A Full Guide to Getting a Massage in Laos
Getting a Lao massage in Vientiane and or Luang Prabang is a highlight of many vacations. Laos is a land of million elephants – stunning countryside, and cuisine to try, and a great massages at pretty much anywhere you travel. If you’re planning a visit Lao, getting a massage is a must-do on your itinerary. However, you should know a few things to make the most of your massage experience without any unexpected surprises.
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.
What about the cost: Laos Massage Price?
Let’s start with the cost of a massage anywhere in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and generally in cities. Lao massages are known for being cheap and affordable, making it a great fun to spend for. Prices can vary depending on the type of massage & location. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from 45.000 to 70.000 Lao Kip (USD2 – 2.8) in time of writing, Feb 2025, for an hour-long massage.
If you’re near a touristy area in cities like Mekong in Vientiane, or old quarter in Luang Prabang and or Pakse, the massage prices might lean toward the higher end. However, you can always find local Lao massage places that offer excellent services at a fraction of the cost.
One-hour Laos foot massages from a row of chairs lined up along the street or outside the bigger hotels often cost only 40,000 Lao Kip (~USD 2). Don’t be cheap on tipping because the person giving the massage only gets a small percentage of what you pay for your massage. For foot massage in Laos, we generally pay the half of what the actual massage cost. So, that makes an hour-long foot massage cost only $3.
What Should You Expect From a Massage in Laos?
Let’s talk about what you can expect during a massage. Lao massages are unlike anything you’ve experienced before. They involve a combination of stretching, acupressure, and yoga-like poses (much like a Thai massage in general), making them relaxing, adventurous, and invigorating.
As you enter the establishment, you’ll often get loose-fitting clothing to change into. Then, someone leads you to a dimly lit room filled with soothing zen spa music and mattresses on the floor. Sometimes, there are massage tables. You might walk through an area where other people are getting a massage. It’s all part of the massage experience, so put your modesty aside.
The tables or floor mats are separated by a curtain and often, the tables and mats are so close to each other.
The skilled massage therapist (often a very young girl), will use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to work their magic, targeting your pressure points and kneading away your stress. Be bold about what you prefer to have in your massage. If the pressure is too much or too little, just let your therapist know, and they’ll adjust accordingly. It’s your massage, so make it as relaxing or invigorating as you desire!
Lao Body massages often end with you sitting up with the massage therapist behind you, working on your neck, shoulders, and head. For me, that meant she would hug me from behind, cup the breasts, and give them a little bounce. So, don’t be surprise. But it happened multiple times around different places I went for a massage 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
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.
Is There a “Happy Ending” When Getting a Massage in Laos?
Where to get a happy ending in Laos… well, anywhere could be offering a happy ending fun… You might have heard tales of massage places in Laos or generally in Southeast Asia (Thailand & Vietnam) offering a little extra something called “Happy Ending”. Something more personal than a few sensual touch. While it’s true that such massage places exist, they are not representative of all massage places in Laos. In my experience, any way. Masseuses standing outside parlors often invite customers to come in for a “special” massage treatment.
Traditional massage therapy is a respected profession in Laos. And those who provide these services take their work seriously. If you’re looking for a genuine massage experience, you’ll have no trouble finding it. Legitimate spas and massage centers follow strict ethical guidelines, and “happy endings” are not a part of the package.
If you realized you’d chosen a happy ending massage. It looked the same as every other spa. But they were less preoccupied with modesty than average.
Let me tell you that in Lao massage, skin is skin. We all have it. The people don’t seem to care what it looks like. You can try on shorts standing in a mall kiosk, and no one bats an eye.
If you’re concerned about the massage place’s reputation, read online reviews or ask fellow travelers for recommendations. And remember, trust your instincts. If a place feels sketchy, it’s best to walk away. But keep an open mind. You travel because you want to experience new things. So, don’t get too uptight.
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 in Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse & Vang Vieng)
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.
The Laos red light area, particularly in Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, are the peculiar place beyond the obvious reasons. It’s about half a New York City block, with nightlife-only bars mixed in—not strictly for sex tourism. For someone like me or with SOLD, these are among the few red-light areas in Laos. The women working nearby are friendly, often breaking into delighted smiles when greeted in Lao.
The usual clientele? Older men in Hawaiian shirts, suspenders holding up pants, or Japanese men drinking heavily, surrounded by women giggling at their drunken antics. Occasionally, young backpackers—like those found in Vang Vieng, Pakse, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Paksan—wander in, adding to the odd mix
Health Benefits of Getting a Massage in Laos
Above the sheer bliss of relaxation and chill feeling, Lao massages offer a range of potential health benefits that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and re-energized. Here’s what you might experience.
Improved blood Circulation
Lao massage employs stretching and pressure techniques that can stimulate blood flow in your body. This enhanced circulation can aid in delivering nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and tissues, promoting overall well-being. So, try it when in Laos.
Reduced Stress & body tension
The massage you get in Laos, is after all, a gentle yet effective manipulations can work in reducing stress. It helps calm the nervous system and can leave you with a sense of deep relaxation, making it an ideal remedy after a long day of sightseeing.
Relief from Muscle Tension
If you’ve been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, Laos massages are exceptional at releasing muscle tension. Your massage girl will target knots and tight spots, offering relief that can be felt both immediately and in the days following your massage. They can find every knot you have and work on it until they’re satisfied it’s gone.
How much does massage cost in Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
The price typically ranges from 45,000 to 65,000 kip per hour (USD 2 to 3), 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.
Lao traditional massage
Lao traditional massage offers a rejuvenating experience with deep pressure, stretching, and acupressure techniques. Travelers can enjoy this ancient healing art in major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Vang Vieng.
Many massage places, such as Herbal Spa in Vientiane, Spa Garden in Luang Prabang, and Champasak Spa in Pakse, provide authentic treatments that ease muscle tension and improve circulation. Unlike Thai massage, Lao traditional massage focuses more on gentle pressure and relaxation.
After a long day exploring temples or trekking, visitors can unwind at a local spa. Whether in a luxury setting or a small street-side parlor, a Lao traditional massage offers the perfect way to relax and refresh.
Conclusion: Getting a Massage in Laos
Getting a massage in Laos can be a great experience while it doesn’t cost much at all – if you know what to expect and where to go. Laos lives up to its name when it comes to massage therapy, and you’ll leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for your next adventure. We got foot massages once or twice a week. And full-body massage at least once a week during our 3 month start in Laos.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this 2025’s guide to the top dos and don’ts for having the best massage experience in Laos. To find out more the same thing in Vietnam, see Massage in Vietnam