Thailand is a beautiful country, popular for its lush islands, gorgeous beaches, huge Buddhist population, rich culture and heritage, elephants, festivals, mouthwatering cuisine, low travel costs, and fame as a trending tourist location. Literally translating to “land of the free”, Thailand keeps up to its name, with all of its cities boasting a plethora of activities that promote freedom, enjoyment, and relaxation.
Tourists and Thai residents alike indulge in the country’s affordable retreats, Muay Thai, golfing, downing on delectable Thai and international food and beverages, and having the time of their lives! One of the most popular indulgences that people around the world adore is Thai massage, known for its relaxing, soothing, and rejuvenating properties for relieving discomfort and pain! In this article, we’ve gathered 6 of the best Thai massage spots in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island located in the south of the country.
What Is A Thai Massage?
Thai massage, also known as “Thai yoga massage”, is a series of pain-relieving movements for the entire body, generally carried out for about 90–120 minutes by a Thai massage therapist. It is a therapeutic practice where the masseur focuses on healing the body by applying pressure or rhythmic movements to different areas of the body.
Pushing, pulling, flexing, and whatnot-the masseur will alternate between using their hands, arms, feet, and entire body to guide the body towards healing. The client will also be guided to stretch their body, loosening the hip, back, and other knotted muscles—extreme relief!
Unlike traditional massage, the massage requires you to lie on a mat on the floor instead of a table. Thai massage is derived from traditional Thai medicine and works based on connecting the body’s energetic pathways. It is a healing process that fuels healing from the inside-and below we want to tell you why it’s so special for you to make it a must when you travel to Rawai!
What Makes A Thai Massage So Special?
Yes, it’s a lot of healing, but why is it a must-do when you’re in the homeland of Thai massages?
Thai massages are intense, but their results are mind-blowing. It enhances blood circulation, stimulating body organs to work better and therefore resulting in higher energy levels for the client. The practice focuses on aligning energy channels, and if you’re feeling stressed or burnt out, one massage can do wonders for you to de-stress and improve your mood.
It also works on your range of motion, helping you to improve your flexibility and enjoy your trip with much more enthusiasm and energy! It also aids in reducing the effects of chronic lower back and joint pains, headaches, and pain from stiff muscles. Be mindful that you do need to have adequate rest after a Thai massage, but soon you will be able to enjoy its benefits to the fullest and have a wonderful time as you explore the vast, exciting islands of Thailand!
Where Is Rawai In Phuket, Thailand?
Rawai is a district/village in the south of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most lively and energetic tourist hotspots in the south of the country. Rawai is one of the country’s three main ports, and ships sail to and from Rawai Beach to other islands around Rawai. It is close to Phuket Town, and people in and around the town visit Rawai, especially on a beautiful, relaxing Sunday afternoon.
The Star Of Rawai: Rawai Beach
Rawai has 10 beaches surrounding it closely—all with their own unique touch and different experiences. Rawai Beach is one such beach that is a no-swimming spot but with a lovely view of Thai boats, decked and ready to head on their next adventures. The east-southern part of the beach is home to the “Sea Gypsie Village”, a fun-filled market with restaurants, traditional goodies, and welcoming locals, which is a must-visit location. You can easily hire a long-tail boat at an affordable price and go island hopping to your heart’s desire!
Rawai is also popular for its relaxing Thai massages, which are memorable experiences that have a lasting effect on their recipient. So, here are our recommendations for the next time you’re in this carefree location, where unwinding is just a Thai massage away!
6 Best Thai Massage Spots In Rawai
We’ve rambled on and on about Thai massages and Rawai—and here’s how the two combine to give you a fulfilling massage experience! Below we have 6 of the most prominent Thai massage spots in Rawai, loved by locals and tourists alike.
#1 Ton Mai Spa
The Ton Mai Spa, located at Wiset Rd in Rawai, is a spa that screams “luxurious” with its underwater entrance to a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and its relaxation zone adorned with lounge chairs to bask in after your massage.
