Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School
Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School
4.5
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Neighborhood: Riverside
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,233 reviews
Excellent
1,264
Very good
639
Average
221
Poor
62
Terrible
47
Sami E
10 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
My worst experience in Thailand!
Called their number and took 20 min just to make them understand if it was ok to come at 5.00 pm for a massage even though closing hour was 6.30 pm. When we got there they told us that it was closed, and that if i wanted a massage i had to go outside to another school of massage that held almost the same name. At first i thought it was the same school just a different building with a different entrance but when i got there it was a completely different school in a crumsy street.
So we went back to them (all this happened in the pouring rain) telling them this is not the place i called to book a massage and that the actual place was here not outside. Then they kept telling me that if i wanted to go in i had to pay 200 bahts per person.
They i asked if i pay the 200 will i be able to get to the massage school and they said no, it's just to visit the perimisses.
I really got pissed off and decided to turn around and go back to my hotel.
They are super unprofessional and they take clients as sheepeople.
Also why in the hell should i pay someone who's still learning to massage????
Go to hell school of bullsh...t!!
I will never recommend your place and i hope someone will get fired for his/her unprofessional management.
Called their number and took 20 min just to make them understand if it was ok to come at 5.00 pm for a massage even though closing hour was 6.30 pm. When we got there they told us that it was closed, and that if i wanted a massage i had to go outside to another school of massage that held almost the same name. At first i thought it was the same school just a different building with a different entrance but when i got there it was a completely different school in a crumsy street.
So we went back to them (all this happened in the pouring rain) telling them this is not the place i called to book a massage and that the actual place was here not outside. Then they kept telling me that if i wanted to go in i had to pay 200 bahts per person.
They i asked if i pay the 200 will i be able to get to the massage school and they said no, it's just to visit the perimisses.
I really got pissed off and decided to turn around and go back to my hotel.
They are super unprofessional and they take clients as sheepeople.
Also why in the hell should i pay someone who's still learning to massage????
Go to hell school of bullsh...t!!
I will never recommend your place and i hope someone will get fired for his/her unprofessional management.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart J
Stevenage, UK100 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I visited here for a foot massage whilst visiting the temple based on other reviews and was not disappointed. For me this was the best massage that I’ve had in Bangkok and was well worth the price at about £12 for an hour.
Would definitely recommend and visit again allowing time for some relaxing whilst visiting this amazing temple.
Would definitely recommend and visit again allowing time for some relaxing whilst visiting this amazing temple.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uilst D
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Very bad place and expensive; inexperienced and not professional people doing massage. You can have much better massage in other cheaper places; I was so disappointed with the service. The young girl who was giving me foot massage was just there trying to finish time and didn’t really care about giving good service. Do not go there!
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astha B
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal7 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
I would not recommend this place. I went there thinking traditional Thai massage school. My masseuse was distracted. The beds are next to one another and so space can be a constraint. The masseuse kept talking to each other. It might depend on who you get as a masseuse but the service is superficial "let me pretend I am giving you a traditional Thai massage" kind. It is clean. though. They change sheets after each massage and offer fresh clothes to change into for massage. The lady massaging my friend offered her slippers to my friend whose shoes was broken which was a kind gesture but for massage it is a big NO! Not worth the money. I tried Bua Sabai and that is how I realized this was a scam. But again I think it depends on the masseuse too. Mine was lousy.
Written March 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julien S
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
Not serious.
I’ve spent 2 months asking via email and WhatsApp for a course on the last Monday of November 2022. Booked my very expensive return flights only for that and they didn’t book me in.
Very disappointed! Their website is only working half and Mr Sarat doesn’t do what he said he would. Communicating with them is incredibly difficult, I only got the chance to get my calls answered once, and WhatsApp/email are barely answered too.
I’ve spent 2 months asking via email and WhatsApp for a course on the last Monday of November 2022. Booked my very expensive return flights only for that and they didn’t book me in.
Very disappointed! Their website is only working half and Mr Sarat doesn’t do what he said he would. Communicating with them is incredibly difficult, I only got the chance to get my calls answered once, and WhatsApp/email are barely answered too.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie003
Plattsburgh, NY38 contributions
Dec 2019
Nice 1 hour Thai massage by experts. More expensive than anywhere else but still dirt cheap when compared to getting a massage at home. I would have gone back for more, but you also have to get a ticket to the temple in order to get the massage. Highly recommend both a massage and Wat Pho
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LOTrips
Mumbai, India338 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Loved this massage and took it twice hour long!! It's a great way to relieve those stiff muscles when you don't exercise on travel! The masseurs are quite expert at what they do but be sure to mention and ensure they understand pre existing conditions! Avoid if unsure about this part!
