ThailandMedtourism.com is the official website for Medical Tourism in Thailand by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. ThailandMedTourism.com provides in-depth healthcare information and medical provider directory for international patients travelling to Thailand for medical treatment.

2. Introduction
Thailand has now emerged as
the spa capital of Asia, and
justifiably so: the country’s
history, tradition, culture, and
local healing techniques make
the Kingdom the natural home
for the booming wellness
industry. Given all the country’s
other amazing attractions, being
a spa haven is one more jewel in
her tourism crown.
S Medical Spa

3. Thailand is famous for taking what
they like from other cultures while
maintaining the best of her own unique
identity; thus, visitors can pick and
choose from a smorgasbord of spa
types and treatments. Whether one is
seeking a cool, mountain retreat in
northern Thailand or wishes to be
pampered in a luxury spa by the sea,
they will easily find exactly what they’re
after in the Land of Smiles – and spas.
When AsiaSpa magazine held its 5th annual awards in 2009, Thailand was given the big
prize of the night: “Asian Spa Capital of the Year.” This is just one of many awards that
Thailand regularly receives from the global media and the wellness industry itself.
Introduction

4. Angsana Spa Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
WHAT’S SPECIAL
ABOUT THAILAND
THAT MAKES
FOR SUCH GREAT
WELLNESS SPAS?

5. The uniqueness and authenticity of all Thai-
style treatments is due to the fact that Thais
are very familiar with and comfortable
performing these spa therapies. Many of the
treatments now being sought are actually
ancient Siamese health practices that Thais
have used for centuries. Thus, it comes as
second nature to them.
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Thai culture and the modern wellness
industry are a match made in heaven.
Perhaps no other country possesses
all the natural ingredients – both literally
and figuratively – that Thailand has in
such great abundance. Her culture is a
perfect fit for the wellness spa boom
currently taking place.
The Oasis Spa
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THAILAND THAT MAKES
FOR SUCH GREAT WELLNESS SPAS?

6. While Thai spas have many unique
aspects, perhaps the most unique
and appealing aspect of Thai spa
treatments is the charming natural
warmth, gentle touch and graceful
hospitality of the Thai people who
administer the treatments.
The most striking aspect of Thai
spas that visitors cannot find in any
other country is the famous Thai
smile and the cheerful friendliness
that is intrinsic in Thai culture. The
warmth of the Thai touch adds that
extra dimension to the Thai spa
experience, and makes it stand out
from others in the region.
Spa Intercontinental
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THAILAND THAT MAKES
FOR SUCH GREAT WELLNESS SPAS?

7. A DIVERSITY
OF THAI
WELLNESS SPA
APPROACHES
Chiva Som International health Resort

8. Traditional Thai Massage - or “massage
for healing” – has been practiced in
Thailand for over 2,500 years, so you
can rest assured that the locals know
exactly what they’re doing. This is an
ancient art that began as a spiritual
practice in the temple, and is closely
entwined with the teachings of the Lord
Buddha.
Thai Massage focuses on ten key energy
lines in our bodies, and massages these
lines to release blocked up energy in the
body. Fans of Thai massage attest to its
healing ability, especially for the
alleviation of headaches, nervous
tension, anxiety, backaches, and fever.
A DIVERSITY OF
THAI WELLNESS SPA APPROACHES
TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
(NUAT THAI)
Tantara Health Spa
Silarom SpaSilarom SpaMassira Spa

9. The famous Thai Herbal Compress is a
heat-based therapy using warm herbal
compresses to induce deep relaxation,
relieve stress and fatigue, assist with
postural problems, improve circulation of
blood and lymph, stimulate the internal
organs, and generally boost the
emotional and physical well-being of the
practitioner.
Hence the increasing international profile and popularity of Thai herbal compresses.
The medicinal herbs used in the compresses possess a myriad of wonderful properties;
they are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant. Accordingly, they are
used to treat sore muscles, strains, and bruises as well as aiding with upper respiratory
complaints such as bronchitis, asthma, and even the common cold.
THAI HERBAL COMPRESSES
(HERB BALLS)
Cool Spa by Sripanwa
Six Senses Spa
Massira Spa
A DIVERSITY OF
THAI WELLNESS SPA APPROACHES

