Thai Massage for the First Time: What to Know Before You Lie Down
Four types of massage and what sets them apart
If you only have time for one thing in Thailand, get a massage. The catch is that the menu offers ten options and they all sound alike. Here are the four most common.
Traditional Thai massage is usually done on a mat on the floor, in loose clothes that the place provides. There is no oil: you get pressure, stretches and movements that sometimes feel like yoga guided by someone else. Oil massage is closer to what you know at home, with oil and smooth strokes. Foot massage is typically done sitting in a chair and often includes the calves. Aromatherapy massage uses scented oils, and tends to be gentler and aimed at relaxation.
Why Bangkok, and the temple connection
Traditional Thai massage is historically linked with Wat Pho in Bangkok, regarded as a key place for teaching the method. If you visit anyway, you can combine the two, and our guide to temples worth seeing explains how to plan it.
In Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket you will find places at every level, from a small street stall to a luxurious spa. It is not true that expensive is always good or cheap is always bad, so your selection habits matter more than the price. Add massage to your plan early in the budget calculator.
How to choose a reputable place
Good signs: a clean, bright space, a clear menu with posted prices, staff who explain what is included, recent reviews on maps and people leaving looking happy. Stay away from anyone who pulls you in with pressure or offers strange deals.
And to be honest: in some nightlife areas the word massage is also used for a completely different service. If that is not what you want, choose a place with a calm storefront and a clear massage menu. In the north, in Chiang Mai, there is a large concentration of schools and massage centers, and if you are looking for a place to stay in the city, here are a few options.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaHow to say stop or lighter
Thai massage can be strong, and sometimes feels like a friendly wrestling match. That is fine, but you do not need to suffer through it. Just say lighter, please, or stop, in English, or bao bao in Thai, which roughly means gently. Therapists are completely used to this.
What is normal: firm pressure, stretches, elbows and mild soreness with a pause. What is not: sharp pain, inappropriate touching or pressure to buy extras mid-session. In that case you are free to stop, get dressed and leave. Pregnant travelers, and anyone with an injury or a medical condition, should talk to a doctor first and tell the therapist upfront. More in our guide for pregnant travelers.
Etiquette and aftercare
Shoes usually come off at the entrance and you change into the clothes you are given. Arrive reasonably clean, and do not walk in straight from the beach covered in sand. Simple, quiet communication is enough, and there is no need to chat.
After the session, drink water and do not plan a hard workout the same day. A tip is not obligatory, but it is common to thank the therapist, as you will see in the tipping guide. And if you enjoy it, it is one of the cheapest and nicest habits of the trip.
The short summary
Pick a type according to what you need: stretching, relaxation or relief for tired feet after a day of walking. Check that the place is reputable, say what is uncomfortable, and do not be shy about stopping. If you want to fit massage into a full plan, start with the trip itinerary planner.
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