I usually don't do reviews, but if I don't do this one I'd feel like I'm not giving Sopha from Malai Thai the credit she truly deserves! Given the fact that I too am a Masseuse, I am very critical on who and how I am being massaged and I tell you....If you need a body reset and you want to get rid of your knots, request Sopha! She is the Thai Massage Ninja. I do not know where this lady stores all of that power! After my massage, her and I chuckled because before my massage when she was explaining the process, her last words were "no pain, no gain" and believe me, I took ALL of it! She was able to find every knot on my body. I'd been searching for that ONE! I'm so relieved that after testing out so many masseuse's, I finally found her! I refuse to give my money to anyone else! Permanent customer for life! Thank you Sopha from Malai Thai read more

I have gone there for a variety of massages and they have all been amazing! The customer service, attention I get, and willingness to fit me in last minute are only the cherry on top when it comes their service. Highly recommend! Everytime I leave I feel so much better than when I came in. I recommend getting the hot herbal massage, they prepare the herbs themselves and it is so so relaxing. read more

Just came out of a 2 hour deep tissue massage with Sopha. I don't usually write reviews but I just had to for her. Like other reviews have stated, Sopha is most definitely warrior goddess. I have no idea where she gets all her power from, and I've never been in so much good pain in my life. Wise words from her: "no pain no gain". She found every knot in my body and we had so many good laughs from how much I was dying LOL. This is my second time at Malai Thai massage, and I highly highly recommend. I've explored many massage places, this is always my go-to or where I dream of going when I'm not in Berkeley. read more

I come here when I'm tense and need a peaceful atmosphere. These ladies are dedicated to working out the knots in the spots that you are most bothered by. They are efficient and the last time I came in with my fiance for a couples massage, the lady really focused on the spots that I circled on this diagram of the body they have you fill out before you get started. They are always friendly and answer any questions I have. And I love that there is parking behind the building! read more

I came here a few days after a c-section after endless hours hunched over a breastfeeding infant. They were happy to accommodate my request to not be on my stomach. Still I was afraid I would be relegated to a light tickle as I had experienced with other pre-natal massages. Instead the masseuse was skillful and heartily attacked my knots and sore muscles. The accommodations are a little cramped, but that's not why you come. You come for the skillful massage - as good as what I expect in Thailand. read more

Treat yourself people! This place is great! Such a great deal for the fantastic experience. I will continue to come back when ever my body is feeling tense or in need of some stress relief. My favorite thai massage experience to date! read more

Did the Valentine's day package for my husband and I for his birthday (yes, I got myself a massage for his birthday, too- he said he wanted to spend time with me!). Basically, it's a bunch of massage beds divided by curtains. You hear a bit of interaction between the massage therapists and other patrons, but it was pretty quiet. Very nice people, great massage from Anna. I could feel her breaking up the lactic acid in my shoulders and upper back, and she did it very gently. My husband enjoyed it, too. P.S. The front door is sometimes locked for security, which I thought was reasonable, so just be patient! read more

I just went to Malai Thai for the first time, and it was an incredible experience! First, they have a parking lot which means you don't have to keep circling the block looking for a space. Next, its very clean and has a nice relaxing mood. Third, Kwan is extremely nice and gave me the perfect massage! I really appreciate that she asked me if the pressure was ok several times during the massage. Lastly, its not expensive at all. And considering you are getting a true traditional thai massage, it was definitely worth it. I've been to a lot of thai massage spots, and this is one of my favorites! I will definitely be going back. read more

I had moderate expectations based on their current rating and yet I was unsatisfied with the massage. I chose the Swedish massage with mild pressure, NOT deep tissue and the masseuse seemed to disregard that completely. What I got can only be described as mostly a traditional Thai massage with a lot of stretching and the only Swedish part was that she used some oil. The pressure was definitely not mild. It was unbearable no matter where she worked on: the shoulder or neck or back. I have been bruised and it is even visible as scars around my shoulder girdle and the back of my neck. I am never coming back. read more

Great therapeutic massage. I can feel the tension abandoning my body and my muscles release after my first session with her. Would definitely come back. Excellent value! read more

I get a lot of Thai massages in SF and wanted to find one near me in the East Bay. Fantastic!! One of the best Thai massages. Deep and take their time on tough spots. I'll be coming here a lot more. read more

