The Real Scoop on Massages in Thailand: Locations, Cost and Services

This is a continuation of my Asia trip report. See also Back from Thailand and Singapore: 7 Biggest Takeaways, Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class SFO to SIN to BKK, Cathay Pacific Premium Economy HKG to SEA, A Taste of Andaz Singapore, One Day in Singapore, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Airport Lounge with Free Massage, Chiang Mai Excursion–Elephant Nature Park and Wat Ban Den, Chiang Mai Hotel Review Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel

I’m slowly making my way through my Thailand trip report. And I can’t talk about Thailand without talking about massages.

Here in the U.S., massages are a special treat, mainly based on the cost. I do enjoy a good foot massage with an occasional pedicure, but the cost near my home for a 1-hour pedicure that includes a 15-minute foot massage is around $50. On some vacations, I’ll treat myself to a full body massage at a hotel spa or on a cruise, but the price for a 90-minute massage reaches the $200-$300 range. Ouch!

However, massages in Asia (and especially Thailand) are a whole different story. The cost is much, much less. You can hardly walk 10 feet without running into a massage business. So, I treated myself to massages on my Thailand trip almost every single day, no lie.

Tiers of Massage Places in Thailand

Based on my experience in Thailand, there are 4 basic tiers of massage locations:

• Outside in street markets (the cheapest): $3 for 30 minutes or $5 for 60 minutes
• Local massage businesses: Starting at $10+ for 60 minutes
• Fancier day spas: Starting $15 + for 60 minutes
• Resort hotel spas (the most expensive): Price varies

Pricing of local Chiang Mai massage center (prices in Thai Baht):

Pricing at beach-side covered massage place:

Massage Services Offered

In the outside street markets, I saw mainly foot massages and traditional Thai massages offered. Traditional Thai massages are also known as “lazy man’s yoga”. You remain fully clothed, and the therapist stretches and bends your body. I didn’t try a massage at these market places because it was so hot outside (even in the evening).

Local massage places, day spas and resort hotel spas offer more services besides foot massages and traditional Thai massages. Services are similar to U.S. spas and include:

• Oil massages
• Hot Stone therapy
• Body scrubs
• Head massages
• Deep tissues massages
• Bamboo massages
• Hair wash and blowout
• Facials

My Massage Experiences

Just a few blocks from my hotel in Chiang Mai Old City, there were several local massage places. My hotel recommended one in particular. For $10, I got a 60-minute foot and leg massage.

The service started with a cold fruit-infused drink:

Followed by a foot washing:

And then on to the foot and leg massage on a recliner in the front lobby:

At the end, I was offered hot tea, a snack and a cold towel:

Most of these locals places were open until late in the evening, which is convenient. After a day of walking around non-stop, this 1-hour experience was heavenly!

The next day, I tried a 90-minute full body oil massage for around $25. The service started with the same welcome drink and foot washing. Then, I was lead to a semi-private room and given disposable underwear. I say semi-private because even though I was the only person in the room, the walls to the other room were only 3/4 high. So, I could hear the therapist and customer in the next room. At one point, I could hear a man snoring loudly.

The massage table was pretty basic and not cushy at all. It had a hole cut in the bottom for my face. Not fancy by any means. But, the massage itself was pretty great! At the end, I got the hot tea, towel and snack. I really enjoyed this place because the staff was very welcoming and well-trained. I only saw locals going to this massage place, no other tourists.

Later during my stay in Chiang Mai, I tried out a fancier day spa that my hotel recommended and booked for me, Makkah Health and Spa. This spa has 4 locations in Chiang Mai and includes free pickup service from local hotels. I paid round $65 for a 2-hour massage, and it was fantastic!

It included a welcome drink, cold towel, snack and a selection of scented oils I could choose from:

Lobby area:

Private treatment room that was definitely quieter and more comfortable than the cheaper spa:

After the 2-hour massage, they served me the famous Thai dessert, mango sticky rice:

This massage was a fantastic, pampering experience for the money, and I definitely recommend this chain if you’re in Thailand.

My last massage experience was at our hotel spa in Krabi. This was my most expensive massage at around $120 for 90 minutes. That included a welcome drink, body scrub and massage and farewell tea and dessert. This spa had private bungalows and was the fanciest of all the spas on my trip. I didn’t take photos, but you can get a feel for the place here.

The Elephant in the Room: What About Happy Endings?

Officially, sex work is illegal in Thailand. However, in practice, it exists. This includes some massage places offering extra services to customers, including “happy endings”. I did not personally observe this happening at the places I went to. However, when I was walking around Chiang Mai, I did see advertisements for massage spas that pictured therapists in provocative outfits.

Other travel bloggers have written about aggressive off-menu sales tactics at spas in Asia (see this post on One Mile at a Time). If you want to read more details about these off-menu services, see this article. If you’re a man and you don’t want to deal with this, it’s probably best to stick to a fully-clothed traditional Thai massages or a foot massage.

Overall Thoughts on Massages in Thailand

Treating myself to these relatively inexpensive massages in Thailand was one of my favorite parts about my trip. Massage therapy is an important cultural and economic activity that is enjoyed by both locals and tourists in Thailand. I recommend you ask your hotel for a reputable spa, and make time to relax and enjoy the therapy.

Have you experienced massage therapy in Thailand or other parts of Asia? What has been your experience?