August 25, 2020

Considered the capital of massage schools, the city of Chiang Mai attracts many massage enthusiasts and others interested in wellness-related activities. Whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner, whether you simply wish to experience Thai massage, learn more about its history and traditions, or even make it your profession… We've prepared a list of the 3 best Thai massage schools in Chiang Mai.

Baanhom Samunphrai

Located in Chiang Mai province, Baanhom Samunphrai massage school holds a pioneering reputation in teaching traditional Thai medicine. Indeed, the center's founder, Homprang Chaleekamba, is a specialist in herbal medicine who learned the gift of healing through herbs from her grandmother. She is among those who fought for recognition of Thai traditional pharmacology as a scientific discipline and is one of the first healers licensed and accredited by the Thai Government.

On site, students and visitors can participate in the center's activities, including: Thai massages, herbal hot baths and other plant-based treatments, chanting ceremonies, and plant-based culinary tastings.

Travel with your Sawa Discovery agency and enjoy a stay at Baanhom Samunphrai!

International Training Massage School

Recognized by several Thai ministries, associations, and international massage schools, the International Training Massage School (ITM) is one of Thailand's most reputable massage schools. The school has even won, on multiple occasions, the award for best professional massage school by the Royal Award. Based on the universal VAK teaching method (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), the courses offered by the school are for all levels (beginner to professional) and adapt to students' existing knowledge.

The detail that makes all the difference? ITM is the only Thai massage school that offers Thai yoga (Tai Ji Qi Gong) for practitioners, aimed at preparing their body and mind to perform Thai massage in a healthy and effective manner.

Sunshine Massage School

Sunshine Massage School is a traditional Thai massage school, based on the Asokananda training program. It is accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education and the Thai Ministry of Health. Unlike most training programs, this Thai massage school's courses are not classified by levels (level 1, level 2…). That said, beginners must complete a 10-day immersion to benefit from a solid and rich foundation on which deeper study can be built.

Good to know: some courses and workshops offer training in themes beyond traditional Thai massage. You'll find, for example, Chi Nei Tsang courses, shiatsu, or osteopathy…

Florine Dergelet

Deiss

July 31, 2022

Hello I'm planning to come for training at year-end. English isn't unfamiliar to me, but are there courses available in English?

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Bidel

June 9, 2022

Hello, I'm currently training in Touch for Health and would like to deepen my knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. I'm coming to Chiang Mai in October—is there an introduction available in English? Best regards

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Séverine

May 20, 2022

Hello, I'm arriving in Chiang Mai on Monday and would like to participate in massage courses. Could you provide me with information about the courses, duration, fees, and enrollment conditions? Thank you

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Dozance Lucien

January 20, 2022

Hello My name is Lucien I'm on a road trip through Thailand for 4 months We'll be spending 1 or 2 months in Chiang Mai. I'm an osteopath in France and would very much like to pursue Thai massage training Could you help me find a school or training center? Thank you very much in advance

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Jeannine LEBOMO Epse MOUGOUE

May 25, 2021

Hi, I'm interested in attending a massage training school in Thailand since here I only practice relaxation massage, but I'd like complete training. Could you let me know the details for ITM—how long is a complete training program? Thank you

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persevalle

April 11, 2021

Hello, I'd like to pursue massage training in Thailand but do you know if employment services could help fund it, since in France they finance massage schools but abroad—good question. I'm awaiting a meeting with them. What I'd really like is to recharge and learn genuine Thai massage directly there. For now, I've just completed Japanese lifting facial massage (KOBIDO) and Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage. Best regards

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Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by a desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. For her, travel isn't about checking countries off a map, but about forging connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her philosophy? Advise travelers ethically, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the course of conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to hear…