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A Guide to the Best Spas in Bangkok.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about my disclosure and affiliate policyΒ here.

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I usually come to Thailand for three reasons: to go scuba diving, eat ALL the food, and to visit the best spas in Bangkok for a massage. All three have equal importance for me but I will admit that there are few cities which do massages as well as Bangkok and where it is not the ultimate but an affordable everyday luxury.Β 

What is a traditional Thai massage? A Thai massage is an ancient mix of acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, assisted stretches, and yoga postures. Unlike other massages, you will have to play a somewhat active part in your treatment and there is no oil involved. The spa will usually give you loose pants and a top, so a Thai massage is perfect if it is too hot and humid outside to be lathered in oil.

Mind you, the first thing I learned about massages in Thailand was that I am not the biggest fan of the original Thai massage itself. It is usually too strong for me, hurts my legs, and gives me bruises. Then I learned my first Thai words and the phrase β€œbao bao”, meaning softer.

Luckily there are so many Bangkok spas with other massage options too and you will find something for every body part (and no, I don’t mean that body part…this is not a post on where to find a happy ending massage in Bangkok!).Β 

Whether you want to take full advantage of inexpensive massages every day, are on a budget and in need for a simple day spa or are looking for a luxurious hotel spa to pamper yourself, I put together a list of the best spas in Bangkok and what to expect.

The best hotel spas in Bangkok

Great day spas in Bangkok

My Favorite Hotel Spas in Bangkok

Two stars on a milky glass door

There are so many beautiful hotel spas in Bangkok and you don’t even have to be a hotel guest to book yourself in for a treatment. While you of course can, visiting a hotel spa is a great way to experience the magic at a fraction of the price.

Auriga at Capella Bangkok

I know one isn’t supposed to have favorites, but here I am to declare Capella is one of my favorite hotel brands of all time. I had already enjoyed an amazing massage at their Ubud location and so it came as no surprise that theirs quickly shot to the top of my list as the best luxury spa in Bangkok.

To be honest, getting off a sleeper train from Koh Tao to Bangkok I was quite impressionable. As soon as I walked into their beautiful lobby and someone exchanged my very heavy suitcase with a coffee in my hand I was happy. Afterward, I was treated to a full-on breakfast on the terrace overlooking a quiet part of the Chao Praya River and the most amazing coconut I ever had. It was out of its shell!!

I made my way to the Auriga Spa and to my delight, there was enough time for me to wash the train smell off in their very fun rain shower experience, thunder and lightning included. They also have a sauna and steam room as well as a relaxation area with crystal water and healthy snacks.Β 

While some spas settle on one approach to wellness and beauty, Auriga picked the best of all worlds, incorporating Indian, Thai, Chinese, and European wellness wisdom into their menu. In addition: modern science when it comes to your skincare.Β 

I chose a Tok Sen massage, a unique concept I had never even heard of. This ancient Thai tradition is basically a hammer massage and chances are you will get a bit scared if you see what is coming.Β But fear not – it doesn’t hurt one bit! Instead energy lines are gently tapped and thus muscles are relaxed through the vibrations and your body can let go of tension. Perfect for my train-shaken body.Β 

An extra bonus: the massage beds are so comfortable that I may or may not have fallen asleep immediately, and they also keep you warm from below.Β 

Once your treatment is done, you can still use the facilities or make full use of their Aesop products in the shower before you get spoilt with icy fruit and hot tea. And let’s just say, leaving is very hard after.Β 

Find a room at Capella Bangkok

HARNN Heritage Spa Riverside

If you look at this list, you can quickly tell that my favorite spa brand in Thailand is HARNN. I just love their treatments and products, so I was delighted to find out about the HARNN Heritage Spa at the Salil Riverside.Β 

Salil is one of those beautiful hotels on Bangkok’s Riverside that just has the best views and its own shuttle boat!Β 

The spa is on the third floor and open to hotel and outside guests. Once you have arrived, you step into a cool, calm world of wood and earthy features. It looks like a mix between a beautiful, almost whimsical shop display and a very luxurious cave somehow. It is hard to describe, but you will know what I mean once you see it.Β 

The menu is extensive and yes, different from what HARNN usually offers, though they obviously use their products. Part of the menu is based on the five elements, another part is all about heritage treatments. I chose The Phumm, based on the Earth element, for my first treatment.Β 

The Phumm starts with a purifying dry body brush followed by a lymphatic drainage massage – just what I needed after a long flight and almost 24 hours in transit. It was heavenly and reminded me that I really need to invest in my own dry brush – it just feels so nice and is so good for you!

