Thai Massage vs Oil Massage (and Aroma, Foot): Which to Book in Bangkok
Updated
Every massage shop in Bangkok has a price board with the same handful of names: Thai massage, oil massage, aromatherapy, foot massage, sometimes herbal compress. They feel very different. Here is what each one is, who it suits, and what you will pay.
The short version
- Thai massage: firm pressure and stretching, fully clothed, on a floor mattress. Best if you feel stiff and want to be worked on.
- Oil massage: long, smooth strokes with warm oil, on a massage bed. Best if you want to relax and switch off.
- Aromatherapy: an oil massage with essential oils you choose by scent, usually gentler and done in a spa setting.
- Foot massage: reflexology on the feet and lower legs in a reclining chair, clothed. Best after a long day of walking, or when you only have 30 to 60 minutes.
Thai massage
Traditional Thai massage is done on a mattress on the floor, and you wear loose cotton clothes that the shop gives you. The therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to press along the body, then moves you into assisted stretches: legs crossed and pulled, back arched over their knees, arms stretched overhead. No oil is used.
It feels active and can be intense, especially on the legs and back. Many people say they feel lighter and looser afterwards. If the pressure is too strong, say "bao bao" (softer). Expect about ฿250–400 per hour at local shops and ฿400–700 at mid-range places.
- Good for: stiffness, long flights, sitting at a desk, people who like strong pressure.
- Less good for: people who dislike being stretched or moved around, or who want a quiet, sleepy massage.
Oil massage
Oil massage is done on a massage bed. You undress, usually down to disposable underwear the shop provides, and you are covered with a towel or sheet except for the part being worked on. The therapist uses warm oil and long gliding strokes on the back, legs, arms and shoulders, with firmer kneading where you are tense.
It is calmer than Thai massage and many people fall asleep. It typically costs ฿100–200 more than Thai massage at the same shop, so about ฿350–600 per hour at regular shops. Your skin and hair will be oily afterwards; spas have showers, many small shops do not, so plan accordingly if you have dinner straight after.
- Good for: relaxing, stress, sore muscles after sport, people new to massage.
- Less good for: sunburnt skin, or if you need to look smart right after.
Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy is an oil massage with essential oils. At the start you smell a few blends and pick one: lemongrass or ginger to wake up, lavender or jasmine to calm down. Pressure tends to be lighter and slower, and the setting is usually a day spa with private rooms, showers and tea afterwards. Expect about ฿600–1,200 per hour at mid-range spas and more at luxury spas.
Foot massage
Thai foot massage is reflexology: the therapist works pressure points on the soles and lower legs with thumbs and a small wooden stick, after washing your feet. You stay clothed in a reclining chair, which makes it easy to fit between sights. Sessions are usually 30 or 60 minutes, and many shops finish with a few minutes on the neck and shoulders. Local shops charge about ฿200–350 per hour.
Herbal compress
Herbal compress (luk pra kob) is a steamed cotton ball filled with Thai herbs such as plai, turmeric and lemongrass, pressed along the body. It is usually added to a Thai massage for ฿100–300 extra, or sold as a 90 to 120 minute spa treatment. The warmth is very soothing for sore muscles.
How long should you book?
- 30 minutes: enough for feet, or neck and shoulders.
- 60 minutes: a full-body Thai or oil massage, but a little rushed.
- 90 to 120 minutes: the sweet spot for a first full-body massage. Chains often price two hours better per hour; at Health Land, for example, a two-hour Thai massage is ฿700 on its price list.
- Combination: a popular choice is one hour of Thai massage plus 30 minutes of foot massage.
Still not sure?
If it is your first time in Bangkok, try Thai massage once, because it is what the city is famous for. If you know you prefer a gentle massage, start with oil or aromatherapy. And if your feet hurt from walking, a foot massage is the best ฿300 you will spend all day. Whatever you choose, tell your therapist about any injuries or if you are pregnant before they start.