Had a great massage that helped work through my shoulder kinks. My masseuse really dig in deep to help problem solve. Highly recommend, I'm definitely coming back more regularly. For people that haven't been to a Thai massage place, note that it's set up where everyone is in a large room separated by curtains. This is standard but it noticed the person next to me don't realize this and has to be told to whisper. read more

This place is absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad I found it! I was previously attending appointments at another Thai Massage place in a different location of the Bay Area, but knew that it was time to find a new place after my eyes landed on an object that had a Nazi symbol in front an elephant. Anyhow, I'm glad I've found this place, which is well kept, staff are kind (Lyda who gave me a massage was so aware of the areas where there were knots in my body and gave follow-up instructions), and there were no visible display objects that represent hate or lack of acceptance at this site. So, I'll be back! read more

Best therapeutic massage treatments that is strongly recommended once a week if not at least once a month at Malai Thai Massage. I Changed the job, stress out from daily routine life for the past month, 1.5 hr Thai traditional massage helps not only relieved the knots of tension, yet relax the whole body and mind. Friendly people, clean and cozy place help unwind once step your foot in. read more

I just had my first massage here and I am very impressed. I worked with Tanya and she was kind, professional, and provided a really excellent massage. I strongly recommend Malai Thai. read more

Amazing massage today that released me of so much pain. I can't wait to go back! I am really picky about massage and can usually trust Thai, and the one I got here was by far the best. Thank you! read more

Kwan is my life saver. I've getting Thai massages from her for more than 10 years. I get quite bit of shoulder, neck pains from working on my laptop. Kwan can tell which spots my body needs attention by massaging me. She has buddha's hands. Even thought she knows how much pressures I like, she always make sure that I like her hand pressure. I always ask her to focus on my upper shoulders and neck, and she works at those areas as much as time allows on top of massaging the entire body. After getting her massage, I feel my body and shoulders can open wider and I can turn my neck more than before. If you've never had Thai massage, it is a combination of stretching and deep-tissue massage. If you're like me who gets pain from long hours of work, you will not regret getting your 60+ minutes massage from Kwan. She just opened her business in March, and it is just a matter of time that people start to discover this gem on University Ave. read more

Amazing. They go hard and deep tissue and can hurt a bit at times. At the end you will be glad you did it. Your mucles are relaxed and body feels light. read more

Thank you so much! I am always looking for affordable, high quality massage options and this was it. The therapist I worked with was skillful and intuitive and gave me a combo deep tissue and Thai massage after assessing my needs. I just walked out feeling relief from neck and shoulder pain I've had for months. Super easy booking, too. Thanks again. read more

Great relaxing atmosphere paired with knowledge talented masseuses. Make reservations on busy days.

Just had a massage here and it did not disappoint. I called around 11am this morning because I could feel my tension turning into a migraine and they were able to fit me in an hour later. I did a one hour deep tissue with Tina and it was just what I needed, my only regret was that I didn't do 90 minutes. She was kind and listened to me and exactly what I wanted. She was strong, but still relaxing, and even stretched me out in the end. I will definitely be back! read more

This is a great place for traditional Thai massage. I asked for Pui who had been recommended by a friend and she was wonderful providing the right balance with respect to pressure and relaxation. read more

Great massage with the perfect intensity that I asked for she was able to customize it and do exactly what I wanted regardless of her normal procedures. This will be my new favorite massage place and I didn't even have to wait a full day to make an appointment. I got lucky the same day so I'm very happy can't wait to go back. read more

By some stroke of kismet I've been reunited with Kwan. Years ago when I lived in SF I would see her at Suchada on King Street. Time, circumstance and distance kept me from trekking out to the city from the burbs, but I never forgot about her uncanny ability to release muscular tension. Especially in the jaw and front of the neck. My fellow TMJ sufferers will understand how hard it is to find someone who can work these areas. Kwan is gifted with instinctual touch; her technique goes beyond what can be taught, she just has a second sense for bodywork. So proud of her for having her own studio now. Go, Kwan! Bonus tip: there's free parking in the back. read more

This is a small and nice Thai massage location at a convenient University Avenue with a small parking lot in the back. Easy to make an appointment and the masseuse worked on my back and shoulders and overall whole body ( I got 69 min Thai aroma). I would say that she was not as skilled as other ones I had at other locations but overall very pleasant and relaxing massage. I will come and visit again when I'm in the area. read more

If you like PAIN, then this is your place. An hour of nothing but agony. Did my body feel great afterward? Yes. My body feels great after a pleasurable massage, too. You might like this kind of thing, I did not. read more