After, I had their Signature face treatment that centers around a rose-quartz gua-sha facial and a head massage with a jade gua-sha. While the singing bowl ritual was little more than a welcome gong, the rest was incredible. You will also get a facial cleansing, a mask, and have your hands massaged while that soaks in. And yes, you might fall asleep in a complete state of bliss during your face massage, but who cares – you will definitely leave with glowy skin.Β 

A really cool thing I would like to try next time: Salis offers Rabbit Moon Aquatherapy, an aqua therapy pool on the rooftop with river views. How cool is that?Β 

Find a room at Salil Riverside

AmalakiΒ Spa at the Fig lobby

Amalaki’s tagline is β€œzodiac spa & chakra balancing rituals” but fear not – is it just the right amount of woo-woo even if you just are simply looking for the best massage in Bangkok.

Lobby with red lip sofa at Chi Hotels in Bangkok

Amalaki, formerly Bhava, is part of the Fig Lobby Hotel, a somewhat new property and a much-needed splash of color, quite literally. Funky interior, graffiti, an ice cream station in the lobby, a pottery workshop in the back, and inclusivity at the forefront of their concept makes the Fig Lobby a welcome addition to the Bangkok hotel scene.

Next to your usual array of Thai massages, pedicures, and Dermalogica facials, Amalaki is making itself a name for their signature β€˜soulcare experiences’. Even if you have a blank look on your face when you hear the word chakra, don’t worry – ultimately you don’t need to know or even believe in it for it to work.Β 

Their signature Amalaki Chrystal Chakra Balancing Massage starts with you drawing a card and getting an oil assigned to your card. Mine was, very fitting, the Magician with amethyst oil. If that is not for you, just ignore your card and follow your therapist upstairs where bliss awaits. The massage that follows incorporates signing bowls, oil, and crystals – though the latter simply resemble a hot stone massage, though some are getting placed on your chakras throughout the treatment.

If you go for a scrub or such, there are showers and beautiful bathtubs in the treatment rooms as well as some of the comfiest pedicure chairs I have ever seen.Β 

My treatment ended with a fitting drink served in an elephant tea can followed by a very refreshing scoop of honey yogurt ice cream.Β Chakras balanced, body relaxed, mind refreshed!

Find a Room at the Fig Lobby

Anantara Siam Spa

I have long been eyeing the Anantara resorts and finally got to see one up close during my most recent trip to Thailand. The Anantara Siam is their flagship hotel in Bangkok and as promising from the outside as it is from the inside.

Stepping into the lobby is like stepping into a different world and you are far away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and busy Ratchadamri Road. The lobby is plush and grand as it is fit for such a hotel. A few stairs up and you are at the Anantara Spa, a hushed and serene oasis. Thai decor meets Moroccan inspiration with polished wooden floors, arched door frames, and beautiful details everywhere.

I was invited for their 90-minutes Signature Anantara Massage which merges the best of eastern and western massage styles. It comes with their signature oil blend and is both relaxing as well as invigorating.
As per usual I fell asleep quite quickly which I blame on their incredibly comfortable massage bed. Honestly, it was like sleeping/lying on a cloud – I have yet to test a more cozy one! In addition, I really enjoyed a massage that didn’t leave bruises and still got all the knots out as well as the amazing oil which didn’t stick – something I really appreciated in Bangkok’s 35-degree heat.

By the way – if you are jet-lagged or feel very sluggish – they also have an IV bar now!

Book a spa treatment at the Anantara Siam Spa

Peninsula Bangkok Spa

I have adored the concept of the Peninsula hotel spas ever since I got the first facial ever that I liked in New York with them. So I was thrilled to be invited back to the spa of the Peninsula hotel in Bangkok. This spa is considered the main training center for all Peninsula therapists and the birthplace of their signature treatments.

To get to the Peninsula which is located on the other side of the Chao Praya you can either take a taxi but depending on the traffic you might be better off with the BTS. Once you get to the station you can take one of their very own ferry boats to get to the hotel – a fun and unique way of transport!

Their terrace is another great place for a sundowner overlooking the river or to have some post-treatment dim sums.

