Thai, oil, hot stone or herbal compress: which massage to choose
Updated October 10, 2026 · 3 min read
A plain-language comparison of the main body massages you can book at home in Hanoi, with a quick decision list at the end.
Start with how you want to feel
The right massage depends less on the name and more on what you want afterwards. Do you want to feel loose and stretched, sleepy and calm, warmed through, or worked hard in the muscles you've been using? Each of the treatments below answers one of those wishes a little better than the others.
Pressure can always be adjusted. Tell the therapist at the start, or write it in the booking note: lighter, firmer, or avoid a particular area.
Thai massage: stretching and acupressure, no oil
Thai massage is done fully clothed and without oil. The therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows and gentle stretches to move you through a series of positions, pressing along the muscles as they go. It feels active, and many people say they feel lighter and more flexible afterwards.
Wear comfortable, loose clothes such as a T-shirt and shorts or soft trousers. It suits people who like firm pressure, who feel stiff from sitting on planes or buses, or who prefer not to have oil on the skin. 90 minutes is a good length for a first try.
- 60 min ₫350,000, 90 min ₫480,000, 120 min ₫620,000
Aromatherapy oil massage: smooth and calming
An oil massage uses long, flowing strokes with warm aromatic oil, with scents such as lavender, lemongrass or mint. Pressure is usually medium, and the rhythm is slow and even. It's the classic choice if you simply want to switch off, and many people fall asleep halfway through.
You'll lie on a bed or mat under a towel, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. It's a good first massage in Hanoi and a lovely way to end an evening.
- 60 min ₫320,000, 90 min ₫450,000, 120 min ₫590,000
Hot stone massage: deep warmth
In a hot stone massage, warm basalt stones are placed and glided along the back, combined with an oil massage. The heat helps tight muscles let go, so it can feel deeper than the pressure actually is. It's especially pleasant on cooler Hanoi evenings in winter, or after a long day in air-conditioned rooms.
Because the stones need time to work, this treatment comes in 90 and 120 minutes. Let the therapist know if you are sensitive to heat.
- 90 min ₫550,000, 120 min ₫690,000
Sports massage and herbal compress
Sports or deep tissue massage focuses on large muscle groups with firm pressure: legs, back and shoulders. It's popular with runners, gym-goers and golfers, and with anyone whose legs are tired from a lot of walking.
The hot herbal compress massage uses warm cloth bundles filled with ginger, lemongrass, betel leaf and mugwort, pressed and rolled along the body. The herbal scent and gentle heat make it soothing rather than intense, and it's a favourite with older guests and anyone who prefers moderate pressure.
- Sports massage: 60 min ₫380,000, 90 min ₫520,000
- Hot herbal compress: 75 min ₫450,000, 90 min ₫520,000
Quick decision list
Still unsure? Pick the line that sounds most like you.
- I want to stretch and I like firm pressure: Thai massage.
- I just want to relax and sleep well tonight: aromatherapy oil massage.
- I feel cold or tense and love warmth: hot stone massage.
- My legs and back are tired from sport or walking: sports massage.
- I want something gentle and soothing: hot herbal compress.
- Only my neck and shoulders hurt: neck, shoulder and upper back, from ₫250,000.
- I want a bit of everything: the 150-minute full relaxation combo, ₫790,000.