Vietnam Massage: Technique, Price, Best Spas & Wellness

Vietnam Massage (or Tẩm Quất in Vietnamese) is well known for a good mix of Southeast Asian therapies, primarily inspired by the Chinese healing art, Thai Massage and a touch of Western cultures. Lots of high-quality massage spa and parlours can be found scattered across the country. A seamlessly smooth experience in a reliable establishment is definitely a must-try when coming to this oriental country. Please read on to find out more about Vietnamese massage therapies, techniques and recommended massage service suppliers in some big cities of Vietnam.

1. What is Traditional Vietnamese Massage?

Traditional Vietnamese Massage, was once mainly performed by the blind people, making the name “Tẩm Quất Người Mù” a familiar term to most Vietnamese adults.

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Focusing on clapping and punching on the muscle of the body, “Tẩm Quất” produces such typical sounds that those who know of it would definitely recognize. Coming back from a “Tẩm Quất”, one will feel relaxed and refreshed, as blood circulation is improved during the process of pressing acupressure points and releasing blood clots.

2. Traditional Vietnamese Massage Therapy:

Though sharing some similarities with several massage techniques from other neighboring countries, Vietnamese Massage is still unique and different in its therapy. Based on ancient Chinese medical researches, Vietnamese massage therapy uses the acupressure points knowledge as the backbone. Acupressure points are the crucial points that will promote blood circulation, relieving muscle tension and improving the body’s force (known as qi or chi) when pressed. In this way, Vietnamese massage is much different from Thai, Japanese and Swedish approaches.

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Thai Massage is often referred to as “passive yoga”, with the masseur managing to put customers in certain yoga postures, stretching and compressing muscles in legs and arms. Swedish massage often comes with the help of oil, applying pressure on the body using circular motion to relieve muscle tensions. Japanese Massage allows masseurs to apply their own body weight, in order to add an extra pressure on acupressure points.

Having its own strengths and weaknesses, each and every method of massage aims to create a relaxing and refreshing experience for the body and mind. Many massage parlours in Vietnam today combine all the mentioned approaches to create a one-size-fits-all experience for both locals, expats and tourists.

3. Traditional Vietnamese Massage Techniques:

Other than pressing and squeezing on pressure points, there are a number of other techniques used in Vietnamese parlours to help relieve stress and weariness.

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- Hot Cupping Therapy: Originated from ancient time in China, the therapy is known in Vietnam as “Giác Hơi”. A number of heated cups will be placed on strategic points on your back, sucking up skin and relieving muscle tensions on the affected areas. Cupping Massage is often compared to a quick pain-killer, eliminating back pains and bringing instant relaxation. However, cupping is not commonly found these days as the therapy results in red marks on the skin.

- Hot Stones Therapy: Another therapy in Vietnam involving with hot temperature. Heated, smooth stones will be placed on your back, typically along the spine to remove stress and blood clots. Stones can also be placed on the waist, around the neck or on the shoulders to loosen the muscles. This therapy requires practitioners to be highly skilled to handle.

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- Four handed massage: The name speaks it all. As an elevated version of the traditional Vietnamese massage, 2 masseurs join hands to give you a maximized experience of your full body. With the synchronization of punching and clapping from 2 masseurs, your back and leg will be taken care of at the same time.

4. Best Massage Parlours in Vietnam.

4.1. Sa Spa – One of the Best Massage in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh

Address: 40B Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 21:00

Designed to resemble the traditional old house in the countryside of Vietnam, Sa Spa absolutely stands out from the rest. Walking through the stone path and through a lush garden, you will be welcomed by the friendly staff with a cold drink and their menu.

A lot of different packages are on the offer. You can choose the 45, 60 or 90 minute-package, depending on your budget and available time. Massage and beauty services come in a wide range, there are also sauna, steam and herbal baths. Take all the time you need for an escape into the serene atmosphere of the countryside.

4.2. Cat Moc Spa - Best Massage Spas in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh:

Address: 61-63 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9:00 - 22:00

Welcomed by a bamboo gate, you will catch an immediate sense of nature and calmness. Experiences are tailored to the best: aromatic candles, dimming lights and peaceful melodies are set up to give you just the experience you crave for. That is yet the best about this spa: they will pay for your transportation fee to get there. Simply tell the receptionist how much you paid for the ride and you will get a refund in no time.

Lots of different therapies are available: Thai massage, Vietnamese traditional massage, Swedish massage and other beauty services. Their 75-minute hot stone therapy is among the best sellers and usually recommended to guests with plenty of available time.

