Thai and deep tissue massage both go deep — but that's where the similarity ends. Thai massage uses stretching, compression, and rhythmic pressure across the whole body. Deep tissue massage focuses on specific layers of muscle with slow, deliberate strokes. Both are firm; both are effective; both serve different needs.
Full-body flexibility and deep tension release through assisted yoga.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
Slow, targeted pressure on deep muscle layers to release chronic tension.
From 500,000 VND
Best For:
Techniques:
| Aspect | Thai Massage | Deep Tissue (via Shiatsu) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full body — every muscle group addressed | Often targeted — specific problem areas |
| Movement | Dynamic — lots of stretching and position changes | Static — you stay still, therapist applies deep pressure |
| Pain During | Stretching can feel intense but not painful | Deep pressure on adhesions can be briefly intense |
| Clothing | Performed clothed in loose clothing | Usually with oil, minimal clothing or draping |
| Recovery Feel | Energized and stretched out | Relieved but may be sore 24-48h later |
Choose Thai Massage if you feel stiff, want to improve mobility, or need full-body work. It's especially good for desk workers and anyone who wants to feel "opened up."
Choose Shiatsu or deep-pressure work if you have a specific chronic issue — a knotted shoulder, persistent lower back pain, or muscle adhesions from old injuries.
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.
Read moreWith seven distinct massage styles available through in-room service in Ho Chi Minh City, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming — especially if…
Read moreLower back pain is the single most common reason people seek massage therapy worldwide, and it's especially prevalent among travelers.
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
Both services in this comparison are clothed — no oil, no undressing required, and therapist setup under 5 minutes. This makes same-day bookings straightforward: as little as 1–2 hours notice is sufficient for most clothed services. Book via WhatsApp with your hotel name, the service you have chosen, preferred duration, and start time. Confirmation comes within 30 minutes. The 90-minute format is recommended for first-timers with either service — enough time to cover a thorough sequence without feeling rushed. Late-night sessions (after 11 PM) are available with a 100,000 VND surcharge.
Clothed massage services are the most flexible in terms of timing — no oil smell to consider, no shower needed afterward, and you can book at any hour without the pre/post logistics of oil-based treatments. Both Thai and shiatsu see strong morning bookings for an energy-boosting or jet-lag-addressing start. Head and shoulder and foot massage are popular midday and early evening. For any clothed service, the most available booking windows are mid-morning (9–11 AM) and early evening (5–7 PM). If you are deciding between morning and evening, consider that Thai and shiatsu work well at both; foot and head and shoulder are more evening-weighted in typical booking patterns.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing — the therapist can provide suitable clothes if needed for Thai massage. The therapist arrives with a padded mat or compact kit and sets up in 3–5 minutes. Sessions for clothed services involve pressure, compression, and stretching rather than gliding strokes. Communicate freely about pressure intensity during the session — the therapist adjusts based on your feedback. Most guests feel energized rather than drowsy after clothed pressure work. No shower is needed after. Payment is cash, settled directly with the therapist at the end of the session.
“Thai is deeper than I expected — the therapist's body weight through specific pressure points achieves tissue depth comparable to deep tissue. Both address the same underlying muscle tension, but Thai is the more comprehensive physical experience.”
Mark S.
United Kingdom