Very good massage. very strong & good technique . A lot of stepping- Parking in the back free

They used to be much better, but my last two visits have been disappointing. The most recent foot massage was especially bad. The person clearly didn't understand foot anatomy or pressure points. They took their time but mostly just applied random squeezes, without using proper pressure or focusing on the areas I needed relief. I'll be exploring other options in the neighborhood for my next massage. read more

Malai Thai offers great Thai massage. Everyone I've met there is skilled and professional. I've had the greatest number of sessions with Neeya. She gives a very strong massage. Her knowledge of Thai massage stretches and techniques is expansive. Every massage she gives is slightly different and yet all address the tension and pain points. I highly recommend her and Malai Thai. read more

Excellent massage. Hey be been 3 times and never disappointed. I go for the therapeutic Thai massage and it is a perfect combination of the more pressure Thai massage and some oil Massage. I always leave feeling a huge positive shift in my overall energy and release from back pain. read more

This place is amazing! When they say deep tissue, they mean deep! They work the muscles so intensely that it truly helps with any kind of pain your end and feels amazing. The people there are so sweet and the lady who did mine was very kind and listened to my body well. Could not recommend this place more. read more

SOPA IS THE BOMB DOT COM!!! Took my friend out on a girl date w/ this being part of our agenda. So glad I found this spot! Their website isn't state of the art but I appreciated the ability to book our services ahead of time via their scheduling system- win. Like most Thai massage spots, they'll ask you to fill out the form indicating areas that required more TLC. From past experiences, masseuses only sparingly adhered to the requests and just did their thing while only giving me medium pressure when I always request for strong. In comes this little auntie who really did her best to make me wince. That exquisite, squirm-inducing pressure coupled w/ mindfulness to my problem areas was what I always hope for but rarely get. Nope, not Sopa - she brought it! To be honest, it was more painful than anything but the relief after was so worth bearing down the hour-long pain fest for. My neck, back and shoulders were utterly sore from all that lovely attention that I felt an instant mood lift and wider range of motion. Days later and I'm still good! The guy at the front desk was surprised I came out alive and lovin' it as he regaled stories of Sopa making big 6'0+ dudes cry. Lol Already booked my next 2 sessions - SO EXCITED! read more

Great massage. My back hurts like hell sometimes and this place is the way to go. All the the masseuses are great at what they do. Relieved my back stiffness tremendously. Totally recommend! read more

That was just exactly what I needed - I felt welcomed and at ease when I arrived. The space was clean and the people were friendly. The massage was as strong as I had hoped, targeted where I had asked, and the masseuse was responsive and adaptable when there were one or two spots that were too tender for the very strong touch I had requested. Can't wait to go back! read more

Kuan gives the best massage EVER. I know. I studied and practiced Thai massage. I have had a lot of great practitioners. Nothing compares to her. read more

Nice firm massage and a very therapeutic experience. I really liked the stick massage tool used on my foot as well as the deep tissue work.

First time and last time. Had an absurdly bad Thai massage, was not even Thai! It was just someone pushing your skin around, casually stepping on you just because she could call it Thai. I had to come to this location because Oakland location was temporarily closed. Thought I could get a similar quality service. Unfortunately, total letdown. I left upset and massage oil still on me. My masseur was chatting with other masseurs while massaging me. She did not give any extra focus on the areas I circled. She had no massage skills, she was not putting pressure on my muscle, instead it was her bone against mine. I could tell she likely thought I was some college student never had real Thai massage, tried to cut every corner she could. Lady, you need to have some respect of your own job. Unless you already know a good masseur here, don't try your luck like me. Btw Sam at the Oakland location has real skills. Hopefully they re-open soon. read more

It was my very first time doing a Thai Massage and they really delivered. I had no idea what to expect coming into my appointment and it made the experience even better! Definitely a good price point for the area and will definitely be coming back for a couples massage with my partner. read more

I spent so many years to find a good place for Thai massage till I found Malai Thai massage in Berkeley. I moved to America from Thailand 7 years ago and one of the things i missed most was a good real Thai massage. The second I felt the therapist's grip and pressure, I knew it was the real thing. If you're looking for an actual Thai massage: correct stretching and deep tissue, come here. read more

Great job! Time to go back they did the damn thing and even my husband is loved it and is ready for round 2 That saying alot