TheΒ Peninsula Spa BangkokΒ is extensive, to say the least, and in addition to their regular facilities, it has some private spa suites as well which are perfect for couples treatments or – yours truly. Before your treatment, you can use the steam room, take a bath or just chill with a cold coconut.Β 

Best massage in Thailand

I got to experience their Essential Mind treatment and amazing treatment that combines a massage with healing oils and a β€˜concert’ with Tibetan singing bowls. It is meant for busy travelers and helps to improve your sleep and to relax your mind. While I was sleeping just fine after 2 weeks of quarantine, my mind can always use relaxing.Β 

Starting off with a massage the therapist put three different oils on my body which were meant to relax, energize and bring clarity. After an amazing hour of massage, we moved to a mattress on the floor where I lay between the singing bowls. These 7 bowls are corresponding with the 7 chakras and the vibration is meant to slow down your thoughts and relax you. I didn’t notice any of that because I was fast asleep within a few minutes even with the bowls vibrating next to my head which I guess meant that it worked like a charm.

Book a spa experience at the Peninsula Spa

Opium Spa at the Siam Hotel

The Siam must be one of my favorite hotels in Bangkok – if you want to spoil yourself, this is the place to stay. Upon my last visit, I didn’t get to spend any time at their spa though, something that had to be rectified during my most recent trip to Bangkok.

The Opium Spa is in the basement of the Siam and it is absolutely glorious – high ceilings, dark polished wood, and antique knickknacks the hotel is known for. A beautiful underground oasis.
Treatment rooms are divided into a changing area, bathroom, and massage room. As with many hotel spas in Thailand, they have regular massage beds as well as mattresses on the floor for Thai massage.

Massage table at Opium Spa

I opted for their Aroma Journey Massage and was in for a treat, the massage beds are ridiculously comfortable and can even be heated (something I didn’t need because who is ever cold in Bangkok??). Treatments started with a food wash and a warm neck pillow before my body was lathered in some of the best smelling oil. I had just returned from my Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka and very much appreciated not smelling like curry after my massage.

Another feature I liked was the fact that the massage bed automatically inclines which makes waking up/sitting up a little bit easier after your treatment.
Their signature massage is a Muay Thai Massage but since I am a wuss I decided wisely against this one. But some like it hard and if you are one of those, this is the massage I would go for!

Another great feature: if you are not coming by taxi you have to option to use the Siam’s free hotel boat shuttle to take you around.

Find a Room at The Siam

CHI at Shangri-La

I remembered the CHI spa at the Shangri-La from an unfortunate visit in Sri Lanka. It was unfortunate in that I had just broken up with my ex and was in some serious need of TLC and CHI was just the place for it.
So I knew I was in for a treat when I returned to the CHI Shangri-La in Bangkok for an afternoon of pampering. Especially after spending the morning in Chinatown in what felt like 150% humidity I was exhausted and may or may not have started my afternoon at the Shangri-La with an ice-cold Singha. Their terrace is right by the Chao Praya River and the views are incredible – even or especially when stormy clouds are coming in.

To get to CHI which is considered one of the luxury spas in Bangkok, you have to go to the Krung Thep Wing, which is actually closest if you are coming from the BTS. From the terrace, it was quite a distance (in hotel terms that is) but luckily one of their cleaning ladies found me and walked me to the reception in person.

Your visit at CHI starts with a cold towel and some ice-tea while you fill out your information. I was booked for a Paradise of Siam treatment which includes a Thai herbal steam, Thai massage, and Thai herbal compress. Spa suites are huge and come with a bathtub, mattress and regular massage tables as well as changing facilities.

Any treatment begins with a footbath and a little scrub before you move to your massage table. Unlike a regular Thai massage this one was done naked (of course, you get disposable undies!) and on a regular table with a donut for your face. I am not sure of the exact term but I enjoyed the fact that I didn’t have to squeeze my neck to either side during the back part of my massage.

If you haven’t had a herbal compress I highly recommend them as they are typical for a spa treatment in Thailand and super relaxing. A cotton pouch which is filled with herbs gets bathed in hot steam before being pressed on your body – so good for your skin!

Find a Room at Shangri-La Bangkok

Banyan Tree Spa

During the PATA conference in Jakarta, I kept on eyeing the stand of the Thai tourism board as they were offering mini massages. On day three I finally made it and was delighted to find out that their massages were given by therapists from the Banyan Tree Spa in Bangkok.

