Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy
A respected Thai massage school and practice in Pai, led by dedicated teachers Joy and Mr. Bann.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00
- 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.
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MassageThai massage & spa in Pai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWellnessYoga & wellness in Pai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Tucked away in the laid-back mountain town of Pai in Mae Hong Son province, this massage school and practice has built a strong reputation among travellers seeking genuine Thai massage tuition rather than a passing tourist experience. Led by Joy and Mr. Bann, the school draws students from around the world who arrive intending a short course and frequently extend their stay by weeks or even months, a pattern that speaks clearly to the quality of instruction on offer.
Joy is consistently praised by students for her deep expertise, patience, and empathetic teaching style. Courses cover traditional Thai massage at both beginner and advanced levels, with instruction that emphasises real understanding of technique rather than surface-level memorisation. The setting in Pai adds to the experience — the town's relaxed pace and natural surroundings make it a fitting environment for this kind of focused, immersive study.
The school is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, closed on Sundays. There is no website listed, so prospective students and visitors are advised to visit in person or make enquiries on arrival in Pai. Those considering a massage course should factor in extra time when planning their trip — more than one reviewer arrived for a short stay and ended up extending significantly.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy, round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
I had the incredible privilege of taking a massage course with Joy, an authentic Thai Massage Master, in the serene paradise of Pai, a little heaven nestled in the north of Thailand. Joy and Kai are not only extremely knowledgeable in the art of Thai massage but also have a radiant personality that makes the learning experience both enriching and joyful. Their teaching style strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and fun. Each day was filled with laughter, valuable insights, and hands-on practice that truly deepened my understanding and appreciation of this ancient art. Joy creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at ease. Sharing these beautiful days with her and the amazing group of people in the course will forever hold a special place in my memories. If you’re considering learning Thai massage, I couldn’t recommend Joy more highly—she’s an absolute gem in this magical town! Thank you 💙🙏🏽
I jad such un incredible experience with Joy & Massage Training!! I come to Pai for 2 weeks and finally i stayed for 3 months just for Joy and to continue learning massage — and it was absolutely worth it!! I learned Thai massage, Thai therapy, oil massage, and foot massage… every course more interesting than the last. Learning the art of massage from Joy was truly inspiring. She shares not only her knowledge but also her time, space with immense generosity. Joy is a professional, entrepreneurial, and inspiring woman — a true role model. If you’re passing through Pai and don’t come here, you’re missing out on an amazing opportunity. Highly, highly recommended!!!
If you want to learn something, I'd say this is the best school for Massage in Thailand. Joy teaches with genuine empathy and wants every student to understand everything. The oppurtunity to practice until you master the massage is simply fantastic. I completed all the courses with her because I enjoyed it so much. highly recommend her.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 107 reviews on Google.
9C2F+7FQ 729 Moo 8, Wiang Tai Tambon Wiang Tai, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Wellness & Spas
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.
Try a Herbal Compress
Add a herbal compress (luk pra kob) to your massage — steamed bundles of lemongrass, turmeric, and camphor pressed into sore muscles. It's deeply therapeutic and uniquely Thai. Usually just 200–300 THB extra.
Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy worth visiting?
Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy holds a 4.7★ rating from 107 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated wellness & spas in Pai.
What are the opening hours of Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy?
Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy is typically open 10:00-19:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy?
The best months to visit Pai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (hot & hazy).
Where is Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy located?
Pai Massage and Training by Mr. Bann and Joy is at 9C2F+7FQ 729 Moo 8, Wiang Tai Tambon Wiang Tai, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand, in Pai. Getting around Pai: Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day); Bicycle rental for town.
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Free to walk, thrilling to look at, and mobbed at sunset by half of Pai's backpackers.
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Santichon Village
A Yunnanese-style village built for photos and cheap fun, and the four-person swing alone justifies the stop.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
The view does the heavy lifting here: the whole town, the airport runway, and mountains in every direction.
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