It's more of a workout at stretching than a massage lol
It's more of a workout at stretching than a massage lol
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4__YearsAroundtheWorld
san francisco1 contribution
In January 2007 I traveled to Bangkok and enrolled in Wat Pho's massage school. Their website and all travel books stated the tuition was 7000BHT. When I arrived it had jumped to 8500BHT. They refused to honor the advertised price. I enrolled anyway. 30 hours of massage lesson - not bad (US$280) though huge by Thai standars.
My instructor showed up 40 minutes late the first day, and then spent another 40 minutes talking about himself and his teaching history, but worst, I was told my class would be taught in English, but it was split 1/2 Thai, 1/2 English. So half the time was spent translating back and forth from one to the other. Questions were never translated unless I requested.
I asked for a new class. I was told when I returned the next day I would have one (one day out of 5 lost). Next I was given a teacher that took cell phone calls, invited friends in from outside the class to work on them while he should have been teaching us, and finally, when I was giving this instructor a massage he fell asleep!
On the last day, he noticed I was having pain in my lower back. He offered to correct it, and yanked on me in a way that actually slipped a disk in my back. I have had 4 chiropractic sessions since returning to the US and it is still not healed.
Finally, at my final test, I was quite embarassed because the reviewer kept correcting me and told me I should know these simple steps (I didnt becasue my teacher never told me).
I filed a complaint with the dean, but he was so nervous he escorted me out of his office and gave me to a student for a free massage. For a slipped disk?
I do know however, that the teacher next to me was excellent and actually advised me as much as my own. So, pick and choose wisely.
Its my honest belief they got in guidebooks, are making alot of money, and living off past reviews. Their big price jump and unwillingness to act on my behalf tells me loud and clear it is more about money than student learning at this point.
I would look elsewhere or at least get in writing absolutely everything before you start. Perhaps observe your teacher teaching prior if possible. Mine was a 45+ yr old man with a large face mole. Do pass on him.
My instructor showed up 40 minutes late the first day, and then spent another 40 minutes talking about himself and his teaching history, but worst, I was told my class would be taught in English, but it was split 1/2 Thai, 1/2 English. So half the time was spent translating back and forth from one to the other. Questions were never translated unless I requested.
I asked for a new class. I was told when I returned the next day I would have one (one day out of 5 lost). Next I was given a teacher that took cell phone calls, invited friends in from outside the class to work on them while he should have been teaching us, and finally, when I was giving this instructor a massage he fell asleep!
On the last day, he noticed I was having pain in my lower back. He offered to correct it, and yanked on me in a way that actually slipped a disk in my back. I have had 4 chiropractic sessions since returning to the US and it is still not healed.
Finally, at my final test, I was quite embarassed because the reviewer kept correcting me and told me I should know these simple steps (I didnt becasue my teacher never told me).
I filed a complaint with the dean, but he was so nervous he escorted me out of his office and gave me to a student for a free massage. For a slipped disk?
I do know however, that the teacher next to me was excellent and actually advised me as much as my own. So, pick and choose wisely.
Its my honest belief they got in guidebooks, are making alot of money, and living off past reviews. Their big price jump and unwillingness to act on my behalf tells me loud and clear it is more about money than student learning at this point.
I would look elsewhere or at least get in writing absolutely everything before you start. Perhaps observe your teacher teaching prior if possible. Mine was a 45+ yr old man with a large face mole. Do pass on him.
Written January 24, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dew b
6 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
I am heart broken to write this review, as I never expected this could happen from getting a massage. I was in Bangkok for vacations. I am in my early 30's, was super healthy and active prior that massage, I used to jog regularly, also did yoga. I am a medical provider in the USA.
I had never had a Thai deep tissue massage, but I read online that this place was one of the best places to have one in Bangkok. During the whole massage I felt discomfort from the deep digging near my bones. I also felt like the person massaging me was too rough, he knew no English so I would make faces and tell him, "auch!" but he would just laugh. I had read online that deep tissue massages were meant to be rough, so I trusted it was all part of the process, so I didn't stop him. Sadly, me made some movement with my back and it cracked it, that is when the pain started.
The pain persisted after 3 days, so I started to take ibuprofen, bought a brace for my back, put ice. I had to stop jogging because of the pain, even sitting and walking started to become a problem too. I have always been healthy, so being unable to not sit or walk because of pain is extremely weird.
I am now struggling to make ends meet to cover the cost of the orthopedist, MRI, physical therapy. It has been over a month and I continue to have pain. My life has changed so much due to the physical trauma suffered at this place. Reading about other people's experiences online, it seems like my case is not unheard of. Deep tissue massages can cause nerve damage, as a result people develop anything from chronic pain to "tetraplegia"!. I am so regretful, now have to forgive myself for having put myself in that situation. I am living a nightmare and I hope this message prevents you from risking your health by getting a deep tissue massage there. No massage should ever cause a life of chronic pain.
