Thai Massage Guide
Styles, prices, etiquette and where to go. Everything a first-timer needs to know before booking a Thai massage in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket or Chiang Mai.
The dry, stretch-heavy original: acupressure and assisted yoga on a floor mat.
Pressure points in the feet and lower legs. Perfect after a day of walking.
What is Thai massage?
Thai massage, called nuad thai in Thai, is a hands-on therapy that combines acupressure, assisted yoga-style stretching and rhythmic compression along the energy lines of the body (sen). It is done on a floor mat while you wear loose, pajama-style clothes the shop provides, and no oil is used in the traditional version. The therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to work the muscles and open the joints. UNESCO added nuad thai to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, and today you can find it everywhere in Thailand, from temple schools to beach mats to five-star spas.
Thai massage styles
Traditional Thai massage is the dry, stretch-heavy original. Thai oil massage is gentler, with long strokes and warm oil. Foot massage and Thai reflexology focus on pressure points in the feet and lower legs. Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils for relaxation, herbal compress massage presses steamed bundles of Thai herbs onto the body, and tok sen from northern Thailand uses a wooden hammer and peg. See every style on our Thai massage types page.
What a Thai massage costs
Prices depend on the city, the type of shop and the length of the session. Street-front shops and beach mats are the cheapest, mid-range day spas cost more, and hotel and luxury spas cost the most. Sessions usually run 60, 90 or 120 minutes, and longer sessions give the therapist time for a full-body routine. Check current prices on each listing in our massage directory.
Your first Thai massage, step by step
Pick a shop from the directory or walk in. Most shops take walk-ins.
Choose the style and the length, and say whether you want soft, medium or strong pressure.
Change into the loose clothes the shop gives you.
Mention any injuries, pregnancy or problem areas before you start.
Relax and breathe through the stretches. Say bao bao (gently) if the pressure is too strong.
Afterwards, drink water and take it easy for an hour.
Etiquette and tipping
Take your shoes off at the door, and shower first if you have come from the beach. Thai massage is a therapy, not an adult service, and reputable shops make this clear. Tipping is appreciated but not required; many visitors leave a small cash tip directly with their therapist. Be on time, because shops often book therapists back to back.
Where to get a Thai massage in Thailand
Bangkok has the widest choice, from the Wat Pho temple school to rooftop hotel spas. Chiang Mai is the home of northern-style Thai massage and many training schools. Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Krabi and Koh Samui all have beachfront mats and resort spas. Or search every shop by city and style in the Thailand massage directory.
Thai massage FAQ
Does Thai massage hurt?
It can feel strong, but it should not hurt. Ask for softer pressure at any time.
What should I wear?
The shop gives you loose clothes. For an oil massage you usually undress to your underwear and are covered with a towel.
How long should I book?
Book 60 minutes to try it, or 90 to 120 minutes for a full-body session.
Is Thai massage safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. Skip it or ask a doctor first if you are pregnant or have recent injuries, blood clots, or heart or bone problems.
Can I learn Thai massage?
Yes. Wat Pho in Bangkok and many schools in Chiang Mai run courses for foreigners. See our massage schools page.