10. Thai foot massage is the
extremely therapeutic – and very
popular– massage of the feet,
legs, and sometimes hands.
While Thai Massage balances the
elements of the mind and body,
Thai foot massage stimulates the
internal organs. The act of
reading signs on the feet and of
applying pressure using the
thumb, fingers and hand through
specialized combinations of
pressure is a true art. Best of all,
it feels sublime.
THAI FOOT MASSAGE
Silarom Spa
Massira Spa
Silarom Spa
A DIVERSITY OF
THAI WELLNESS SPA APPROACHES

11. Aside from the above, one can choose
from a wide variety of other wellness
treatments throughout Thailand. These
include hydrotherapy, reflexology,
shiatsu/acupressure, colon cleansing, tai
chi, yoga, chineitsang, detoxification,
homeopathy, meditation, as well as a wide
range of beauty treatments.
OTHER POPULAR THAI WELLNESS
SPA TREATMENTS
Aromatherapy is another very popular spa
treatment that many visitors seeking better
health enjoy, as well as body scrubs, which
keep your skin healthy and beautiful
through exfoliation. One leaves these
treatments floating and glowing, with minds
and bodies invigorated, and skin feeling
soft, smooth, and healthy once again.
Hot Stone Massage, sometimes in
conjunction with Swedish Massage, are two
more sought after therapies. Their goals
are to increase oxygen flow in the blood
and remove toxins from the muscles. The
vigorous methods used, with or without the
use of heat, leave clients feeling nurtured,
totally at rest, peaceful, and serene.
RarinJinda Wellness Spa Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
A DIVERSITY OF
THAI WELLNESS SPA APPROACHES

12. WELLNESS SPA
DESTINATIONS
Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok

13. Bangkok is indisputably one of the world’s
great cities. What makes it great is a
combination of its ancient traditions side
by side with all the modern amenities you
could ask for. Alongside Bangkok’s
Buddhist temples are amazingly tranquil
urban Health temples whose reason for
existence is to nourish and pamper your
body, restore your sense of tranquility and
balance, and satisfy your soul.
To wit, Travel + Leisure Magazine has rated
Bangkok the Number One city in the world
in both 2008 and 2010. The “City of Angels”
has something for everyone, and with it
comes the most amazing service at
astonishing prices. This includes world-class
hospitals, dental clinics, and of course
superb wellness spa treatment centers.
BANGKOK

14. Chiang Mai is a city that many a visitor has fallen in
love with, and a large number of them have decided
to make their home and never leave. If further
evidence is needed, Travel + Leisure Magazine voted
Chiang Mai – Thailand’s “second city” – the #2 city in
the world in 2010!
As far as spas and wellness centers go, Chiang Mai is
the ideal place to indulge yourself, be it a day spa or a
longer, more intensive stay at the health resort of your
choice. This is because you get the finest treatment
available at some of the best value in Thailand. The
gorgeous northern mountain retreats, along with the
cooler northern weather, make Chiang Mai a dream
destination for spa seekers and other wellness
travelers.
CHIANG MAI

15. Hua Hin has emerged as a first-class
destination in its own right over the
past decade. A short 2 ½ hour’s
drive from Bangkok, it has excellent
golf courses, an amazing beach, its
own floating markets, and an
increasing selection of outstanding
spas, health centers, and resorts.
Hua Hin is also home to Chiva-Som, the only destination spa to have consistently
appeared in the top three of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. This is no
longer a sleepy fishing village, but an outstanding city by the sea to head to for some
serious spa-time.
HUA HIN

16. Koh Samui is one of the most popular
island paradises in the world, according
to many surveys and rankings.
Beautiful white sand beaches with
clean, clear warm water next to lush
tropical gardens and gentle ocean
breezes await travelers to this ideal
holiday destination.
Nowadays, the island boasts of having many
excellent spas that are truly world-class. From
aromatic steam baths to herbal body-masques
and more, these health centers and retreats offer
the ultimate in rejuvenating body, health, and
beauty treatments. It is also home to frequent “Spa
Retreat of the Year” winner Kamalaya Wellness
Sanctuary & Holistic Spa, just one more reason to
have Koh Samui at the top of your list.
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
KOH SAMUI

