Getting a massage or spa treatment is a quintessential Bangkok experience
Bangkok could very well be the massage capital of the world. Massages have been practiced in Thailand for over the last three millennia, and many visitors don’t leave the country without some of the traditional pampering. In the capital, you’ll find countless businesses offering cheap shoulder rubs and foot massages (some inexpensive places are found in Charoen Krung Road between the Saphan Taksin station of the BTS Skytrain and the landmark Lebua Hotel), but nothing beats the services of a spa. The city’s luxury hotels have some of the world’s best, offering unique treatments. In addition to those indigenous to Thailand, there are Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and thalassotherapy that you find all over the world, although many foreigners simply go for a traditional foot massage as treatment when they’re feeling tired and sore after a day of sightseeing.
Do note, however, that what is often advertised as “oil massage” is really a “sexy massage.” For the most traditional of experiences, go for a massage at the school inside Wat Pho.
Massage Prices in Bangkok
Prices in small parlors range between 200 and 400 baht (6 US dollars/5 British pounds/5.50 euros and 12.50 US dollars/10 British pounds/11 euros) for an hour-long foot massage, and between 300 and 500 baht (9.50 US dollars/7 British pounds/8 euros and 16 US dollars/12 British pounds/14 euros) for a full-body massage. At the spas, prices start at double those amounts and go sky-high from there.
Spa Bookings
Check out prices and book your massages and treatments here: Massages and Spa Bookings
Many hotels in Bangkok have world-class (and beautiful) spas
Top 10 Spas in Hotels with Treatments and/or Massages:
- 1. Oriental Spa
- 2. The Peninsula Spa
- 3. Banyan Tree Spa
- 4. Spa at the Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55 Thong Lo
- 5. Spa at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok
- 6. Spa at the Anantara Riverside Resort
- 7. Spa at the Sukhothai Hotel
- 8. Spa at the Shangri-la Bangkok
- 9. Spa at the W Hotel
- 10. Spa at the So Sofitel Bangkok
Considered one of the world’s best, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel's spa sets the standard for Asian-style spa treatments. It doesn’t come cheap and requires advance booking, but can be quite an experience.
Set in a stunning Thai colonial-style building by the river in the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, this spa uses traditional methods from Asian, European and Ayurvedic philosophies. In addition to providing a variety of massages and facials, therapists can also create a tailor-made treatment to suit your needs.
A highly-trained staff awaits you at this high-tech spa in the Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel, offering unique signature treatments based on Thai traditions.
Highly rated for its comfort, this luxurious hotel features an outdoor pool and terrace for relaxation, but it’s its wellness facilities that mostly stand out. They include Thailand’s largest hotel onsen, and an entire floor dedicated to guests' well-being, with a spa and signature nutritious cuisine.
This riverfront hotel invites guests to unwind and recharge in its rooftop infinity pool, and at its refreshing spa offering signature massages and treatments.
Its huge pool surrounded by palm trees facing the river would be enough to provide a relaxing stay, but this luxurious resort also has a beautiful spa offering massages within tropical gardens.
Set in a garden, this tranquil hotel is made for relaxation, with a large outdoor pool and a spa providing a number of different massages and facials.
This huge riverfront hotel boasts a huge fitness center and an award-winning spa, welcoming guests to hours of relaxation at the pool, sauna and steam room.
This large, stylish hotel appeals to young and trendy travelers, but also to those looking for some pampering. The spa offers rejuvenating massage treatments, and the pool is perfect for a dip after a hot day in the city.
There’s a stunning rooftop pool and views over a park from the stylish rooms, but this “urban oasis” also has a world-class spa designed like a mythological forest, guaranteeing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.