Yangon Massage Prices
Massage prices in Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Myanmar's largest city with a population of over 5.2 million, offers a unique and authentic Southeast Asian wellness experience largely untouched by mass tourism. As Myanmar's former capital and commercial hub, Yangon blends British colonial heritage with traditional Burmese culture, creating a distinctive spa and massage scene. The city is renowned for its traditional Burmese massage techniques, which differ significantly from Thai, Chinese, or other regional styles, incorporating unique pressure point work and stretching methods. A particularly notable aspect of Yangon's wellness culture is the tradition of blind massage practitioners, who are celebrated for their exceptional skill and sensitivity. The city's massage scene ranges from humble neighborhood shops charging 5,000-10,000 kyat ($2.50-5 USD) to luxury colonial-era hotel spas like The Strand charging $100+ for treatments. Traditional thanaka (a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark) is often incorporated into facial treatments, representing authentic Burmese beauty traditions. Despite recent political challenges, Yangon's wellness industry continues to serve both locals and the adventurous travelers who visit this enigmatic city.
Blind Massage Tradition - Exceptional Skill & Social Welfare
One of the most remarkable aspects of Yangon's wellness culture is the tradition of blind massage practitioners. This practice developed as a form of social welfare and vocational training, providing employment and dignity for the blind community. These practitioners are celebrated for their exceptional tactile sensitivity and skill, with many people specifically seeking out blind massage services for their renowned abilities. A 60-90 minute traditional Burmese massage by a blind practitioner costs just 10,000-20,000 kyat ($5-10 USD), making it both an exceptional value and a way to support an important social cause. Family Blind Massage is one of the well-known centers offering these services.
Price Guide
Budget-Friendly Options (5,000-20,000 MMK / $2.50-10 USD)
- Traditional Burmese foot spa: 6,000-10,000 kyat
- Neighborhood massage shops: 8,000-12,000 kyat per hour
- Blind massage services: 10,000-20,000 kyat (60-90 minutes)
- Local body massage: 12,000-20,000 kyat
Mid-Range Experiences (20,000-80,000 MMK / $10-40 USD)
- Sapel Spa @ 63 traditional massage: 25,000-40,000 kyat
- Aromatherapy massage: 35,000-60,000 kyat
- Thanaka facial treatments: 25,000-50,000 kyat
- Spa packages (2 hours): 50,000-80,000 kyat
Luxury Treatments ($50-200 USD)
- The Strand Hotel spa treatments: $80-200
- Chatrium Hotel Nemita Spa: $60-150
- Sedona Hotel spa: $50-120
Popular Massage & Spa Venues in Yangon
1. Sapel Traditional Burmese Foot Spa
Location: Yangon (multiple locations)
Specialties: Traditional Burmese foot spa, outcall massage services
Price Range: Budget (5,000-20,000 MMK / $2.50-10 USD)
Renowned traditional Burmese foot spa offering foot massage (6,000-10,000 kyat), body massage (12,000-20,000 kyat), and outcall massage services to hotels/apartments. Professional therapists use traditional Burmese techniques in clean facilities with a relaxing atmosphere. Very affordable and popular with both locals and tourists. Excellent traditional foot spa with professional service.
2. Sapel Spa @ 63
Location: 63rd Street, Yangon
Specialties: Fusion Burmese-acupressure-aromatherapy massage
Price Range: Mid-range (25,000-80,000 MMK / $12-40 USD)
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5 (58 reviews)
A fusion of ancient Burmese techniques, acupressure, and aromatherapy in a professional spa environment. Traditional Burmese massage costs 25,000-40,000 kyat, aromatherapy massage 35,000-60,000 kyat, and spa packages 50,000-80,000 kyat. Clean, modern facilities with well-trained therapists. Soothing massages ease muscular tension and bring balance and relaxation. Popular with expats and tourists for excellent fusion massage and good value.
3. Family Blind Massage
Location: Yangon
Specialties: Massage by trained blind practitioners
Price Range: Budget (10,000-20,000 MMK / $5-10 USD)
Massage performed by blind therapists renowned for exceptional tactile sensitivity using traditional Burmese massage techniques. 60-minute massage costs 10,000-15,000 kyat, 90-minute massage 15,000-20,000 kyat. Supports social welfare initiative providing employment for the blind community. Highly skilled practitioners offer therapeutic and relaxing treatments in an authentic local experience. Exceptional skill at very affordable prices while supporting a good cause.
