Nothing beats ending your trip or starting your exploration of Thailand than getting a classic Thai massage. Drawing much influence from old Indian Ayurvedic traditions of medical practice for millennia, it has become one of the most popular ways to pamper yourself while in the country. And with all this buzz around it, you’re likely wondering — how much is a massage in Thailand?
Generally, getting a massage in Siam’s touristy spots can cost you up to 300 baht ($8). But with enough exploring, you can spot deals as low as 150 baht ($3).
Here’s what you must know about Thai massages and their possible prices:
Thai Massage: A Brief History Check
Most of the Thai massage’s history is a mystery, with many of its records getting destroyed over time. And this practice’s tradition may have been passed down via word-of-mouth for centuries.
But many historians concluded that it began at least over 2000 years ago. And they attribute its start to the infamous Indian physician called Shivago Komarpaj. Also known as Jivaka Buccha Komar, he’s earned the title of “Father Doctor” throughout Asia.
Many believed Komarpaj to be a colleague of the Buddha, spreading traditional medical practices across southern Asia. And in modern times, Thai massage has become a famous holistic health practice, including aspects of Ayurveda, yoga, and Chinese medicine.
Why You Should Get a Massage in Thailand
Most massage forms urge practitioners to use their hands and other smaller objects to relax and manipulate muscles. Hence, they’ll often let you lie on a massage table, letting you switch between positions. But Thai massage is different, whereas you need to lie on the floor.
Unlike the awkward practice of removing most of your clothes in other forms of massage, you don’t have to do that for Thai massages. Instead, practitioners will let you wear a comfortable garment where you can freely move.
With that, the masseuse will move your limbs around, stretching joints and massaging essential body parts following the traditional Thai medicinal theory.
Here are the benefits exclusive to Thai massage:
💆🏻♀️ Eases Back Pain
Since this massaging technique focuses on areas contributing to back pain, like your inner thighs and stomach, it can also ease back pain. But be warned that it won’t cure the condition — it only temporarily eases discomfort. Hence, you need a qualified medical professional to check your back issues.
💆🏻♀️ Fights Headaches
A study shows that undergoing nine sessions of traditional Thai massage within a month can decrease throbbing headaches in individuals with chronic tension or migraines.
💆🏻♀️ Reduces Stress
When combined with plenty of rest and appropriate post-massage practices, undergoing this traditional practice can alleviate some of your stress.
💆🏻♀️ Aids Stroke Patients
Another study proved that stroke patients who undergo this traditional massage might recover better. And many can revert to their daily activities without issues, lowering their pain levels and allowing for better sleep.
💆🏻♀️ Improves Your Motion Range
Traditional practices combine compression, passive stretching, and acupressure, increasing your range and motion. And since these affect your joints and muscles, they can also fix your posture.
What are the Risks of Getting a Thai Massage?
Like any other practice, Thai massage has its fair share of risks. And these include changing your heart rate, which can harm those with heart conditions. Aside from that, there’s also a slight risk of getting injured muscles or bones by an incompetent masseuse.
But as long as you go to a trusted practitioner, not only will you enjoy the many health benefits mentioned above, but you’ll also be able to experience relaxation like no other. I recommend going with a licensed therapist with at least 500 hours of training, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to work on your body.
How Much is a Massage in Thailand?
Visiting touristy areas in Thailand or those near beaches can cost you more if you want to get a massage, often around 300 baht per hour. But with enough exploration and negotiation, you should be able to secure a deal as low as 150 to 250 ($3 to $7) baht per hour.
Note that that rate refers to traditional Thai massage. And you can always upgrade to an oil massage or add other services. These often cost 50% to 100% more than the regular full-body sessions, costing you around 300 to 400 baht ($8 to $12) per hour.
Meanwhile, luxury spas offer high-end amenities like saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, etc., if you want something indulgent.
Regardless, you can count on the base price of getting a massage in Thailand to be lower than in most countries.
For your convenience, here’s an estimate of how much is a massage in Thailand in some of its most popular destinations:
Bangkok
A massage in Siam’s capital can cost you between 250 and 300 baht ($7 to $8) per hour. But you can find lower bargains, with some going as low as 200 baht ($4) per hour. And since this is the most sought-after city, it’ll likely be your first foray into the massage scene.
You can find many masseuse parlors in Bangkok, but expect prices to be higher than in other parts of the country.
