Vietnamese Massage: What to Enjoy? Where to Find a Good Massage?

Vietnam is a renowned tourist destination, attracting travelers seeking unique experiences thanks to its varied natural beauty and refined cuisine. During a long journey, it is essential to find moments of relaxation, and what better way to achieve this than with a Vietnamese massage? Integrating a session of massage in Vietnam into your itinerary will not only provide a sense of relaxation but also numerous health benefits. In this article, let's find the joy of relaxation with a Vietnamese massage and discover the best places to rejuvenate.

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 03-07-2024

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1. Why choose the Vietnamese massage?

The Vietnamese massage is a stimulating deep tissue practice that specifically focuses on muscles and tendons. Using an ancient technique based on targeting pressure points, muscles, and tendons, the masseur manages to release tension, revitalize, and promote relaxation.

Although it shares some similarities with other massage in Vietnam techniques and those in neighboring Asian countries such as China and Thailand, the Vietnamese massage has a distinctly Vietnamese history. What makes the Vietnamese massage different is the combination of various approaches.

Usually, during a treatment, a therapist may focus solely on relaxation or reflexology, but with the Vietnamese massage, a holistic approach is adopted, making it both a medical, therapeutic, and stimulating experience.

The traditional and unique massage in Vietnam techniques of the region also offer a wonderful opportunity to discover and enrich your trip, adding an exciting and comprehensive dimension to your experience.

By treating yourself to a Vietnamese massage, you are giving yourself much more than just a moment of relaxation. You will discover an ancient method that provides deep benefits for both the body and mind, while allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Vietnam.

2. Types of Massage in Vietnam

A properly executed Vietnamese massage will give you a real sense of well-being, relieving all accumulated fatigue and allowing you to fully enjoy every moment of your trip. Let's now explore the characteristic types of massage in Vietnam, so you can make your choice and enjoy them during your stay.

• Traditional Vietnamese Massage

The traditional Vietnamese massage includes several different methods but mainly focuses on using moderate pressure and rubbing movements to relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and relieve tension and fatigue. It typically uses natural essential oils to enhance the effectiveness of the massage in Vietnam.

If you wish to experience a unique and typically Vietnamese massage, the traditional Vietnamese massage is the perfect choice to balance your body and recharge your energy during your trip.

• Herbal Massage

The herbal massage is a special form of massage in Vietnam that uses not only hands but also hot herbal sachets moved over the body to massage. This method provides a comforting sensation to the body, helps eliminate toxins, and at the same time offers a wonderful fragrance from the natural herbs. When you undergo a herbal massage session, you will feel an exceptional sense of relaxation.

This method is a special form of massage that combines the use of hands and hot herbal sachets moving all over the body to massage.

• Foot Massage

The foot massage, also known as foot reflexology, is a method using massage and acupressure techniques to stimulate acupuncture points located on the soles of the feet and leg muscles. This practice promotes blood circulation, increases blood flow to the heart and brain, thus improving overall body health and promoting mental alertness.

The human feet concentrate many muscles, meridians, and nerves closely linked to internal organs and blood vessels. They are often compared to a second heart of man. Therefore, taking care of our feet is extremely important, especially when we have to move around a lot during a trip.

A foot massage will be a perfect relaxing treatment to allow you to fully enjoy your trip.

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• Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is a special massage in Vietnam method that uses heated stones to apply pressure and soothing heat to the body.

The stones used in this type of treatment are usually of volcanic origin, allowing them to retain high temperatures. The fundamental principle of this massage is to apply varying temperatures to the body, allowing muscles to relax, relieving muscle tension, and reducing pressure on the nerves, thus providing a sense of relaxation and relief from fatigue.

Each stone, having a different temperature, is placed on specific points of the body, creating a pleasant sensation of warmth and promoting relaxation.

The gentle heat emanating from the stones that come into contact with your body will undoubtedly create a wonderful experience not to be missed.

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• Cupping Massage

The cupping massage is a specialized form of massage in Vietnam that uses glass or plastic cups. These are placed on the skin to create a suction effect, promoting blood circulation. This technique is often used to treat muscle pain, back pain, and more.

If you want to experience something new during your trip, the cupping massage is a choice to discover.

However, it is important to note that the cupping massage can cause temporary redness on the skin due to its powerful effect. These marks usually fade and disappear a few days after the treatment.

• Bamboo Roller Massage

The bamboo roller massage, also known as bamboo massage, is a traditional massage in Vietnam method originating from China. This technique uses bamboo tubes to apply deep pressure on the muscles using movements such as kneading, tapping, rolling, and wrapping in different directions. The goal is to relieve muscle pain, improve blood circulation, and provide a sense of relaxation.

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Using handmade natural bamboo rollers, this massage offers a harmonious experience with nature, creating a unique experience. You will feel comfort and relaxation that will help your body unwind after long days of traveling.

• Acupressure Massage

The acupressure massage, originating from Chinese medicine and practiced for thousands of years, has proven effective in improving health and reducing body tension. This method involves applying pressure with hands or feet on different points of the body.

The acupressure massage has the ability to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, reduce aches, and strengthen the immune system. It is a popular massage in Vietnam, where visitors can easily experience it during their trip.