4. Sense Spa (Yankin)
Location: Yankin Township, Yangon
Specialties: Oil massage, professional spa treatments
Price Range: Mid-range (20,000-70,000 MMK / $10-35 USD)
Professional spa environment offering oil massage (25,000-40,000 kyat), body treatments (30,000-60,000 kyat), and spa packages (50,000-70,000 kyat). Very good oil massage at a very good price with clean facilities and trained therapists. Popular with locals and recommended by visitors for the Yankin area.
5. The Strand Hotel Spa
Location: The Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road, Yangon
Specialties: Luxury colonial-era hotel spa, international and Burmese treatments
Price Range: Luxury ($80-200 USD)
Website: hotelthestrand.com
Iconic 5-star colonial hotel (built 1901) offering luxury spa treatments in a historic, elegant setting. Traditional Burmese massage costs $80-120, thanaka facial $90-130, and spa packages $150-200. Professional international standards combine Burmese and international techniques. The most prestigious spa in Yangon. Reservation recommended. Luxurious historic setting with excellent service—expensive but worth it.
6. Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon - Nemita Spa
Location: Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake, 40 Natmuak Road, Tamwe Township
Specialties: Luxury hotel spa, wellness center
Price Range: Luxury (100,000-300,000 MMK / $50-150 USD)
Website: chatrium.com/royallakeyangon/wellness
Guest Rating: 9.0/10 for spa enthusiasts
5-star luxury hotel spa with comprehensive spa and wellness center in a beautiful lakeside setting. Traditional Burmese massage costs $60-90, aromatherapy treatments $70-110, and spa packages $100-150. Special offers include 20% discount on spa/massage. Professional therapists maintain international spa standards. Reservation recommended. Excellent spa facilities with beautiful setting and professional service.
7. Sedona Hotel Yangon Spa
Location: Sedona Hotel Yangon, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road
Specialties: Hotel spa, wellness center
Price Range: Luxury (80,000-250,000 MMK / $40-120 USD)
5-star hotel spa facilities offering traditional Burmese massage ($50-80), international spa treatments ($60-100), and spa packages ($90-120). Professional wellness center with trained therapists and modern facilities. Good value for luxury hotel spa experience.
Traditional Burmese Massage Types
Traditional Burmese Massage (Myanmar Massage)
Ancient Burmese massage combining acupressure, stretching, and joint manipulation. Duration: 60-90 minutes. Price Range: 8,000-30,000 MMK ($4-15 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Unique to Myanmar, different from Thai massage
- Focuses on acupressure along energy meridians
- Incorporates stretching and joint manipulation
- Uses elbows, knees, and feet for deep pressure
- Therapeutic and medical focus
- Addresses specific health concerns
- Can be intense but highly effective
- Performed on floor mat with client clothed
- Often combined with herbal compresses
Thanaka Facial Treatment
Traditional Burmese facial using thanaka bark paste. Duration: 60-90 minutes. Price Range: 25,000-80,000 MMK ($12-40 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Uses traditional thanaka bark paste
- 2,000+ year old Burmese tradition
- Cooling and soothing properties
- Anti-aging and skin protection
- Natural sun protection (SPF)
- Yellowish-white paste application
- Unique to Myanmar
- Often combined with facial massage
- Authentic cultural experience
Practical Information
Cultural Tips for Visiting Yangon Spas
- Remove Shoes: Always remove shoes before entering massage shops and spas
- Modest Dress: Myanmar is conservative; dress modestly when traveling
- Seek Blind Massage: Support this important social tradition while receiving exceptional treatment
- Try Thanaka: Experience this unique 2,000-year-old Burmese beauty tradition
- Cash Preferred: Many local shops accept only cash (Myanmar kyat)
- Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated; small tips (1,000-2,000 kyat) welcome
- Language: English limited outside tourist areas; patience and gestures helpful
- Political Awareness: Be respectful of current political situation
Best Times to Visit
- Cool Season (November-February): Best weather, comfortable temperatures (20-30°C)
- Hot Season (March-May): Very hot (30-40°C); indoor spa activities ideal
- Rainy Season (June-October): Monsoon rains; fewer tourists, good spa weather