Types of massage in Bangkok
Thai massage, foot reflexology, oil, aromatherapy, herbal compress and luxury spas — what each massage is and where to get it in Bangkok.
Thai Massage
44 places
Traditional Thai massage is done fully clothed on a floor mat, combining acupressure along the body's energy lines (sen) with assisted yoga-like stretches. Expect firm pressure — tell your therapist "bao bao" (gentle) or "nak nak" (strong).
Foot Massage
40 places
Thai foot reflexology works pressure points on the feet and lower legs with thumbs and a small wooden stick. It's the classic way to recover after a day of walking Bangkok — usually 30 to 60 minutes in a reclining chair.
Oil Massage
26 places
Oil massage uses long, flowing strokes with warm oil for deep muscle relaxation. Gentler than Thai massage and a good choice if you want to unwind rather than be stretched.
Aromatherapy Massage
23 places
Aromatherapy massage is an oil massage with essential oils chosen for their effect — lemongrass to energise, lavender to calm. A staple of Bangkok's day spas.
Herbal Compress Massage
6 places
Luk pra kob: steamed cotton balls filled with Thai herbs like plai, turmeric and lemongrass are pressed along the body, usually combined with Thai massage. Excellent for sore muscles.
Luxury Spa
6 places
Bangkok's hotel and destination spas offer multi-hour rituals — scrubs, wraps, signature massages and private suites — at a fraction of what they'd cost in Europe or the US.