Thai vs Oil vs Foot Massage — Which One Should a First-Timer Book?

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If you have never had a massage in Thailand, the menu on the wall can be confusing. Here is the plain-language version.

Traditional Thai massage (นวดแผนไทย)
No oil. You stay fully clothed in loose cotton pyjamas the shop provides. The therapist uses hands, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to press along energy lines and stretch you into positions. It is closer to assisted yoga than to a spa treatment.
Choose it if: you are stiff from flights, hiking or scooter riding.
Be aware: it can be genuinely intense. Say "bao bao" (เบาๆ) for lighter pressure. Nobody will be offended.

Oil massage / aromatherapy
Warm oil, long flowing strokes, much gentler. You undress to your comfort level and are covered with a towel throughout.
Choose it if: you want to relax rather than be worked on, or you are sunburnt-free and want something calming.

Foot massage
You sit in a chair, fully clothed, trousers rolled up. Feet, calves and often shoulders and neck are included.
Choose it if: you have been walking all day, or you are nervous about your first massage. This is the easiest starting point.

Herbal compress (ลูกประคบ)
Steamed cotton balls packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, turmeric and camphor are pressed on the body. Usually added to a Thai or oil massage rather than booked alone.
Choose it if: you have deep muscle ache or a cold coming on.

Practical things nobody tells you

• Arrive with clean feet. Most shops wash your feet first, but it is polite.
• Do not eat a heavy meal right before — Thai massage involves a lot of pressure on the abdomen area and twisting.
• Tell the therapist about injuries, pregnancy, high blood pressure or recent surgery before starting.
• Two hours is the sweet spot for Thai massage. One hour often ends just as your body relaxes.

Which would you recommend to someone landing tomorrow? Post your pick and why.