The Complete Guide to Massages in Laos
Kneading, stretching, pulling, rubbing, or nibbling, how about erotic, happy ending and or nude massage? (Yes, we mean letting little doctor fish nibble at your skin.) Laos, specially Vientiane & Luang Prabang is packed with massage and spa treatments, but with so many options, how do you choose? More importantly, how can you get and ending up with a “happy ending” massage? Use our handy guide to navigate through Laos’s plentiful massage choices.
Massages & Massage Parlors in Laos
Lao massage, though rooted in between Thai and Vietnamese therapeutic methods, has developed its own identity by emphasizing kneading and working out muscle knots. In contrast, Laos massage relies heavily on stretching, muscle movements, and limb manipulation. Some massage parlors might give off the impression of being less legitimate with scantily clad women eyeing passersby, but don’t be fooled—these are legitimate spots. They function more like a men’s club, offering services like shaves, saunas, VIP lounges, food, and, of course, massages all in one place.
Types of massages in Laos
Types of massages in Laos
In a traditional Lao massage, the therapist applies pressure using their hands, elbows, and feet on the body’s sen lines. Expect your limbs and body parts to be stretched and pulled into yoga-like positions, and your finger and toe joints to be cracked. At times, the treatment can be painful, especially when the therapist uses more pressure or forces your limb into a deep stretch. If the intensity or discomfort becomes too much, simply ask for a gentler pressure.
This treatment doesn’t use massage oils. At professional massage shops, the therapist gives customers loose cotton clothing to wear during the session.
Lao Herbal Massage
This massage combines Lao massage with traditional healing methods, using a hot herbal compress on the body. The compress, often filled with herbs like prai, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass, is steamed before being applied. It relieves pain and inflammation through gentle pressing and rolling movements on pressure points.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage, daily you find them in Vientiane and or in Luang Prabang, relaxes tense muscles and heals damaged soft tissues throughout your body. The stones, heated between 130 and 140 degrees, get placed along your spine, stomach, and limbs. This technique offers many benefits, including relieving muscle tension, reducing stress, and boosting immunity. After the treatment, you’ll feel completely relaxed!
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapeutic Laos massage that targets specific points on the hands, feet, and upper body. These pressure points connect directly to organs and glands through the nervous system. Reflexologists use maps of predefined pressure points, which can help promote good health and prevent illness.
Foot massage
A sort of common massage you see in Laos. A pampering foot massage is the perfect way to unwind after a long day, especially if you’ve been on your feet all day! The treatment typically begins with a foot wash. The therapist then applies pressure to various points on your feet to stimulate organs throughout your body. The experience feels pleasant and relaxing, with customers often showing a look of bliss as they enjoy their foot massage. While similar to reflexology, the technique used in foot massage differs slightly.
Fish spa
Dip your feet into a pond full of tiny fish and watch them swim quickly towards your limbs. These little fish, called doctor fish, are part of a spa treatment known for nibbling away dead skin.
Happy ending massages
If you think the name of this massage sounds suggestive, you’re absolutely right. Happy ending or naughty massages in Laos won’t go as far as those in Thailand or Vietnam, this isn’t a typical massage. Most of these parlors are around old town of Luang Prabang and near the Mekong in Vientiane, and there are certain tell-tale signs to watch for:
Masseuses standing outside parlors often invite customers to come in for a “special” massage treatment.
Karaoke in Laos
Do you dream of being a singer? You need a real stage with flickering lights, a modern sound system, and an energetic audience to get excited with your favorite songs. In Laos, you can make that dream a reality in karaoke bars. Karaoke has become such a big deal here that it’s practically an industry.
You can find karaoke bars in every city across Laos. Rent a karaoke room, grab a beer Lao to keep your voice fresh, and get into the music with your friends. The fun really picks up when you and your buddies head to a mini club together. And if you’re lucky, the karaoke bars often feature lively, attractive hosts who will sing, dance, and serve you as if you’re celebrating your honeymoon. Just remember, Laos law strictly forbids drugs and prostitution in karaoke bars.
Red-Light Districts in Laos
Although prostitution has not been recognized in Laos, at all, red-light districts still operate publicly without the permission of local authorities. Gentlemen want to have a non-sleep night of sexual senses with pretty tiny Lao girls, welcome to the red-light districts in Laos.
In these places, sexy girls usually stand along these streets and invite and display sexual temptations to any men they meet. In some tourist cities like Pakse, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, for convenient talks, these streetwalkers can speak English quite fluently.
After already bargaining about the “How much the massage cost ” and hotel, you will be taken to the chosen place and begin your fun night. The fee is depended on how much sexual services you asking for. A condom is recommended for safe copulation to protect you from STD’s. You will have the “wonderful” night that is unforgettable in Laos vacation.
How much does massage cost in Laos?
The price typically ranges from 45,000 to 65,000 kip per hour (USD 5 to 7), depending on the quality of the place. Be prepared: a good Lao massage can be quite painful. If you’re after something gentler, go for an oil massage instead. For an oil massage, you’ll wear a towel, so those who prefer modesty might want to keep their underwear on.
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 Massage in Vietnam