What is Vietnam Massage?
Vietnam massage is unique from other massage styles in South-East Asia. It focuses on using pressure points to release tension and relax muscles and tendons.
It has its origins in Chinese massage and uses similar punching and clapping massage techniques. This Vietnamese massage techniques use vigorous squeezing, rubbing, pressing, tapping, and chopping to relieve pressure and increase blood flow.
A Vietnamese massage is different from Thai massage since it involves much less movement of the body parts themselves.
Instead, Vietnamese massage techniques concentrate on working knots in parts of the body, instead of moving them around. On the whole, Vietnamese culture is unique in its own way.
When you arrive at a parlor anywhere in Vietnam, you will need to change into a massage outfit and store your carry-ons in a locker. Usually, the massage starts with the back, shoulder, and neck, then moves on to your legs and arms.
You can always tell the masseur if youโre uncomfortable with the amount of pressure theyโre applying. The oils they use will be cleaned off at the end of the massage with warm towels and you will then most likely be offered a fresh juice.
Most massages take between one hour to an hour and a half, and you might need to book in advance if youโre heading to the most popular places.
A Vietnamese massage isnโt too expensive โ the cost of a full body massage in Vietnam starts from $5-7, and an additional tip of about $2 (if you want to). Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City house the best of Vietnamโs massage parlors.
Do you want to find out more about Vietnam? Check when is the best time to visit Vietnam and the best places to visit.
Best Massage Parlours in Hanoi
Orient Spa Hanoi
Although relatively new, this spa is now a tried-and-tested favorite for foreign travelers. Their most popular services are body treatment and foot massage.
They are known to be affordable and professional, and even give out discounts during the peak season. The rooms are comfortable and clean.
Their 75-minute long deep tissue massage is also a popular package here. This spa is located at 42 Hang Trong, Hanoi (Old Quarter), and is open from 9:30 in the morning till 10 PM at night, every day.
Usually, youโll find this spot busy, so you should consider booking an appointment a day in advance if you want to take advantage of this amazing spa and massage parlor in Hanoi, Vietnam.
See also:ย Best Day Trips from Hanoi
Spas Hanoi
This is a very reputed salon in the Old Quarter, both for its quality and low prices. They are well-loved for their shoulder and back massages. Couples have the choice of getting a private room to themselves.
Masseurs are reviewed to be perceptive and attentive. Their deep tissue massage is also a favorite and lasts for 90 mins. With a foot massage for 250,000 VND and a body massage for 300,000 VND, this parlor is definitely a value-for-money choice.
It is located at 18 Hang Manh Street Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi and is open from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Omamori Spa
Omamori is perhaps the best-loved spa in Hanoi. Outside the Old Quarter, its staff is a very professional and vocationally trained team of blind masseurs.
The spa has a relaxing ambiance and offers quality massage services for very reasonable prices. While youโre not allowed to tip, you can put in a donation in the box at their reception, since the salon is run by a charitable organization.
Their package of deep tissue massage, helpful for those suffering from tightness and soreness in the back and shoulders, is a favorite service.
They also have foot massages and partial body massages in addition to the standard Vietnamese massage. Their usual packages last for about 45 minutes and costs around $5.
Yakushi Center
Another Vietnamese massage parlour that has friendly masseurs is Yakushi. Their Vietnamese massages and hot stone massages are very popular here. This spa gives you a professional cabin and is best at holistic healing.
Most travelers come here with their aches and sores after long days of sightseeing! Their prices start from 250,000 VND and are much cheaper than options in the old quarter. They charge around 260,000 VND for an hour-long back massage.
They donโt allow tipping since it is included in the price. Also a busy place, you should plan and book it in advance!
Best Massage Parlours in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon has a few good massage parlors if youโre looking to experience a Vietnamese massage for the first time. Massages in Saigon are spread over District 1 and 2.
Moc Huong Spa
This is one of the most recommended massage parlors in the city and for good reason. They have a variety of services, from full body massage and foot treatments to the usual facials and pedicures.
They have a signature deal, where for an hour and a half, a variety of stretches and massage techniques are performed. This is especially helpful if youโre a first-timer.
