Updated: 30 October, 2024
I'll tell you what Thai massage is, its origin, different types, pros and cons, where to get the best Thai massage in Bangkok.
Thailand is famous for Thai massage, a very particular type of massage that you can also get for a good price.
Although right off the bat it is very different from the massages we are used to in the West, it will help you release all the tensions that we all accumulate.
I recommend that you not miss getting at least one massage, but be careful because it catches. 😅
This way you will have the perfect vacation combo, cultural visits in an exotic country, paradisiacal beaches and well-deserved relaxation.
In this article I tell you all the details about this type of massage and how to find places with the best massages in Bangkok.
If you don't have time to read the entire article, I recommend this one thai massage in bangkok that It's cheap and it's given to you by a professional masseuse..
What is Thai Massage like? How long does it last?
If when they say massage you think of the typical high table with a hole to put your face in, oil and having a back massage, I'm sorry to tell you that Thai massage has nothing to do with that.
Thai massage is a intense massage based on pressure points and meridians, circulatory compressions, joint mobilization and passive stretching.
The entire body is worked from the tips of the feet to the head and no oils or any other type of product is used.
The therapist You will apply pressure using your own body weight, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet, on a firm mattress or futon on the floor.
Additionally, you need to wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. You don't need to take the clothes, they give them to you in the same place.
The duration of a complete Thai massage lasts two hours, but you can have shorter massages where you can choose which area of the body you want the masseuse to work on.
Origin of Thai Massage
In the 5th century BC Buddha became friends with Dr. Jivaka Kumarbhaccha, an Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) healer.
This doctor became the chief physician of the initial Sangha community composed of the Buddha himself and his followers.
Dr. Jivaka took a trip to Thailand, combined traditional Chinese medicine with his Ayurvedic knowledge to create the Traditional Thai Medicine.
Traditional Thai medicine is made up of: herbal remedies, nutritional medicines, spiritual practices and Thai massage.
What Types of Thai Massage Are There?
Thai massage has been a tradition for centuries and has evolved with some variations depending on the region. The main difference is between the north and south of the country.
The northern style is characterized by gentle stretching, pressure with thumbs and hands, Compressions to open, balance and relax the body.
On the other hand, the southern style places stronger pressure on acupuncture points and less stretching. This style is the most common in the Bangkok area.
Thai Massage, Yoga and Other Sports
Traditional Thai massage is also known as passive yoga or assisted yoga in which the therapist will apply yoga postures to stretch your body.
It is a special type of massage recommended to improve flexibility.
That's why, works as an excellent sports massage to prepare the muscles before a demanding sporting event or after hard training.
Although it will also be great for you if you have back pain or discomfort in other areas of the body.
Where to get a good Thai massage?
The knowledge and technique of Thai massage has been taught through the centuries by monks in Buddhist temples or wat in Thai.
It is completely normal to find massage service in any temple in Thailand.
Of course, you can also get a proper massage at a spa or at the resort you are staying at.
Although you will also find that the massage offering is immense.
Wherever you go there is someone offering their services, even in the red light districts, but those are other types of massages, at least the ending is different, hahaha.
Remember that the Thai massage is a very particular massage that touches delicate points, you will surely prefer to have it performed by a professional.
Training is expensive and not affordable for the average Thai.
For this reason, the chances of getting a good Thai massage at any corner stall for 120 bahts an hour (3.15 euros) are almost zero.
I'm not saying that it's wrong to get a cheap massage, but as a friend told me, "they just knead you a little", it's probably also good for relaxing you.
Therefore, I recommend that you find a good place.
The Best Thai Massage in Bangkok
I had just arrived in Thailand, I was in Bangkok and I decided that it was a good idea to go get a massage, I was clear that it had to be a good place and that it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg.
Therefore, I went to the most prestigious massage school in all of Thailand, is in Bangkok, there you can also get a massage at a unbeatable price considering the quality of the massage you will receive.
As it could not be otherwise, the school is within the premises of a monastery, it is the Watpho Thai Traditional Medicine School and they have a pavilion where they perform massages.
If you have already been reading about Bangkok, you will surely be familiar with Wat Pho, it is the monastery where the Reclining Buddha is located, an impressive golden Buddha sculpture no less than 46 meters long.
It is one of the most interesting temples to see in Bangkok, highly recommended, you can read more in this article about What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees.
To get the massage you don't need to make an appointment, if you are going to visit the monastery, take advantage of it and stop by.
To give you an idea of the price, I opted for the half hour Thai massage and it cost me 320 bahts, the exchange rate was €9.58 / 10.60 usd.
In the monastery gardens there are some sculptures of Thai massage and they all had a pained face, like in the photo below, I have to admit that it scared me a little.
In the end, it was a wonderful massage with just the right intensity to relax tensions and to finish they offer you a very cool green tea. I floated out of there, I will definitely repeat.
Alternatively, you can go to this other place, It is in the center, they have Thai massages at a good price and they are very professional.
Contraindications of Thai Massage
If you decide to have a Thai massage, keep in mind that it is contraindicated in certain cases:
- Pregnant.
- Heart problems.
- Low or high voltage.
- Osteoporosis, recent fractures or disc pathologies. Although I have a herniated disc and I had no problems.
- Skin problems, burns or wounds.
Benefits of Thai Massage
These are some of the benefits you can get with Thai massage:
- Helps achieve deep relaxation.
- Improve muscle flexibility, strengthen ligaments and tendons.
- Stimulates blood circulation.
- Promotes the elimination of toxins.
- Harmonizes the connection between body, mind and soul.
- Strengthens the immune system.
Below I leave you a brief Virtual Visit to Wat Pho that I filmed with the GoPro, In the channel Youtube you will find many more videos.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what Thai massage is and where to get the best Thai massage in Bangkok, I hope you are encouraged to try it.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and if you found the article useful, share it with other fellow travelers. 😘
More about Bangkok and Thailand
- What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees
- Classic Thailand route: 15 and 21 day itinerary
- 6 Best Hotels in Bangkok at a good price
- Khao Yai Tour: The Jungle Near Bangkok
- What to buy in Thailand: 20 Souvenirs and Gifts
Sources and Other Links
Watpho Thai Traditional Medicine School
Thai massage & Ayurvedic healing: Patricia Kilpatrick
Theoretical Constructs for the formation of Trigger Points – School of Thai Massage
Evidence-based pain management – EPMA Journal
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.