Learning Thai Massage in Thailand - Become a Masseuse in Thailand
If you say you’ve been to Thailand but never tried (or even heard of) Thai massage… are you sure you’ve been to Thailand?
The first time I ever had it, I was completely stupefied. Never had I experienced anything like that before. And I’d tried Balinese massage, Chinese massage, and plenty of generic spa massages. But Thai massage was something else entirely.
After that first experience, it became a non-negotiable part of my Thailand trips. No matter how short the visit, I always made time for at least one session. I loved it so much that the next logical step seemed to be learning how to do it myself.
The motivation at the beginning was a purely selfish one. I wanted to teach a few basic techniques to friends and family members, so I would always have free masseuses and masseurs around me whenever I needed them.
This turned out to be an overly optimistic plan, as I later learned. Still, that initial curiosity was what led me to Wat Po Massage School, where a casual interest quickly turned into a much deeper respect for Thai massage as a discipline.
Thai massage is often described as a blend of assisted yoga, acupressure, and traditional bodywork, but that description still doesn’t quite capture how it feels in practice.
For a first-timer, you’d probably be just as surprised as I was. First of all, there are no massage tables — only mats or thin mattresses on the floor. This may seem peculiar at first, but you’ll soon understand why.
Secondly, you’re on the mat fully clothed, usually in a pair of loose cotton pants and a shirt provided for you to change into.
And after that, the adventure begins.
Classic Thai massage does not use oil or any other ointments, which is why you don’t have to undress. Instead, it focuses on pressure points, or sen lines — the body’s energy pathways according to traditional Thai medicine.
What I like most is that the pressure used is usually quite strong, unless you specify otherwise. I hate it when I go to a massage parlor expecting some serious kneading, only to find that the therapist simply rubs oil all over my body — VERY gently and sloooowly — and call it a massage.
If I wanted caressing, I could go to a different kind of parlor, thank you very much.
The reason such strong pressure is possible is that Thai massage doesn’t rely on hands alone. Practitioners also use their forearms, elbows, knees, and even their feet.
It may not sound especially hygienic, but it feels so good that you stop caring immediately. And in any case, you won’t be wearing your own clothes anyway, so there’s no need to worry about them getting dirty.
Now you understand why they do it on the floor. This allows for a wider range of motion, both for you, and the person giving the massage, because you won’t be lying on your back or stomach the whole time.
Thai massage is also jokingly called “lazy yoga”, because it really can feel like assisted yoga. They stretch you, twist your body, and push and pull you without you having to do anything except trust the process. By the end of the massage, you feel light and refreshed, as though you’ve just completed an hour-long yoga session.
Even if you usually prefer a more relaxing kind of massage, it’s still worth trying at least once for the unique experience.
Brief history of Thai massage
Thai massage has ancient roots, influenced by Indian Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese healing techniques.
It was traditionally practiced in temples by monks, combining physical therapy with meditation and holistic health. The goal was not just to relieve pain, but to balance energy and promote overall wellbeing.
Much of this knowledge was tragically lost during the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767.
The techniques that survived were preserved on stone tablets, which are now housed at Wat Po in Bangkok — the same temple where many students, including myself, still learn these centuries-old methods today.
Over time, Thai massage evolved from a temple practice into a form of therapy taught to the public and shared worldwide.
Yet, training in Thailand, especially at Wat Po, keeps the tradition closest to its original roots, allowing modern practitioners to connect with the history and philosophy behind every stretch and pressure point.
Health benefits of Thai massage
Thai massage invigorates you as much as it relaxes you, offering benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.
Physically, it eases muscle tension, improves posture and flexibility, while boosting circulation and overall energy levels. For food lovers like me, it even helps digestion after all the tom yum and green curry.
Mentally and emotionally, Thai massage helps reduce stress and supports nervous system balance. Some claim it also heightens awareness and aligns your chakras, whatever that means, but there’s no denying the sense of calm it can bring.
Interestingly, Thai massage benefits the giver too (it gives them a good workout, that’s for sure), improving their own strength, endurance, and body awareness, so it’s a win-win situation.
