Looking for a way to relax and rejuvenate and asking yourself, ‘where’s the nearest massage near me’? Then you are in luck. In Hoi An, you will find spas in hotels, in shopping areas, beauty parlours, on the beach, in the market, along the street, on street corners – in fact, everywhere you look. All offer a traditional Vietnamese Massage along with many other massage services.
Of course, you may not always get the best masseur – but prices are so cheap compared to Western massage prices that you’ll lose little even if your deep tissue body massage or foot massage only turns out to be average.
And don’t always presume you’ll get the best muscle tension relief if you pay more! Even in the cheapest spas, there’s many a natural-born masseur, and a fabulous massage can often be had for as little as 250,000VND.
You just need to know where the best spas are. If you’re new to Vietnam, find out about the unique Vietnamese massage experience below.
Vietnamese massage is an ancient healing art that draws from Chinese traditions. It focuses on using gentle and flowing massage techniques to help improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
The massage therapist typically applies light to medium pressure in order to stimulate the circulation of energy within the body.
Additionally, gentle stretching exercises may be used to promote flexibility in connective tissues as part of a session.
Of course, whilst relief from chronic pain, improved posture and relaxation of tight muscles courtesy of a traditional Vietnamese Massage would be nice, not all masseurs in Hoi An are expertly trained. More often than not the message you receive will be a hybrid of the above.
Traditional Vietnamese Massage Technique
A Vietnamese masseur will use a variety of massage techniques that involve their palms, hands, knuckles and elbows to work on the body and knead out areas of tension.
And if they climb on to the massage table with you, don’t be alarmed. Vietnamese masseurs often use their bodies as tools. They may stand over you or kneel on your back, even walk on your body to target multiple pressure points, as part of the massage.
All these kneading techniques are designed to stimulate energy channels and bring harmony and balance back into your body.
A full-body Vietnamese traditional massage usually takes an hour, although there are longer options. Most spas will have a range of other massage services, such as foot massage, deep tissue massage, Thai massage, Swedish Massage, cupping therapy, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, traditional Vietnamese head and shoulder massage. Some may even have a sauna room.
A masseur will likely ask you in advance what pressure you would like your massage to be, and if there’s any language barrier, then the words ‘soft, medium or strong’ will always be understood – as will the words ‘softer’ or ‘stronger’!
After a foot wash, you’ll usually go into a private room or be on a bed separated from others by curtains. Don’t be surprised if your masseur waits while you undress and keep your underwear on, this is completely normal, so leave any shyness at the door! You’ll usually be asked to lie face down on the bed and then be covered with a towel.
The Vietnamese massage process tends to begin by treating the back and shoulders, before focusing on legs, feet, and finally your head. Once you’re down to your underwear, you’ll be covered with a towel. Your masseur will remove sections of this in order to work on different parts of your body.
The process can be different depending on the spa. In general, you’ll start face down and a masseur will begin kneading your back with their feet and knees. A deep-tissue massage with oil will then begin, covering the length of your body. Halfway through you’ll be asked to roll over, and the process will begin again with your chest left untouched.
Some masseurs will incorporate some stretching techniques that involve pulling your legs and arms. This is never as vigorous as you might experience in a Thai massage!
When the massage is over, you will get dressed and the staff will greet you with some fresh fruit and juice or herbal tea.
Relaxing herbal water completes a Vietnamese Hoian Massage
In Vietnam there are three categories of venues to get a Vietnamese Massage. Top of the price range are the 5-star hotel spas. These offer an opulent, pampering service unlike any other.
Down in cost but often not in quality or service are the Day Spas. This is where you’re most likely to get a consistently good Vietnamese Massage by a well-trained masseuse.
At the budget-end are the Vietnamese family run massage parlours you see everywhere. The ones that are no more than a family lounge room turned into a spa.
Tip Alert: The prices displayed outside these massage venues are often negotiable.
Vietnamese Hoian Massage Parlour – open up the lounge room and turn it into a spa
Most salons in Vietnam offer a variety of traditional body massage therapies. From hot stone, reflexology and aromatherapy massage, to four-handed massages to acupuncture that clears blockages in your energy pathways – there is something to suit every preference.
Note of Warning: Most massage practitioners in Vietnam learn their skill through brief, on- the-job training. Some simply by intuition. If you choose to have a hot stone massage make sure it is with a reputable salon.
I still have burn scars on my back from a hot stone massage in Hue.
Most spas in Hoi An specialise in a Vietnamese massage, but you can find other options if you’re looking to find something else.
Hot Stone Vietnamese Hoian Massage
Four-handed massages involve two therapists working together on opposite sides of your body at the same time. This creates a very unique feeling which can help you relax even further while providing many therapeutic benefits such as increased blood flow and improved lymphatic drainage. It also reduces tension build-up by double the amount!
Whilst cupping has been used in traditional medicine practices for centuries, it is not as popular these days due to the marks it leaves. Cupping therapy involves placing suction cups on different areas of the body. The negative pressure created by the suction increases blood circulation and helps to release knots and tight muscles which can then be worked upon more easily by the therapist during the session.
Vietnamese Cupping Therapy assists circulation and relaxes muscles
A Thai massage incorporates more energetic stretching therapies that can test your flexibility. A Vietnamese massage, on the other hand, is far less intense and uses lighter, rhythmic stroking movements.
Thai Massage – feel like some stretches?
