Thai and Hot Stone massage are both premium treatments at the same price point, but they offer completely different experiences. Thai energizes through movement while Hot Stone relaxes through warmth. Here's how to choose between them.
Dynamic stretching and pressure for energy and flexibility.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
Heated stones melt deep muscle tension.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
| Aspect | Thai Massage | Hot Stone Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Style | Active—you'll be stretched and moved | Passive—lie still while heat works |
| Primary Tool | Therapist's hands, elbows, and body weight | Heated volcanic basalt stones |
| Muscle Relief Method | Stretching lengthens and releases muscles | Heat penetrates and relaxes muscle fibers |
| After Effects | Energized, flexible, 'opened up' | Deeply relaxed, warm, sleepy |
| Clothing | Performed clothed in loose clothing | Uses oil on skin with draping |
Choose Thai Massage if you want to feel more flexible and energized, enjoy active participation, or need to stay alert after your massage.
Choose Hot Stone if you want pure relaxation, have stubborn muscle tension, or want to drift into a peaceful state.
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 BookingA dry massage is done without oil or lotion — usually over loose clothing or a towel — using stretching, compression, and pressure-point work like Thai and shiatsu. Here's what “dry massage” really means, when to choose it, and how it compares to a classic oil massage.
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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.
“Thai was the first massage type I had in Southeast Asia. Hot stone was the first time I understood why people get emotional during massages. The warmth and weight combined is unlike anything else. Thai keeps me moving; hot stone brings me back to baseline.”
Mei L.
Singapore