Massage in Vietnam: Great Things About Vietnamese Massage
After a day of exploring the tourist sites in Ho Chi Minh City or spending time to check out what Hanoi has to offer, treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese massage. Rooted in a long tradition, Vietnamese massage focuses on relieving tension and promoting relaxation—perfect for recharging before you head back out. Though it’s not as famous as other massage styles, massage in Vietnam offers unique benefits. Here are some of the best things you should know about it. Check what electricity plug you need for Vietnam
Guide to what you should DO:
Do your research
To find a top-rated spa nearby, check Google or Trip Advisor reviews, or ask friends and locals for recommendations. Once you arrive at a new massage shop, try to check the room before finalizing a massage. The “how the room look like” can tell you a lot about the quality of the experience! Make sure you’re getting a quality massage from skilled professionals.
I’ve had the chance to experience some of Vietnam’s best spas, but with the right therapist, you don’t need a luxury venue to get an amazing massage.
Do ask for an experienced therapist
Request an experienced therapist and make it clear you care about the quality of your massage. Receptionists typically rotate bookings to give all therapists equal opportunities, unless a guest specifically requests a therapist by name or mentions they don’t want a new trainee.
Do choose the right sort of massage for your needs
Vietnam is known for its traditional massages, blending stretching, pressure point techniques, and deep tissue muscle work. With so many massage options available, choosing one that fits your needs is crucial. For relaxation, an oil massage is a great choice. If you’re recovering from jet lag, a traditional Vietnamese massage may be what you need. For a deeper experience, try a deep tissue massage, but skip the lymphatic drainage massage if you prefer stronger techniques over gentler strokes.
Do confirm your needs with the therapist
Before the actual massage start, check with your therapist and let them know what you need from your massage. Whether it’s targeting a specific area or adjusting the pressure, clear communication helps you get the most out of the experience. Receptionists usually have the best English, so if you have special requests, let them know and confirm your therapist understands your preferences.
Do make a note of the name of a good therapist
In my experience, you generally get what you pay for. At more affordable places, the quality of your massage depends heavily on the therapist’s skills. If you find a great therapist, make sure to note their name—but only share it with friends if you’re fine with your therapist being booked up when you need them!
Do book a private room
Request a private room. Even when if with friends or your partner. I usually avoid couples massage rooms—we don’t want distractions or to hear the therapists chatting about their dinner while working on us!
Try to arrive early
Arrive early to enjoy the facilities, like steam rooms or saunas, before your treatment. Giving yourself extra time lets you fully relax and get in the right mindset for your massage.
Dress comfortably
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that lets you move freely during your massage. Many massage shops would offer loose fitting skirt clothing to wear while getting treated.
Do upgrade for a far better experience
If you’re opting for a cheapish massage, I recommend bringing your own supplies! You can easily elevate a 1-2 USD baby oil massage by adding your own aromatherapy oils, and you’ll be surprised how much the therapists enjoy it too. A lovely scent benefits everyone, and I’m sure it leads to better service all around.
Also, pack the disposable pants and shower caps you get at more upscale places in your spa bag, since cheaper spas might not always provide them.
Relax and breathe
Focus on the sensations of the massage and try to clear your mind. Once you’re on the table, take a few deep breaths to release any tension or stress. Sometimes therapist don’t speak English (not at all), so they can’t tell you to relax and or do the right thing during the massage.
Pay for a much better massage
In Vietnam, the saying “you get what you pay for” stands true. You can still find a 250.000 VND (~ USD 10) massage, but I myself now prefer mid-range options. For 50.000 VND (USD 20) per hour, I expect aromatherapy oils, a private room, air conditioning, and a more skilled therapist. When we pay 1000.000 VND (USD 40), we’re likely in a nice luxury high end spa, and at 1500.000 VND, we’re in a more upscale one up to +5 star class probably in a five-star hotel spa, and it better be a complete Zen experience—anything less, and I’ll be disappointed!
Mix up your Thailand massage experiences
Vietnam offers a great variety of massages, from foot massages to traditional oil body massages, often with hot stones. I know many people who budget for a daily spa treatment while on holiday—and why not enjoy that luxury?
Relax & drink water
Drink plenty of water after your massage to help flush out any toxins released during the treatment.
What I like is, in most massage places in Vietnam, they offer you free herbal tea, often mixed with lemon-gras smell. In Hanoi, I mainly got ginger tea, maybe it’s beaches Hanoi is a cold city.
Tip the therapist
Bring cash to tip your masseuse lady if you’re satisfied with the service. The tip amount depends on the quality of the massage and your overall experience. Personally, I usually give between 50.000 VND and more (~USD 2)—unless I’m at a high-end spa, where I tend to calculate the tip as a percentage of the total cost.
Guide to the Don’ts (for Great Vietnam Massage)
Don’t take the last massage appointments of the day
I believe most massage therapists work hard—it’s physically demanding. I also think the best massages are emotionally draining, as the therapist must connect with the client. That’s why you won’t usually find me at the spa late at night when everyone’s tired!
Don’t eat a heavy meal before
Avoid eating a large meal before your massage, as it can leave you feeling uncomfortable or bloated. If you’re hungry, go for a light snack instead.
Don’t be late
Arrive on time for your massage appointment to avoid cutting into your session or causing inconvenience for other clients.
No phone please!
To fully enjoy the experience and avoid distractions, disconnect from your phone or any other devices during the massage.
Check special promotions & happy hours
Follow the spas on Facebook to track the best deals and often promotions. This will give you access to local offers in Vietnam that aren’t typically available to tourists.
Vietnamese massage vs oil massage.
Viet local massage vs. oil massage: Some people swear by Vietnam massage, but you need to trust your therapist and be ready for a good back crack. If you have any health concerns, make sure your therapist knows them.
Traditional Massage in Vietnam
To have a great massage in Vietnam, everything needs to come together: the treatment, the therapist’s skill, the music, and the temperature. I believe some Vietnamese massage therapists follow the idea of “do a good job at first, then hope you fall asleep.” To be fair, most people probably go for a massage to relax and are content with a 20-minute back massage followed by a 40-minute nap. Not me, though.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this 2025’s guide to the top dos and don’ts for having the best massage experience in Vietnam. To find out more, see happy ending massage in Vietnam