A Hanoi massage should be the most relaxing hour of your trip. A little preparation — and knowing a few Vietnamese words — makes sure it is.
Before you go
- Check recent reviews on Google Maps or Tripadvisor. A 4.9★ spa with 2,000 reviews is a safer bet than a 5.0★ spa with 20.
- Ask for the all-in price by WhatsApp or Zalo.
- Don’t go straight after a big meal — leave at least an hour.
At the spa
- Shoes off at the entrance — you’ll be given slippers.
- Clothing: for oil massages you’ll get disposable underwear and be covered with towels; for Thai massage you’ll wear loose clothes provided by the spa.
- Tell them about health issues — pregnancy, blood pressure, injuries, allergies to oils.
- Pressure: Vietnamese therapists often go firm. Say “nhẹ thôi” (nyeh toy — softer, please) or “mạnh hơn” (mahn hun — stronger).
Useful Vietnamese phrases
| English | Vietnamese | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Softer, please | Nhẹ thôi | nyeh toy |
| Stronger | Mạnh hơn | mahn hun |
| That hurts | Đau | dow |
| That’s good | Tốt lắm | tote lahm |
| Thank you | Cảm ơn | gahm un |
| How much in total? | Tổng bao nhiêu tiền? | tong bow nyew tee-en |
Tipping
Optional, but appreciated in tourist spas: VND 50,000–100,000 per hour if you’re happy, up to VND 200,000 for long premium treatments. Hand it directly to your therapist. Some social-enterprise spas don’t accept tips.
Red flags — walk out if you see these
- No price list, or “price depends on the therapist”.
- Pressure to upgrade or to tip during the massage.
- Street touts leading you down an alley.
- Dirty towels, damp or musty rooms.
- No sign, no receipt, no clear address.
Health note
Massage is for relaxation and well-being, not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a fever, open wounds, a recent injury or surgery, a heart condition or uncontrolled blood pressure, or are in the first trimester of pregnancy, check with a doctor first.