Thai Massage Types
Eight styles of Thai massage, from the stretch-heavy original to oil, foot reflexology and herbal compress. What each one feels like and who it suits.
Pressure points in the feet and lower legs. Perfect after walking all day.
How to choose a Thai massage style
Thailand offers more than one kind of massage, and the menu board outside most shops can be confusing on a first visit. The quick rule: choose traditional Thai if you want stretching and deep pressure, oil or aromatherapy if you want to relax, foot reflexology after a long day of walking, and sports or tok sen if you have stubborn knots. Every style below links to its own full guide with prices, what to wear and what to expect.
Traditional Thai massage
Done fully clothed on a floor mat with no oil. The therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows and feet, and moves you through assisted yoga-style stretches. Firm and energising rather than sleepy. Best for stiffness and limited mobility.
Thai oil massage
Long, flowing strokes with warm oil on a bed. Gentler than traditional Thai and a good choice for a first massage, after a long flight or when you simply want to switch off.
Foot massage and Thai reflexology
Pressure on points in the feet and lower legs, usually done in a reclining chair, often finished with a short shoulder massage. Ideal after a day of sightseeing, and the cheapest way to try a Thai massage shop.
Aromatherapy massage
An oil massage using essential oils chosen for relaxation or energy. Slow, soft pressure in a quiet room. Common in day spas and hotel spas.
Herbal compress massage
Steamed cloth bundles of Thai herbs such as lemongrass, turmeric and kaffir lime (luk pra kob) are pressed onto the body, usually combined with traditional massage. Warming and aromatic; popular in spas.
Tok sen massage
A northern Thai technique from the Chiang Mai region. A wooden hammer and peg tap along the muscles to send vibration through tight areas. Unusual, rhythmic and best found in Chiang Mai.
Sports massage
Firm, targeted work on the muscles you use most, mixing Western sports techniques with Thai stretching. Good for runners, divers, gym-goers and anyone training while travelling.
Head and shoulder massage
A short, seated or lying session focused on the neck, shoulders and scalp. A quick fix for desk tension and headaches, often 30 to 60 minutes.
Prices and session length
Foot massage and traditional Thai massage in a street-front shop are the cheapest options. Oil, aromatherapy and herbal compress sessions cost more because they use oils, herbs and private rooms, and hotel spas charge the most for every style. Most shops offer 60, 90 and 120 minute sessions. Check current prices on each shop in the Thailand massage directory.
Which style is safest for a first-timer?
Oil massage or foot reflexology are the gentlest starting points. If you try traditional Thai, ask for medium pressure and tell the therapist about any injuries before you start. Pregnant visitors and anyone with recent injuries, blood clots, or heart or bone problems should check with a doctor first. Read the full Thai massage guide for etiquette, tipping and what to wear.
Find a shop by style
Browse shops city by city in our directory. Start with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket, or search everything in the massage directory.