Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage came to our rescue when hubby desperately needed a good massage after his IRONMAN triathlon. I googled for massage places and found this gem, which seemed ideal since it was only a short walk away from KSL.
Spontaneous Monday Afternoon Decision
We decided to pop by on Monday afternoon so we could check out the KSL pasar malam afterwards. Didn’t make any prior reservation – just decided to head over and risk it. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re winging it!
Took Grab there from our hotel. The moment our car pulled up by the entrance, there were staff standing by the driveway, opening car doors to welcome us. Wow, what a service!
First Impressions at Thong Thai
The price list sits clearly at the counter – no hidden surprises here. You tell the receptionist what massage you want and make upfront payment. Simple and transparent. Staff will ask if you’re fine with male or female masseurs, which I appreciated.
They gesture you to sit at the waiting area whilst you wait for the masseurs, who didn’t take long to appear. Our assigned masseurs approached us with slippers for us to change into, then took our footwear and stored them in pigeon hole lockers.
The Ritual Begins
First stop: the feet washing station. I was laughing away because hubby’s feet were too big for the wash basin! Their biggest size slippers didn’t fit his UK12/US13 feet either – Mr Big Foot strikes again!
We were then ushered into this massive, dimly-lit room with 4 rows x 4 recliner seats. It’s like a movie theatre with a big projection screen in front. The aircon temperature was perfectly comfortable, and my masseur offered me an extra towel as a blanket in case I felt cold.
The Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage Experience
The seats are wonderfully wide and comfy. We went for the 60-minute foot massage (RM65) plus 30-minute head, shoulder and back massage (RM52). The Thai style techniques are delivered by actual Thai masseurs who clearly know their craft.
Whilst the foot massage itself feels gentle, the pressure they apply on the calf area is absolutely spot on. These aren’t amateurs – they know exactly where to work and how much pressure to use.
The Upper Body Treatment
The head, shoulder and back massage happens on the same spot after the foot massage. They lower the recliner chair so you lie down face down first, then massage your lower back all the way up to your head. They cover your entire arms and hands too – it’s incredibly thorough.
Afterwards, they ask you to sit up and help stretch your neck, arms and upper back. The stretching sequence felt amazing and really completed the whole experience.
Tea, Treats, and the Perfect Wind-Down
When we finished, we returned to the same waiting area where they laid our footwear on the floor and served us hot chrysanthemum tea. You can also help yourself to snacks and biscuits, potong ice cream and beverages. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the entire experience.
We felt so brilliant after the massage that we decided to come back two days later. This time we went for 60-minute foot massage plus 60-minute head, shoulder and back massage (RM92). I really fancy this style of massage because combining both the foot and upper body work is equivalent to getting a whole body massage.
Why I Prefer This Over Traditional Thai Massage
I’m quite scared to go for Traditional Thai Massage ever since my last session (also in JB) where the masseur jumped on my back so hard that I nearly suffocated and had to stop the massage mid-way. OMG, nightmare!
Thong Thai’s approach is perfect for me – not so hardcore. Plus, you don’t have to go to a private room and get changed, which saves the hassle entirely.
Professional Service Without the Attitude
All in all, it’s a very clean, spacious place with massages that are absolutely on point. Weekday afternoons aren’t hectic at all – we didn’t make prior reservations and still managed to get our massages done straightaway.
I particularly like that the masseurs don’t chat among themselves loudly. They really put effort into the massage work. I’ve had massages before where masseurs kept yawning away and doing massages half-heartedly – none of that nonsense here.
Not the Cheapest, But Worth Every Ringgit
Prices here aren’t the cheapest in JB, let’s be honest about that. But for the quality of massage and service level, I think it’s good value for money. The authentic Thai massage techniques combined with the cinema-style comfort setup creates something quite special.
The combination massage approach means you get comprehensive coverage without the intimidation factor of traditional Thai massage. It’s accessible, comfortable, and incredibly effective.
Location, Timing, and What to Expect
The location couldn’t be more convenient – that short walk from KSL makes it perfect for combining with shopping or the pasar malam. The staff’s attention to detail, from the door service to the post-massage refreshments, shows they understand hospitality.
For travellers who want quality massage without the fuss of booking ahead or dealing with complicated procedures, this place delivers. The cinema-style setup means couples or friends can enjoy the experience together without awkward private room dynamics.
Our New Go-To Spot
It’s now our go-to massage place whenever we come to JB. The consistency in service, the reasonable pricing for what you receive, and the convenient location make it an easy choice every time.
Whether you’re dealing with post-workout soreness like my husband or just need to unwind from travel stress, Thong Thai Traditional Thai Massage provides exactly what you need in a comfortable, professional environment. 🙂