage. I will give some tips to avoid a bad massage. And finally I will provide a list of reputable massage shops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other areas of Thailand.

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

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

Standard Types of Massage in Thailand

Traditional Thai Massage

If you enjoy massages, a traditional Thai massage is the one to get when you come to Thailand.  Traditional Thai Massage is sometimes referred to as “Thai Yoga Massage”.  It involves a combination of stretching and acupressure techniques.  This type of massage is not supposed to be pleasant. If it’s done properly, it will probably hurt at least a little bit, but you will feel much better afterward. You can always ask your massage therapist to apply less pressure if it hurts too much.

In this style of massage, you remain fully clothed. You will be provided with a loose fitting shirt and loose Thai style pants. This attire should have plenty of give in order to accommodate all the stretching. Most of the time traditional Thai massage is done on a thick mat on the floor.  Depending on where you go, you may be in a private room, a big room with dividers or curtains, or in a completely open air room with lots of mats next to one another. The fancier the place, the more likely you are to have a private room or private area.

Traditional Thai massages have a very prescribed order. Many places start with a quick wash of your feet in warm water. After that, you will start the massage by lying face up. The massage therapist begins by working on your feet and legs, alternating between acupressure and different stretches. The massage typically finishes at the head and shoulders, but the order by which they progress from start to finish seems dependent on the person giving the massage.

Once they are finished, they will ask you to sit up and they will perform a few additional stretches while you are seated. They may also dig into any tight spots they find in your shoulders.  

The massage therapist will use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to massage and stretch your body.  If it’s your first time getting a traditional Thai massage, this might be surprising to you. The amount of time spent on any one area is dependent upon the length of the massage.  I really like the head massage at the end, but I find that a minimum 90 minute massage is required if you want a decent head massage included. However this is very dependent upon the massage therapist. Some people spend no time on the head massage and some will dedicate 10 minutes to it.

At the end of the massage, you may feel a little bit sore, but your muscles and joints should become looser and more relaxed. Any soreness due to the acupressure should subside in a day or two.

Most Traditional Thai Massage is done dry, without oil or lotion. However sometimes you may be offered a massage with Thai herbal balm. I personally like the Thai herbal balm. It smells similar to Tiger Balm (or Vick’s Vaporub) but is less potent. It makes the massage feel more refreshing. They usually rub this on tight muscles to help relax them.

Thai Oil Massage

A Thai oil massage is a combination of acupressure techniques and longer massage strokes.  It may be done on a mat on the floor or on a traditional massage table. These massages are generally performed in private areas (curtain dividers or a private room).  Thai oil massage is similar to some western massage styles in that you will be mostly unclothed and a blanket or towels will be draped on top of you.  The massage therapist will only uncover the area of your body that they are working on, but they are a little more liberal about this than massage therapists in western countries.

Many massage shops offering oil massages will provide disposable underwear for clients, and some also ofter a hair net to keep the oil out of your hair.  If you are not provided with these items, then you can proceed as you would with a western style massage - underwear on or off at your discretion.

A Thai oil massage is usually more expensive than a Traditional Thai Massage. It could be double or triple the price, depending on the shop. For some people, a traditional Thai massage is too strong or painful, so they prefer the oil massage. However, if you have store spots, a good oil massage might be just as painful as the Thai massage, because it also uses acupressure techniques.

A good therapist may also use a bit of stretching during an oil massage if they feel it’s necessary, but stretching is not typical.  If you have had a few traditional Thai massages, and want to try something different, a Thai oil massage would be worthwhile.

Aromatherapy Massage

This is basically a Thai oil Massage with an essential oil mixed in.  Generally the client chooses from several types of essential oils, from relaxing to invigorating. Aromatherapy massages are more common at nice spas and large massage chains. I personally wouldn’t pay extra money for an aromatherapy massage, but if there is a package deal with a discount, I don’t mind it either. I often can’t smell the aromatherapy until they are massaging my shoulders anyway, so I don’t feel like I get enough benefit to justify the extra cost.

Thai Foot Massage

The principles of Thai foot massage are taken from Chinese reflexology, but are generally less intense than the Chinese counterpart.  A lotion or oil is used on the feet and lower legs.  

Most places will have you sitting in some sort of massage chair or recliner with your feet up on a stool.  If no chairs are available, the foot massage can be done on the same mat as a traditional Thai massage.

Thai foot massages vary the most in quality and technique. A good foot massage will spend a lot of time on the reflexology points of the feet, but also concentrate on the lower leg. Unfortunately some massage therapists spend most of the time massaging your lower leg and doesn’t spend much time on the actual foot at all.  

One big difference between a Thai foot massage and a Chinese reflexology massage is that some Thai massage therapists prefer to use a small stick to hit the reflexology points of the foot. If you get one of these therapists, they may use it a little or a lot. It will probably feel weird the first time someone is digging a stick into the bottom of your foot, but I don't find it to be more uncomfortable than a massage therapist with strong hands.

Typically an hour-long foot massage will end with a quick back/neck/shoulder massage that lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.  This is a nice way to relax your upper body a bit.

It’s hard to find a great foot massage in Bangkok, but thankfully now I have my go-to place, where pretty much every employee does a great job.

Thai Herbal Ball Massage

Thai herbal ball massage uses a mix of therapeutic herbs that is wrapped in a muslin-like material to form a ball shape. The herbal ball is then heated by steaming, pressed onto the body, and moved around in a rocking motion. Different herbs will give different benefits, and the heat will help relax your muscles.  

If I go for a Thai herbal ball massage, I prefer to do it as part of a spa package with another type of massage. For example, maybe a 60 min oil massage followed by a 30 min herbal ball massage. The aromas of a good herbal ball will fill the air around you, so not only do you get the benefits on your muscles, you get to breathe in the herbs too.

Head, Neck, and Shoulder Massage

Some massage shops offer a head, neck, and shoulder massage. This is essentially an upper body massage that focuses on those areas, plus your arms and back. Generally your are clothed like a Thai massage, and the massage is done dry or with balm applied. Sometimes the massage is done seated in a foot massage chair, sometimes it's done on a mat.

Regional Massage

Tok Sen northern Thai massage

Tok Sen is a Northern Thai traditional medical massage practice that uses a wooden hammer/mallet and a wedge to help release the muscles and fascia. The therapist will tap the hammer against the wedge to help release tight muscles, fascia, and trigger points that might be causing pain.

It might seem strange at first but it really isn't all that different from using those percussive massagers (massage guns) that are popular these days.

The one time I had a tok sen massage, I felt immediate relief, especially in my neck and shoulders. Since this massage technique is specific to northern Thailand, it will be more difficult to find in Bangkok and other regions. If you want to try tok sen, it will be easiest to find a spa that offers it in Chiang Mai.

Next up, learn what to expect from a massage in Thailand and how to get a great one