Traditional Thai massage is different from regular massage. It takes place on the floor, doesn’t use oil, and you keep your clothes on. It’s ideal for those seeking a body treatment instead of relaxation therapy. It’s also known as yoga massage, as the therapist incorporates stretching movements and body manipulation. They might kneel or walk on you to apply deep acupressure.
Once used by village healers to soothe hard-working peasants aching muscles, Thai Massage is a therapy for reducing pain and stiffness, improving energy, and easing anxiety. As people in the UK seek a non-medicinal and holistic approach to improving health, here is a guide to six of the best Thai Massage practices in London.
The Best Thai Massage in London
In 2019, UNESCO recognised Nuad Thai massage as part of Thailand’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thai healthcare uses it as an alternative remedy.
1. Thai Spa Victoria – A Haven of Tranquillity in Central London
Thai Spa Victoria specialises in Thai Massage and offers Western treatments, including Swedish and deep tissue massage. All therapists at Thai Spa Victoria are highly qualified to VCTC level 3 with a minimum of two years of experience in Thai massage.
The practice is open seven days a week and only a three-minute walk from the Victoria underground station.
There is a straightforward pricing structure for both single massage and couples treatments.
| Single-person prices | Couples’ prices | |
|---|---|---|
| 30-minute massage: | £45.00 | £90.00 |
| 45 minutes: | £55.00 | £110.00 |
| 60 minutes: | £65.00 | £130.00 |
| 90 minutes: | £95.00 | £190.00 |
| 120 minutes: | £125.00 | £250.00 |
Their Traditional Thai Massage involves stretching and acupressure techniques using hands, knees or feet to focus on the circulation system and pressure points to promote internal health and relieve cramped muscles.
A Combination Thai Massage with Oil combines authentic Thai therapy with deep tissue massage. It helps increase circulation systems and allows the joints and muscles to align better.
Other treatments include aromatherapy, reflexology and neck, back and shoulder massage, which has a minimum of 45 minutes.
Thai Spa Victoria tailors treatments to your body’s needs and respects your concerns leaving you and your body rejuvenated after a Thai massage in Central London.
Address: 2nd floor, 207 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE
Telephone: 020 3842 8850
2. Thai Kosai – Massage Therapy
Thai-Kosai Massage Therapy provide massage therapy, including Traditional Thai, aromatherapy, and deep-tissue. They have two branches, one at Spitalfields and the other at Holborn.
Their prices are £65.00 for one hour and £95.00 for 90 minutes.
They don’t use oil during Traditional Thai massage. Therapists concentrate on specific pressure points and use gentle stretching. They provide cotton pyjamas to wear during the session.
Thai-Kosai suggests a Thai Aromatherapy treatment or a Thai Combination if you prefer a more relaxing experience. A trained aromatherapist hand blends massage oils used during treatments. The masseuse uses their fingers, palms, and forearms to massage specific areas with the appropriate pressure to ease tension rather than target deep tissue.
If you’re looking for a truly exceptional Thai massage, I highly recommend Thai-Kosai. The place is impressively clean, and the therapists are incredibly skilled at pin-pointing tension points, making for a truly rejuvenating experience.
Address: Spitalfields, 5 Toynbee Street, London, E1 7NE
Telephone: 020 7247 8495 / 07787 727 909
3. Siam Nuad Thai – Massage Spa
Siam Nuad Thai offers a range of Thai and Western-style massages on the High Street in Penge. In addition, the salon has a range of speciality and pampering treatments for singles and couples.
A Simply Thai is 120 minutes of treatment as a single for £105.00 or a couple for £195.00. The therapy combines one hour of reflexology and another hour of oil-free traditional Thai massage. The treatment aims to reinvigorate the whole body using the two complementary techniques.
For a Traditional Thai Massage, you can choose 60 minutes for £55.00, 90 minutes for £80.00, or 120 minutes for £105.00.
Siam Nuad Thai regards their Traditional Thai Massage as the most holistic treatment, involving rhythmic acupressure, body rocking, and assisted stretches. Therapists apply gentle but firm pressure on the body using their palms and thumbs. They also stretch the limbs and back using assisted yoga stretching. This technique works the skin, muscles, organs and skeleton.
