I went to Vietnam for the Massages

One of the things I love about coming to Asia is the massages.  The first time was in China and the masseuse came to my room.  It was the best 90 minutes for $10.  I requested another massage the next day.  Then, I went to Thailand and scheduled several massages.

Well, for my trip to Vietnam, I decided to have a massage in each city I visited. The massages range from 399,000 to 739,000 dong ($15 to $35) between 60 and 90 minutes.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
After I recuperated from my jetlag, I scheduled my Thai massage on the second day.  I promptly arrived for my 60 minutes of bliss.  I was escorted into a room and promptly undressed and was on the table with a cloth over me.  The masseuse entered and started working on my back.  I felt the tension easing out of my body.  It was just the right amount of pressure.  I was thinking she is great.  Then the masseuse asked, “how is the pressure?”  I almost bolted when I heard the male voice.  Normally, I’ve always gotten a female masseuse in Asia.  In the States, I prefer men.  It was a welcome surprise.

The Paragon Saigon Hotel spa was one of the best experiences.

Hoi An, Vietnam

I was so ready for my second massage.  The hotel was beautiful and enjoyed the intimacy of the Ancient Town of Hoi An.  I went ahead a scheduled my 60 minutes massage at the Hotel.   It was a disappointment.  The firm hand that I was expecting for a Thai did not happen.  My masseuse was oil happy.  It was not an enjoyable experience but I did have my massage

Hotel:  Hotel Mercure Hoi An Royal

Hue, Vietnam

For this massage, I opted to do it outside the hotel.  I also selected the hot stone massage.  I’ve done hot stone before. but my preference is always a Thai Massage.   The experience was enjoyable but I will always remember my first in Ho Chi Minh City.

Spa:  Lotus Spa Hue Vietnam

Halong Bay, Vietnam

When I arrived in Halong Bay, it was a rainy day.  However, I have no attention in letting rain put a damper on my plans.  As I was checking in, the hotel provided a spa menu.  I was reading the menu like a novel.  The one item that caught my attention was an Indian Massage. I opted for the Ayurveda Abhyanga which is an expression of self-love using hot oil. I had to Google the Ayurveda Abhyanga to get a clear understanding of the massage.  It was a regular massage with a variation of using hot oil. It was the best 90 minutes of pure relaxation.

Hotel: Royal Lotus Hotel Halong

Hanoi, Vietnam

My last massage was in Hanoi and once again, I opted to do it outside the hotel.  The spa had Cupping on the menu and I was like “yes, I want to do something different”.  When I arrived, they told me it was not available.  I was disappointed.  They offered a 75-minute Thai massage.  I did enjoy it, however, I was looking for something different on my last day in Vietnam.

Spa: Home Spa Hanoi, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam will always have a special place in my heart.  This was the first country where I had a massage in every city that I visited.   Vietnam will definitely see me again.