4.3. Golden Lotus Spa - Best Massage Spas in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh:

Address:
- Spa 1: 27 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3, HCMC
- Spa 2: Garden Court 2, 139 Ton Dat Tien, District 7, HCMC
- Spa 3: 15 Thai Van Lung, District 1, HCMC
- Spa 4: 20 Ho Huan Nghiep, District 1, HCMC
- Spa 5: 17/5 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, HCMC
Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00

Korean spa is surely among the best of its kinds with various family-oriented activities. Known as the first Korean-style family spa in Vietnam, Golden Lotus Spa is another spot you should not miss. You can bring your whole family to enjoy a Jjim Jil Bang experience (sauna room), but make sure you check with the staff before coming, as the service is not available in all branches.

Other than spa treatment, the massage services are also marvellous and will leave you with no disappointment. The range of services are simple and clear, you won’t have to worry what to choose. A restaurant is also incorporated in the building, serving you comfort food after an amazing massage treatment. Their 90-minute body massage with hot stones is highly recommended.

4.4. Le Spa du Metropole at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel:

Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Old Quarter
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00

This luxurious experience is meant for tourists who are willing to pay for the best. Located in one of the fanciest hotels in Hanoi, Le Spa du Metropole inherits an appealing French architecture, elegant artefacts and ambient lighting. Seven spa suites, therapy booths, massage booths and a Finnish sauna are ready to serve the pickiest customers.

From facials and massages to manicures and herbal treatments, all services utilize the top utilities and products. Their three-hour Two of Us treatment is most recommended among guests who have visited this high-end spa.

4.5. Omamori Spa – Best Massage Spas in Hanoi, Vietnam:

Address: 102/5 Huynh Thuc Khang AND 52A Hang Bun, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 - 20:00

The spa stands out from the rest for being led by a non-profit organization aiming to improve the life of the blind. Don’t be surprised if you are welcomed by a blind girl or a blind man in such a good manner. The spa guarantees a feel-good experience with relatively reasonable pricing and good services.

Also, the staff don’t take tips from either locals or expats, so don’t bother to give them any extra money. If you’re willing to show some support, put your donation in the box in any branch.

4.6. KOI Resort & Spa - Best Massage Spas in Hoi An Ancient Town:

Address: near Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An
Opening hours: all day

If you’re looking for a splendiferous experience, don’t forget to drop by KOI Resort & Spa when you come to Hoi An. Its beauty and splendour catch the attention of anyone coming here. You can even have a massage outdoor under a curtained canopy, if the weather allows.

Equipped with all sorts of facilities, ranging from sauna, jacuzzi, steam room to indoor pool, KOI will serve every of your needs. A manicure or pedicure can also add up to the great experience!

4.7. Lavender Spa Sapa - Best Massage Spas in Sapa Town:

Address: No. 7A Dong Loi St, Sapa town
Working hours: 10.00 - 23.30

Lavender Spa offers feature spa experiences with treatments combining the essence of traditional oriental herbs and traditional herbal remedies. A lot of treatments and wonderful spa packages such as body treatments, body wrap, body scrub, body wrap, facial treatments, and herbal bath will leave you the unforgettable memories in your Sapa tour.

4.8. Red Dao Spa - Best Massage Spas in Sapa Town:

Address: Ta Phin village, Sapa
Working hours: 7.00 - 22.00

The spa uses the unique ingredients of mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam to create the special oil and water for bathing. Relax your body with Vietnamese traditional massages then soak up in the bathtub of hot special water will absolutely refresh your mind and muscle.

4.9. Cam On Spa - The Best Massage Spas in Hue, Vietnam:

Address: 57 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue City
Working hours: 9.00 - 23.00

Cam On Spa & Massage is the leading wellness therapy service in Hue City, Vietnam. Cam On Spa aims to provide a relaxing retreat for customers who seek to experience traditional Hue-style health and wellness treatments. With its authentic Hue ambiance, soothing meditation music, pleasant herbal scents, and a team of nearly 30 professionally trained therapists, Cam On Spa ensures that customers can enjoy a peaceful environment and have unforgettable experiences before and after their treatments. We hope that this place will be an ideal sanctuary for our valued customers to immerse themselves in relaxation, refresh their spirits, and fully indulge in self-care

Travel Tips: Unlike in other countries where the happy ending (Boom Boom Massage) is most likely advertised legally, in Vietnam if you want to get a happy ending massage, you may feel like finding the needle in the haystack. In fact, there are numerous places to go for a happy ending massage with higher price in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Sapa, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and other cities. A wide variety of nice hotel spas and plenty of smaller shops are opened around town as well. You can have an irresistible full hour service (massage and happy ending included) from a sweet girl in their 20’s. One more word about safety: don’t walk into a spa or massage parlor with many belonging things. If a place looks suspicious, it probably is not a safe place to go!

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