Your first Thai Massage: A guide

Thailand continues to be a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With a diverse selection of things to do, see, taste, and enjoy, Thailand appeals to people from all walks of life and modes of travel - from shoe-string budget backpackers to top-end luxury cruisers and everyone in between!

Anyone visiting Thailand for the first time will surely be told by at least one friend, family member or acquaintance that a Thai Massage should be near the top of their ‘must-do’ list. While a massage sounds fantastic, not everyone knows what to expect when they sign up for a Thai Massage.

So, what is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is an age-old traditional form of healing. Suggestions include that it is so old, that it originated during the same period as Buddha. It combines parts of acupressure, assisted yoga and manual stretching of the body by a masseuse who uses their hands, feet, elbows and knees to pull, stretch and rock you. Thai massage is certainly not gentle or relaxing, but it can be very reinvigorating! Most sessions will last for 60 minutes; however, some masseuses will offer a 90-minute service too. Prices for a Thai Massage will vary, depending on where you are (Chiang Mai will be different from Phuket or Bangkok), how many masseuses work there, and even what their qualification levels are. Do your research or talk to your hotel or hostel to get an idea of what a Thai Massage will cost you.

How does it work?

Arrive at the parlour

Arriving at the massage parlour, you may be offered a drink of tea or water. It’s necessary to stay hydrated no matter what type of massage you receive. Staying hydrated helps ensure your kidneys and other organs can flush out the toxins that are released during a massage treatment, so make sure you drink lots of water or tea after your massage too.

Get dressed

Once the masseuse is ready for you, they will give you a set of clothes, usually a loose top and some “Thai Pants”. These pants work best if you tie the strings from back to front, then fold the waistband over your knot. Your outfit must be both loose and comfortable as you’re going to be stretched, twisted, and manoeuvred into some exciting and ‘different’ positions.

Start your Thai Massage experience

Once you’re dressed, the masseuse will lead you into a room where your massage will happen. You may be asked to lie on a bed, a low mattress on the floor or something in-between. In some cases, you’ll be in a room by yourself. Other massage parlours will have an open room with multiple customers getting their massage done in the same space. There is no need to worry, though; everyone stays relatively quiet during the process. You probably won’t even notice anyone else in the room once your Thai Massage starts.

From here, your massage will begin. Your masseuse will usually start by flexing your feet, before working up your legs towards your hips. Unlike Swedish or Sports massage, there is no rubbing or kneading. Instead, pressure is applied, and your limbs are stretched, which may feel a little uncomfortable at first. If you are in pain, it’s essential to let your masseuse know so they can adjust their technique for you.

There will be some points during your massage where you will be given some directions. You may be asked to turn or rollover, to hold your masseuse’s hand, or to relax - this is all for your safety, so trust the process!

While you’re receiving your Thai Massage, you may hear your body making all sorts of sounds. Don’t worry too much about any clicks, pops, or crunches. You also needn’t be embarrassed or worried about an occasional rumble from your tummy as you’re realigned and twisted about. Don’t fret, just let your body do what it needs to. You might even be surprised at how flexible you might be with some assistance.

And then its all over

When your Thai Massage is complete, your masseuse will thank you, before assisting you in sitting up. Take a minute here, as you might feel a little dizzy and you don’t want to fall over when you stand up! Once you’re ready, you’ll be escorted away to get changed back into your street clothes and given a cup of sweet tea, or water. Don’t forget that its important to keep drinking water to help your body get rid of the toxins that are displaced during your massage.

Once you’ve re-hydrated, don’t forget to say “Khob Khun Kha” or Thank You in Thai before you leave for your next activity. In the following hours or days after your Thai Massage, you might feel a little sore. Don’t worry, this is normal!

Here’s to a rejuvenating and reviving Thai Massage during your next visit to Thailand!