90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil

REVIEW · CHIANG MAI

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil

  • 5.013 reviews
  • From $30.78
Book on Viator →

Operated by The Home Massage and Spa · Bookable on Viator

Your back will thank you in Chiang Mai. This 90-minute foot and back session at The Home Massage and Spa is built around slow, soothing details like green music, cool tea, and a professional therapist who runs the whole experience like you’re family.

I especially like the small-touch rituals: your feet get cleaned with special salt, you change into soft comfort clothes, and the session ends with warm tea and snacks. One thing to consider is timing after the massage: you’re advised to keep yourself warm for a couple of hours, so don’t book this right before a late, cold plan.

Key highlights that make this feel different

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - Key highlights that make this feel different

  • Ninety minutes focused on foot and back relief with Thai balm or oil
  • Cool welcome: cool towels and special tea right when you arrive
  • A clean, private setup with soft clothing and your own room
  • Salt foot ritual before the massage begins
  • Warm tea and snacks afterward, not just a quick send-off
  • Private transportation with pickup in their free service area

What the 90-Minute Foot and Back Session Actually Covers

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - What the 90-Minute Foot and Back Session Actually Covers
This is not a vague hour of getting rubbed. The core of the experience is relaxing foot and back work using Thai balm or oil. You’ll usually feel the focus on the lower body and the muscles that hold tension after travel—think fatigue from walking, long rides, and that tight feeling that sneaks into your back without asking permission.

Most bookings list the session as about 2 hours total on your schedule. That makes sense because the massage itself is the big block, but you also get time for pickup, tea and towels, foot prep, and the wrap-up. If you only plan for the massage length and forget the rest of the flow, you can end up a little rushed. Plan for the fuller experience.

The name “The Home” isn’t just branding. The service is described as a family-style welcome and a calm environment. In practice, that shows up in the way the spa handles transitions: you’re greeted, guided, offered something to drink, cleaned up properly, then moved into a private room.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiang Mai.

Pickup, cool tea, and the arrival routine that sets the tone

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - Pickup, cool tea, and the arrival routine that sets the tone
If you’re coming in from anywhere in Chiang Mai, the big practical win is private transportation with pickup. The service says pickup is offered from your hotel or somewhere else within their free transport area. You’ll also take a brief ride in a private car before you arrive.

Once you’re there, the experience starts with the kind of details that make you loosen your shoulders faster:

  • A receptionist welcome
  • Cool tea and cool towels to help you reset
  • A therapist who begins with foot cleaning using special salt

That “cool first” approach matters more than it sounds. Travel heat, humidity, and long days walking can make your body feel tense and dry. Starting with something cooling helps your system shift into relaxation mode before anyone touches your back or feet.

After the massage, you also get warm tea and snacks. It’s a nice way to avoid the classic “massaged, then immediately thrown back into your day” feeling.

Salt-cleaned feet and a private room you can actually relax in

You don’t need to worry about sharing a space or dodging strangers during the massage. This is set up as a private tour/activity, so you’re in your own group rather than mixing with other clients.

Here’s the on-site routine:

  1. You’re warmly received by the receptionist.
  2. Your therapist cleans your feet with special salt.
  3. You move into your own private room and change into soft, clean, comfortable clothes.
  4. There’s a shower welcome before the massage, but the spa specifically advises against showering after massage.

That shower note is worth taking seriously. If you like to go straight from massage to a big shower-and-out-the-door routine, adjust your plan. The advice given is to avoid showering after your session and instead keep yourself warm for at least 2–3 hours. Oil-based massage can leave your skin feeling cooler or slicker, and washing too soon can disrupt the “settle and relax” effect.

The private room also helps psychologically. In a loud, public massage setting, you’re always thinking about what’s happening around you. Here, you’re given the cues to treat it like your own little reset.

The massage experience: Thai balm or oil on foot and back

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - The massage experience: Thai balm or oil on foot and back
The main therapy is described as a relaxing oil massage using Thai balm or oil. People talk about it as calming and highly relaxing, and the atmosphere is designed for that. One review specifically calls out tiger balm, which tells you the balm scent and warming effect are part of the experience for at least some sessions.

You may also see different massage combinations, depending on the package you choose. The overall offering at The Home is described as including either body scrub or body wrap, along with relaxing oil massage. That means you might get more than just hands-on work for the session you book, depending on the exact option attached to your booking.

For foot and back specifically, you can expect the therapist to work the tension zones that often collect around:

  • The muscles that “brace” your posture during travel
  • The lower back area and the way your hips influence back tightness
  • Foot pressure points that affect how your whole body feels afterward

One detail I like is the therapist focus. A review mentions a therapist named Tukta being attentive to an injury, and another mentions a therapist (name appears as Tew) doing excellent work. When a place has that level of attention to individual needs, it usually means the therapist is not just doing a routine checklist.

You’ll get the best results if you communicate clearly. Tell the therapist where you feel tightest, and if your back is angry today, say so early rather than halfway through.