One of my very first spa experiences was at the Banyan Tree Seychelles (I couldn’t afford to stay there, but I did go for an open-air treatment and an iced coffee with a view) and have been keen to go back ever since.

Solo Trip to the Seychelles.

So I was delighted when they not only gave me a mini massage right then and there, complimented my pronunciation of bao bao but also invited me to check out their spa massage at the Banyan Tree Bangkok. Their spas have often been named World’s Best Spa and are really as good as it gets.

In Bangkok, you will find subdued light, comfy massage tables and amazing therapists – perfect to escape the city craze. I got their signature Lomi Lomi massage and an express facial with their new Jasmine Rice Collection. I am a sucker for jasmine anything and was almost sad to fall asleep immediately. It turned out my facial didn’t include any prodding or squeezing but just felt like a revitalizing massage for my face.

Find a Room at Banyan Tree Bangkok

SoSPA @ SO Bangkok

If you are looking for a chic and modern hotel spa that offers something different than your good old Thai massage in Bangkok, I recommend the SoSPA at the SO Bangkok.

Bring enough time to chill at their chill room with comfy beds overlooking the skyline and Lumpini Park before your treatment. Once you are in your treatment room you won’t be able to appreciate anymore because the word cocoon comes to mind during their signature treatment, the SO Exhilarating Body Massage.

First, you get wrapped up like a mummy (okay, maybe swaddling is a nicer term!) and rocked by your therapist. If you are not asleep yet you will get slathered in oil – it is part massage part slimming treatment (without making it a thing if you know what I mean) and also connecting body and mind throughout, stimulating all senses. A highlight for me was the massage bed which was quite literally a bed. Why can’t all massages be so fluffy and comfortable?

Whatever treatment you will go for, you will be rewarded with chocolate afterward (the hotel has its own chocolate studio downstairs) and you should spend some time at their beautiful pool overlooking the city. A great view, rain or shine.

Book a spa treatment at SoSPA

Massage bed in front of a large glass window at SoSpa in Bangkok

Best Day Spas in Bangkok

Of course you can find a Thai massage on every corner but there are also some wonderful day spas in Bangkok where you can pamper yourself for a few hours.

My tip: Contact spas in Thailand via their Line to receive promotions from them. While the ads can be a bit annoying at times, once in a while you can find out about great discounts and deals this way. Alternatively I recommend Klook for booking, while not all Bangkok spas are on there, they often have great deals for some.

Loft Thai Spa

Loft Thai Spa was recently voted as one of the top 50 spas in Asia, and once you step inside, you will quickly see why. They may not have a scenic ocean view location, but I would consider them the quintessential, cool urban spa. This starts with the right location: they have three spas in Bangkok, all conveniently located right by a BTS station.Β 

The design – lots of exposed brick – reminds me of a city loft with a good dose of Thai hospitality. An effortless cool awaits as soon as you walk in, but with a side of chilled butterfly pea tea, as one expects in Thailand.

Their spa menu offers beloved classics like Thai massages and a toksen massage as well as herbal compresses and various oil massages. However, they also do unique CDB treatments – in case you prefer to get pampered with cannabis instead of smoking it. If you wanted to do a viral treatment, go for their Signature Scalp & Facial Spa, which is only offered at the Loft Thai Spa & Tea House location.Β 

While the latter sounds amazing, I went with the Loft Thai Signature Spa. It includes a body scrub, oil massage, and an Aesop facial. Since there are few spas in Bangkok that offer Aesop facials, I knew it was the one for me!Β 

I will admit that I sometimes feel a bit shortchanged when booking a spa package. However, this was not the case here. I was getting pampered for the full 120 minutes and had enough time to enjoy a little nap while also realizing that my therapist Pi gave me one of the best massages I have had in a while. And while the facial was on the short side, I left with a glowing face and a smile. Though the coconut candy I got after my treatment may have helped with that too… 

Book a treatment at Loft Thai

HARNN

One of my favorite spas in Bangkok if I am looking to spoil myself is the HARNN Heritage Spa at CentralWorld, an amazing local brand with treatments to match. I am usually not one for lusting over beauty products and lotions (especially not in 100% humidity!) but here… oh man, here I am in trouble. They offer all kind of treatments from facials – the non-pinchy kind, perfect to get you smooth and glowy before a date – to massages and body treatments.