Ton Mai Spa offers a variety of services, from Thai massages to foot massages, body scrubs, ice baths, and many more. The masseurs are experienced professionals who many reviewers have described as having “magical hands”. The spa also bagged the 2020 Traveler’s Choice award from Trip Advisor for its prominent and quality massage treatments and experience.
The Experience
Ton Mai Spa offers a relaxing experience from start to finish, ensuring clients are feeling good from the time they arrive at having retreats like the pool, Jacuzzi, and delicious refreshments after their massage.
The massage itself is rejuvenating, with a calming ambiance. The therapists are welcoming, and cheerful, with great customer service and a focus on addressing all the clients’ pain points. They also pay attention to and listen to how the client feels during the massage, increasing and decreasing the pressure and intensity of the rhythmic movements as appropriate.
Affordability
The entire relaxing atmosphere set by the spa and its employees makes this a very reasonable investment for your body’s wellness. Clients have raved about the affordability of the massages, sometimes even calling it “cheap with an amazing massage,” emphasizing how inexpensive the service is! We love the idea of a relieving massage followed by a lovely pool experience to lounge and repose.
#2 Kim’s Massage and Spa
Right opposite Rawai Beach, a modern glass building houses Kim’s Massage and Spa. The spa is made to deliver a soothing ambiance, built on dark wood flooring with dim, soft lights alluding to a relaxing atmosphere.
The spa offers a variety of services from deeply effective Thai massage to relaxing foot massages and more. Private rooms are available for your preference, so you can stay in your comfort zone and relax, leaving your thoughts behind.
The Experience
The spa is designed to promote peace and calmness, from its architecture to the massage experience. The experience is pleasantly relaxing right from the start, from WiFi as you wait for your massage treatment to providing a private and secluded area for the Thai massage. The Thai massage provided is in a league of its own, and the acclaimed masseurs guide clients to loosen their stiff muscles and joints professionally and gently. The massage leaves you feeling refreshed and de-stressed.
Affordability
The prices here are slightly on the higher end, which is an opinion commonly expressed by both locals and tourists. However, the quality of the Thai massage does justice to the cost.
#3 Phagamast Massage
Boasting an enticing entrance, adorned by calming greens, Phagamast Massage is a spa designed in a way that doubles nature’s relaxing effects. A wide array of plants, brown and green furniture, and soft lights that are easy on the eyes create a gentle, and serene environment.
Phagamast Massage is located on Rawai Beach Road, alongside other prominent massage spas, but differs in its vibrant, and attractive exterior. The Spa offers our main contender, the Thai massage, and a range of other spa treatments, from aloe vera gel massages and sports massages to manicures, pedicures, and many more!
The Experience
Phagamast Massage is loved by many for its serene atmosphere and extremely professional and welcoming employees. From the get-go to the therapists providing the massage, the service is impeccable. The massage is soothing and refreshing and has clients saying it is “to die for.” Many clients have made multiple appointments after the first time because of their positive experience from start to finish.
Affordability
The prices are reasonable for the quality of their Thai massages and their rejuvenating benefits. It is also not far from the prices of other high-quality massage spas in Rawai.
#4 Sabai Massage
Sabai Massage is located on the Rawai beachfront, a prime location that is easy to reach. It is known for its immaculate premises and immediate services. Customers aren’t kept waiting for long and are guided throughout to have a smooth experience.
The Spa offers an effective Thai massage along with aromatherapy treatments, after-sun treatments, and more as people enjoy the casting rays of the magnificent sun of Rawai. With trained professionals, the spa guarantees a restoring and healing process that respects your body’s need to recover.
The Experience
Sabai Massage promises a comfortable massage experience and maintains a clean and welcoming environment. Clients loved the team at Sabai Massage, who are well experienced in providing restoring Thai massages that focus on allowing clients to detach themselves from their stressed and anxious personas. The experience is relieving, de-stressing, and leaves clients satisfied. It is also very popular amongst couples.