Pattaya
This popular tourist destination has some of the lowest massage prices in the country, with some even going as low as 120 baht ($1.5) per hour. But the regular rate in some places of Central Pattaya stands at 150 baht ($3) per hour, which is still incredibly low. But beware when exploring these parlors, as many are a bit seedy.
Different Massages and How Much They’ll Cost in Thailand
Places aside, the type of Thai massage you’re getting will also have a different price than the others:
Traditional (Full-Body)
Traditional Thai massage is a full-body session, incorporating techniques like stretching, acupressure, and reflexology. One hour can cost you between 150 and 250 baht ($3 to $7).
Before getting a full-body massage, the masseuse will give you a loose shirt and pants to change into for your comfort and convenience. Then you’ll lie face-up on a mat settled on the floor.
It’s beneficial for easing tension and improving range of motion and flexibility. And with an improved motion range, you can expect some of your pain and stiffness to melt away.
With a full-body session, the masseuse will target vital pressure points of your body with their hands, feet, elbows, and knees, moving you through the poses and stretches. And you’ll begin face-up with the focus on your legs before going upward to your arms.
Back, Shoulder, And Neck Massage
This combination is the perfect massage for those with jet lag, releasing tension in your back, shoulder, and neck. And not only will it ease some of your stress and stiffness, but also improve your posture. You can expect to pay between 200 and 350 baht ($5.5 to $9) per hour.
Head And Facial Massage
Complete your full-body massage and get the full experience by booking this session. It’s excellent for relieving stiffness and tension in your neck, temples, and scalp, improving your circulation. A head and facial massage can cost you between 250 and 400 baht ($7 to $10) every hour.
Foot Reflexology
As its name suggests, foot reflexology targets the pressure points in your feet, improving your well-being. And practitioners believe these correspond to different organs and systems. Once pressed, they’ll promote healing and relaxation — with a side of pain.
One hour can cost you between 150 and 250 baht ($3 to $7).
Thai Oil Massage
An oil massage is identical to a full-body session, but this time, the masseuse will use oil to lubricate your body. And here, you’ll need to take off your clothes (except your underwear), allowing for stronger kneading of your muscles. An hour session costs you between 300 and 400 baht ($8 to $10).
Massage By The Blind
If you’re looking for the cheapest massage rates in Thailand, you can get one done by a blind yet skilled individual. Many famous cities in Siam have visually impaired masseuses, allowing you to support locals and experience relaxation like never before.
You can find these unique masseuses in the streets of Siam or inside malls.
The Happy Ending
The last and most controversial massage you can get in Thailand is the “Happy Ending.” It’s a session that offers you more than just simple relaxation. And you can request this in advance, or the masseuse may ask you in the middle of your session.
With this practice, you’ll be required to be fully nude and lying down on a higher table. And sometimes, you’ll get a private room or large shared spaces divided by curtains.
It’s the priciest massage service, costing you up to 1000 baht ($30) or more per hour.
What are the Common Concerns When Getting a Massage in Thailand?
We all know Thai massages are a part of Siam’s culture, so it’s not surprising to see them everywhere! From shopping malls and luxurious spas to the streets, you don’t have to search hard to find a decent parlor here. And despite Thai people being famous for being somewhat small, their masseuses have some of the strongest grips!
But with the seedy background of massage parlors in the country, you’re likely wondering the following:
❓ Safety
Despite its seedy reputation, many massage parlors in Thailand are as safe as their regular spas. After all, Thai people are among the kindest, friendliest, and most honest in the world. Still, ensure the parlors you visit have the proper certificates and their staff have extended training hours.
After all, no matter how safe a country is, there are still a few bad seeds, so avoid parlors offering suspiciously low rates and only go to places with heavy traffic and plenty of lighting.
❓ Quality
Although many masseuses may seem petite and weak, be aware of their strength. After all, Thai massage would be less sought-after if their practitioners used light pressure. So, you can expect firm pressure and a relaxing experience.
❓ Tipping
No mandatory law indicates you need to tip workers, but it’s better to give a small tip to these hardworking masseuses. After all, the massage is already cheap, so throwing one dollar or two should be manageable in your wallet. And it can make your practitioner’s day, making it a win-win situation for everyone.