While I love a good oil massage I am usually quite picky when it comes to the products a place uses and so it is not something I choose in the cheap Khao San massage parlors. At HARNN spa it is a whole different ballgame though so I was excited to try their new Ayurvedic Hot Oil Compress Treatment. Herbal compresses that are usually heated with steam are filled with oil here and stamped, for a lack of better word, all over your body before your masseuse will rub you into nirvana.

A great bonus: the oils smell amazing (mine was their new galanga and lemongrass scent) and are incredibly non-greasy, even afterward in that Bangkok summer humidity.

Book a spa experience at HARNN

Scape by Harnn

I am a big fan of HARNN and was excited to find out that they have opened a new location kind of spa – SCape by HARNN. There is three of them and they are all located in a mall and part of their retail store.

I was in search of a good facial after getting a bit too much sun in Koh Phi Phi, and asking on their Line account they told me they were running a special on their Restorative Facial which was now 75 minutes instead of 60 minutes for 2,200 baht. My facial included 2 types of masks, cleansing, and an extensive facial massage as well as a hand massage, and was pure heaven.

And while the setting doesn’t offer amazing views like their original spa it is a beautiful, tranquil location, and perfect refuge if you want to escape the busyness of the city (and the mall).

Book a SCape by HARNN Spa Experience at Emquartier

Book a SCape by HARNN Spa Experience at centralwOrld

Book a SCape by HARNN Spa Experience at Central Pinklao

Maison Ysea

One of my favorite massages is a gua sha face massage. Whenever I get a facial, I don’t want them to squeeze and pull, I just want my face massaged for hours.Β 

When I was recently back in Bangkok I randomly googled: gua sha massage Bangkok. This way I came across Maison Ysea, a spa that specializes on sculpting and lifting face massages as well as lymphatic drainage and maderotherapy for the body.

For their face massages, they offer 45-minute treatments at β€œthe bar” where you lie in a comfy chair in the main area, or 75 minutes in a private room. Body massages are all done in the private rooms.Β 

I treated myself to a sculpting facial massage and a maderotherapy, a slimming, sculpting, anti-cellulite treatment done with various wooden (torture) instruments. While I didn’t have any hope that a single treatment would do anything about my cellulite, I was curious.Β 

The treatment felt incredible albeit a little painful at times as the therapist was really getting into the connective tissue on my thighs and my waist. However, she was lovely and quickly adjusted when I was asking for things to be done more β€˜bao bao’.Β 

The facial on the other hand was pure bliss. They give you a proper duvet to crawl under, something I have not experienced in any Bangkok spa. Unfortunately, I was fast asleep within 10 minutes and missed out on most of it. I reckon that is a good sign.Β 

So while final results have yet to show, the treatments and the whole setting are definitely worth the somewhat steeper price tag. And if it slims me in the end – even better.Β 

Book a massage at Maison Ysea

Oasis Spa

Oasis is a beloved day spa in Bangkok with three outlets throughout the city. I went to the Sukhumvit 31 location that looked the nicest.Β 

Honestly, it feels more like a hotel spa with a big garden, pond, and beautiful relaxing areas. I was promptly greeted and whisked inside for consultation, to confirm payment, and a cool welcome drink. Once formalities were sorted, my therapist showed me to the treatment room.Β 

Rooms are small but well-appointed with enough space for couples’ treatments. Only downside: the bathroom is open air, which might be rather hot and humid at times.

I had booked a Timeless Lift Facial, which is said to contour, reduce wrinkles and puffiness. Basically, the focus is on a firming face massage, and we all know how much I love that. They also have a Gua Sha Facial and a 1,5 hour option that combines the two.Β 

Unfortunately, my massage was so good that I basically slept through it – honestly, I need to have a masseuse on call for when I cannot fall asleep. However, the parts I remember felt wonderful, and my skin looked amazing afterward.Β 

Once I was done, I got hot tea and a mini mango sticky rice in a banana leaf. Another thoughtful extra: they offer a free car service to take you to the BTS station after you are done.

Prices at Oasis are at the higher end for Bangkok day spas and I would recommend you check on Klook as they often have promotions.Β 

Book a spa experience at Oasis Spa Sukhumvit 31

BHAWA

I came across BHAWA Spa on the eight after having arrived in Bangkok feeling jetlagged and stressed, last-minute entry-regulation changes will do that to you. So as soon as I got out of quarantine I needed some pampering and was looking for an affordable yet luxurious day spa in Bangkok.

