Chiang Mai is not only a must-visit destination in Thailand, but it is also well-known for its calming and therapeutic massage services by Thai and Lanna experts. If you decide to travel here, you will undoubtedly overcome your exhaustion from the long journey to unwind your body and mind, as the peaceful vibes and old traditions can create true rest and relaxation. Let’s find out where to go for the greatest massage treatment in this town.
You are probably aware that one of the most well-known cultures is Thai massage. This traditional form of Thai medicine involves pressure-point work and stretching along energy lines in the body. It has been practiced for 2,500 years, dating back to the Buddha’s time, when the Buddha’s personal physician, Doctor Jivaka Komarabhacca, introduced the art of kneading massage, also known as traditional massage, into treatment. It is thought that when Buddhism expanded throughout Thailand, this art also arrived.
And one of the traditional styles is Lanna massage, which is very popular among locals and visitors alike because of its unique techniques and philosophy of deeply integrating mind, body, and spirit, addressing the core of our wellbeing with the aim of reestablishing balance in all aspects. Additionally, it is found only in the northern regions of Thailand because it originated in the 13th century in the Lanna Kingdom, and it acted as a crucial part of everyday life to maintain holistic health with respect at that time as the golden age.
Here is a bucket list of Thai massages that you should try once!
Thai Massage
This treatment includes a two-hour traditional Thai massage to invigorate, rejuvenate, and enhance blood and oxygen circulation. To calm your body, the therapist uses slow and gentle motions, pushing on the energy lines, and stretching, followed by a head, neck, and shoulder massage.
Head, Back, and Shoulder
A neck and shoulder massage can relieve tension-causing stress and chronic pain, followed by a head massage to improve scalp circulation, calm, and restore energy flow to bring back your power of concentration and vigilance.
Thai Herbal Hot Compress Massage
Kaffir lime, prai, and camphor are fragrant scent plants used in herbal hot compresses that excite the senses and help deep relaxation gently. It promotes energy flow, improves circulation, relaxes deep muscular tissue, treats normally inaccessible energy lines, and restores the nerve endings to aid the body’s natural healing process.
Foot Massage
The Thai foot massage relieves all weariness, allowing you to perform better the next day. Feet are precise areas for stimulating the energy channels that connect all parts of the body utilizing palms and fingers, a wooden stick, and natural massage oil.
Now, you already knew that why the massage is also popular in Chiang Mai, so we will recommend you the top-rated massage parlors in Chiang Mai to totally relax your body and mind, deep into your soul, and experience the city’s massage culture like Thai and Lanna styles.
Top-Rated Massage Parlors
Oasis Spa
The first spa on our list should not be overlooked: Oasis Spa, a world-class spa in the Thai massage sector known for its top-end services and deep devotion to offering the greatest relaxation hours for its visitors via the beauty of Thai massage. There are two branches in Chiang Mai, including Lanna in the old city and Nimman in different vibes.
- Types of Massages Available
- Thai Massage 2 hrs.
- Head, Back, Shoulder & Foot Massage
- Foot Massage 1 hr.
- Thai Herbal Hot Compress Massage
- Lanna Massage (in The Voyage of Golden Lanna)
- Price Rate
Price: 1,200++ – 5,900++ Baht
Makkha Health & Spa
Makkha Health & Spa’s in Chiang Mai offer a variety of premium spa and massage treatments designed to heal your body, mind, and spirit in a relaxing environment, with different settings for each branch, such as Lanna, Garden, and Zen Style at Night Bazaar, Rachadamnoen, Colonial Gardens, and Ancient House.
- Types of Massages Available
- Thai Massage
- Neck Back Shoulder Massage
- Thai Herbal Ball Massage
- 4-hand Thai Massage
- Head and Hand Massage
- Foot Massage
- Price Rate
Price: 790 – 4,660 Baht (vat included)
Fah Lanna Spa
Seek a real Lanna relaxation and extraordinary experience at Fah Lanna Spa to make your memories unforgettable, where you can definitely indulge in Thai massage therapies based on the ancient Thai medical wisdom. It’s easy to find at Nimman, Night Bazaar, and the old city to prove the world-class wellness vibe in the nature.
- Types of Massages Available
- Traditional Thai Massage
- Head, Back & Shoulder Massage
- Thai Balm Massage
- Foot Massage
- Thai Herbal Ball Massage
- Bamboo Massage
- Tok Sen Massage (wooden hammer used for tapping muscle line)
- Price Rate
Price: 800 – 3,100 Baht
Calm Massage and Spa
Welcome to “Calm,” which means indigo in Thai, a tranquil traditional retreat with the best experience and wonderful moments at a reasonable price, as well as professional talents in Thai and Lanna massages at trustworthy locations in Chiang Mai Gate, Inthawarorot, and Fern Forest.
- Types of Massages Available
- Foot Massage
- Foot Massage with Herbal Ball Compress
- Hot Stone Massage
- Head Massage Stress Relief
- Back/Head & Shoulder Massage
- Traditional Thai Massage
- Deep Tissue Thai Massage
- Thai Massage with Herbal Ball Compress
- Price Rate
Price: 450++ – 3,200++
Zira Spa
The final stop on the itinerary in the ancient city must be Zira Spa, which provides massage options with a distinct style deeply rooted in Lanna tradition to meet your needs for stress relief and energy restoration on the inside and outside, surrounded by the pleasant atmosphere of clean white Lanna interiors and nature.
- Types of Massages Available
- Traditional Thai Massage
- Head, Back, and Shoulders with Hot Stones
- Thai Herbal Ball Compress Massage
- Foot Reflexology with Herbal Ball
- Royal Thai Lanna Massage (Fon Leb)
- Price Rate
Price: 990 – 2,400 Baht (vat included)
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you are a first-time tourist to Chiang Mai, here are some tips you should know before going to a massage parlor to obtain the ideal relaxing experience:
- Contact a massage parlor to make a reservation in advance to reserve service date and time at least one day.
- Check its online website or page to see the most suitable package and promotion.
- Wear a comfortable outfit which is easy to change as you need to wear its clothing like bath robe or authentic clothing.
- Let’s out try a combination of Thai wellness treatments with aromatherapy oil massages to body scrubs to leave the best feeling from inside out, good for skin, muscle, and body systems.
- Massage can help your digestive system perform more effectively and efficiently. If you eat a large meal before a massage, you may feel bloated during the session.
- Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible because Thai and Lanna styles could be different from what have tried before.
- Communicate with the staff and therapist there about what you will receive out of the massage you chose and whether it is right for you, as well as any reservations or worries you may have before beginning.
Rejuvenate your mind and body with a traditional Thai massage at one of Chiang Mai’s greatest parlors, which you should not miss to release your tension and weariness after a trip and stay going for the next excursion with an alert feeling every day while being healthy, as guaranteed by us! Just make your happiness last a long with the massage in Chiang Mai.
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