TreatmentsExplainer

Vietnamese traditional vs Thai massage: which should you book?

One is oil, rhythm and cupping. The other is stretching in pyjamas. Choose by what hurts.

Spas in Hanoi·12 Sept 2026· 5 min read

Vietnamese traditional

Oil-based, long rhythmic strokes with deliberate thumb work along the spine, often finishing with a head massage. Cupping is common on request. Best for general tension, poor sleep and "I just walked 20,000 steps."

Thai

Dry, clothed and active: the therapist uses body weight to stretch you through yoga-like positions. Best for stiff hips, tight hamstrings and anyone who dislikes oil. Done badly it is a Vietnamese massage with a token stretch at the end — we flag that in reviews.

Our rule of thumb

Sore from sitting: Vietnamese or deep tissue. Sore from moving: Thai. Not sore, just tired: aromatherapy or a herbal bath.

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