Affordability
Sabai Massage’s Rawai Beach branch is affordable like its other branches. The impeccable Thai massage at the rates at Sabai Massage is definitely a steal!
#5 Nid’s Authentic Thai Massage
“For anyone wanting the best”, “stunning”, and “effective” are just some of the few phrases and words commonly used to describe Nid’s Authentic Thai Massage. Although there are other massage treatments like aloe vera, oil, face, hand, and foot massages, Thai massage is unbeatable.
Despite not having a fancy exterior, the massage itself is an inviting and promising treatment to keep clients coming back. The spa is located at Moo 1, Rawai, only a hop away from Rawai’s prominent tourist attractions.
The Experience
With experienced and jovial masseurs, the massage is therapeutic and sets the body on a healing journey. The calm ambiance, soothing lights, and music help the body relax and be heightened in its rejuvenated state. Clients leave in a dazed state at the end of a heavenly massage. An unmatched Thai massage experience is a given at Nid’s Authentic Thai Massage.
Affordability
A price that cannot be beaten for exceptional Thai massages is a trademark opinion of clients that have experienced the treatments here.
#6 Ni Massage
Ni Massage is away from the hustle and bustle of Rawai Beach, standing humble at Street 4233 on Soi Ya Nui. Despite its humble exterior, the Thai massage at Ni Massage is immaculate, acclaimed for hitting the right spots, and ending with a “tired but satisfied” feeling.
The massage treatments offered range from intensive Thai massages to more gentle oil, herbal, and facial massages. The massage therapists at Ni Massage are professional and maintain a clean and calming environment to make clients feel comfortable.
The Experience
Clients always feel the heat and intensity of the Thai massage at Ni Massage but have no complaints, only praise for their improved flexibility and energy levels the next day. The intensive massage is a private and relaxing experience, and the masseuse constantly checks on the clients to see how they feel as they apply pressure to different areas of the body to align energy pathways and restore the body’s balance. Clients are also served a hot cup of herbal tea as the cherry on top to end the experience.
Affordability
The Thai massage is considered reasonably priced at Ni Massage, although some believe the massage treatments are costly but “worth it.”
Experience a Heavenly Unwinding Session with the Best Thai Massage in Rawai!
We’ve recommended the 6 best Thai massage locations in Rawai, which is located in the south of Phuket and is famous for its lush beaches, large and colorful port, authentic Thai cuisine, and memorable massages. Affordable, effective, and healing Thai massage treatments aren’t everywhere in Rawai, although you’ll find a massage spot at the end of every road.
Indulge in the rejuvenating experiences provided by Ton Mai Spa, Kim’s Massage and Spa, Phagamast Massage, Sabai Massage, Nid’s Authentic Thai Massage, or Ni’s Massage.
Regardless of what you choose, a Thai massage that works wonders on your body and mind is a given. Add it to your travel itinerary for your next trip to Rawai, Thailand!
FAQs
If you’re an ex-pat seeking a neighborhood that isn’t behind gates, Rawai is your ideal destination. The area has a mix of locals and ex-pats, making it an incredibly diverse place to call home. The Thai people living here are friendly and welcoming, so you’ll feel right at home in no time. And with some of the best beaches in Phuket just a few minutes away, you’ll appreciate the convenience and beauty of this neighborhood. But learning the language of the locals is a must if you want to get by easily. Don’t worry, with the locals being friendly, you’ll pick it up in no time.
฿400 – ฿480
The fastest option to travel from Phuket to Rawai is by taxi, which will cost you between ฿400 – ฿480 and take approximately 16 minutes. The cost for a shared taxi will be lower than that of a private taxi and it is a great option if you need to travel in style at an affordable cost. The journey can take longer depending on the traffic, so it’s best to plan ahead and book your ride in advance.