Been going here for a while, just love the people here. The ladies are just outstanding, powerful and precise. You come out feeling renewed and lighter. read more

I had my first Thai traditional massage with Sopaa this morning and it was so good! She was very nice and strong. She worked out all my knots. Highly recommend her and will be going back. read more

This place is amazing!!! If you are someone who needs true deep tissue massage and to get all of your muscles (not just your back), this is your spot. The staff is nice and the facility is clean and comfortable. I'm not going anywhere else for massages now and my favorite massage therapist is Yupa. I haven't tried any others because the first massage I had by her was the best massage of my life-- I've had 4 more equally awesome massages from her since then. read more

This gem of a spot continues to deliver. After 18 months of no massage to treat my chronic back pain, (thanks pandemic), I returned to 90 minutes of bliss. Thankful MT survived last year; it's a gift for all of us :) read more

Best Thai Massage in town! My Thai friend referred me to visit Malai Thai Massage in Berkeley. I had a chronic back and shoulder issues...and Kwan amazingly fix it! I felt so much relief and lighter. Their skills are solid and the staff are all very friendly and nice. Really best Thai massage I ever experienced in years and in the bay area. Thank you for fixing my pain and I will be back! read more

I've taken a star down from my review simply for the my first impression with the boy working at the front desk. Upon entering, the seating/waiting area is very narrow and small so I waited to the side about 5 steps away from the front desk. The boy manning the desk continued to look down at his personal phone even after helping another client check out and even after she left, he continued to ignore my presence. I had to walk right up to the very front of the counter and start with, "Hi, excuse me..." before he would even lift his eyes away from his phone. The boy continued to schedule a drop-in appointment about an hour and a half away from the present time and sounded very unenthused and bored, as if waiting for me to hurry and finish so he could resume browsing on his phone. When I came back at the due time for my appointment, the boy was still there and still presenter with an unenthused attitude when I checked in and filled out the paperworks most massage establishments have you fill out so they are better informed about the conditions of your body, etc. As I was waiting for the masseuse to come out and get me, I was tempted to write a one or two star review right then and there, especially because it was almost five minutes past my appointment time as well. So I ended up getting the One Hour Thai Foot Massage and as soon as my masseuse came out to get me, my whole experience and attitude towards the establishment got significantly better. She was kind and friendly, and she asked me carefully what areas I would like to focus on for my appointment, reaffirming that I wanted just to focus on my lower extremities. If I could, I would rate the masseuse and only her a five star, because of her attention to detail, great and caring attitude, as well as her skills at massaging. I go to try many massage parlors and mainly do foot massages, and I could tell she knew what I needed work on and how much pressure was the perfect amount-- at some point, I felt so soothed and free of the pain and soreness that plagued me that I dozed off for a bit! Thankfully at the end of my massage, a kind woman checked me out. The transaction was smooth and she was very friendly. From the point of meeting my masseuse to paying at the end, I would have rated the experience 5/5. I would recommend this place (just pay no attention to the boy up front if you chance upon him). read more

This place is definitely a hidden gem. Very unassuming on the outside and not as decorated on the interior as some other places in town, but don't let that fool you! I was able to get a same day appointment for a 60 min therapeutic Thai massage and it was really good! There are a few other spots I've tried in this area that are also great but what I liked about here was the deep stretching they did at the end. I felt really great walking out and will definitely come back to see Apple for my next massage! read more

I visited the place because my back hurts so much. This is my second visit, and it was very good. My muscles were rigid but it became softer now. I love this place and highly recommended. read more

One of the best and affordable Thai massage places. Average in the Bay Area seems to be around $90. An hour is $75. Anyway, I had a bit of a painful experience at another Thai massage place and decided to come here instead since I've always had a great experience here. First off, call ahead for appointments. They are really accommodating! I had medium pressure and while I'm always having deep tissue, I need to be more on the medium side. The pressure was just right, even though I was very tight in my calves and neck. The foot massage was awesome when I asked for help and focus on the feet. You try walking around Lake Merritt in heels all day! I wish I asked to see if I could have added 30 minutes of reflexology for extra pampering and because I wanted to feel even more extra. (They don't have 30 minutes of reflexology, but worth a shot) The massage table, or should I say the massage bed is literally a full sized bed. This is super nice. I felt like a new woman after my massage! Also I haven't gotten a massage since October or November, but still- A NEW WOMAN. Except I just had swim practice and I kinda feel sore and tired. I need an appointment again. (Twice in a week? Yep. They're gonna think I'm crazy) P.S: Yes you still have to mask up during the massage due to covid reasons, but I didn't find it hard to breathe. read more