Why Thailand is the best place to learn Thai massage
Thailand isn’t just the birthplace of Thai massage — it’s where the practice is still deeply alive, both as a tradition and a profession.
Learning there gives you access to instructors trained in authentic methods that have been passed down for generations. It’s one thing to watch videos or read guides, but being in Thailand allows you to experience the culture, rhythm, and philosophy behind the massage.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in particular, are hubs for Thai massage education. Schools like Wat Po provide structured courses with official certification recognized nationwide and worldwide.
Learning in Thailand also gives you the opportunities to observe professional massage in action at spas, try different styles firsthand, and immerse yourself in a culture that genuinely values massage as a part of daily life.
As for me, it gave me the best excuse to travel to my favorite country in the world!
Where to learn Thai massage in Thailand
Thailand offers a variety of options for learning Thai massage, ranging from short weekend courses to multi-week intensive programs.
Chiang Mai in the north is the center of Thai massage, and thus has the biggest choice of schools. But there are many around Bangkok as well, or if you like being near the beach, you can find some in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket.
How much it costs to learn Thai massage in Thailand
The cost of learning Thai massage in Thailand varies depending on the school, duration, and depth of training.
Short courses of a few days can range from $100 to $250, often focusing on general techniques suitable for beginners or hobbyists.
Intensive programs, especially those offering certification from well-known schools like Wat Po, typically cost between $500 and $1,200 for a one- to two-week course.
Additional factors like accommodation, meals, and optional courses can increase expenses. However, the cost of living in Thailand is generally low, making learning Thai massage more affordable overall compared to other countries.
The immersive experience often justifies the investment for both personal and professional growth.
Wat Po Thai Massage School, Bangkok
Wat Phra Chetuphon (better known as Wat Po, and also spelled Wat Pho) is one of the largest temples in Bangkok and is famed for its giant reclining Buddha.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the temple played a pivotal role in preserving Thai massage. It became a center where knowledge of Thai Traditional Medicine and massage was gathered from ancestors and passed on to younger generations.
In 1955, the temple opened its medical and massage school, the first Thai medical school officially approved by the Ministry of Education.
Now, the massage school is no longer located inside the famous temple itself, but in a separate building close by.
It combines tradition with hands-on teaching, offering a structured, immersive environment where students master authentic techniques step by step with personalized guidance from the instructors.
The General Thai Massage course is the foundation for all advanced programs, but Wat Po offers dozens of other options including:
- Foot massage
- Oil massage and aromatherapy
- Infant and child massage
- Women’s healthcare massage
- Herbal compress therapy
- Spa treatments
Although some courses are more expensive than what you might find elsewhere, I chose to study at Wat Po because of its long-standing reputation.
A certificate from this school allows you to practice as a masseuse anywhere in Thailand (just in case I ever decide to move here and start a massage business as a side hustle).
General Thai Massage Course at Wat Po
The General Thai Massage course is the most basic program offered at Wat Po, and is the prerequisite for all other courses.
But “basic” doesn’t mean easy. It’s a 30-hour course completed over five consecutive days, and it runs six days a week, with new students able to start on any day except Sunday. This flexibility makes it accessible, even for travelers with tight schedules.
By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to perform a full one-hour Thai massage.
Registration & first impressions
Registration was straightforward. I went to the school reception the day before my course started, filled out an application form, and that was pretty much it.
You’ll need a copy of your passport, three passport-sized photos (2″ x 2″) and the course fee. Payment was flexible, with options for cash, credit card, or money transfer.
Tip: If you don’t already have passport photos, there’s a photo studio right next door. They even retouched the photos slightly — smoother skin, a bit of blusher, lipstick, and eyeliner. I’m not sure if this is a standard thing in Thailand, but I quite liked the result.
After registering, I was given a learning kit that included a bag, a pen and illustrated coursebooks. At that point, the excitement really set in — I was officially on my way to become a certified Thai masseuse.
Inside the classroom: daily schedules & learning style
Classes at Wat Po ran from 9 am to 4 pm. On the first day, new students were shown to their assigned massage hall and introduced to the instructor and fellow classmates.
