HaVi Spa

A relaxing spa day is an absolute must-do when traveling to Vietnam! My personal travel rule is to always opt for the local-style massage (like a traditional Vietnamese massage in Vietnam or a Balinese massage in Bali) when visiting local shops. For high-end or Western-focused spas, I usually go for Thai or aroma oil treatments. On my recent trip, I decided to seek out an authentic local spot!

1. Conveniently Located Just South of Central Duong Dong

2. Exploring Phu Quoc's Local Massage Alley

3. Phu Quoc Massage Prices & Tipping Etiquette

Conveniently Located Just South of Central Duong Dong

You'll find it just south of the main tourist strip near King Kong Mart. If you enjoy a leisurely walk, it's a manageable stroll, but if you want to beat the tropical heat, hailing a Grab ride is your best bet. It's tucked away just far enough that there isn't much else directly around it, but once you arrive, you'll find a charming little alleyway lined with local massage shops. It's the perfect spot to browse and choose the vibe that suits you best.

Exploring Phu Quoc's Local Massage Alley

As you walk down the alley, you'll see shops lining both sides, with HaVi Spa sitting right at the very end. Boasting an impressive 4.8-star rating on Google Maps, it was easily the busiest spot in the alley, while neighboring shops were relatively quiet. While it's always great to head straight to a highly recommended spot, there's a unique joy in wandering these alleys and discovering hidden gems on your own.

Since it's a true local shop, it's cozy and intimate. They actually operate out of two small adjacent spaces. The decor is simple yet charming, and you'll be warmly greeted by the adorable resident dogs.

Pro-tip: give the pups some love right away! If you ignore them to take photos, they'll lose interest and wander off in a heartbeat.

They have a dedicated Vietnamese hair washing (shampoo) station right near the entrance. (Though it's right next to the waiting area, which might feel a little exposed for some!) I started with a relaxing warm foot soak infused with tea bags before moving to the main room.

I opted for the 90-minute full-body massage. The treatment room is quite snug. It didn't bother me once I was lying down on the bed, but it definitely requires some nimble maneuvering from the therapists!

Phu Quoc Massage Prices & Tipping Etiquette

The menu and prices are clearly posted at the entrance. They focus on traditional dry massages, foot massages, hair shampoos, and even cupping therapy—you won't find heavy oil-based aroma massages here. As for tipping in Phu Quoc, while it's voluntary, a good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% to 15% of the service cost if you're happy with the treatment. I tipped 100,000 VND (about $4 USD), which was well-received.

Even as I was leaving, new clients kept walking in. It's definitely the hotspot of the alley for a reason. I had a wonderful experience at HaVi Spa, but even if you don't choose this exact spot, this alley is packed with budget-friendly, authentic local options where you can get a fantastic massage.

Walking back out of the alley. The staff next door waved goodbye with a warm smile—I might have to try their shop on my next visit!