BHAWA ticked all the boxes as they offer a variety of massages, facials, and great spa packages that are somewhat affordable. Even better: By contacting them via Line I also got a promotion for a 35% discount they had for January.

The spa itself is beautiful and tranquil and sporting a big sign that all their staff is fully vaccinated, something I very much appreciated.

I booked β€œThe Sensational of Spa First Timer” (you gotta love spa treatment names), a 150-minute package with a full body brush, scrub, and oil massage. Treatment rooms are through a small, lush backyard and come with a fancy tub, shower, two massage beds, and a corner for your foot soak & scrub to start with.
Before your treatment begins you get to choose your oils and scrubs (which you can also buy in their shop), and of course, you get a welcome drink, tea afterward, and the most luxurious robe while you are there.

For the scrub, the table was covered in plastic sheets which weren’t the most comfortable but practical. While the table didn’t have a face donut it was still plenty cozy and I fell asleep in no time during my massage.

All in all, I left properly relaxed and with very soft skin – a perfect Bangkok spa if you want to splurge but not break the bank!

Book a spa treatment at BHAWA

Herbal Ground Spa

I found Herbal Ground Spa in a slightly unusual manner: from an Instagram reel. I say unusual because I tend to be highly suspicious of spa reels and this one was from a guy, no less! And yes, I will admit I didn’t trust his spa experience.

But something intrigued me about it, and so I checked out the website, only to learn that they have some great package promotions at the moment. And since I was in search of a scrub-massage-combo, I booked the Herbal Ground Refresh package, which is 2 hours for only 1,500 Baht. I requested a booking online and they promptly replied the next morning.Β 

Now, Herbal Ground is not a fancy spa; in fact, you may call it a back-alley spa in Phrom Phong. But don’t let that deter you! The location is convenient, and there is nothing dodgy about it – it just is literally in a back alley. But they have turned it into a cute place with lovely staff. You pay before your treatment starts, and while they accept cards, they have a 3% surcharge, like so many places in Thailand.

Another thing to be mindful of: they don’t have individual rooms, but there are multiple tables in a room. I didn’t mind as they were spacious and had ample curtains around (and I was the only one there).

My therapist Nut was lovely and just really got me. I usually find scrubs way too short and superficial but this was anything but – I got a full hour and she even scrubbed my armpits! The massage was equally good and as someone who struggles with too much pressure, I was grateful to have a really intuitive therapist.Β 

Afterwards, you get a cup of tea and some dried mango that they also sell – a cute touch.Β 

Book your treatment at Herbal Ground Spa here

Wat Pho

First time in Thailand and first time for a Thai massage? Then you have to head to Wat Pho for the best Thai massage in Bangkok. The temple of the reclining Buddha is not only a sight to behold but also houses the WatPo Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School. Here you will get the mother of all Thai massages.

The school’s official Thai Medicine program includes Thai massage as one of its four disciplines so can be sure to be in good hands. I just love the fact that massages are part of their medical program!Β Mind you, with 480 baht per hour prices are a bit steeper than elsewhere but still very reasonable. You are also in the perfect spot after a day of sightseeing as this is the area with all the big temples and the Grand Palace.

By the way: There are few different Wat Pho massage centers and schools. One is on the temple ground so you will need to pay an extra 300 baht entrance fee. One is pretty close by the river behind Wat Pho – this is where I went during my most recent visit. I highly recommend it! Otherwise, you can check their website for the other branches or even book a Wat Pho massage at your hotel room.Β 

Book a Wat Pho massage at your hotel room

Khao San/ Rambuttri Road

You will get a very different experience on Bangkok’s most notorious road: Khao San. Mind you, I love it. There is nothing better than walking around with a fresh juice in hand and get a roadside foot massage.

It is people watching at its best: who wears the biggest backpack? Will that silly tourist really eat the scorpion? And does Richard from The Beach exist after all?

Sit back in one of the many lounge chairs and just settle the question if you need one hour or two for your feet, you can most likely afford either. If you are looking for a cheap massage in Bangkok with a side of peoplewatching this is the place to be.

Choices are plentiful, my favorite is actually on Rambuttri Road parallel to Khao San and called Shewa Spa. Really, there is not much difference though between the places and the prices are all pretty much the same. Just find one that you like, sit down and watch the world go by.