Don't bother. Mediocre massages. Lack of quality customer service. Started my search for a good Thai massage in the east bay, about three years ago. Each time I return here, I leave disappointed and feeling a bit scammed. I've tried multiple people here and only one person ever made it worth returning. However, even when I book her and confirm the booking, I arrive and am told they gave her to the customer before me. read more

Absolutely amazing massage! I've never had someone be so intune with the needs of my body. Every sore muscle or knot was found, awakened, and released. A 90 minute massage was well worth the time. She was able to find and stretch muscles I wasn't aware I had. Overall the best massage I've had in my life. If you need privacy and a room of your own than maybe this isn't for you. read more

Massages are intense but amazing. Hot herbal massage is very relaxing. You fill out a form with your pain points prior to the massage but it's best to tell them exactly what you want, where, and how much pressure. Owner is super friendly. A few parking spaces in back. Some talking in the background which can be distracting. read more

The massage was great, but when I went to pay, I was charge more than was agreed. Since I was rather wiped out after the massage I really was not in the moon to argue/ discuss on the price. So the best thing is pay inadvance before you get your massage. read more

i went here on a whim when my plans for the day changed. OH MY GOD thank the heavens above for cancelled plans! i called last minute and was able to come in within 45 minutes. Kwan is a HEALER. i had "Thai focus massage work" done - focusing on sciatica issues and a repetitive stress sports injury (left shoulder) i've had on and off since i was 15, now 32. i came here around Thanksgiving and here it is almost Christmas and i've not had ONE of those issues come back. no soreness in neck, no hard cramped lump in my shoulder, NOTHING! although Kwan is literally as tiny as my daughter she is a dang BEAST! shes so strong and really knows what she's doing! i have recommended her to anyone who will listen! i will be back! what are you waiting for? go change your life. oh yeah, make sure you tip. 20% is a GOOD tip for those of you who dont know that yet. read more

Wow, these people are rude. I have had many massages here. Their massages are ok. Today I came in, they told me to come back in half an hour, which I did, and they said they gave me slot to someone else because I was five minutes late! And to make matters worth they were extremely rude to me about it. Life is too short to deal with rude people when all you want to do is relax. read more

Kwan is amazing. I almost cancelled my massage because I'm pregnant and she told me she could only do a light massage because of this. I'm a physician and was ready to fight her on this, especially when she pulled out an anatomy book and started talking about my chi. My shoulders and neck were in pain, so I stayed figuring any massage was better than none, and I'm so glad it did. She was magical in finding all the pain points and this was for the light massage! She told me to come back after 6 months of pregnancy so she could really break up the knots when it's safer and I will 100 percent be back. This is not your spa massage- the tables are separated by curtains and you can hear others a bit- but it is very therapeutic and worth every penny. read more

I highly recommend Malai Thai Massage! I frequently have pain in my neck and shoulders to the point where I can barely turn my head, and after an hour and a half aromatherapy massage last night, I woke up this morning feeling completely rejuvenated and with full mobility in my neck. Anna was really considerate, checking in with me multiple times to make sure the pressure was okay. The price is really amazing compared with most massage places. I will definitely be back soon! read more

I had a 90 minute Thai massage on Friday. Wow, this was the best massage of my life. My back and legs were a mess beforehand. The whole time I kept thinking: please don't end! There were a few times at the beginning where it was pretty painful, but it was well worth it. I should note, I woke up Saturday morning feeling like I got hit by a train. I was so tender and was in a ton of pain. Luckily, I was back to feeling normal by this morning. I feel so much better than prior to the massage. read more

Lada just really did me right ... I have never had a bad massage here and this one was probably the best.

Kwan is the real deal, and worth breaking my 'lurker' status and writing my very first review for! If you're a fan of Thai Massage, you know that there are some rare therapists who 'just get it' and are completely in tune with your specific needs. Kwan is one of them. She was previously in Oakland (and closer to me), but I'd follow her anywhere! Well, maybe not Antarctica, but you get the point. Do yourself a favor and try Malai Thai out. read more

I got the best massage I've ever had in my life here. It's a peaceful space, and the prices are beyond reasonable. I will definitely be a regular customer. read more

Best massage to this day! An amazing Thai massage that was painfully good and got rid of my many knots from being a bike messenger. Also the massage price was amongst the lowest in the area. read more

Quan cares deeply about the community and has a special passion for supporting the differently abled. The place is clean, professional and has good vibes! read more