Both Shiatsu and Cupping are therapeutic massages that go beyond relaxation to address specific issues. Shiatsu uses precise finger pressure while Cupping uses suction. Understanding their mechanisms helps you choose the right therapy.
Japanese pressure point therapy for targeted relief.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
Ancient suction therapy for deep tissue release.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
| Aspect | Shiatsu Massage | Cupping Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Pressure pushes into tissue to release tension | Suction lifts tissue to increase blood flow |
| Sensation | Deep, focused pressure on specific points | Pulling/lifting sensation—unique but not painful |
| Visible Effects | No visible marks after treatment | Temporary circular marks lasting 1-7 days |
| Best For | Headaches, meridian imbalances, specific tension | Sports recovery, chronic muscle knots, back pain |
| Treatment Style | Whole body treatment following energy lines | Focused on problem areas (back, shoulders, legs) |
Choose Shiatsu if you have headaches, want whole-body energy balancing, or prefer treatment without visible marks.
Choose Cupping if you're an athlete, have stubborn muscle knots, or want intense therapeutic work and don't mind temporary marks.
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 BookingTMJ disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, and difficulty eating.
Read moreHip pain limits everything — walking, sitting, sleeping, and exercising all become difficult when your hips are restricted.
Read moreKnee pain is one of the most common complaints among travelers, athletes, and office workers — and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to massage therapy.
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
The two services being compared here differ in setup requirements: oil-based services (aromatherapy, hot stone, cupping) need 2–3 hours same-day notice; clothed or dry services (Thai, shiatsu, foot) can be arranged with as little as 1–2 hours notice. If you want a session within 2 hours, the dry service is the practical choice. If you are planning an evening session and booking in the afternoon, both are equally available. Book via WhatsApp with your hotel name, the service you have decided on, duration, and preferred start time. Confirmation comes within 30 minutes.
Dry services (Thai, shiatsu, foot, head and shoulder) work well at any hour — no oil smell, no shower needed, book in the morning for a morning session without any logistics complications. Oil-based services are evening-weighted: aromatherapy and hot stone are specifically designed for the pre-sleep wind-down and lose some of their value if booked at 10 AM. If you are comparing an oil and a dry service, consider what time you want to book: morning → lean dry; evening → both work equally well. For first-timers deciding between oil and dry, a 90-minute session of either is the recommended starting format.
The fundamental difference in experience is tactile: dry massage involves pressure, stretching, and compression on clothed skin; oil massage uses gliding strokes on bare skin with essential oils or heated stones. You remain fully clothed for all dry services. For oil services, you undress to your comfort level and are covered by a sheet throughout. Oil services leave a pleasant scent and sometimes a residue on skin — a shower afterward is optional but preferred by some guests. Dry services need no post-session cleanup. Both service types run the full booked duration. Cash payment settles directly with the therapist after the session.
“Both are pressure-and-release techniques from different traditions. Shiatsu feels precise and ancient. Cupping is aggressive and specific. For general stress and posture, shiatsu. For muscle knots and workout recovery, cupping. The MassageGo therapists are skilled at both.”
Kenji T.
Japan