What Is a Nuru Massage?

Sessions vary between venues, but the structure is broadly consistent across Bangkok.

• You arrive and choose a room type — standard rooms and VIP rooms with a jacuzzi are the usual options.
• A shower comes first. This is standard everywhere and not optional.
• The gel is warmed and the massage takes place on a waterproof mattress or air mattress rather than a conventional table.
• The session runs for the booked duration, commonly 30, 60 or 90 minutes.
• A second shower afterwards is included. The gel rinses off completely with warm water.

Prices depend on the venue, the room type and the duration rather than on the style itself. As a broad guide, expect from around 1,500–2,000 THB for a shorter session at a mid-range venue, rising for longer bookings and VIP rooms with a jacuzzi.

Every venue listed on Thailand Massage Hub publishes its own pricing on its page, so you can compare before travelling across the city.

The two are often confused. Nuru uses a thick seaweed-based gel and focuses on continuous gliding movement. Soapy massage uses warm water and foam, and usually takes place partly in or beside a bath.

Newcomers often find soapy the gentler introduction, while nuru is the more distinctive sensation. Neither is more “advanced” than the other — they are simply different.