They have several locations โ 9C Ton Duc Thang, District 1; 2A Chu Manh Trinh, District 1; and 61 Xuan Thuy, District 2. Their price range is from 200,000 โ 2,000,000 VND.
See also:ย 19 Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City | Where to Eat
Miu Miu
The Miu Miu Spa in Saigon has massage packages designed for tourists in the city. Popular for its relaxing ambiance and friendly staff, its ginger essence massage package is a frequent order here.
Although a little on the higher side, their prices are still considered well worth every dime! They charge around 450,000 VND for 90 mins of a hot stone massage, 320,000 VND for a body and foot massage.
They even have massage packages for couples, which, as the reviews show, is also a popular choice here. Open from 10 in the morning, it is located at 4 Chu Mแบกnh Trinh, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Temple Leaf Spa
Another well-known Vietnam massage salon in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, its calming atmosphere, temple decoration, and privacy make it a go-to stop. Massage packages also include a clay mask and body scrub.
The most chosen package is the 60-minutes standard massage. Their massages start from 200,000 VND and can go up to 1,200,000 VND.
However, the affordable 250,000 VND body massage is a frequently requested service, and the standard hour-long package costs around 380,000 VND.
Located at 74/1A Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City, it is open from 10 in the morning till 11:30 in the night.
Cat Moc Spa
Another in District 1, here you can also get Vietnam massage, herbal massages, hot stone massages, and skincare.
Both the 1 hour-long hot stone massage and the half-hour-long foot massage are popular. You will want to book your appointment here in advance. The rooms here are clean and comfortable. It is located at 61-63 Trans Dinh Xu St, Dist 1.
Vietnamese Happy Ending Massage
The story so far has covered the no-nonsense, quality, family massage experiences. However, there is another side to Vietnamese massages, if youโre up for it.
If youโre familiar with Thailandโs red-light districts and looking for something similar, then a certain part of Vietnamโs massage parlors offer happy ending massages.
Vietnamese erotic massages or Vietnamese happy ending massages are unique adult experiences!
Hanoi
There are many salons that offer happy ending massage in Hanoi. Most good ones are located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. However, tourists have found a few favorites.
Neko Nuru Massage. For most, this is the favorite happy ending massage in Hanoi. They have 35 regular female masseurs who perform โbody to bodyโ massages under a long mirror over the bed on the ceiling overhead. The massage is finished with an act of your choice.
The second is J Spa & Massage. Here, female masseurs will run up a bath for you and provide a full body massage with additional services. Depending on your needs, the cost of a full body massage of this kind can come up to between 1.2 and 2 million VND.
Typically, these โmassagesโ will last for forty-five minutes, and an average amount of 250,000 VND, just as in a normal massage. You can add a โhappy endingโ for about $30. Sex, however, is not on the table at any of these salons.
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon has a couple of places for happy ending massages. Although itโs not definitive to say if happy endings are legal in Vietnam, they are certainly present.
The Dai Nam hotel is popular in Ho Chi Minh City for โhappy ending massagesโ. The fourth floor of the hotel has a spa. Prices start from around 270,000 VND.
You will be given a private room to relax and shower in, when a lady masseur will perform the massage with added services, following which she will ask you to scribble down the tip you wish to give to her, to take to the reception.
Tips usually range from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND. The total cost for an hourโs full body massage is around 700,000 VND. This hotel is open from 11 in the morning till 5 in the evening.
Similar massages are available at the Vien Dong hotel and the Mink Tam Hotel in district 10, both of which average at a cost of around 600,000 VND.
Apart from these, there are also more local, albeit questionable options. Walking down Dong Du Street and Bui Vien Street in District 1, youโll see ladies sitting outside salons offering cheap massages and charging heavy tips for special services.
These streets double up as a sort of Vietnamese red light district โ however, these tend to be poor options if youโre looking for a good experience.
These have been some of my thoughts and recommendations on Vietnamโs massage parlors and the Vietnamese massage experiences. From the sober and healing to red-light districts, you will find a wide range of massages in Vietnam.
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