Expats in Ho Chi Minh City

View Original

The Best Massage Spas in Saigon

This content is provided by Cmego

Been wandering around the city all day long and need a refreshing ending to your sweaty day? Treat yourself to a massage and you’ll be fully charged with energy again. But question: at which spas in Saigon will you get the best massage?

Massages in Vietnam

Thousands of years ago, people had already resorted to using their hands to help reduce pain by pressing, rubbing, kneading, etc. on parts of the body. Over time, skills developed, people have created a technique based on using the cleverness of hands and the therapy of acupuncture, which wasn’t called “massage” until recently. It is said that Vietnamese massage takes after the Chinese; however, we can always find the differences between these styles: focus on kneading, working out the knots in your muscles.

There are mainly two kinds of massage in Vietnam: Vietnamese traditional and the Thai style since the demand for Thai massage is quite high. The below recommendations in Saigon include both of these options. But before revealing these trade secrets, there is an “old-fashioned” fact about massage in Vietnam that I think you should be aware of first.

Can a Massage Mean Something Else?

When it came to massage parlors, people used to think of a place only for men. Those massage parlors were thought to be where men came for adultery. And as a matter of fact, there used to be thoughts that if a guy was seen going in/out a massage parlor, he would be considered a playboy. But things look better today. More and more people seek the best massages on a regular basis, including women. Locals now realize that a massage is a great way to relax after a day of hustling and bustling in this big city. So, don’t worry, just keep calm and enjoy your massage in Ho Chi Minh City, because you are going to be introduced to the best spas in Saigon.

A glance at best spas in Saigon

1. Sa Spa

Different from the others on this list, the experience at Sa Spa is enhanced thanks to the extra effort put into their design. The space is modeled to resemble that of an old Vietnamese countryside home, giving you a rush of peace as you walk in through the gate. A stone path through a lush garden leads you to the house, where you will be welcomed by the staff with a cold tea, and their menu.    

Sả Spa offers not only massage services but also beauty treatments for your skin, hair, and nails, along with additional services such as sauna, steam, and herbal baths. They even offer pregnancy massages for expecting mothers.

For any option you choose, you can also choose a time frame – either 45, 60, or 90 minutes. If you have the time, stay as long as you can. After a long, hard day, this will be the perfect ending and you will leave feeling relaxed, both physically and mentally. Check out their menu!

The setting matters.

Check their WebsiteE-mail, and Facebook Page.
Address: Sả Spa – 40B Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3, HCMC
Telephone: 028 352 106 70
Price range: 350,000 – 1,550,000 Vietnamese Dong
Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM

2. Cat Moc Spa

The green exterior instantly exudes peace.

This place is one of the top spas in Saigon. Located on Tran Dinh Xu, a non-busy street in District 1, 500 meters from Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area, it is very easy to find. The area is well-decorated with calming lights, natural melodies, and delicate aromatic scents that blend through the air flowing through the Vietnamese architecture, which brings you peace from the very first moment you step in. This spa will pay for your transportation to get there (one way). All you need to do is tell the receptionist the amount of money that you paid for your taxi (or Uber), they will refund you right after.

The average price is around 10 USD for a 30-minute treatment and they provide you many choices ranging from Swedish massage, Traditional Thai massage, Hot Stone massage, Vietnamese herbal relaxing massage, facial/body skincare, and other beauty services. For a recommended package? The 75-minute long hot stone therapy is ideal when you need total relaxation. Otherwise, the 30-minute long foot care after a whole day of walking and exploring the city should be great. And just a small note, you should make a reservation if you’re going with a group of more than two people.

Visit their website.
Addresses: 61-63 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1, HCMC
Price range: 120,000 – 1,600,000 VND
Operating hours: 9 AM – 10 PM

3. Miumiu Spa

Pick a location nearest you.

Miumiu has five spas in Saigon, all located in District 1, but the one on Ngo Duc Ke street is the most central one due to its golden location: right in front of the Bitexco Financial Tower and just 800 meters from Ben Thanh Market. The modern Asian-style architecture of Miumiu Spa combined with the subtle decorative furniture and the tranquil ambiance of melodious music will melt your tension.

Wood accents and green touches.

Besides the Vietnamese and Thai massage, Miumiu also introduces the Shiatsu massage from Japan which focuses on using one’s fingertips only instead of combining the elbow, knee, and clenched fingers during the massage. This treatment is believed to relieve stress, lessen back pain, minimize digestive discomfort and headaches, and so much more such as helping with fertility and reproductive issues.

There are only two 30-minute services for you to choose: the quick foot or quick body massage. The rest of your options are above 60-minute long which won’t let you down. The fresh ginger essence massage is my favorite. Do not worry about tipping as the service fees include a tip for the staff. They will also provide hand-made antioxidant juice before services begin and a cup of Vietnamese tea after. And one last thing, credit cards are accepted and you need to book 24 hours ahead of time. This spa is quite busy, especially on the weekends.

Check their website.

Addresses:

  • 4 Chu Manh Trinh, District 1, HCMC

  • 2B Chu Manh Trinh, District 1, HCMC

  • 13/1 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, HCMC

  • 84 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, HCMC

  • 90 Le Thi Hong Gam, District 1, HCMC

Price range: 200,000 – 1,400,000 VND
Operating hours: 10 AM – 11 PM