The short version before you read the full comparison.
Best for stubborn localized knots, sports recovery, and clients who are comfortable with temporary circular marks.
Best for full-body stiffness, stress relief, sleep, and anyone who wants warmth-based relaxation without visible marks.
If marks would bother you this week, choose hot stone. If one area feels stuck and corrective work matters more, choose cupping.
Cupping and hot stone both help tight muscles, but they solve different problems. Cupping is more targeted and corrective: cups create suction that lifts tissue, works on stubborn back and shoulder knots, and can leave round marks for several days. Hot stone is the calmer choice: heated basalt stones soften stiffness, help the body settle, and suit hotel-room relaxation when you do not want visible marks afterward.
Suction-based therapy for localized tightness and stubborn knots.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
Heat-based relaxation for stiffness, stress, and sleep.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
| Aspect | Cupping Massage | Hot Stone Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Main method | Suction lifts tissue and decompresses tight areas | Heat softens muscles and calms the nervous system |
| Sensation | Pulling or tight suction sensation, especially on knots | Warm, heavy, soothing pressure with less sharp intensity |
| Visible Effects | Often leaves circular marks for 3-7 days | No cupping marks, so it is better before photos or events |
| Best For | Specific back, shoulder, leg, or gym-related tightness | General stiffness, stress, cold AC rooms, and sleep |
| When to avoid | Avoid before beach days, photos, or formal events if marks matter | Avoid if you dislike heat or feel overheated easily |
Choose Cupping if you have stubborn localized tension, train often, or want a more corrective session and are comfortable with temporary circular marks.
Choose Hot Stone if you want muscle relief without marks, prefer warmth over suction, or are booking mainly for stress, sleep, and full-body stiffness.
Same-day booking. Confirmed in minutes.
Living in HCMC? Set a recurring weekly slot.
Keep your routine simple with English support and therapist continuity.
Explore HCMC Resident Recurring BookingIf you've never had a hot stone massage before, you probably have questions. Will the stones burn? What should you wear? How is it different from a regular massage?
Read moreHot stone massage and deep tissue massage are both effective treatments for muscle tension and pain, but they take fundamentally different approaches.
Read moreHot stone massage uses heated basalt stones placed on key points of your body and incorporated into massage strokes.
Read moreYour Safety Matters
Every MassageGo therapist meets strict qualification requirements
All therapists hold professional massage therapy certificates from accredited Vietnamese training programs.
Each therapist completes a minimum of 200 hours of hands-on training before joining our team.
We require at least 3 years of professional massage experience at hotels or licensed spas.
Our therapists can communicate in basic English to ensure a comfortable experience for international guests.
Every therapist goes through our rigorous 4-step screening process
We review professional certifications, training records, and a minimum of 3 years of spa or hotel experience.
Government-issued ID verification and background check to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Hands-on skills test covering multiple massage techniques, hygiene protocols, and professional conduct.
Regular performance reviews based on customer feedback. Therapists maintain a 4.5+ rating to stay active.
Pay cash (VND) after your session — the price you see is the price you pay
Everything you need to know before you book
Services that use oil or specialised equipment (aromatherapy, hot stone, cupping) need 2–3 hours notice for same-day bookings — more than clothed services — because the therapist needs to prepare oil selections or bring a stone heating unit. Hot stone requires the most lead time: 3 hours ahead is advisable to guarantee both therapist and equipment availability. Same-day bookings are routinely available before 7 PM. Book via WhatsApp with your hotel name, the service you have chosen, session length, and preferred start time. For aromatherapy, mention any scent preferences or sensitivities. For cupping, mention any health conditions or contraindications.
Oil and equipment-based services are strongly evening-weighted. Aromatherapy is almost entirely booked in the 7–10 PM window — the oils and deep relaxation carry directly into sleep. Hot stone shares this pattern, with the warming effect most valued as a prelude to sleep; the 7–9 PM window is the busiest. Cupping is more flexible — mid-afternoon (2–5 PM) is common because cupping leaves temporary circular marks, and guests often want daylight hours remaining afterward rather than scheduling it immediately before sleep. For same-day evening availability, booking by 4 PM gives the most options. The 90-minute format is recommended for hot stone; 60–90 minutes for aromatherapy and cupping.
The therapist arrives with massage oils and all service-specific equipment — stone heating unit, oil selection, or cups depending on the service. Setup takes 5–8 minutes; hot stone adds 8–10 minutes for the heating unit to reach working temperature. Please have your bed cleared and ready. For oil massages you undress to your comfort level (underwear is standard) and are covered by a sheet throughout — only the area being worked is uncovered at any time. For cupping, the therapist typically begins with a standard massage to warm the muscles before applying cups. All equipment is cleaned between sessions. Payment is cash after.
Techniques:
“Cupping is localised and specific — great for individual muscle groups. Hot stone is full-body and deeply relaxing. I use cupping post-workout, hot stone when I need to exist somewhere warm and quiet for 90 minutes. Both through MassageGo, both professional.”
Jake L.
United States