The speciality treatments include a Pregnancy massage lasting 60 minutes for £55.00. It is only available between three and eight months of pregnancy. The therapist adjusts Traditional Thai Massage to gently massage and squeeze the abdomen to rock the baby in the womb, relieving cramped muscles in the mother’s belly.
Another ladies-only treatment is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Sixty minutes is £60.00 and 90 minutes is £85.00. The treatment promotes the body’s removal of toxins and gives an overall sense of optimism and well-being.
Address: 51 High Street, London, SE20 7HW
Telephone: 020 8659 0333
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4. 1689 Smile Smile Thai Massage & Spa
Established in April 2022, 1689 Smile Smile Thai Massage Therapy provides deep-tissue massage and reflexology. Therapists are fully qualified and, with their experience, will have you relaxed and free of aches and pains.
The Spa’s traditional Thai Massage is without oils and lotions. The therapist uses acupressure, presses, pulls, stretches, and rocks your body. Prices are from,
- 60-minutes: £49.50
- 90-minute: £76.50
- Two hours: £90.00
A second Thai treatment available is a Thai Yoga Massage, which combines assisted yoga and acupressure techniques. The therapist will use their hands and feet to apply pressure along the energy lines. Prices are from,
- 30-minutes: £31.50
- 60-minutes: £49.50
- Two hours: £90.00
A couples session is available for 90 minutes, from £144.00
The listed prices are for off-peak times at the Thai Massage in West London.
I have found the treatments provided by 1689 Smile Smile to be incredibly successful in relieving various aches and pains, including back pain and sciatica.
Address: 148 King Street, London, W6 0QU
Telephone: 020 8741 8338
5. Asiatic – Bringing the Land of Smiles to London
Asiatic is the accomplishment of the founder, Apple, whose dream was to help others live pain-free lives and ease stress and anxiety through the ancient art of traditional Thai massage.
Inspired by her studies of Thai massage, Apple has assembled a team of qualified therapists who use traditional and modern techniques to offer effective Thai massages. Prices are,
| Single person: | Couples: | |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | £65.00 | £115.00 |
| 90 minutes | £90.00 | £160.00 |
| 120 minutes | £120.00 | £200.00 |
The Asiatic Thai massage uses acupressure, yoga poses and stretches to align the natural healing flow of the body. Treatment helps to improve circulation, flexibility, and relaxation. Thai massage can reduce headaches and joint and back pain. All therapists consider their clients’ flexibility and anxieties when giving treatment.
A Thai Foot massage combines reflexology and Thai massage. Many of the body’s energy lines pass through the feet, and by stimulating these Sen lines, you can release energy and toxins, improving circulation in your legs and feet.
A Thai Yoga massage at one of the best Thai Massage in London uses fingers, thumbs, hands, elbows and feet to apply pressure to the energy lines. They also include deep-assisted yoga stretches. Body rocking helps to ease many forms of pain. The treatment helps to make you feel motivated and mindful.
Address: 93 Upper Street, London, N1 0NP
Telephone: 020 7288 8702
6. Gold Star Thai Massage – North London
Gold Star Thai Massage offer Traditional Thai Yoga Massage, which combines deep-tissue massage, gentle stretches and a hot oil massage. The treatment will ease tension knots, loosen joints, and improve circulation. They offer single and couples therapy.
A Thai Massage for a single person is available for 30 minutes to two hours. The price is from £40.00.
A couples massage is £105.00 for a 60-minute session and £175.00 for 90 minutes.
The Thai practice in North London offers a range of treatments, including Hot Stone, Swedish, and Deep-Tissue massages. Reviewers say they have walked in with pain and left feeling like a new person.
Address: 735 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London, N21 3RX
Telephone: 07483 441080
Preparing for a Safe and Comfortable Thai Massage
How should I prepare for my Thai Massage?
Avoid alcohol 24 hours before treatment and avoid eating one to two hours beforehand.
Will I need to provide my medical history?
Most practices will ask you to complete a short medical history questionnaire.
Is it safe to have a Thai Massage if you are pregnant?
It is not safe during your first trimester. Afterwards that period, you can check with your GP and then find a specialist in pregnancy massage.
What do you wear to a Thai Massage?
Thai Massage is usually carried out fully clothed. It is best to wear loose clothing that allows free movement for stretching. Some practices provide pyjamas. If your treatment involves oil, you will keep on your underwear, and the spa will provide you with a towel for the lower part of your body.
