Western and Asian massage traditions evolved independently over centuries, developing different philosophies and techniques. Western massage focuses on muscle tissue and circulation. Asian traditions like Thai and Shiatsu work with energy pathways and holistic body systems. Both are effective—understanding the difference helps you choose.
Swedish and European techniques focusing on muscle and circulation.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
Traditional Asian methods working with energy, stretching, and pressure points.
From 500,000-600,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
| Aspect | Western Massage | Asian Massage (Thai/Shiatsu) |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Anatomical—muscles, fascia, circulation | Holistic—energy, balance, whole-body systems |
| Client Position | Usually lying face down or up on table, draped | Thai: fully clothed on mat; Shiatsu: clothed on mat |
| Movement | Therapist works, client is passive | Active stretching (Thai) or meridian pressure (Shiatsu) |
| Feel After | Deeply relaxed, slightly heavy | Energized, stretched, lighter |
| Vietnam Context | Found at international hotel spas | Traditional locally—authentic experience in Asia |
Choose Western-style massage for pure relaxation, when you want to be completely passive, or if you prefer the familiar draping and table setup.
Choose Asian-style massage to experience traditional techniques, if you want stretching and energy work, or to have an authentically local wellness experience in Vietnam.
Same-day booking. Confirmed in minutes.
Living in HCMC? Set a recurring weekly slot.
Keep your routine simple with English support and therapist continuity.
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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.
“Coming from a Swedish massage background I was curious whether Thai would feel alien. It didn't. The intention — finding and releasing tension — is identical. Thai is more physical and interactive. I now prefer it for what it does to range of motion.”
Johan A.
Sweden