Hi, I’m Jason — Thai Massage Lover Living in Bangkok
Sawasdee ka! I’m Jason, and I’ve been living in Bangkok for the past three years. If there’s one thing this city has taught me, it’s how much of a difference a great massage can make.
Before I moved here, I thought of Thai massages as a rare luxury — something you only treated yourself to once in a while, maybe on vacation. But in Bangkok? It’s a whole different story. Here, massage is a part of everyday life. It’s affordable, accessible, and surprisingly varied. Whether you’re dealing with sore feet after exploring temples, or just need to unwind after a stressful day, there’s always a place nearby offering exactly what you need.
How I Fell in Love with Foot Massage
For me, it started innocently enough. I was walking around the old town near Wat Pho, completely exhausted from the heat and the crowds. My legs were killing me, so I ducked into a small shop nearby for a quick foot massage. What I thought would be just a 30-minute break turned into something much more — a deep sense of calm I hadn’t felt in ages. From that moment on, I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to go for massages at least twice a week. I’ve tried just about every kind: Thai massage, oil, aromatherapy, herbal compress… but foot massage remains my all-time favorite. There’s something so satisfying about sitting back in one of those recliners, sipping hot tea, and feeling all the tension in your feet melt away.
The reason I love Thai massage is here:
From Client to Certified: Studying at Wat Pho
Eventually, I wanted to go deeper. I didn’t just want to receive massages — I wanted to understand them. So, I enrolled in a traditional Thai massage course at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical School, which is actually located within the temple grounds. It’s one of the most respected places to learn Thai massage, both in Thailand and internationally.
The course was intense. We learned how the energy lines flow through the body, how to apply pressure the right way, and how to read a person’s physical tension just by touch. There were days my thumbs were sore from practicing so much. But by the end, I had not only earned a certification, but a whole new level of respect for massage therapists.
Why I Started This Blog
That experience also gave me a better perspective when visiting massage shops. I now notice details that I used to overlook — like hand pressure, technique, rhythm, and whether the therapist is really paying attention or just going through the motions. It also made me more sensitive to how clients, especially foreigners, are treated in massage shops.
That’s actually one of the reasons I started this blog. There are thousands of massage places in Bangkok, but not all of them are created equal. Some are amazing and genuinely care about their clients. Others… not so much. As a foreigner, it can be hard to know which places are clean, professional, and welcoming, especially if you don’t speak Thai. That’s where I come in.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
I visit each shop personally and only write about places I’d go back to. I focus on whether they’re foreigner-friendly (do they speak basic English? are they polite and helpful?) and if the environment is clean, comfortable, and relaxing. Some of my favorite spots are humble little shops tucked away on quiet streets — not flashy, but with therapists who really know what they’re doing.
You’ll also find reviews of massage shops near popular tourist spots like Wat Pho, and trendier areas like Thong Lor or Sukhumvit. I try to include honest insights on pricing, service quality, atmosphere, and even small things like music or lighting — because they all add up to the experience.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Massage Spot
So whether you’re living in Bangkok or just visiting for a few days, I hope this blog helps you discover your perfect Thai massage spot — one that leaves you feeling refreshed, grounded, and maybe even a little happier.
Thanks for being here. And remember — in Bangkok, a good Thai massage is never far away.