Vietnam embraces spa culture

Vietnam has followed the lead of Thailand and begun embracing spa culture with a wide selection of resort and day spas that are the equal of any in the world.  Here is a list:

Urban day spa

La Maison L’Apothiquaire, Ho Chi Minh City

Located in District 3, it is a quiet oasis in the heart of HCMC.  There are more than twenty individual rooms, a yoga studio, poo and more.  A half-day package is recommended. (lapothiquaire.com)

Community spa

Just Massage, Hanoi

This is a unique spa, because it offers no frills massage, but done by visually impaired therapists who provide great service while receiving vocational training, so you get to feel good physically and spiritually by helping out! (justmassage.org.vn)

Vietnamese Massage or Tẩm Quất

Vietnamese Massage or Tẩm Quất at Huong Sen

This is a popular local spa, sauna and massage  spot, with three others locations under the same name “Huong Sen” (78 Yen Phu, 68 Au Co and 15 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street).

Tẩm Quất is a traditional Vietnamese massage, with very strong pulling of muscles and use of special herbs.  For 250,000 VND you can get a nearly 1.5 hour massage, plus a hot shower, steam bath, Jacuzzi and sauna.

Also, you will have unlimited lemon/ginger tea whilst in the sauna, fruit and a bowl of fish rice porridge (cháo cá) at the end. They even shine your shoes during your time there!  The men and women’s sections are separated.

You will enjoy real Vietnamese massage, which rivals Thai, Indian and Bali type massages, but is much stronger.

All-inclusive spa

Fusion Maia, Da Nang

This beachfront luxury spa sits between Hoi An and Danang, and not far from destinations such as the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hue and My Son.  Here, ALL spa treatments are included, so need to worry about extra charges. Spa services include massage, beauty and body treatments, plus a pool with waterfall, yoga room, private Jacuzzis, restaurants and a fitness center.  Be sure to try the aromatherapy facial, reflexology, salt body. (fusionmaiadanang.com)

Destination spa

Avani Resort, Quy Nhon

Set on the beach at Bai Dai, this award-winning resort offers 63 spacious guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony overlooking the sea and two islands. Its spa offers a wide range of treatments including beauty, massage, steam bath, yoga, Tai Chi and meditation. There is of course a swimming pool, restaurant, business centre, and playground for the kids.  Don’t miss the synchronized four-hand massage.

Island eco spa

Six Senses Con Dao

Nestled on the island of Con Son, on the South China Sea, is Six Senses Con Dao, the newest resort from the Six Senses group.  With a variety of villa layouts, each with its own private infinity pool, everyone will find an option for their tastes.  You can go snorkeling, visit a turtle hatchery, indulge in a cruise or just try as many spa services as you can. (sixsenses.com/sixsensescondao)

Beach Spa

The Banyan Tree Spa Lang Co.

Banyan Tree Lang Co sits on the powdery white-sand shores of Lang Co Bay, a Vietnamese locale famed for its unspoiled natural beauty. With diverse terrain and landscapes offered by the Truong Son (Annamite) Mountain Range, Lap An Lagoon The 5-star Banyan Tree Lang Co is the height of comfort and convenience, whether you are a businessperson or holidaymaker in Hue. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a business center, salon, 24hr room service, restaurant, concierge are but a sample Spa therapists have been trained at one of the accredited Banyan Tree academies and take a holistic approach to therapy.(banyantree.com)

Six-star spa

The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Near Tra Que Vegetable Village and Cua Dai Beach, the hotel is on its own private white sand beach. You can easily visit Hoi An Ancient Town and the Japanese Bridge, get a sun tan, enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s 3 restaurants, and take your pick of spa treatments.  Don’t skip the “ila Bio-rhythm Envelopment for jetlag”, with Kundalini back massage and mud wrap. (thenamhai.com)

Heritage spa

Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa, Hue

At Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa all the furnished bungalows, huts, villas and houses are surrounded by natural green forest, with many having private pools, and gardens.  You can take cooking classes, tai chi, or any number of tours. There are two restaurants, serving Vietnamese and international cuisine, plus three bars and lounge include a lounge.  Be sure to try Vietnamese body treatment and suction cupping to release toxins. (pilgrimagevillage.com)

Resort spa

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa

Anantara Mui Ne Beach Resort perfectly blends Vietnamese culture with modern, contemporary design. Each guest villas has stone baths made for two, private pool, outdoor dining area, butler service, which you may or may not need for delivery as there are two great restaurants here.  The Synchronised Massage package, with floral foot bath and use of the Jacuzzi, is a must do! (mui-ne.anantara.com)

Family-kids spa

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay –

Cruise on Emperor Cruises (www.emperorcruises.com) from Nha Trang to escape to an Island in Ninh Van Bay where the Six Senses resort, built among cliffs, mountains and beach, will delight both adults and kids. Two-bedroom villas are great for a family looking for a spa getaway. The spa sports and open design, with a waterfall and extensive treatment menu.  There are OPI Shrek Nail mini-manicures, yoga. Workshops and more at this high end resort. (sixsenses.com/SixSensesNinhVanBay)