Thailand Massage Price: Honest Rates For All Types Of Massages

Aside from its excessive number of markets, dazzling beaches, and cultural flair, Thailand is known for its massages. In every city, town, and village, the words “Thai Massage” are scribbled on signs, beckoning you to come in for a therapeutic stretch.

I love Thai massages so much that I plan longer layovers in Bangkok just to have enough time to get one. I’ve been to Thailand more than ten times now and spend my winters there. And you can bet that a big part of my backpacker budget goes towards getting massages at least twice a week.

But how much is a massage in Thailand in 2024? Like anywhere else, the price of massages in Thailand isn’t one size fits all. It all depends on the location, the luxuriousness of the establishment, the type of massage, and the duration. But to get right down to it, in the cheapest place possible, a traditional Thai massage can cost you as little as 120 -150 baht per hour ($3.28 – $4.10 USD). But, 200-300 baht per hour ($5.50 – $8.20 USD) is much more common.

If you’re looking for a great massage while in Thailand, but are unsure about the pricing, then you’ve come to the right place. As a self-proclaimed massage services price-hunting expert, I always look for the best deals before indulging in this much-frequented Thailand activity.

In this article, I will provide accurate Thailand massage rates for everything from the full-body traditional Thai massages to, yes, even the more titillating “Happy Ending Massage.” Keep reading to find out how to get the most bang for your baht.

How Cheap are Massages in Thailand?

The cheapest massages in Thailand will typically cost you around 150-250 baht per hour, depending on the shop. In the touristy areas of Bangkok, Phuket Island, and Chiang Mai, this rate goes up to around 300 baht per hour for a traditional Thai massage. Generally, the beachy southern regions of Thailand are more expensive than those in the northern or central parts of the country.

You can always upgrade to an oil massage or add another service. These will typically cost 50%-100% more than the standard full-body Thai massage, bringing your total to 300-400 baht per hour.

And if you’re looking for something even more indulgent than that, luxury spas offer amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis, for the sky’s the limit.

No matter what, the base price will be relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries around the world.

How much does a massage in Bangkok cost?

The Bangkok massage price for a basic one hour Thai massage will run you between 250 to 300 baht per hour. However, if you do some bargain-hunting, you can find deals as low as 200 baht per hour.

150 baht per hour will be pretty challenging to find these days. Although I did miraculously find one called May Massage in Sukhumvit, even if there is a mandatory tipping policy.

Being the largest city, Bangkok is likely your first foray into the Thai massage scene. In usual Thai fashion, Bangkok is filled with massage parlors, and the prices tend to be a bit higher than in most other parts of Thailand.

👉 Even better than getting one, want to learn how to take the massage techniques home with you? Book a hands-on authentic Thai massage workshop in Bangkok here!

How much does a massage in Pattaya cost?

Surprisingly, the Pattaya massage price is the absolute cheapest I’ve seen with 120 baht being the bottom price. However, unlike the rare 150 baht sighting for a full body Thai massage in other cities, 150 baht is normal in some areas of Central Pattaya. I do have to point out that many Pattaya massage places seem a bit seedy.

How much does a massage in Chiang Mai cost?

Compared to Bangkok, it is much easier to find massages in Chiang Mai to start at 200 baht. Many of the cheaper spas close earlier, leaving the ones that start at 250 baht open later at night. Massages that start at 150 baht are uncommon, but a few places around the city still offer this price, like the blind massage schools like “Supattra Blind Massage”.

How much does a massage in Phuket cost?

Phuket massage prices are on the higher end of the range, with most services starting at 300 baht. Outside of touristy areas, slightly lower prices of 250 baht are possible or you may find discounts if you combine services to get a cheaper rate per hour.

Thailand Massage Price: Most Common Types And Their Bottom Rates

Let’s take a look at the different Thailand massage types and their rates.

Traditional Thai Massage (Full-Body)

A traditional Thai massage is a common full-body massage that incorporates various techniques such as acupressure, stretching, and reflexology. It is often referred to as “Thai yoga massage” because of its stretches and poses. This type of massage is beneficial for relieving tension, improving flexibility, and easing pain and stiffness.

What does a Thai body massage include?

The massage therapist will target key pressure points on your body by using her hands, feet, elbows, and knees to move you through the stretches and poses. You’ll start face-up with the focus on your legs before moving on to your arms. Then you’ll flip over for work on your back before finishing with some final stretching exercises.

Do you Wear Clothes During a Thai Massage?

Before your massage, the masseuse will hand you a loose shirt and baggy pants to change into. You will then lie face-up on a firm mat.

Bottom Price Range: 150-250 Baht per hour

Foot Reflexology Massage

A foot massage targets the pressure points in your feet to help improve your overall well-being. These specific points are believed to correspond directly to different organs and systems within your body, so pressing on them will promote healing and relaxation.