The instructor-to-student ratio was 1:6, which meant there was plenty of individual attention despite the group setting.
The teaching method was highly structured. In a typical one-hour massage session, the person receiving the massage — referred to as the “patient”– starts by lying on their back, then moves onto their sides, and through a total of five different positions.
Each day of the course focused on learning one or more of these positions, gradually building toward a complete full-body sequence by the end of the week.
What made the learning process especially effective was how hands-on it was. Students constantly rotated roles, taking turns giving and receiving massages.
So, beyond learning the techniques, we also experienced firsthand what worked, what felt awkward, and what needed adjusting.
It also meant that we received at least three hours of massage every single day, which might be one of the best study perks imaginable.
That said, it didn’t take long to realize that giving a massage is hard work. Proper body mechanics were emphasized from day one, but muscles you didn’t even know existed started making themselves known by the end of the first day.
Thumbs, in particular, took a beating. If your partner happened to be larger than you, the challenge increased significantly.
Midday break
Around noon each day, we were given an hour-long lunch break. Students were free to leave the school building, but most of us — and many of the instructors too — gravitated toward the open-air dining hall on the top floor. It was convenient, social, and, most importantly, served good Thai food.
I honestly can’t remember whether the meals were included in the course fee or if we paid separately. What I do remember is eating there every single day, which suggests that if there was a charge at all, it must have been minimal.
The dining hall overlooks the Chao Phraya River and nearby temples, offering a moment of calm in the middle of an otherwise physically demanding day.
There’s a roof overhead, thankfully, so you’re protected from the unforgiving Thai heat while still enjoying the breeze and scenery.
The final exam & certification
On the fifth day, after lunch, it was time for the final exam. This was when everything we had learned since day one had to come together in the correct order.
The task sounded simple in theory but was actually demanding in practice, as we had to demonstrate the full massage sequence without skipping any steps and follow the exact progression taught during the course.
By this point, most of us had grown comfortable with one another even though we hadn’t talked much during class (language barriers played a role in my case).
When nerves and brain fog kicked in during the exam, we quietly helped each other out, the “patient” discreetly giving hints if someone momentarily forgot a step. It felt a bit like being back in school, cheating during a test and hoping not to get caught.
The examiner didn’t seem overly strict, which helped take the edge off. The focus appeared to be on effort, technique, and overall understanding, rather than absolute perfection.
Afterwards, we were given our certificates and gathered for a group photo. Then, just like that, everyone went their separate ways.
I remember feeling unexpectedly sad. Five days isn’t a long time, but there’s unique kind of bond that forms when a group of people spends hours massaging each other every day for five days. It was intimate in a completely non-romantic way, and its sudden ending felt oddly abrupt.
Reflections
Overall, the course left me with far more positives than negatives, but there was one aspect that stood out to me at the time.
Local Thai students were able to attend a theory class despite paying only a fraction of what international students paid. As an international student myself, I would have happily paid extra to attend the theory sessions, but this wasn’t offered as an option.
Initially, this made me wonder whether certain aspects of Thai massage knowledge were intentionally kept within the local community. Which was fair, to be honest.
Upon further reflection, I think the most probable reason was simply a lack of English-speaking instructors qualified to teach the theory component. Teaching hands-on techniques is one thing; explaining traditional medical concepts in a second language is another entirely.
Given that, the decision makes sense, even if it was still a little disappointing.
Despite this, the course delivered exactly what it promised: a solid, practical foundation in Thai massage. The absence of theory didn’t diminish the quality of the hands-on training, and it certainly didn’t take away from the overall experience.
If anything, it left me curious and more respectful of the depth behind the practice.
Foot Massage Course at Wat Po
About a year later, I found myself back in Bangkok, this time enrolling in Wat Po’s Foot Massage course.
Like the General Thai Massage course, it lasted five days and ended with an exam, but the overall atmosphere felt quite different.
The class was held in a much smaller room, with far fewer students, which made the experience more intimate and slightly more relaxed.
In the Foot Massage course, we had to focus on the feet (obviously), though we also worked on the legs and shoulders.
