Currently updating February 2023
If you’re looking for a decent massage in Hoi An, it’s very much a case of ‘you get what you pay for’. The basic experience involves a good foot soak while a masseuse is called in from down the road. Sometimes she’s only OK, other times she’s so skilled you want to befriend her for life. It’s all part of the experience of going for a massage in Hoi An.
By spending a little extra on a ‘day spa’, you’ll get an experience similar to spas back home. There will be soft music, well-trained staff and sometimes even privacy while you undress!
Still, sometimes all you want is a vigorous rubdown, without the frills. Read our guide on Where to Get the Best Massage in Hoi An below.
Massage Near Hoi An Old Town
A trip to Vietnam isn’t complete until you sample a bowl of steaming pho, until you drink some rocket-fuel coffee while sitting on a teeny red stool and until you go for a massage. Fortunately, Citrus Spa is built for vacation pampering, with a wide range of treatments it’s a Hoi An massage experience you’ll never forget.
Their clean and modern lobby will have you feeling refreshed before you even begin. And their Hot Stone massage is like a hug from Mother Nature herself. This place is one of the most popular spas in Hoi An, so booking is almost always essential. (Tip: if emailing in advance, see if you can wangle a discount for yourself. Van might sort you out.)
Don’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to getting a massage in Hoi An. This simple spa might look like one of the dime-a-dozen cheapies that crowd the streets of Hoi An’s Old Town, but it’s got far more potential. The customer service here is personalised and conscientious. It is a bit of a gamble as to which masseur you get, but chances are higher for a good one (and low prices can make the risk worthwhile).
Five Senses is where you go to get a decent, proper pressure massage; in a more basic setting than the more luxurious ones on this list but still with enough going on to help you truly relax. It’s definitely worth a visit but remember, prices are negotiable – so agree on a figure before you start.
La Luna Spa
La Luna is a big giant step above Hoi An’s budget massage options in quality, although fortunately, not in cost. And whether you choose to go all Mother Nature and seek healing from the earth with a Hot Stone Massage, or to go all out and experience the magic of a 4 Hands Massage for the first time, this is a place that puts the ‘treat’ in ‘retreat’.
From the decadent sea salt, lemongrass and ginger foot bath, to the luxurious silk robes, to the tasty Vietnamese biscuits and soothing chamomile tea, this place screams “relax”. (Actually, it’s more of a gentle whisper.) Make it your go-to place for peace and quiet. And the best part is you needn’t go far to escape – because this sanctuary’s right in the heart of Hoi An.
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The ladies at White Rose sure know how to make a client feel welcome. Step into a Hoi An massage sanctuary adorned with lush greenery, pretty lanterns and cute trinkets. Enjoy some tasty herbal tea while your feet soak in an equally soothing herbal bath. Spend a blissful afternoon trying out a variety of luxurious treatments – from body wraps to bamboo massages – and savour the light refreshments in between. Warning: All good things must come to an end… and it may be very hard to return to the outside world!
A haven of peace just off busy Ly Thai To, this spa is a real find, and great value for money. It may offer the standard array of Hoi An massages and treatments, but its slightly out-of-the-way location, its friendly and accommodating service and the pure strength of its Swedish Massage sets it apart from others in the same price range. Recommended for a rainy day: head here for a strong rubdown and no-fuss pampering.
Spas Between the Old Town & Cua Dai Beach
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Ma Spa offers a slice of sanctuary in the peaceful rice paddies, just far enough from honking horns and the noise of the streets to ensure you get pampered in peace. A strong favorite among expats, the owner at Ma Spa is aware of the competition and is determined to win customers over by offering the sort of professionalism you would expect from a high-end Hoi An massage establishment.
Tucked away in one of Hoi An’s back lanes off Tran Nhan Tong, amidst crowing roosters and the low moan of distant water buffalo, you’ll find Phuc Lavender Spa. This little Hoi An favorite offers consistently good massages as well as a range of skin and nail treatments (regular and shellac). Run by the delightful, Miss Ha, who goes out of her way to ensure all your pampering needs are met, Phuc Lavender Spa is the preferred spa for many Hoi An Expats and it’s not hard to see why.
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At $6, this is one of the best-value massages in Hoi An. You won’t find fancy robes or sweet-smelling oils here – but you will find a strong and therapeutic massage given by people who really know what they’re doing. Hoi An’s Blind Massage Centre enables its masseurs to make a living with their sense of touch instead. Not only will your patronage support a great cause, you’ll be doing your body a favour while you’re at it.
On Every Corner of Hoi An
You can find a spa on almost every corner of Hoi An. Many of these are family-run and may offer other services, such as those relating to nails, facials, or hair. The majority of spas will employ freelance masseurs whenever they have an appointment. The quality can differ widely at basic spas, but given the price it’s almost always worth taking the risk – and it’s often surprising how fantastic your masseur turns out to be.
Find more about Vietnamese Massage and read our review here.