22 Spa Ho Chi Minh: Massage Bliss Near Ben Thanh Market

Ho Chi Minh Massage

While I personally adore Ho Chi Minh City, I'll admit it can feel a little... lacking in major tourist attractions. Compared to Nha Trang or Da Nang, it often feels like there's a similar number of 'must-see' spots (though Vietnam travel is always a win, right?). Still, among the limited famous sights in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market definitely takes the top spot.

Ben Thanh Market is a treasure trove where you can find almost anything, though prices can fluctuate. A popular itinerary, especially for those wrapping up their trip, is to visit the market, then head to 22 Spa, a renowned Ho Chi Minh City District 1 massage spot, before heading to the airport. It's super convenient because they offer luggage storage and even airport transfers. Plus, with its reasonable prices, it's widely considered a top-value massage option in Ho Chi Minh City.

Anyway, I finally had the chance to visit this famous spot. When I arrived, there was quite a crowd waiting. Luckily, I had booked in advance, so I didn't have to worry (it would've been a nightmare otherwise!). Since it's popular with international visitors, many staff members are fluent in English, which is incredibly convenient. However, relying solely on this can sometimes be a surprise when you visit places without English-speaking staff.

At 22 Spa Ho Chi Minh, massage prices generally range from ~$14 to ~$21. Their recommended signature massage, a 90-minute session, costs 660,000 VND. The starred Shiatsu massage, also 90 minutes, is similarly priced at 660,000 VND.

I seriously debated which Vietnamese massage to choose! I usually prefer dry massages, so it's always a toss-up between Thai and the spa's signature option (which often involves oil). In the past, I wasn't a huge fan of oil massages, so I almost always went for Thai. But lately, I've been discovering the charm of oil, making the decision much harder.

My plan was to try whichever I was leaning towards at the moment, and if I liked it, I could always come back for the other signature option. The only problem? They had two signature massages! Haha. So, for today, I decided to go with their main recommended signature treatment.

The massage room at this Ho Chi Minh spa was exactly as pictured – incredibly quiet and impeccably clean.

Before the session began, I enjoyed a relaxing foot bath. It was quite dim, and when they gestured towards a compartment, I almost put my phone in, thinking it was for personal belongings! Haha.

There was also a cucumber pack available, but I decided to skip it since I hadn't brought any sunscreen, and I didn't want it to wash off. Next time I visit, I'll definitely remember to bring sunscreen to apply afterward, especially given the Southeast Asian sun. Before I started blogging, I'd simply enjoy a spa treatment. But now, I find myself analyzing the unique aspects, pros, and cons of each place. So, even when I felt myself drifting off, I tried my best to stay awake and observe!

One unique aspect here was a warm cushion placed on my stomach, which felt wonderfully comforting. After they finished working on my head and neck, that cushion was moved to support my neck, and warm hot stones were placed on my abdomen. This combination was so incredibly relaxing, I completely lost track of time! Haha. With my stomach and neck feeling warm and cozy, and it being around 2:00 PM after lunch, it was impossible to resist. I woke up briefly a few times and noticed my therapist was still diligently working. Sometimes when getting massages abroad, if you fall asleep, the therapist might also doze off or keep working on the same area while checking their phone. But here, I felt confident enough to truly relax and drift off. Another incredibly satisfying aspect was the stretching. A big reason I love Thai massages is the incredible stretching, and it seems this spa includes stretching as part of their treatment (I had selected it on the intake form). And let me tell you, it was genuinely invigorating! These were some of the standout differences I noticed.

If I had to pinpoint a minor drawback, it would be that the showers are located on the first floor. Perhaps I'm asking for too much, but since the spa rooms are upstairs, you have to change back into your clothes, then head downstairs to shower after your session. Of course, they do a fantastic job of wiping off all the oil. Still, it would be much more convenient if the showers were on the same floor as the treatment rooms, allowing you to simply slip into a robe, shower, and change right there. Having a dedicated space within the shower area to apply sunscreen or other products would also be a nice touch.

On the upside, the convenient English communication and friendly service truly stand out. Since the spa is run by an owner familiar with international travelers' needs, they do an excellent job of understanding and incorporating what foreign visitors are looking for.

Plus, there's a famous photo zone! Not just this specific spot, but the entire waiting area is beautifully designed and very Instagrammable.

To avoid long waits and potential itinerary disruptions, it’s always best to book your appointment in advance for peace of mind.

We've explored 22 Spa, a perfect Ho Chi Minh massage spot to unwind after exploring Ben Thanh Market, making it an ideal way to conclude your trip. It's been a while since my last Southeast Asian adventure, and this has definitely made me eager for another!