Sabaijai Thai Massage

I will admit that my choice for day spas in Bangkok was always a bit random – I would just pop into any place that was close to wherever I was and didn’t look too dingy. Needless to say, this system involves a fair bit of trial and error.

So I was excited when Jam the owner of my favorite Bangkok B&B Baan Katchipan recommended Sabaijai which is pretty much just across the road from them. To be honest, I didn’t have hopes when I saw that they offered the cheapest prices I have ever seen anywhere in Thailand for a one-hour Thai massage: 200 baht!

But I decided to give it a go and told them my requirement: Thai massage but bao bao. Now to understand why this is a weird request one has to understand the nature of a Thai massage. A Thai massage by its nature is never really bao bao but quite firm. The therapist I got assigned to was so amazing with this fine balance that I went back the next day and had a 90-minute massage.

The third time I got a different therapist who wasn’t that great but honestly that was my own fault – if you find a therapist you like, ask for his or her name and remember it for next time.

With that Sabaijai is not only the best Bangkok spa but also the cheapest – I will be back!

Room with thai massage mattresses and curtains

What else to do in Bangkok Besides getting a massage? Check out these posts:

A GUIDE TO HIP THONGLOR, BANGKOK.

EXPLORING CHINATOWN, BANGKOK ONE DIM SUM AT A TIME.

HOW TO PLAN A RAILWAY & FLOATING MARKET TOUR BANGKOK.

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18 comments

  1. How I wish to have stumbled across this article 10 days back when I was in Bangkok.This would have been a life saver.We go the foot massage in Sukhumvit Soi 9 Footjoy, and it was so relaxing and there was privacy as well , as the 4 of us were taken to a different area and there was free Wi-Fi as well.Loved the Thai Massage experience.

    1. Right?! Free wifi and massages is the best! I must explore that area more when I go to Bangkok next as I always stay in the old part of town but heard many good things about Sukhumvit Soi.

  2. The photos really sell the idea. I think the only time I ever went for a message in Thailand was in Ao Nang and I was black and blue afterwards.

    Pity I didn’t have your guide back then!

    1. There is a beach club in Ao Nang called Andamana – not only do they make an excellent pad thai, they also offer massages during season and they come with a stunning sea view!

  3. I love getting Thai messages!!I must’ve gotten two or three not he beach!! Love them!

    1. The beach ones are the best, right?

  4. On the beach is totally the way to go! There is nothing more relaxing than lying there, listening to the waves crash, and having someone massage you – except if there’s a nice cold cocktail waiting for you at the end!! We did beach massages in the Dominican Republic and they were unforgettable.

    1. Oh yes, I could use one right about now. Mind you, I just gotten up and should need a massage yet but I guess that is the thing about ocean massages – they are not only for your body but also for your soul!

  5. And my worst massage was… in Cambodia!!! Or maybe in China…
    How can I choose? The first one made me cry and shout as she was a blind girl who certainly wanted to kill me and pressed the vital areas of my neck. Did I also mention that she also laughed at my shouts?… I was so happy when it stopped.
    For the second one, the crazy Chinese girl walked on my back. A few months later, I discovered my rib cage had suffered a lot from this treatment.
    So I’m not a big fan of the massages!

    1. Oh no that does sound horrible! Was that blind massage in Phnom Phen? I also went to a massage center with blind people there but must admit I loved it. China too though I was briefly scared that I walked in a brothel. Now the first word in any language I learn is “softer” so that doesn’t happen.

      1. Yes, it was in Phnom Penh and I was with a Khmer friend who knew and loved the place. I told him how she hurt me and he promised to complain the next time…
        The first word I learn in any language is… pipi, sousou, xuxu πŸ˜‰ The child word for the toilets lol

        1. Agreed, telling them to go softer during a massage and asking for the toilets is first I need to learn too!

  6. I am in love with your elephant logo!

  7. Considering the crappy weather in Europe, I must say this looks pretty good right now :)))

    Though I have heard that it is painful and unless I am sure I can get the mildest version ever, I probably wouldn’t.

    1. If you ever go, go for an oil massage those are usually a lot softer. And just remember the words bao bao – they will just softly massage you into a cloud πŸ˜‰

  8. The massage are very atractive. Nice pictures

  9. All the things I’d do right now to lie on a beach on Thailand and get a massage….

    1. I will get you there eventually πŸ˜‰