6 Bangkok Massage & Spas That Are Worth the Trip

Thai massage is said to have a history of about 2,500 years, having evolved from a traditional medical practice to a form of relaxation. There are many massage parlors and spas in Bangkok, but this time we will introduce a lineup of main course-level massages that are worth the effort.

photo: Koh Akazawa / edit: Akiko Yoshikawa

DaNaland TOK SEN

The vibration of the mallet helps to balance the mind and body

Tok Sen is a traditional medical treatment that originated in northern Thailand over 700 years ago and has been passed down mainly in Chiang Mai. The vibrations produced by striking a wooden stick with a mallet release muscle tension and improve blood circulation and energy flow. Owner and therapist Dawi learned the technique from his master, Master Thom, in Chiang Mai and opened his own practice in 2023.

While there are few places in Bangkok where you can receive Tok Sen, they obtained a clinic license in May 2013 and offer full-scale treatment certified by the Thai Medical Council. If you want to balance your entire body, we recommend the 2-hour plan (1,499 ฿ per hour).

Wild Clinic Sukhumvit 49

Facial care to relieve travel fatigue

This beauty clinic specializes in facial care and is a great place to know about in sunny Bangkok. It's also highly trusted by Japanese residents in the area. We recommend the "Skin High Gloss #1 Feel the Gloss" (45 minutes, 1,900฿). It removes sebum and waste products and replenishes beauty ingredients such as serums and vitamin C.

In addition, there are a wide range of treatments available for both men and women, including acne treatments and scalp care. There is a dermatologist on-site, giving you peace of mind, and the cafe-like interior makes it a great place to drop in even when traveling. There are a total of four stores in Bangkok.

Once Upon A Thai Wellness and Spa

The soothing herbal balls will surely make you fall asleep

This spa is housed in a renovated old house in a prime location near Central World. It offers a full menu of traditional Thai massages.

The herbal ball treatment, available with "Thai Time" (150 minutes, 3,500฿), is a traditional thermal therapy. Thai herbs such as cumin, lemongrass, and kaffir lime fruit are wrapped in cotton cloth and heated in a steamer before being pressed against the body in the direction of its energy flow. The deep massage is soothing, and the herbal scent is also soothing. You can take home the herbal ball used in the treatment.

lomlom

A cafe with a catchphrase: "Massage or Meal?"

Located along the road extending from July Rotary, once known as a cheap lodging district, the cafe on the first floor has a bright atmosphere with natural light streaming in, but the massage reception desk is located in the darkness at the back. "Enjoy the contrast between the cafe and massage," says a staff member.

The name "lom" means "wind" in Thai. The massage room is on the dimly lit second floor, reminiscent of a cave. The most popular option is the traditional Thai massage (500 ฿ per hour, cash only).

Auriga

A five-star spa focusing on jasmine rice

Capella Bangkok, which opened in 2020, was ranked number one in the 2012 World's 50 Best Hotels. Both the hotel and the spa, Auriga, were awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide.

The recommended course here is "Honmari" (150 minutes for 9,900฿, excluding tax and service charges). As the name suggests, which means "Jasmine Rice" in Thai, this treatment uses jasmine rice scrub, oil, and herbal balls made only from rice. It's a signature treatment that you won't find anywhere else.

BHAWÁ SPA on the eight

Forget the hustle and bustle of the entertainment district and relax your mind

The area is around BTS Nana Station, a famous entertainment district, but when you enter this shop, which was renovated from an old mansion, you are instantly transported to another world, to the point where you wonder if you are really in Nana.

They have developed their own menu based on traditional Asian techniques from Thailand and India. They are so particular about the products they use in the salon that they even built their own farm in Lampang province to grow the herbs and oils they use in the salon. The head massage in the "BHAWA STRESS & ANXIETY RELIEF MASSAGE & THERAPY" (100 minutes 2,950฿) thoroughly relaxes the entire scalp from the hairline. It is also effective for relieving eye fatigue.

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