When it comes to Thai massage in Toronto, I’m not exactly new to the experience. I’ve been a fan of Thai massage for years—it’s how I reward myself when I need to relax or reset. I’ve tried many types of massage, both Thai and non-Thai, and after all the sessions I’ve experienced, I always find myself coming back to Thai massage.
My very first Thai massage was in Thailand, of course. I didn’t hesitate to give it a try while I was there, and I had several more sessions before leaving the country. One thing I quickly realized was this: not all Thai massages are the same. Each therapist is different—their attention to detail, how well they listen to the customer, and how much they care about helping you feel better.
In my previous article 5 Best-Kept Secret Massage Spots in Toronto, I reviewed some of the lesser-known but excellent places. Since then, several massage businesses in Toronto reached out asking why they weren’t on the list, or inviting me to try their services. I’ve visited many places across Toronto and nearby cities—probably only a few newer ones (opened in the past 1–2 years) I haven’t tried yet.
But today, I want to talk about one place that stands out for me personally—Mai Thai Massage.
Let’s Talk About the Downsides First
No place is perfect, and what’s “best” for me might not be the best for everyone. So I want to start by sharing the cons of Mai Thai Massage, just to be fair:
- It’s a small studio: Mai Thai Massage is run by Mai herself—she owns the business and does the massage work alone. If you’re looking for a big, luxurious spa, this is not it.
- Only one client at a time: If you want a couples massage or want to book for multiple people at once, it’s not possible here. You’ll need to wait your turn.
- Limited communication methods: Since Mai is usually in session, phone calls can be hard to answer. That’s why she prefers email or SMS for inquiries.
Now, if all that sounds like a dealbreaker, you may be thinking: why do I still consider it the best?
Why Mai Thai Massage Is the Best—for Me
Like I said, what’s best for me might not be for everyone. But here’s why I personally love Mai Thai Massage:
- I care more about massage quality than the size or appearance of a place.
- I usually go for massages alone, so I don’t mind the one-client-at-a-time setup.
- I respect that this is a woman-owned business, and I’m totally fine communicating by text when needed.
But the real reason I keep coming back is this:
The Experience Feels Truly Personal
If you’ve had as many massages as I have, you start to sense things. Sometimes, you can tell when a therapist is just going through the motions, waiting for the session to end. Sometimes they don’t listen when you ask them to focus on a specific area. Other times, it just feels like a transaction—like they’re doing a job, not offering a service.
With Mai, it’s the exact opposite.
Every time I visit Mai Thai Massage, I can feel her energy and passion. She genuinely listens, cares about how you feel, and wants to help you heal or relax. If you describe an ache or pain, she will focus on it with care. If you come back another time, don’t be surprised if she has researched more about your issue and comes prepared with new techniques to help.
This kind of attention and dedication is rare.
At many places, you’re just another customer. But with Mai, it feels like she’s fully present and there for you—not just for the money, but because she actually cares.
Another thing I’ve noticed about Mai is how excited she gets when talking about Thai massage. It’s obvious that she loves what she does, and that passion comes through in both her conversations and her energy.
And one last thing—Mai is an amazing Thai cook! Don’t be surprised if one day, after your massage, she offers you some homemade Thai food to try and share with you!
Final Thoughts
There are many excellent massage studios in Toronto, and depending on what you value most—ambience, convenience, or pricing—you may find something that suits you better.
But if what you’re looking for is a massage therapist who truly listens, who puts heart and intention into every session, and who treats you as a person, not just a booking slot—I encourage you to try Mai Thai Massage.
Come see if you feel the same energy I do.