Massage in Thailand – how it works

Pricing

Massage places are everywhere in Thailand. Westerners would consider them all to be affordably priced. But depending on the ambiance the price varies substantially, from ridiculously cheap (in bare minimal surroundings – e.g., a mat on a floor in a temple), to just really cheap (e.g., a private room with scented oil selections).

In a temple near the south border of the old City of Chiang Mai for example, Thai massages are 150 baht, or about $5, an hour. In the same area, spas with private rooms and dozens of options, the price will double, triple or quadruple.

Types of massage

Traditional Thai massage is done fully-clothed in a super-comfy one-size-fits-nearly-all top and bottom set. Because everyone is clothed, mixed sex rooms are possible, and nothing to worry about. It is done by pressing on different muscles with hands or even feet or knees. If you like a massage with firm pressure, you’ll love it.  There are many places that do only Thai massage and they are generally very cheap as basically the needed components are a mat and a massage person.

Many spa-style massage places in Thailand also have options of Swedish massage and other types of massages. Sometimes they are even under those names 🙂 . Most locations will have a sign outside with pricing and information in Thai and English to give you an idea about costs. Then when you go inside you can usually arrange to combine whichever treatments you want in time increments.  So I would usually go for a 1-hour Thai massage and then a 1-hour deep massage for example.

Don’t forget

If you go to any massage location in Thailand, make sure to leave your shoes at the door.

If you get home and decide you want those super comfy pants they have you put on for the massages in Thailand, they are available on Amazon in prettier patterns.  Click on the picture to see more options.