❓ Spas or Parlors
If you want to guarantee your safety and want to avail more services, going to a spa (hotel/resort) is better than a sole parlor. Most Thai hotels offer massage services with complimentary use of their pool, steam rooms, or saunas. And you’ll have better chances of communicating at these places since their therapists will likely speak better English.
With that, you’ll be able to tell them what places in your body you wish for them to focus on and which ones to avoid.
Avoiding Seedy or Sketchy Massage Parlors
If you’re searching for a regular massage, avoid places with brightly-lit signs or a massage menu with suggestive language promoting “tantric” or “special” services. You can also check Google Maps and parlor photos with a “sensual massage rating” section — and avoid them if possible.
Aside from that, avoid going to places with young women dressed scantily and forcing you to go inside their parlors. Another indicator of sketchy parlors also involves cleanliness, as most neglect hygiene and cleaning.
As much as possible, go to places with older women dressed in traditional massage uniforms. These often indicate you’ll be having a regular experience.
Top Thai Massage Places to Explore
Here are a few of the most popular massage parlors and spas to explore while in Thailand:
The Lavender Massage
This place is well-known for its aromatherapy oil massage. But it also offers other services at affordable rates. Once the session ends, the place will offer you a hot cup of tea, allowing you to roam around their garden. A traditional full-body massage in this spa can cost you 250 baht ($7) per hour.
Zen Tara
Those planning to take the subway in Thailand visit Zen Tara for a relaxing massage. They have private cubicles filled with aroma-infused interiors, ensuring a soothing experience for a price as low as 250 baht per hour.
Massage @ Le
This parlor has some of the best masseuses in the country, offering four essential treatments. Whether you want a full-body or foot massage, this place has everything. And they’re famous for striving to provide the best quality massages offered at the low price of 290 baht ($7 to $8) per hour.
Ruen Nuad
One of the few places offering genuine, herbal Thai massage, enhancing the entire experience to another level. And you can find this cozy massage studio in the heart of Bangkok, giving you much-needed relaxation. Once done, the place gives you a cup of hot tea, allowing you to relax more before returning to your schedule.
An hour session in Ruen Nuad costs 350 baht ($8.5).
Sayamon Massage
For 200 baht ($5.5 to $6), this parlor provides an hour-long and top-notch full-body or foot massage. And you can find it in one of Siam’s most famous markets, the “Pratunam Marlet.” If you’re on the clock, you may also request a discounted express session (often 30 minutes).
Feel Good
If you want the best foot reflexology place in Thailand, look no further than Feel Good. They have fully air-conditioned facilities, offering 290 ($7.5) per hour for deep massages. And though it’s well-known for its foot reflexology, it also provides other massage services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I not do after getting massaged in Siam?
A: Avoid drinking cold water or taking cold showers after getting a massage, as it can strain your muscles. And this is especially noteworthy for Thai massages as they apply firm pressure, making the strains more painful. Aside from that, avoid eating large meals and drinking alcohol and coffee, as it can disrupt your body’s system.
Q: How much is a massage in Thailand walk-in?
A: You don’t need to pay an entrance fee for a Thai massage, but expect to pay up to 300 baht per hour. And for luxurious spots, massage services can cost over 1000 baht ($30). But with some haggling and exploration of local areas, you can get a quality massage for as low as 150 baht ($3).
Q: Will I need to remove my clothing and underwear when I want to get a traditional massage in Thailand?
A: Unless you request an oil massage, you’ll remain fully clothed during an hour-long session in Thailand. But expect these spas and parlors to give you loose-fitted clothing to change into before getting the massage.
Q: What will a Thai massage include in an hour-long session?
A: Thai massages combines assisted yoga and acupressure, relieving tension and improving your range of motion. And the therapist will use yogic stretching techniques, kneading and pressing your muscles across your body’s energy lines with their hands and feet.
Q: Is tipping necessary when getting a Thai massage?
A: You aren’t required to tip your masseuse in Thailand, but I recommend it. After all, an extra 50 or 100 baht will be enough to make the practitioner’s day. And massage rates are cheap in the country, so giving a small tip shouldn’t hurt.
Final Words
How much is a massage in Thailand? Getting one in its touristy spots can cost you up to 300 baht or more. But if you explore the place enough, you’ll be able to score deals as low as 150 baht for an hour’s massage. Either way, getting a massage while in the country is a must, whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting! So, book a massage today!