Went for a Thai massage here based on a recommendation. Amy had strong pressure but tried to massage my eyeballs (she put an eye cover over them), which is a first and not something I ever want to experience again. I've had multiple Thai massages from various places in SF and Thailand and have never had someone touch my eyeballs - so not sure if she thought she was massaging my temples but they clearly feel different. I may give it another shot as the pressure was good, she got the knots out, things were clean, but wow that was weird. read more

Good place. I have been a massage therapist for 20,years. Easy to make an appointment, affordable. More traditional than other places around.. Ass kicking massage that produces results. Means that it hurts a bit, be prepared to be in pain but feel better after. Not as "serene" as a Western spa. Yes they might leave the room or talk to each other while massaging you or answer the phone or you might hear someone next to you. Doesn't matter, the massage produces results, it is not a contrived experience. read more

Apple is the best masseuse in this location. She knows how to apply the right pressure to a specific muscles. I always feel great after my session. She works with her heart. Highly recommend Apple! read more

Highly recommend. Extremely thorough, professional, and therapeutic. Appel (sp?) was my masseuse and she's the best!! They fit me in last minute and we're flexible with scheduling. read more

I found a diamond in the rough Berkeley streets. I have been to Thailand before and am planning a trip with my dentist friend. We dropped my car off at Joes tires(another 5 star review) yesterday morning. As we were walking back to my dental office we noticed this Tai massage. I quickly yelped the business and saw its 4.5 rating. I had my dental assistant book us for traditional tai massage later that day it was amazing read more

Truly excellent massages! My husband and I booked massages here recently with Amy (superb) and another very strong and skilled woman whose name I don't remember. We came on a weekday, mid-day, and were the only customers there. We all kept our masks on throughout, washed hands before and after, and it felt clean and safe. The massages were so transformative to our bodies that around the 50-min mark we requested an upgrade to a 90-min massage-- and were grateful for the results. The only thing to note is that since business is slow due to the pandemic they are not open for walk-ins at any given time, so best to call in advance to secure an appointment. read more

Here's the situation: You and your honey are in major need of a massage. Both of you are having lower back pain and stiffness, and decide to #TreatYourself to a delightful Thai Massage from Malai Thai Massage. You're instantly in a good mood because of its convenient location near University and MLK, and when you arrive, you feel like you're transported from your bleak reality to the warm and calming landscapes of Thailand. (I assume the landscapes of Thailand are warm and calming; to be honest, I've never been.) The massage itself was SUPER thorough, and I appreciated that my therapist checked in with me at multiple points. I also liked being able to share the same space with my honey. As other reviews mention, it takes a bit to get used to the fact that you're in one big room separated by curtains, but after about 5 minutes, I didn't care. You'll also hear the occasional truck blasting down University, but the massage will have you in such a trance that you'll barely even notice. Go. Get a massage. Get it. read more

All of the massage therapists know what they are doing. They make you leave feeling great and have actually fixed my tight shoulder multiple times. Bonus because you can set up an appointment online and get it same or next day. The knocks are that the four "rooms" inside are separated by curtains, so you will rarely hear the other customers and if you get a Swedish massage, it could end up being a Thai massage (which is even better). read more

By far one of the best massages I've had in a long time. The gentleman at the front desk was super nice and the 2 massage therapists who took care of us were strong and very attentive. I recommend this traditional Thai massage of stretching and deep tissue. Fantastic! read more

Love this place. Not gonna tell you who my fave is haha gonna keep her to myself. The owner is very kind and respectful. Clean, safe atmosphere! I'll be filling up my punch card to get that 1/2 off Massage! read more

The ladies at Malai Thai work magic on my body. I leave feeling like I'm floating. They really take a load off. When I was pregnant I came in once a week for a traditional Swedish massage because it's more gently, but I recommend the traditional Thai or aromatherapy massage. That's one of the great things about Malai -- you can experience different techniques to suit your mood! When you go in they ask you to highlight any areas of concern or areas of focus, and the massage therapists will focus on there. Today I asked to focus on my tight knees, and I left feeling so much more flexible. I really believe that Thai massage is therapeutic in many ways. Another thing I like about this place is that it's no frills. When I get massages at fancy spa places, the therapists will usually talk to me, or they take time off the hour to account for dressing, etc. At Malai, you get the full time you pay for! And they are no nonsense. They come in and get straight to work. Also, the massage beds are separated by curtains, so it's not super private. That's fine with me. They play relaxing music and I go into a good zone. The massages are affordable too! Card is accepted -- you can save your card on file. I prefer to pay card and give a cash tip. read more

