5 Great Massage Places in Bangkok

You can’t really walk down a street in Bangkok without coming across a massage parlor. They are as ubiquitous as 7-Elevens. Massage shops are usually spread over several floors. On the ground floor, you’ll find a row of chairs and footstalls where you can get a foot massage. Upstairs, there’ll be a series of mattresses separated by curtains for Thai massages. You put on a pair pyjamas (provided by the place) so the massage therapist can bend and stretch your limbs easily.

Since there are so many in the city, it would be impossible to pick out a selection of the very best, so it’s more a case of common sense. Often smaller hotels will be able to make recommendations too. Most massage shops will speak basic English and prices will be advertized outside the shop. On average it costs around 200 baht to 300 baht for an hour-long Thai massage.

Asia Herb Association is a smart choice if you want a massage treatment designed to accommodate foreigners and locals. You’ll need to book ahead (the receptionists speak English), so pick a time and duration that works for you. You can select the treatment once you get there.

You can also opt for oil massages, scrubs and a Thai herbal ball treatment at Asia Herb Association. You’re given a tick sheet upon arrival, which allows you to ask the massage therapist to focus on certain areas of your body, highlight any health issues you might have, and choose the amount of pressure you would like. There are around 5 branches in Bangkok, but Asia Herb Association's main outlet (near the Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain Station) is one of our favorite Thai massage parlors.

Wat Pho is considered the home of traditional Thai massage, with the guiding principles of massage inscribed in stone within the temple grounds. Massage skills have been honed and cultivated at Wat Pho for centuries, so you are in really good hands. Wat Pho also runs a massage school, so if you enjoy the treatment you could even take a new skill home! We recommend that you book your massage before you look around the temple as it can get busy after midday.

A massage at Wat Pho is a nice treat after visiting the temples. Floor-to ceiling-windows offer a great view of the glittering buildings, but if the sun is out, they will close the thick window shades to help forget about the bustle of Bangkok. The price for an hour-long Thai massage here can be higher than regular massage places but is worth it for experiencing a slice of Thai history.

From the outside, Health Land looks like a retro mansion and inside, it’s a little like a hospital. But if you speak to the locals, this is often their number-one pick for massage treatments in Bangkok – the facilities are high quality and the massages are of great value (especially their 2-hour Thai massage options).

Other treatments include foot reflexology, body polish and facials as well as enjoying the spa Jacuzzi or tourmaline sauna that’s designed for one person. Be sure to book ahead as Health Land is extremely popular. There are several Health Land spas throughout Bangkok. Below are the contact details for the main branch in Asoke.

It’s often said that because of their lack of sight, window shade masseurs are more in tune with your body and can provide better treatments. It’s also a great source of income for window shade people, who often struggle to find employment in Bangkok. Perception Window shade Massage is one great place in Bangkok where you can enjoy a massage delivered by window shade therapists.

For first-timers, it may seem strange at first, but the massage therapists are very friendly and you’ll often find yourself soon relaxing and enjoying the experience.