When you come to Chiang Mai treat yourself to a Thai oil massage, Thai traditional massage or a Thai hot stone massage and you will discover why hundreds of thousands of people travel thousands of miles to come to Thailand.

There are different types of Thai massages to choose from in Chiang Mai. Before I explain the different types I would like to stress that anyone having muscle injuries, problems such as thrombosis, varicose veins, arteriosclerosis, skin disease, heart conditions, cancer, wounds, cuts, ulcers, diabetes or arthritis should consult with their physician first before getting a massage. Once you get the physicians blessing and you have decided on the practioner you should let them know of any conditions which you may have which they should be aware of. You don’t want someone pulling on your fingers if you suffer from arthritis. Some of the more established massage salons will have you fill out a form before your massage so that they will know more about you and how best to massage your body.

Also before the massage remove body rings, watch, bracelets, or other items which might interfere with massage or restrict the circulation and movements. And the best time for the massage is when you are in a good frame of mind.

There are many types of massages but rather than detail each and every one we will concentrate on the more more popular types.




1) Swedish Massage:

Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, after applying massage lotion or oil on your body.



2) Aromatherapy Massage:

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.

The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc. One of the most common oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.



3) Deep Tissue Massage:

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.



4) Shiatsu:

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for for 2 to 8 seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.



5) Reflexology:

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. This type of massage works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet, applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.



6) Thai Massage: You will have to decide between Thai traditional massage or Thai oil massage. The Thai traditional massage will likly be a little bit more strenuous with stretches, and utilizing the fingers, thumbs, knees, elbows and feet of the person giving the massage. This type of massage may be performed on a mattress on the floor to give the masseur or masseuse the ability to move around your body to apply pressure where required. Note that when I have received this type of massage the pressure has been firm but not excessive. I suffer from bad circulation in my legs and after a long flight my legs are particularly sore and in need of exercise or massage. The Thai oil massage may be performed on a table and be a bit more gentle.



6) Hot Stone Massage: In hot stone therapy, different sized and shaped stones are heated to manipulate musculature and connective tissues. Hot stone therapy incorporates volcanic basalt stones heated to 130 degrees. Hot stone therapy promotes deep relaxation and restoration, but also goes far deeper by benefiting the primary systems of the body, by increasing the rate and amplitude of the vascular system, sedating the central nervous system, promoting lymph drainage and detoxification of cells, helping to reduce stress, increasing circulation and improving the body’s immune system.



Click here to visit the Chiang Mai Outcall Massage webpage
Click here to visit the Chiang Mai Incall Massage webpage


Massage can be done for the purpose of relaxation or for relieving the symptoms of certain ailments. So first of all decide if it is your body or the mind that needs the massage the most. If it is the body then your best choices are deep tissue, shiatsu, relexology or Thai traditional massage. If it is the mind that needs the massage then go with Swedish, aromatherapy or Thai oil massage. Then decide if you want all or a part of your body massaged. It is possible to obtain a masssge for just the feet, or neck, shoulders and back, or a facial massage

For full body massage and where lotions of oils are applied it is best to shower before and after the massage. Otherwise your clothes will have the scent of the oil or lotion.

Should you come across a massage table where there is a whole at one end of the table then that is the end for your head. Yes your head fits into the hole.

There are also what some term as “dirty massages”. This is a massage salon which may offer more than a massage. Attendants may be selected from behind glass partitions and one of the offerings may be that of a "soapie massage". Here the masseuse gives you a bath first followed by a massage. These types of massages are often found in what are called men's clubs, or called health clubs. The premises may be considerably larger than that of a traditional Thai massage and much more decorative. The establishment may offer snooker, dining facilities, and karaoke besides massage services. You should understand that even though these establishments exist they should not be confused with the establishments which offer traditional Thai massage. For every large establishment that offers soapie massages there are probably another fifty that offer Thai traditional massage, oil massage, facial or foot massage.

The costs here in Thailand and downright cheap compared to most parts of the world. The hotel where you are staying may charge 50% to 200% of what the massage salon next door will charge. The surroundings may be a bit more opulent but other than that the massage may be identical. If you were here in Chiang Mai you could get a 2 hr. Thai traditional massage for only 400 baht or $10 US. So I would highly recommend that when you visit Thailand to find a good massage salon and treat yourself to a relaxing, comforting experience. The massage is very affordable, and the skills of the masseuses/masseurs is second to none.

Be sure to leave a tip for the person giving the massage if it met your expectations. The wages these people earn are very low and a decent tip can make someone’s day. If you want to save a buck or two on your vacation do it by booking cheaper accommodations rather than not tipping someone who deserves it.

In reality there are many legitimate massage facilities in many countries around the world where the masseurs or masseuses are required to have adequate training and, in some cases, even licenses before they can practice. Thailand is no different. Many of the staff performing massage in Thailand have completed massage school where they have undergone the training required for this specialized field of endeavour.

After your massage you should experience either relaxation throughout the body or tranquillity of the mind, depending on which type of massage you selected. Tensions and concerns will evaporate, tight muscles will relax, and sometimes you may even fall asleep during the massage. With relaxed muscles, the blood circulation is improved. The body will receive more oxygen and nutrients and the immune system will be more efficient in fending off disease agents, thus lessening the chances of becoming ill. Pleasant surroundings are crucial. The most important factors are cleanliness, privacy, minimum noise level, a comfortable temperature, and good ventilation.

When the massage has been completed you should not get up immediately and get involved in strenuous or serious activities, but rather rest quietly for a few minutes in order to fully absorb the effects of the massage and appreciate the feeling of well-being and tranquillity.

You only live once so as I said earlier, treat yourself to a relaxing experience, you deserve it.


Included as part of our Chiang Mai Retirement services is a complimentary 2 hour Thai massage. We want our clients whether they are male or female or couples to be relaxed after their long journey to Chiang Mai and how better to relax than with a soothing massage.

There are massage classes here in Chiang Mai. People from around the world come here to learn massage techniques from Thai yoga massage training, to traditional Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage and other forms of massage. The cost of Thai massage training is very affordable and it is taught by some of the best teachers in Thailand.

A good investment for a couple. Afterwards you can give each other a relaxing massage and also to any infants. Just e-mail us as to what type of massage you are most interested in and we will locate a Thai massage school and get you a discount off their normal fee.