Benz was amazing! She popped things in my body that have never been popped before. I came in a few min late and she still honored the full time. Highly recommend. Came through ClassPass. read more

It was my first time going to Malai Thai and getting a massage at an actual massage place in general. I had a spinal fusion surgery when I was 15 years old and dealt with back pain and muscle stiffness years after. It became normal for me to experience the pain and stiffness on a regular basis. I got used to applying CBD balm and getting a massage from my partner on a weekly basis (although, it wasn't always the best). My current job involves lots of physical labor, and so I knew it'd be good to finally find a massage place. After my whole session, one hour for the Thai Therapeutic service, my whole body felt so relaxed and at peace. Kwan was spot on, with the points that needed a lot of attention. The staff is very friendly and communicative. At one point, I forgot I was in Berkeley and thought I was in Thailand. I had such a good experience, I told my partner he should set up an appointment. I look forward to visiting again in the near future. Thank you again!! read more

Quite possibly the worst massage I've ever had. Massage therapists were talking to each other throughout my massage. My massage therapist left the room several times. She took a phone call while she was giving me a massage. At one point she left and another person came in to massage for a few minutes. I mentioned that is was very difficult to relax due to all the distractions. read more

Wow! This was legit traditional thai massage but better because in Thailand you're normally in a large room with lots of people where you can hear their sometimes loud and heavy sighs of relief. At Malai Thai Massage you get a private room with a heated bed, and calming quiet music. The massage I got was just what I needed after week long visit to the east coast with my family. We did a fair amount of walking and I came back to the bay feeling like I was hobbling around like a stiff zombie dragging my feet. The masseuse working on me was amazing! I didn't even have to ask once to increase or decrease pressure because she got it so spot on. She asked me a few times during the massage if I was ok to make sure nothing hurt. I was just really relieved. She was a combination of gentle and very firm and strong. Thai massage uses interesting techniques to open up the joints and stretch out your muscles. They really follow the form you fill out at the beginning, I definitely feel like they focused on the areas of my body I indicated on this paper. I could hear her pulling out the sheet and referencing it whenever a different section of my body was massaged. The place seemed clean and organized, I liked how they have a little basket for your personal items and clothes once you change into the loose tank top and pants provided. read more

Absolutely the very best Thai massage-maybe the best massage of any kind I have ever had. I'm very impressed! Thai massage is my favorite type of massage and I had many in L.A., for many years. I had several great massages and most are good to okay. Upon moving to the Bay Area, I had tried some, but mostly more expensive and less satisfying than the okay massage I had in the past. I almost gave up finding a good Thai massage, but I wanted to give it a try at Malai. And I'm so glad I did. The massage I received exceeded all my expectation. The masseuse was obviously very experienced and very skillful. I could tell that she was there to help me feel better (isn't that rare?) from the first moment she talked to me. She read my body chart carefully, asked me questions about those sections, and checked my body tensions. And she knew exactly what she was doing, and how to expose those hidden muscles and hidden tensions. She opened up the section of muscles I never knew existed and which obviously needed attention. While she provided me overall massage, she spent a lot of time right into the trouble spots to solve the problem... none of those "I massage your butt because it will open up your shoulder..." type of thing which never worked with me. She was able to really get in and I felt the release I really needed. So it almost felt like a very best medical massage. If you are looking for just "feels good" type of thing then you may need to ask masseuse to go very soft. Someone like me who has a lot of tension due to the work, I really need the skillful massage and I found one. I look forward to go back for more (between my travels!). I truly respect and appreciate the professionalism of the masseuse who worked very hard every minutes of my 90 minutes with all her knowledge and skills. There was never dull moment-masseuse is a true professional who knows her skills and has the pride in what she does. Thank you! read more

The therapeutic massage is intense but it feels so good afterwards! Definitely recommend for muscle tightness. I feel very stretched out and loose. The service is wonderful and the place is nice and cozy! read more