Bottom Price Range: 150-250 Baht per hour (Typically, shops will offer Thai Massages and Foot Reflexology at the same price point)

Thai Oil Massage

An oil Massage is similar to a Thai massage, but the masseuse will use oils to lubricate your body instead of massaging over your clothes. This type of massage allows for deeper kneading of your muscles than the traditional Thai Massage.

Other oil massage options like aromatherapy oil massage or hot oil massage come at a steeper price point. Typically at least 100-300 baht more.

Do you Wear Clothes During an oil massage?

You will only wear underwear during oil massages unless it’s “special”.

Bottom Price Range: 300-400 baht per hour (220 baht in Chiang Mai is the cheapest I’ve seen)

Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massage

A back, shoulder, and neck massage is exactly what it sounds like. A massage like this is excellent for releasing tension in these body parts and can help improve posture.

Bottom Price Range: 200-350 Baht per hour

Head and Facial Massage

Head and face massages are my personal favorite after a good Thai massage. This massage is great for relieving tension in the neck, scalp, and temples. It can help to improve your circulation, leaving you feeling refreshed and oh! so relaxed.

Bottom Price Range: 250-400 Baht per hour

Happy Ending Massage

Ah yes, the infamous happy ending massage. This type of massage offers a bit more than just relaxation and is best left unmentioned in detail. (Note: that a Thai soapy massage is very different from a happy ending massage)

Full disclosure: as a female, I only have second-hand anecdotes on this.

Basically, there are two ways to go about getting this special treatment. You can know going in by choosing a massage shop that clearly offers tension-relieving services beforehand, or a masseuse may ask in the middle of your session.

If there are no women hanging around outside and they are dressed in traditional massage clothing, then you’re more likely going to have just an oil massage. But that’s not a guaranteed tell-tale sign, especially if you become a regular.

Oil massages are typically the only type that will lead to happy endings, as you would already be nude and on a higher table. The other thing that (personally) baffles me, is no, you will not always have private rooms. But there will at least be some curtains for privacy.

For sure, this service involves manual stimulation, but nothing is off the table. You just have to ask.

Bottom Price Range: Price of the oil massage plus 500-1,000 (rates increase from there depending on services requested, how high-end the place is, and what the masseuse agrees to). However, if you become a regular, the prices may drop to 300-400 baht in addition to the massage itself.

Other Possible Thai Massage Services

At the base, most massage salons will have the above. Less common are some other massage treatments, but you may still be able to find them.

• Swedish Massage
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Prenatal Massage
• Body Scrub

Massage by the Blind

Usually on the cheaper end of the price spectrum, a few popular cities in Thailand have massages serviced by the blind. In Chiang Mai, one particular blind Thai massage master, Mr. Nok, from “Supattra Blind Massage”, is very popular and is booked days out in advance. (Drive there ahead of time to reserve your spot.)

Aside from supporting these locals, it is interesting to observe the braille notes, the chiming sound of clocks ringing to alert the time, and the slight confusion when too many people are there at once.

How to Choose the Best Massage Parlour (and Avoid the Sketchy Ones)?

So now that you’ve got the prices down, it’s time to find the best massage in Thailand! You can start by researching online reviews or asking your hotel concierge for recommendations. 

Of course, you could always take a walk around town and see what catches your eye – but be sure to keep an eye out for any red flags that may indicate a lower-quality Thai spa.

How to Avoid (Or Seek) The Sketchy Places?

• Are there young women dressed scantily clad beckoning you to come inside?
• Does it look clean?
• Is it private enough for you? Mind you, there are literally massage places out on the streets in the middle of crowded markets!

If you’re looking for a normal massage, it’s best to avoid places with neon signs or a massage menu with any kind of suggestive language advertising “tantric” or “Special Services”. Opening Google Maps, some parlor photos have review photos with a “sensual massage rating” section. 

Finally, if the women are older and dressed in traditional massage clothing, then you’re probably going to have a normal experience.

You will definitely be able to avoid any sketchy situations by booking a massage online if you’re at these following locations:
👉 Chiang Mai
👉 Karon, Phuket
👉 Bangkok

Additional Tips Before You Unwind

• Call ahead to check prices or ask if they have a package deal
• Ask around for the price of the massages. Rates can vary significantly between shops or close neighborhoods
• Touristy areas will always cost more. See if you can find a more hidden massage place, but don’t forget the cost of transportation to get there.
• It’s not compulsory but definitely appreciated to tip your masseuse! A 10% tip is standard in Thailand for massages.

Final Thoughts: Massage Price in Thailand

All in all, Thailand offers some of the best massages around for a fraction of the price you’d pay in other countries. Now that you know the average prices for different types of massages in Thailand, it’s time to get booking!

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Thai massage or something more special, be sure to compare prices and find the best deal for you. And remember to tip your masseuse when you’re all done.