3. Other Restorative Therapies and Natural Body Care in Vietnam

• Hot Spring Bathing

Bathing in hot springs is a relaxation and health care method that involves soaking in naturally hot water. The hot springs come from underground water reserves rich in minerals and beneficial nutrients such as sulfur and mineral salts.

When you bathe in hot springs, the heat of the water stimulates blood circulation, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. Additionally, the minerals present in hot spring water can be absorbed through the skin, helping to reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and provide a sense of relaxation.

With its many health and wellness benefits, hot spring bathing offers an exceptional relaxation experience in nature that you should not miss.

• Red Dao Herbal Baths

If you are planning a tourist trip to the northern mountains of Vietnam, particularly to Sapa, do not miss the opportunity to experience the Red Dao herbal baths! These baths represent a traditional care practice provided by members of the Red Dao community, a minority ethnic group in the northwest of the country. (For more information, please read: What to Do in Sapa?)

These herbal baths are beneficial for your health, mind, and relieve body pain. The bath water also helps prevent colds and flu during the cold winters of the region. The different herbs in the bath gently purify skin pores and provide a soothing relief.

When you immerse yourself in these herbal baths, you plunge into the heart of nature and are enveloped by the pure scents of herbs from the northwestern mountainous region. It will be a wonderful experience to live during your tourist trip.

• Mineral Mud Baths

The mineral mud bath, a care and beauty method, uses nutrient-rich mineral mud to reduce stress and fatigue while nourishing the skin.

The mineral mud used absorbs impurities, removes excess oil and dead cells, leaving the skin bright and soft. Vietnam abounds in regions renowned for their mineral mud baths, particularly Nha Trang, which is an exceptional place of interest. In Nha Trang, visitors have the chance to experience this mud bath in a magnificent natural setting. An exciting experience not to be missed.

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4. Where to Find the Best Massages in Hanoi?

In recent years, massage services have become essential for travelers, offering a healthy activity and helping to recover quickly after long journeys. Let's take a look at some places in Vietnam that offer great massage services to try:

• Hanoi Serene Spa

Address: 68 Ma May Ward, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Located on Hang Bac Street, Serene Spa is the ideal place to recharge in Hanoi. Offering a full range of professional skincare, such as hot stone massages, foot massages, and neck massages, the spa guarantees a relaxing and beneficial health experience. Their products are all-natural, and you will be welcomed with exclusive drinks and snacks. Additionally, no additional service fees apply.

• La Belle Vie Spa Massage

Address: 48 Luong Van Can, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
La Belle Vie Spa Massage invites you to dive into a luxurious and comfortable space where you can truly relax. Their wide range of professional massages will meet your specific needs. Among the unique therapies offered by this spa, you will discover an exquisite blend of hot stone massage and bamboo massage. Let yourself be transported into a world of well-being and harmony thanks to the expertise of La Belle Vie Spa Massage.

• Estheva Spa

Address: 75 Lo Su, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Located in the heart of Hanoi, in the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake, Estheva Spa is the ideal place to enjoy a complete wellness experience. Enjoy nail care, facials, massages, foot therapies, spa packages, waxing, and body scrubs.

>>> Read more: The 8 Best Things To Do in Hanoi: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors!

4. Where to Find the Best Massages in Hoi An?

• Heart of the Earth Spa

Address: Bloc Ha My, Dong B, Dien Ban, Quang Nam
The Heart of the Earth Spa in Hoi An offers a wide range of relaxation and beauty treatments. Enjoy traditional massages, herbal saunas, traditional healing therapies, as well as modern spa treatments such as mineral mud baths, masks, and professional manicure services.

With its peaceful ambiance and professional services, the Heart of the Earth Spa in Hoi An is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and spiritual revitalization in the charming town of Hoi An.

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• Citrus Spa

Address: 180 Ly Thai To, Cam Son, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Located in the famous Thanh Ha Pottery Village area in Hoi An, Citrus Spa offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, as well as a full range of professional spa and massage treatments. With its unique design, the spa space features private areas where you can relax and soak in the delicate aroma of natural essential oils. Let yourself be pampered and revitalized in this serene and soothing environment.

5. Where to Find the Best Massages in Ho Chi Minh City?

• Temple Leaf Spa

Address: 5/7, Nguyen Sieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the spa offers visitors a calm, comfortable space in the heart of the bustling city. The Temple Leaf Spa offers traditional Vietnamese massages such as acupressure, massages, and acupuncture. Additionally, it also offers herbal massages to promote blood circulation and body detoxification.

• Golden Lotus Spa

Address: 15 Thai Van Lung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Golden Lotus Spa, the leader of organic massages in Vietnam. Located in Saigon, this spa offers a unique experience in a calm and sophisticated setting. The experienced therapists guarantee high-quality care at a reasonable price. Enjoy benefits such as free drinks, a consignment service, and a luxurious ambiance. Trust Golden Lotus Spa for an unforgettable organic massage experience.

Our Final Words,
Experiencing a massage in Vietnam during your trip offers relaxation and regeneration after periods of stress and fatigue. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the mentioned massages and discover these recommended places for exceptional relaxation moments, rebalancing your mind, and creating unforgettable memories during your trip.

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