What to do before you go (so the massage hits harder)

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - What to do before you go (so the massage hits harder)
You don’t need a special prep routine. But you’ll get more from it if you do a few simple things:

  • Plan your day around warmth afterward. The spa’s guidance is to keep yourself warm for 2–3 hours after the massage and avoid showering right after. That means comfortable clothing and a warm return to your hotel help.
  • Wear something easy to change out of. You’ll be switching into soft clothes, so leave your toughest jeans and belt situations at the hotel.
  • Hydrate before you leave. Oil massage can leave you feeling relaxed and slightly “heavy.” Water helps you feel normal afterward.

If you’re sensitive to strong scents, this is something to flag. Thai balms can be aromatic, and tiger balm notes show up in the feedback. You can simply mention scent sensitivity when you arrive.

Also, if your priority is maximum relaxation rather than stretching or deep pressure, tell the therapist you’re aiming for gentle comfort. The experience is described as relaxing and peaceful, so you should be able to steer it.

Aftercare that actually makes a difference: tea, snacks, and staying comfortable

People often judge massage experiences by how they feel right after. But the real score comes 2–3 hours later, when your muscles either stay loose or tighten up again.

This place gives you aftercare through behavior, not just words:

  • Warm tea and snacks after the massage
  • Guidance to keep warm after the oil session
  • A shower recommendation that avoids washing too soon

Why this matters: if you massage your back with oil and then immediately cool down or shower too early, your body may tense back up. Keeping warm supports the “let go” feeling the therapist works for.

So after your session, think of it as a transition into rest. A good plan is returning to your hotel, changing into comfy clothes, and letting the effects settle rather than jumping into another long walk right away.

Price and value: is $30.78 worth it?

90 mins of Relaxing Foot and Back with thai balm or Oil - Price and value: is $30.78 worth it?
At $30.78 per person, this looks like strong value for Chiang Mai—especially because the price category includes more than the massage hands-on time. The listed inclusions cover:

  • Private transportation (pickup and return in their free area)
  • Cool towels and cool tea
  • Snacks and coffee and/or tea
  • 7% VAT
  • A private experience setup (private tour/activity)

Massage pricing in tourist areas can vary wildly. What makes this feel fair is that you’re paying for an experience flow, not just time on a table. Pickup saves time and stress. Tea and towels make the session feel intentional. The private room means you’re not sharing the calm.

The only value risk is that you need to match your expectations to what you booked. If you’re only expecting “90 minutes hands-on foot and back,” but your option includes additional body treatments like a scrub or wrap, that can be a good surprise—or a length/timing mismatch if you’re scheduling tightly. Your best move is to confirm what’s specifically included for the package you chose.

Cleanliness, atmosphere, and the staff details that create trust

From the feedback tone, The Home earns trust fast through professionalism and kindness. The vibe is repeatedly described as:

  • Calm and peaceful
  • Staff that are welcoming and friendly
  • Clean and comfortable surroundings
  • A careful attention to details

Even without knowing the exact interior layout, the service steps signal a place that cares about comfort and hygiene: foot cleaning with salt, shower guidance, soft clothing, and towel/tea transitions.

One review praises the ambience and privacy, and another mentions measures in place for Covid prevention. If cleanliness and quiet matter to you, this style of service usually hits the mark.

Also, when a therapist is named (like Tukta and Tew), it suggests the team is consistent enough that clients remember who helped them. That’s not a guarantee, but it’s a good sign that the massage quality is not random.

Who should book this (and who might want a different option)

This is a great fit if you:

  • Want relaxation after a long Chiang Mai day
  • Carry tension in your lower back and feet
  • Prefer a calmer, guided spa flow with tea, towels, and privacy
  • Value pickup and return so you don’t waste time on transport

It might be less ideal if you:

  • Have a tight schedule right after the appointment and can’t follow the “keep warm / avoid shower” advice
  • Want a full-body deep treatment only, since this package centers on foot and back
  • Are very sensitive to balm scents like tiger balm (flag it when you arrive)

Should you book this foot and back massage in Chiang Mai?

If you want an efficient way to feel better—without complicated spa planning—this is an easy yes. The combination of focused foot and back work, a guided arrival routine (cool tea and towels), and the private setup makes it feel worth the money.

Book it when you can follow the aftercare. Treat it like a cooldown session, not a quick stop. And if you have an injury or specific tight spot, say it early so the therapist can adjust.

If you’re deciding between “just get a massage” and “get a complete relaxing reset,” this one leans strongly toward the reset.

FAQ

How long is the massage session?

The massage experience is listed as about 90 minutes for foot and back relaxation, with the overall appointment time running closer to about 2 hours including the full flow.

What does the session use on my body?

The experience uses Thai balm or oil. It’s described as a relaxing oil massage.

Is pickup included in the price?

Yes. Private transportation and pickup are offered from your hotel or another spot within the free transport area, and you’ll also be returned after the session.

Is this a private activity or shared with strangers?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What do I get during the experience?

Included items list cool towels, coffee and/or tea, and snacks, plus 7% VAT.

Do I get a shower opportunity?

There’s welcome for a shower before the massage. After the massage, it’s not recommended, and you’re advised to keep yourself warm afterward.

Where does it take place?

The experience is in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at The Home Massage and Spa.

What are the opening hours?

Opening hours are listed as Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is not refunded.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Chiang Mai we have reviewed