17. Thailand’s favorite seaside resort, Pattaya, has an
embarrassment of riches, both for the experienced wellness
traveler and the casual tourist in search of a great massage.
You name it and Pattaya has it: body scrubs, hands and feet
massage, body wraps, water treatments, waxing, and facial
treatment; different type of massages, including
aromatherapy massage, Ayurvedic massage, stone massage
and many more. A short drive from Bangkok and you can find
yourself being massaged, steamed, kneaded, and pampered
for a few hours or even better, by the day.
PATTAYA

18. Phuket may be an island, but it is more like a world complete unto itself, offering global
travelers and spa-lovers more than most can imagine – or handle – on a one- to two-week
holiday. Thailand’s “Pearl of the South” seduces all who come within her grasp, from
backpackers and honeymooners to playboy yachtsters and sun goddesses. The island has
become one of the leading, most famous and popular spa destinations anywhere in the
world, harboring secret gardens and decadent oases of health that one never wants to
leave. Whether you’re after a one-hour massage or a two-week retreat with any number of
treatments, Phuket’s got it.
PHUKET

20. Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
POPULAR
WELLNESS SPAS
IN THAILAND

21. Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok
www.banyantreespa.com
I.sawan Residential Spa & Club
www.isawan.hyatt.com
RarinJinda Wellness Spa
Bangkok
www.rarinjinda.com
Spa Cenvaree
www.spacenvaree.com
The Oasis Spa Bangkok
www.bangkokoasis.com/index.php
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (BANGKOK)
Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok

22. Asia Herb Association
www.asiaherbassociation.com
Chiang Mai Spa Mantra
www.spamantra.com
RarinJinda Wellness Spa
Chiang Mai
www.rarinjinda.com
Sabun Nga Spa Chiang Mai
www.ayatana-resort.com
The Dheva Spa
www.mandarinoriental.com
Rarinjinda Wellness Spa Resort
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (CHIANG MAI)

23. Chiva Som International
Health Resorts
www.chivasom.com
Devarana Spa
www.devaranaspa.com
Mandara Spa
www.mandaraspa.com
Six Senses Spa
www.sixsenses.com
THE BARAI
www.thebarai.com
RarinJinda Wellness Spa Chiang Mai
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (HUA HIN)

24. Absolute Sanctuary
www.absolutesanctuary.com
Anantara Spa
www.spa.anantara.com
Kamalaya Koh Samui
www.kamalaya.com
Silarom Spa
www.silaromspa.com
The Spa Resort Koh Samui
www.thesparesorts.net
RarinJinda Wellness Spa Chiang Mai
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (KOH SAMUI)

25. Let’s Relax
www.letsrelaxspa.com/index.php
Pattaya Royal Garden Spa
www.marriott.com
Ruan Samunplai Spa
www.lookyoungerspa.com
Spa Silavadee
www.spasilavadee.com
The Oasis Spa Pattaya
www.oasisspa.net/
RarinJinda Wellness Spa Chiang Mai
Anantara Spa
The Oasis Spa
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (PATTAYA)

26. Angsana Spa
www.angsanaspa.com
Cool Spa by Sri Panwa
www.sripanwa.com
Deevana Spa
www.deevanapatong.com
Spa by Burasari
www.spa.burasari.com
Sukko Cultural Spa &
Wellness
www.sukkospa.com
RarinJinda Wellness Spa Chiang Mai
Anantara Spa
The Oasis Spa
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa
POPULAR WELLNESS SPAS (PHUKET)

27. Thanks To Our Partners

28. We would like to offer special thanks to: illustrations contributors (in alphabetical order)
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Angsana Spa Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Spa
Bangkok, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Dahra Beauty & Spa, Massira Spa,
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa, Rarinjinda Wellness Spa Resort, Silarom Spa, Six
Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Spa Intercontinental
Find more information about Thailand Medical Tourism at
www.ThailandMEDTourism.com
TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400,
THAILAND
Tel: (66) 2250 5500
Fax: (66) 2250 5511
E-mail: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.TourismThailand.org
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

30. www.ThailandMEDTourism.com
A Global Center of Excellence For Medical Tourism