I had never had a Thai deep tissue massage, but I read online that this place was one of the best places to have one in Bangkok. During the whole massage I felt discomfort from the deep digging near my bones. I also felt like the person massaging me was too rough, he knew no English so I would make faces and tell him, "auch!" but he would just laugh. I had read online that deep tissue massages were meant to be rough, so I trusted it was all part of the process, so I didn't stop him. Sadly, me made some movement with my back and it cracked it, that is when the pain started.
The pain persisted after 3 days, so I started to take ibuprofen, bought a brace for my back, put ice. I had to stop jogging because of the pain, even sitting and walking started to become a problem too. I have always been healthy, so being unable to not sit or walk because of pain is extremely weird.
I am now struggling to make ends meet to cover the cost of the orthopedist, MRI, physical therapy. It has been over a month and I continue to have pain. My life has changed so much due to the physical trauma suffered at this place. Reading about other people's experiences online, it seems like my case is not unheard of. Deep tissue massages can cause nerve damage, as a result people develop anything from chronic pain to "tetraplegia"!. I am so regretful, now have to forgive myself for having put myself in that situation. I am living a nightmare and I hope this message prevents you from risking your health by getting a deep tissue massage there. No massage should ever cause a life of chronic pain.
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xamissn
uk11 contributions
I had a brilliant time learning thai massage at Wat Po. I paid 8,000THB, which is the normal price, and was constantly surrounded by teachers. There was always at least 1 teacher per 4 students. Their english isn't brilliant for the most part, but it doesn't matter as what you're learning is very practical and tactile. When english was needed, there was always an english speaking teacher availalble.
It is hard work, as you give massage about half the time you're there at least and that's 4hrs a day. One hour for lunch and then another 4 hours in the afternoon.
The canteen is excellent, 40THB and everyone is also very friendly. You get rice, vegetables, meat, dessert,...
I was sad to leave at the end of the course, and will return for part 2.
Definitely worth attending, but only if you are genuinely interested in giving thai massage. Otherwise, like some people on my course, you will get bored very quickly.
It is hard work, as you give massage about half the time you're there at least and that's 4hrs a day. One hour for lunch and then another 4 hours in the afternoon.
The canteen is excellent, 40THB and everyone is also very friendly. You get rice, vegetables, meat, dessert,...
I was sad to leave at the end of the course, and will return for part 2.
Definitely worth attending, but only if you are genuinely interested in giving thai massage. Otherwise, like some people on my course, you will get bored very quickly.
Written September 1, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
asrosas
Porto, Portugal30 contributions
É possível fazer marcação de massagens com antecedência??
Caso seja possível, como fazer??
Анастасия
Gelendzhik, Russia4 contributions
Я бы хотела узнать как можно записаться на обучение массажа в школе Ват Пхо
9coros
Vila Seca, Spain3 contributions
Hola, tengo pensado ir a Tailandia en septiembre y me gustaría saber cómo ponerme en contacto con la escuela oficial para saber qué cursos hacen y los días que conllevan. Gracias
BavarianYogi
Hallbergmoos, Germany29 contributions
Es gibt eine Webseite, dort findet man auch die Kurspreise!
Viel Spaß!!
wooksddae
Ansan, South Korea13 contributions
When is the holiday?
Can I get a massage during Songkran period in WatPho?
LudoSmith
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Does this place accept credit cards? I'm just getting 2 hrs thai massage.
LudoSmith
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Am I the only one who can't find this place? It's not clear wheather it's inside or outside the temple. The address here points to the outside of the temple, but there's nothing in that address. What is the exact address here?
Minjeong
Seoul, South Korea24 contributions
This place is inside Watpo Temple.
Bee W
Waltham Cross
Has anyone from the UK completed or enrolled in this school and are they accredited. I am looking at doing a short Thai Massage course in December/January. Can anyone give some advice please.
Hi did you find out any more information I’m looking to train here in a few weeks, just says to turn up and enroll any day of the week?
Hi I’m going to Thailand in January and want to train at wat po Bangkok for Thai massage I believe you just turn up to enrol, but worried I’ll get there and not be able to do the course as I can’t pre book! Has anybody else trained here?
Twiggy Triplet Piglets
Bangkok, Thailand84 contributions
Their website state quite salty price of the course. When you go there, go rather early morning around 9am. They are preparing oils etc. needed material for studies. You can go even help them to place mats around floors. You can negotiate the price to 7500-12000 Baht. Up to want you want to learn and for how long. If you use those few english speaking "buyers" at front. They collect commission and that cost a lot, possibly 20-30k or more. They are just looking people to get booked in. Go straight inside and see area first and talk people who are inside and work there. They can help you too. Many of them understand few words of english.
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Claim your listingWat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School
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