If you’re looking to feel relaxed, a Thai massage may not be what you’re looking for! Although relaxation follows, the process involves moving your body into a series of assisted yoga-style postures, stretching and pulling your limbs as well as some deep tissue massage. Masseurs will adapt the treatment to match your age and flexibility, but if you’re just want to drift off into nirvana, a Thai massage is far too active for that.
Put your flexibility to the test with a Thai Massage
There are several places for a spa and massage in Hoi An with many in the resorts and hotels that visitors to Hoi An book. Those who are travelling on Vietnam tour packages often have all their arrangements made for them in advance. Experienced Vietnam travel agents can produce an itinerary to fit their clients’ needs and Hoi An is a regular inclusion on many Vietnam luxury tours.
The top resorts and family hotels have all the features you would expect from quality, tourist-orientated hotels. That often includes the leisure facilities that help guests relax after a busy day. If you are staying at one of these places then the most convenient place to have a spa and massage is there.
• River Beach Resort in Cua Dai Street
• Hoi An Pacific Hotel and Spa in Cua Dai Street
• Hotel Royal Hoi An, near the Thu Bon River
• Hoi An Glory Hotel and Spa in Cua Dai Street
• Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort and Spa on Cua Dai Beach
• Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort and Spa in Dien Ban District
Local spa and massages will certainly be cheaper than those in the resort hotels. There may be discounts available during the quieter hours and it is worthwhile to enquire.
Herbal Spa Hoi An is widely recognized for offering exceptional treatments delivered by experienced professionals.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted warmly and treated with exceptional care. Your experience begins with a cup of fragrant herbal tea, accompanied by soothing music, setting the stage for a truly relaxing journey.
What truly sets Herbal Spa Hoi An apart from other spas is its signature use of warm herbal pouches placed on your hands, feet, abdomen, and eyes during therapy. The gentle heat from these pouches helps boost circulation, ease pain, and promote restful sleep throughout the session.
The experience is made even more revitalizing with a combination of light, soothing strokes and firm, invigorating massages, complemented by essential oils and hot stones. Each carefully applied pressure melts away tension and fatigue, leaving you in a state of profound relaxation. The precise acupressure techniques target knots effectively, bringing lasting relief.
After your treatment, you’ll be treated to complimentary refreshments, including yogurt or seaweed soup, fresh seasonal fruits, coconut cakes, and herbal tea.
Guests are also welcome to use the shower facilities before or after their session and enjoy free access to skincare and beauty products. For those seeking a spa experience that’s truly worth every penny, booking through their website offers the chance to enjoy discounts of up to 20% on all services.
Herbal Spa Hoi An
Phone: (+84) 0796813888
Email: hoian.herbalspa@gmail.com
KakaoTalk ID: herbalspahoian
Line ID: herbalspahoian
Wechat ID : Herbalspa_Hoian
WhatsApp ID: (+84) 0796813888
Address: 139 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam 51306
Google map: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4096267267993388804
Website: https://herbalspa.vn/
Na Spa offers a range of services including waxing, facials and massages. There are five branches in Hoi An and if there is a group of you then the price is certainly negotiable. There are deals when you combine a number of different treatments over a period of three or more hours.
Palmarosa is open for daytime spas with facials, body scrubs with mud and salt as well as hot stone massages proving very popular. It is in the Old Town and has plenty of choice with a guarantee that all the ingredients are 100% natural.
Aly Spa is a typical Asian spa that uses Vietnamese and other oriental techniques. Only natural herbs are used in these massages which include Vietnamese as well as Thai, hot stone and aromatherapy. Foot massages are another service on offer which are particular soothing if you have been doing a lot of walking.
Ginger Spa in Cua Dai close to the Full Moon Restaurant is a great place to revive yourself after a busy day; steam baths, herbal treatments and traditional massages.
Have some treatment; you will be refreshed and ready for the new day!
Vietnamese massage therapists rarely receive training through formal course study. Instead, they rely on an apprenticeship-style system of learning their craft. From this type of “on the job” training, some massage therapists get good training, others get only a brief introduction to the subject whilst some appear to have no knowledge and simply take to rubbing the body in a hit-and-hope manner.
However, never assume that if you pay more your massage is sure to be better. This is not the case. You can receive an incredible massage in the cheapest of venues.
Following is just one of many experiences we have had while researching the best spas in Hoi An.
Mediocre or sublime: when Vietnamese massages are so cheap, all of them are sweet.
The average cost of a 60-minute full body massage is around 15 – 20 USD. Hotel Spas will cost more.
Tipping is not part of Vietnamese culture so it is not expected. However, it is appreciated and more and more foreigners seem to be doing it. Tip anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 VND (depending on the cost of the massage).
You can get all types of massages in Vietnam: hot stone, reflexology, aromatherapy, even cupping therapy. It really depends on what you like. The standard Vietnamese Massage is a gentle massage aimed to improve circulation. Whilst there is some kneading and pressure, overall expect a lot of light to medium rubbing.
Yes. Half way through the Vietnamese Massage the therapist will ask you to turn over. Towels will be positioned to ensure your privacy.
Most things in Vietnam are very cheap compared not only to Western countries but to other Asian countries. You can get a 60-minute, full body massage for as little as $12 – 15 USD.
Definitely not. Wages in Vietnam are very low and whilst tipping is not expected it is certainly appreciated.
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