Vietnam Massage & Spa

Ho Chi Minh City District 1 Massage

It had been a while since my last visit to Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City was calling my name! Usually, I spend the first few days exploring before diving into the spa scene. But this time, given it was a long-awaited trip and a bit shorter than usual, I decided to kick things off with a massage on day one.

While I love discovering those truly authentic, local massage shops tucked away in the alleyways, for my first day, I wanted a place with a proven track record, a guaranteed excellent experience.

1. Revisiting a Ho Chi Minh City Spa Favorite

2. The 22 Spa Signature Experience

3. Ho Chi Minh City Massage Prices

4. Essential 22 Spa Information

Revisiting a Ho Chi Minh City Spa Favorite

This is the spot! Located conveniently in District 1, many visitors follow a routine: exchange currency at Ha Tam near Ben Thanh Market, do some shopping if needed, then head straight here for a relaxing massage. I skipped the shopping this time, just exchanged my money and made a beeline for the spa.

Since 22 Spa is a popular hotspot, especially with international travelers, it can get crowded quickly. If you want to take photos and enjoy a more leisurely experience, I highly recommend arriving early.

Arriving early, before the rush, was a game-changer. I had plenty of time to snap some photos, fill out the pre-treatment questionnaire, sip on refreshing watermelon juice, and choose my massage oil. It wasn't long before other guests started trickling in!

I opted for the 90-minute "Special Massage" (the first option on their menu) and chose a calming lavender oil for my treatment.

The 22 Spa Signature Experience

Ho Chi Minh City District 1 Massage

My treatment began with a soothing foot bath. Since I arrived early, I was guided to a private room, different from the one I'd experienced on previous visits.

It felt like a truly private oasis, complete with its own restroom. While there was a shower in the room, I was directed to use the separate main shower facilities, which was perfectly fine.

Thanks to the private room, I was able to fully relax and even drift off to sleep, undisturbed by the growing number of guests downstairs.

As I lay face up, the therapist gently placed a warm, soothing pillow on my abdomen, instantly melting away any tension. Starting with a firm head massage, combined with the calming lavender scent I'd chosen, I felt deeply relaxed for the first time in ages. The therapist regularly checked in to ensure the pressure was comfortable, and for me, it was just right – so I simply gave a thumbs-up and a "good, good!"

The 90 minutes flew by! After the massage, I headed downstairs where guests provide feedback using a numbered system. I noticed another international guest happily placing their feedback into the '5-star' slot, clearly as pleased with their experience as I was.

Ho Chi Minh City Massage Prices

The "Special 90-minute" massage I received costs 660,000 VND, which is approximately ~$26. The Shiatsu massage, which I also enjoyed on a previous visit, is the same price and equally refreshing. While a service charge is typically included, leaving an additional tip is entirely at your discretion if you feel your therapist deserves extra recognition.

Feeling a bit peckish after my massage, I grabbed one of the bananas I'd noticed earlier. It was surprisingly delicious!

Starting my trip with such a clean and invigorating experience at this Ho Chi Minh City massage parlor was fantastic. While I love a good adventure, beginning with a reliably excellent spot truly sets the right tone!

Essential 22 Spa Information

Even though I'm not usually one to book ahead, for popular spots like this, making a reservation is almost essential to avoid disappointment. (Though if you're traveling solo, you might have better luck squeezing in!)

100 Đ. Đề Thám, Phường Cầu Ông Lãnh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Open: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

As you can see, the location and operating hours are very convenient. Since they're open late, many travelers choose to visit 22 Spa as their final stop before heading to the airport for their flight home, enjoying a relaxing massage and shower. They also offer luggage storage, making it a perfect end to your Ho Chi Minh City adventure!

That wraps up my review of 22 Spa, a fantastic Ho Chi Minh City District 1 massage experience.