Compared to general Thai massage, there were more props involved. We used towels, lotion, and reflexology sticks (all included in our learning kit), and instead of working on mats on the floor, we sat on massage chairs.
For anyone used to spa-style treatments, this would feel more familiar.
One noticeable difference was the learning curve. The foot massage routine had fewer steps than the General Thai Massage course, so rather than learning something completely new each day, we spent more time repeating and refining the same sequence.
While this helped with muscle memory, the repetition made the course feel a little monotonous after a while, especially compared to the constant challenge of the general course.
This time, the group was far more international, with students from China, Japan, and France. Everyone spoke English, which made the room livelier and more social. We bonded quickly and I even went celebrating on Khao San Road with the Japanese students after finishing the course.
Still, despite the fun and camaraderie, I couldn’t help feeling that I enjoyed the previous course more. It was tougher, more varied, and ultimately more satisfying for me.
Where to stay near Wat Po
Wat Po sits in Bangkok’s historic old town, an area filled with temples and river views.
I chose to stay a little farther out, in Phra Arthit near Khao San Road, and loved the daily 30-minute walks to and from school.
For me, it became a peaceful way to ease into the day and wind down afterward, but for those who prefer shorter commutes, there are plenty of good options much closer to Wat Po:
Budget
- Bangkok Neighborhood Hostel — Dormitories and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a kitchen, lounge, and luggage storage service.
- Issara by D Hostel — Dormitories and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a garden, swimming pool, and rooftop terrace.
- RALPH Bangkok — Dormitories and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a rooftop seating area, and a coffee shop.
Mid-range
- Baan Suandao Wat Arun — A highly rated homestay in a quieter neighborhood, with temple views.
- Neighbor Phuthon — A guesthouse in a well-preserved heritage building in the Old Town.
- Aurum the River Place — A riverside hotel featuring a rooftop garden.
Luxury
- Inn a Day — Luxury rooms and suites with river and temple views. Features a rooftop bar. Some rooms come with hot tubs.
- Chakrabongse Villas — A former royal residence by the river, offering luxurious Thai-style suites with fine wood furnishings.
- Riva Arun Bangkok — Riverside hotel with temple views and an open-air restaurant.
Tips for choosing a Thai massage course in Thailand
One of the first things to consider is why you want to learn Thai massage. Are you curious and want a short, immersive experience, or are you thinking about practicing professionally?
Short courses like Wat Po’s General Thai Massage are ideal for beginners, but they’re also intense. Knowing your goal upfront helps you choose a course length and structure that won’t leave you overwhelmed, or wishing you’d gone deeper.
Don’t choose a school based on price alone. Thailand offers everything from budget courses to well-established institutions with international recognition.
A reputable school will have experienced instructors, a clear curriculum, and proper certification — if that matters to you.
FAQs about Thai massage training in Thailand
Do you need prior experience to take a Thai massage course?
Not at all! Most courses, including the General Thai Massage at Wat Po, are designed for beginners. You’ll start from the basics and gradually build your skills.
Having some general body awareness or prior massage experience can make learning a bit faster, but it’s definitely not required.
How long are the courses?
Courses range from short 1–5 day sessions like the general course, to multi-week specialized programs. The General Thai Massage course I took is five days — intensive, but enough to give you a strong foundation for future learning.
What does certification allow you to do?
After completing the course at Wat Po, you receive an official certificate that shows you’ve completed formal training, which is great if you want to practice professionally.
However, mastering Thai massage is an ongoing process. Think of certification as the key to start your journey, not the finish line.
Is Thai massage difficult to learn?
It can be challenging at first because it combines stretching, pressure work, and body mechanics. But with proper instruction and practice, most people pick it up quickly.
Physical preparation matters too. Thai massage is physically demanding, especially if you’re not used to working on the floor or using your whole body instead of just your hands.
Stretch beforehand, stay hydrated, and accept that you’ll be sore for a few days.
Which course should beginners start with?
