Every week someone arrives in Chiang Mai and pays three times the normal rate because they booked through a hotel desk. Here is what things really cost, from people who live here.
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Typical street-level prices (Thai baht, 2026)- Thai massage, 1 hour — 250 to 350 THB at a neighbourhood shop
- Thai massage, 2 hours — 450 to 600 THB
- Foot massage, 1 hour — 250 to 350 THB
- Oil / aromatherapy massage, 1 hour — 350 to 500 THB
- Herbal compress massage — 500 to 800 THB
- Hotel spa or resort spa, 1 hour — 1,200 to 3,500 THB
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Why the gap is so wideA resort spa is paying for a building, a garden, uniforms and a receptionist who speaks four languages. A neighbourhood shop is paying rent on one room. The hands are often equally skilled — many resort therapists trained at the same schools and worked in small shops first.
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Where the prices are highestNimmanhaemin (Nimman) and the Old City moat area charge the most because of foot traffic. Walk ten minutes outside the moat, or towards Santitham and Chang Phueak, and the same hour costs 80 to 120 THB less.
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TippingTipping is not required but is normal for good work. 50 to 100 THB for a one-hour massage is generous and appreciated. Hand it to the therapist directly, not at the counter.
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Red flags- A shop that will not tell you the price before you lie down
- Someone on the street pulling you towards a shop — legitimate shops do not need to do this
- Prices well below 200 THB per hour in a tourist area — usually a bait price with add-ons afterwards
A note on what this board is forThis forum covers travel, wellness, spa and safety topics. Questions about legitimate massage, spa and wellness services are welcome. Requests for sexual services are off topic and will be removed.
Your turnWhat did you pay for your last massage in Chiang Mai, and which area was it in? Post the price and the neighbourhood — it helps the next person arriving.