Both are oil-based and use a massage table (different from traditional Thai massage which is dry, on a mat).
Thai oil massage (น้ำมัน) ฿700–฿1,200/hour: - Standard coconut/sesame oil base - Combines Swedish-style long strokes with Thai pressure techniques - Therapeutic — addresses tight muscles, knots, fatigue - Most common massage at mid-tier spas - Good for: post-workout recovery, jet lag, regular muscle tension
Aromatherapy massage (น้ำมันหอมระเหย) ฿900–฿1,800/hour: - Scented essential oils — lavender (relaxation), jasmine (mood), peppermint (energy) - Gentler strokes — focus on relaxation over therapy - Often includes mini-facial or hot stone elements - Most common at upscale spas - Good for: stress relief, sleep, sensory experience
Traditional Thai massage (นวดแผนไทย) ฿300–฿600/hour: - DRY — no oil, fully clothed - Pressure point + stretching on a floor mat - Therapeutic — more like assisted yoga - Good for: stiffness, joint mobility, deep tissue work
Foot massage (นวดเท้า) ฿250–฿450/hour: - Reflexology + lower leg work - Often on shared loungers - Good first-day-jetlag pick
Hot stone massage ฿1,200–฿2,500/hour: - Heated basalt stones along spine + meridians - Deep relaxation, good for cold-shouldered people
Choosing: - First-time tourist: traditional Thai or foot massage - Sore from training: oil massage - Sensory escape: aromatherapy or hot stone - Date / romantic: aromatherapy couples package
Avoid: places offering ฿199 massage in tourist zones (Khao San, Sukhumvit beer bar streets) — quality and hygiene unverified.