One of the main reasons why Thailand is such a popular holiday destination is the fact that people get the liberty to relax and unwind here like nowhere else. While there are plenty of vast sandy beaches lined up with cocktail bars, lounge chairs and more, we want to focus on something Thailand is truly famous for – massages.
From fancy spa centres to open-air beach-side massage parlours, there is no lack of places to relax in Thailand.
I guess the only question is how do you choose the best massage that suits you to make sure you maximise every single minute of your relaxation time.
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Thai Massages are arguably the best in the world
When in Thailand, you cannot miss the Thai massage but there are several types of massages that you can choose from. So to get started, let’s look at some of the most popular ones:
Traditional Thai Massage
The most popular and traditional form of Thai massage is also known as the ‘Yoga Massage’ that is performed with your clothes on, on a padded mat on the floor. It applies the technique of acupressure and yoga to help provide relief to your joint, muscle and tendon tension.
It was originally regarded as a healing art and includes influences from both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike your typical massages, it actually involves quite a lot of physical effort – pulling and stretching your body to get you loose and relaxed, while promoting better blood flow. It is truly an experience for first-timers.
Thai Oil Massage
A smooth massage that is done with essential and herbal oils. This massage is arguably more relaxing than traditional Thai massage. Performed on a traditional massage stretcher, with a towel over the body, this oil massage focuses on the meridian and the energy lines of the body. The aromatherapy oils used in this massage enhance blood circulation and help calm the mind.
This is perfect for those who may not enjoy a rough or strenuous massage, but want to enjoy a relaxing body rub. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep on the massage mat during the massage, because it is so relaxing.
Thai Pinda Massage
Thai Pinda massage is a combination of traditional Thai massage and ancestral healing methods of Thai massage that are based on the application of plant pouches all over the body to make energy flow. These plastic pouches are known as Pindas that are filled with medicated herbs and help you get rid of any body pain.
The Pindas are usually small sachets of medicinal herbs, spices and rice as well as essential oils that have been chosen to solve a particular ache or ailment. This mixture is then wrapped in a small cotton sachet and can be used either warm or cold.
The use of aromatics mixed with expert knowledge of your pressure points is designed to help you achieve a truly relaxing state.
Thai Foot Massage
Who doesn’t love a good foot rub after a long day of walking and exploring? Well get ready for an amazing experience.
Your feet are massaged with oil, applying pressures to specific areas of the soles of feet that give relief to different organs of the body. I got a quick Thai foot massage at Chiang Mai airport (yes, there is a massage parlour at the boarding gate). It cost me barely 5 USD and I almost fell asleep, I was so relaxed! I would go back to Chiang Mai just to get that massage again and again.
These relaxing sessions can range from 10 USD to 500 USD and more depending on the duration and type of massage. However, knowing what to choose and how to pick the right place depends on what you are looking for. We’ll try to get you on the right track, to make sure you have the best massage experience.
How do you choose a massage place
As we mentioned earlier, Thailand has massage parlours that are the pinnacle of luxury to just a rough clothe on the beach. So how do you ensure you get the best experience.
The thing to know is that there are Thai massage parlours on almost every street in the popular districts of all major tourist cities. Another thing to note is that the quality of the massage varies, but has a high overall standard in Thailand, so even an average massage can still be quite pleasant – just don’t overpay.
So, how do you choose the right massage parlour. Well, we recommend looking at price.
A decent massage parlour in a popular area of town can cost you about 250 to 350 THB (US$8 – 11) for an hour-long full-body. These are generally a hit or miss in terms of quality, as it depends on your luck and the time you go, because the better trained or experience masseuses may not be available.
Another option to consider that is a little bit more pricey, but not exorbitant is the largest chain massage parlours like Health Land in Thailand. These are usually standalone buildings that are clean, spacious and offer overall better quality. Don’t expect a five-star experience, but they tend to offer a better standard of service and more facilities. A 60-minute full body Thai massage there is usually around 500 to 600 THB (US$16-20).
If you do want to pamper yourself, you might want to indulge in a luxury spa experience to complement the Thai massage. These are usually part of luxury resorts or there are standalone luxury spas in all major cities in Thailand. The full experience is built to ensure tranquility and an unforgettable experience. These are usually very popular, so be sure to book your appointment in advance and don’t just rock up for a session out of the blue – you’ll be disappointed. The price point varies drastically, but don’t be surprised if your bill starts somewhere around 1,500 THB (US$50) and goes up from there.
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What to expect for your first time
Ok, we’ve been talking up Thailand massages during this entire article, but what should you realistically expect.
For starters, be prepared for a little bit of pain if you get a traditional Thai massage. There will be some pulling, pushing around and kneading of your body. The masseuses press against your pressure points and for someone not used to any massages, this can be quite disconcerting. You can actually ask them to lower the intensity if you feel it is getting too uncomfortable.
Most of the Thai massage parlours have female masseuses doing Thai massages for both women and men. There are no strict rules around this, as some shops may have male massage therapists as well as females. Again, if you communicate with them if you feel uncomfortable, they will do their best to accommodate you.
There is no reason to be scared to enjoy a Thai spa because of shady parlours offering happing endings. There are regular spa houses as well as adult Thai massage centres. You can identify by checking reviews online. If not, head to the ones where there are customers already present and choose the Thai spa centres with open curtains and along the main streets.
You will feel the effects of the massage the most right afterwards and maybe the next day. From feeling looser and less stiffer around the muscles to having more energy, it will be a totally new experience for you.
You may have heard about the seedy underbelly of the massage industry in Thailand and if you are worried choose shops that are more open and well-lit. You can get a foot massage on the main shop floor, which is open or look for a massage parlour that has female customers as well.
Thailand is an ideal destination to relax, unwind and chill. Stay in a posh resort to enjoy lazy afternoons on beaches, indulge in a Four Seasons posh spa session or simply visit a massage booth and pamper yourself to get rid of all worldly worries.
One pro tip: do not agree for a “happy ending massage”. Let’s just leave it at that.
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