Travel guides

What makes Vietnamese massage, spa and head spa distinctive?

What do Massage, SPA and Gội đầu mean in Ho Chi Minh City? Explore SOL’s hair washing, head and facial care, hot-stone full-body massage and Chinese-style wellness packages.

SOL BarbershopUpdated Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam
A SOL therapist washing a guest’s hair at the basin
SOL Barbershop · Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam
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When looking for massage in Ho Chi Minh City, you will see names such as Massage, SPA, Head Spa and Gội đầu. Look beyond the sign to the package: hair washing, head massage and facial care form one type of experience; massage focused on body areas forms another.

Understanding Massage, SPA and Gội đầu

Massage refers to massage services. Gội đầu means hair washing in Vietnamese. Travel information often uses Head Spa or Vietnamese hair wash to describe packages combining head care and massage. SPA appears in different kinds of business names and service descriptions, so check each menu for what is actually included.

When choosing a spa in Vietnam, look for specific services such as hair washing, facial care and full-body massage, and see how the time is arranged. The examples below describe SOL, our shop in Ho Chi Minh City. Other shops have their own services and processes.

Vietnamese head spa: several kinds of care in one visit

SOL Vietnamese head spa combines hair washing, head massage and facial care with ear cleaning, shaving, nail trimming, stretching and blow-drying. Guests who want their hair cleansed alongside massage and finishing care can choose these within one package.

Both 90 and 120 minutes offer one or two therapists serving one guest. The 120-minute package adds hair conditioning, scalp exfoliation and hot-stone-related care. See the Vietnamese head spa packages for details. If you do not want ear cleaning, shaving or another included service, tell us before the session and we will confirm the arrangement.

A SOL therapist providing ear care for a guest
Ear cleaning is one of the services in SOL’s head spa package.

Full-body massage: areas, sensations and therapists

If you want to spend your time on the neck, shoulders, back, legs, arms and head, we offer essential-oil hot stones and Chinese-style wellness. The former combines essential oil and warm stones; the latter also includes gua sha and cupping. Choose according to the sensations and services you prefer and the time you have.

Gua sha and cupping can leave temporary marks. Chinese-style wellness is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with heart conditions or those with wounds. For a focused comparison, see full-body massage versus Vietnamese head spa.

Both full-body massage series offer 90/120 minutes and one/two therapist options. Four-hands massage means two therapists serve one guest simultaneously throughout, until the massage ends. Read choosing four-hands massage for more.

The shop and arrangements after your session

For full-body massage at SOL, reception confirms the package, pressure and anything needing attention. You then change shoes and into massage clothes, and your therapist washes your feet before the massage. Afterwards, warm towels remove the oil. You can shower if needed, then change back in the changing area. See our first full-body massage guide.

If you prefer a separate space, our private room has two massage beds and can be requested by a single guest or a couple, at an additional 200,000 VND per room. Whether a group can start together depends on each guest’s selected service and availability that day.

Fitting head spa or massage into your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary

Choose according to what you want that day: Vietnamese head spa for hair washing and head care, or hot stones and Chinese-style wellness for full-body massage. If your visit falls between sightseeing and a meal, allow time for travel, discussing your service and changing, as well as the package itself.

To combine it with a city activity, SOL and ChungTa Travel 眾達旅遊 also offer a 90-minute Vietnamese head spa and three-hour áo dài motorbike tour. Door-to-door pickup is provided, the route can be discussed with customer service, and advance booking is required.

We offer multilingual booking through LINE, WhatsApp or WeChat. Send your date, guest numbers, service and preferred time. Our shop is in Ho Chi Minh City; find services in the in-store overview and location and travel information on the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Does every spa package include a hair wash?

Package contents vary. At SOL, Vietnamese head spa includes hair washing and blow-drying; full-body massage is a separate series. Check the actual service list when choosing.

Is Vietnamese head spa only for men?

SOL welcomes women and children. Mention ages or individual needs when booking so we can confirm suitable arrangements.

Are packages the same at every massage shop in Vietnam?

Services, durations, therapists and charges vary by business. This article uses SOL as an example; you can compare other shops using the same practical details.

Can I choose body massage without having my hair washed?

Yes. Choose essential-oil hot-stone or Chinese-style wellness full-body massage. Head spa is a separate series.

Your next moment

Make time for a little relaxation.

Explore the services first, then confirm your date, group size and preferred time.