Oil Massage in Bangkok

What Happens During an Oil Massage in Bangkok

Your therapist lays clean sheets over the bed and warms the oil in her hands before it touches your skin. You start face down. She works slowly along the back and shoulders, then the arms, the backs of the legs and the feet, with long gliding strokes that follow the shape of the muscles.

Halfway through, you turn over for the fronts of the legs, the arms, the neck and the scalp. The pressure stays steady and comfortable, firm enough to ease knots but never sharp. Ask for lighter or deeper work at any point; a word or a gesture is enough.

Unlike a Thai massage, there are no stretches and nothing for you to do. You simply lie still while the heat of the oil and the slow rhythm do their work. Not sure which style suits you? Our guide to Thai or oil massage sets them side by side.

Choosing Your Oil

Tell us about any allergy, skin sensitivity or dislike of strong scents when you book, and mention it if you are pregnant. We will suggest the right oil, or a plain one.

• Classic oil: a light, neutral massage oil for a plain, relaxing session.
• Aromatherapy: an oil blended with essential oils, with soft scents that slow the breath and quiet a busy mind.
• Coconut oil: a Thai favourite, rich and nourishing for skin dried out by sun, pool water and air conditioning.

Massage prices

Aromatherapy Massage in Bangkok for Stress and Sleep

Aromatherapy is the gentlest way to book an oil massage. The pressure is lighter, the pace slower, and the scent of the oil does part of the work. It suits the end of a demanding day, or a night when your thoughts refuse to switch off.

Many guests book it late in the evening and fall asleep soon after their therapist leaves. Our guide to massage for better sleep explains why a slow evening session helps so many people rest more deeply.

Oil Massage in Your Hotel Room

An oil massage in a hotel room is easier than it sounds. Your therapist covers the bed with her own sheets, so the hotel bedding stays clean, and she packs them away when she leaves. A towel from the bathroom is all you need to set aside.

Afterwards, you can rinse off in the shower or leave a light film of oil on your skin overnight: both are fine. Most guests skip the shower and go straight to sleep.

Warm Oil After a Long Flight

Hours in a narrow seat leave the legs heavy, the lower back stiff and the body clock confused. A slow oil massage in your room, soon after you check in, helps the legs feel lighter and makes it easier to sleep at local time. Our massage after a long flight guide has more tips for the first night. Each length and its rate is set out on our Bangkok price list.