Start with the General Thai Massage course. It’s the prerequisite for most other programs, and it gives you the core skills needed to branch into specialty areas like oil massage, foot massage, aromatherapy, or herbal compress therapy.
Have you tried Thai massage before? Did you like it? Would you consider learning Thai massage? Comment below.
thai massage is sooo freaking good! pretty amazing to know that we can actually learn that massage and get a certificate
Haha yup, it’s pretty cool to have a massage certificate and show it off to people… Until they start asking you for a free massage 😒
Tak pernah lagi cuba Thai massage sebelum ini. Nampak mencabar jugak nak belajar tu.
Salute ummi sanggup belajar 🙂
Thank you! Kalau tak pernah cuba, mesti kena cuba sekali. Tapi sesetengah orang mungkin tak suka la, sebab dia tak gentle macam massage yang lain.
What a good informational post! You make me learned a lot of things about Thai massage. Keep on the good work:
Thank you for your feedback, Fadima! Yes, I will continue producing more informational posts.
Kaum wanita ini akan menyukai artikel ini kerana mereka sentiasa menjaga kesihatan mereka. hehee
Oh, kaum lelaki tak suka, ya? Hehe.
Wah bgusnya belajar urutan ni semua.. Bila ada sijil semua memang dh boleh cari duit dengan urutan ni.. Hehehe.. Macam2 urutan ada ye. Bagus sangat
Hehe belum sampai tahap boleh cari duit lagi kot. Sekadar suka2 je ni.
I suka urut, tak kira mana i travel, kalau ada massage spa, mesti nak urut punya, last time i go Bangkok, siap amik pakej urut dalam room lagi, best gileee hahahahaha
Wah best la siap ambik private package. Kat Malaysia ni pun ada je Thai massage, cuma mungkin kurang authentic dan lebih mahal la kot.
This is among the reasons why I love Thailand – I really need to go and have the original Thai massage – not the one that is sloooowwww hahaha
Yesssss… it is a must for me too, every time I go to Thailand. I guess I like being manhandled like that 😀
thanks for sharing this article. never knew so much about thai massage until now 🙂
Glad you found the article helpful 🙂
Ohhhh,, you made me miss those Thai Massage that I have before during my trips to Thailand. It is one of the “Must-Have” activity in our itinerary that normally i will go for it 2 days before or during the last night in Thailand.. Thinking about it, it has been a while I didn’t go for a good massage.. Phew!! Pandemic kills every excitement.
Me too, after a few days traveling and walking all over the city, I would dedicate the last day to massage and pampering myself 😁. You can still get Thai massage in Malaysia in the meantime tho.
My husband went to Thailand 3 times and had Thai massages every time! The he comes home and say I should try their Thai massage but he still hasn’t brought me to Thailand. Haihhh… with the pandemic now, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to give it a try.
Haha, maybe he can let you try it here first. There are plenty in Malaysia. Let me warn you though: it can be addictive 😀
Wow, I like Thai massage but can’t travel now hu hu hu
There are many in Malaysia too, although probably more expensive.
wow bagus nya u belajar thai massage… boleh la nnt buka spa sendiri ke apa kat malaysia kan? tapi serius thai massage mmg best…habis straight tulang dorang buat..hahhahha lama nya tak gi thailand weii… i miss thailand
Hahaha, nak bukak spa sendiri tu memang tak la kot. Urut family member je la nampak gayanya.
Tak pernah cuba lagi thai massage. Nampak macam best plak. Biasa tengok dalam tv je. Hehe. Bestlah penah merasa
Kalau belum pernah, mesti kena cuba sekali. Baru tau best ke tak. Kat Malaysia ni pun banyak Thai massage 😉
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Hi,
My name is jamil Ahmed, I am an Indian.
I want to know if your school currently open?
If open please let me know the details of the course and fees
Hi, Jamil. Thank you for your question. However, in this article, I was simply sharing my experience learning massage at Wat Po massage school. I’m not an instructor, nor do I own any massage school. You can contact them directly or visit their website for the latest details. 🙂
Thanks for the information. Thai massage offers multiple health benefits, including the effective reduction of headaches, back pain and low back pain.
Totally agree!