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Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai
Wellness & Spas
Chiang Mai

Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai

4.9(2,619 reviews)

Tucked along Ratchamanka Road in Chiang Mai's atmospheric Old City, this massage spa has earned a devoted following among both travellers and locals for its skilled therapists and consistently high-quality treatments. With a substantial number of reviews reflecting repeat satisfaction, it stands out in a district where massage options are plentiful and the difference in quality can be significant. Visitors can choose from a range of treatments including traditional Thai massage, foot massage with herbal balm, and two-hour Thai herbal press and hot oil massage sessions. Therapists are frequently praised by name in reviews, suggesting a team of experienced, professional practitioners who tailor pressure and technique to individual needs. The studio is noted for its clean, welcoming environment and friendly staff, and several reviewers highlight that it offers strong value relative to comparable options in the city. Good to know: Opening hours and current pricing are not listed online, so it is worth dropping in to confirm availability or asking at a nearby hotel. The Old City is a popular area for tourists, particularly during peak season, so visiting earlier in the day or on a weekday may reduce wait times. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing is practical for floor-based Thai massage treatments, and allowing a buffer of time after your session means you can return to the surrounding temples and historic sites at a relaxed pace.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

If you are currently scrolling through Google Maps in Chiang Mai trying to figure out which massage spot to pick (because there are literally hundreds of them), you can stop looking and just come here. We honestly chose Refresh Thai Massage simply because of the sheer volume of positive reviews we saw online, and I am so happy to report that we were not disappointed in the slightest. I went for the traditional Thai massage, which was priced at 300 Baht—an incredible value considering the quality of the treatment I received. I have to give a massive shout-out to my therapist. The massage was very intense, exactly how a real Thai massage should be, but it wasn't just brute force. She worked with amazing intuition and "feeling." It was almost as if she knew exactly where my problem areas and knots were without me having to say a word. She applied pressure precisely where it was needed, finding that perfect balance where it hurts a little bit but feels absolutely amazing afterwards. Beyond the massage itself, the service was top-tier. The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere is very relaxing, and I particularly appreciated the music selection; it was soothing and really helped me zone out, which isn't always the case at some other busy shops. To top it all off, after the session ended, we were treated to some lovely warm tea and cookies. It was such a nice, gentle way to wake up and "come back to earth" before heading back out into the heat. We will definitely be coming back before we leave Chiang Mai!

I had a two hour Thai herbal press and hot oil massage by Nuy. Her magic hands cured my tight muscles and I feel reborn after the massage. The staff here is also very friendly and helpful. With the service and price, I would recommend everyone one come for massage if you come visit Chiangmai. The location is also very convenient with many local restaurants and shops around.

I had a great foot massage with herbal balm. My therapist, Pla, was very professional and skilled. She helped relieve all the soreness and tension in my feet, and I felt very relaxed after the session. The herbal balm was soothing and effective. After the massage, I was served delicious tea and biscuits. Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely come back again.

Tips for Visiting Wellness & Spas

Learn Wat Pho First

Wat Pho in Bangkok is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage education. Their on-site massage pavilion offers excellent treatments from students and graduates at reasonable prices — and you know the technique is authentic.

Communicate Pressure Preferences

Thai massage can be intense. Say 'bao bao' for lighter pressure or 'nак nак' for harder. A good therapist will check in, but don't hesitate to speak up — suffering in silence defeats the purpose.

Book Longer Sessions

A 60-minute massage is fine, but 90 or 120 minutes allows the therapist to work thoroughly. The price difference is often only 200–400 THB for an extra hour — worth it for a deeper, more relaxing experience.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)