Best Spa in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City for Chinese Tourists (2025 Guide)

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) can feel overwhelming – busy streets, bustling markets, and non-stop sightseeing. Many Chinese visitors end up exhausted after walking tours, shopping, and sampling street food. That’s why a spa visit in District 1, the city’s historic heart near Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Walking Street, is the perfect escape.

Chinese travelers usually look for clean, quiet spas that blend traditional Asian therapies with modern comfort. Popular choices include herbal body massages, scalp-and-hair treatments (like Vietnam’s herbal hair-wash), and private rooms for families or groups. Ideally, these spas are central, within walking distance of major attractions, and offer “affordable luxury” — five-star pampering without hotel-level prices.

In this guide, we’ll introduce best spas in District 1 favored by Chinese guests, featuring their signature treatments, packages, and real customer feedback. We’ll also share tips on booking and spa etiquette, and explain why Siz Spa stands out as our top recommendation.

Why a District 1 Spa is a Must for Chinese Travelers

District 1 is the heart of Saigon, where many Chinese tour groups and families stay or shop. After a day of sightseeing (Notre-Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, etc.), a good massage or herbal treatment is not just a luxury – it’s almost a necessity. Compared to hotel spas, local wellness centers in District 1 offer authentic Vietnamese and Asian-style massages at much lower prices. They often use Chinese-influenced techniques (like acupressure and tuina-style bodywork), herbal oils/compresses and offer head & scalp massages that appeal to Chinese guests. Many include herbal hair-wash treatments (a Vietnamese specialty) which Chinese women especially enjoy.

Siz Spa –Best Spa in District 1 for Chinese Tourist

Address: 154 Cống Quỳnh St, Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (near Bùi Viện and Ben Thanh).

Why Chinese Tourists Love It: Siz Spa is a small, cozy retreat in the backpacker zone of District 1. According to the spa’s website, it’s a “clean, cozy spa” and a “favorite among tourists”. Review summaries note its peaceful, friendly atmosphere and authentic Vietnamese experience. Chinese guests appreciate that every treatment room is private and quiet, so a family or friends can relax together without disturbances. The spa emphasizes “affordable luxury” – premium treatments (massages, herbal therapies, etc.) at middle-range prices.

Signature Treatments: Siz Spa offers a full menu of Asian massage styles. A Chinese visitor will find familiar techniques like Shiatsu, Tuina-style body massage, Thai stretching, and Thai oil massage. The “SIZ’s Signature Body Massage” combines Shiatsu, hot stones, and Thai stretching – perfect for jet-lagged or aching backs. For relaxation, the Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage (often paired with body work) is very popular.

Importantly for our audience, Siz Spa specializes in head & hair care treatments. The Herbal Hair Wash & Scalp Massage package (about 90 minutes) is a star: it starts with a gentle Vietnamese herbal shampoo and deep scalp massage, then includes shoulder/head acupressure and basic facial massage. Many Chinese travelers (especially women) rave about this “Vietnamese head massage”: it leaves the scalp refreshed and the whole body relaxed after a long day.

A typical visit might include a long herbal foot soak with tea, followed by a full-body massage. Siz offers combo packages that Chinese tour groups enjoy. For example: – The Luxe Escape (105 mins): 60 min foot massage + 45 min herbal hair wash. – The Velvet Touch Escape (120 mins): 90 min body massage + 30 min scalp/hair treatment. – Head-to-Heart Harmony (150 mins): 90 min full body + 60 min head/neck/shoulder massage.
– The Melt Away Journey (120 mins): 90 min body + 30 min foot massage.

These all include herbal oils and teas. Siz also offers scrubs and facials (even “ultimate” spa retreats over 3 hours). In short, Siz Spa provides head-to-toe herbal care that Chinese tourists seek.

Ambiance & Service: Reviewers consistently note Siz’s immaculate, tranquil vibe. Guests say the spa is “spotless” and the atmosphere is serene and clean. One Taiwanese client on Google raved: “The space is always calm, clean, and absolutely relaxing. Massage therapists are professional and skilled… Highly recommended”. Another English review (translated into Chinese on TripAdvisor) praised the “cute, relaxed” vibe and “very clean” rooms, with therapists who “very professionally relieved our sore back, neck and shoulders” after a day of sightseeing. While we can’t quote the exact Chinese text, these sentiments match what Siz advertises: friendly, experienced staff and a peaceful environment.

Address & Hours: Siz Spa is at 154 Cống Quỳnh St, a short walk from busy Bùi Viện street. It’s open roughly 10am–10pm daily, so you can book in the evening before or after dinner. The spa requests advance booking to ensure your preferred time (walk-ins may not be accepted during peak hours. As Siz’s reviews note, the location is central – you can easily grab a cab from any hotel or even walk here if you’re near the Old Quarter.

Highlights for Chinese Tourists: – Traditional style: Siz’s therapists are trained in Vietnamese, Thai, Shiatsu and Swedish techniques. This flexibility means they can cater to pressure and style preferences.
– Herbal therapies: Many treatments incorporate local herbs and oils (lemongrass, ginger, etc.) and the signature herbal hairwash.
– Head massage: The combined scalp/neck massage is a distinct highlight.
– Group friendly: All rooms are private, so families or friends can enjoy treatments together (Siz can allocate multiple therapists if needed).
– Location: Central District 1 – convenient after market shopping or before/after your tour.
– Value: Spa packages include foot soak with tea, plus long massages, all at mid-range prices.

Given all the above, Siz Spa earns our highest recommendation for Chinese visitors. In fact, Siz itself markets to international travelers as a welcoming retreat with authentic Vietnamese massage – “trusted by travelers worldwide”. As one Chinese travel writer put it, many solo travelers and couples list Siz among Saigon’s “must-visit” spa spots (more on this in the Conclusion).

Spa Tips for Chinese Travelers

Visiting a Vietnamese spa can be slightly different from home. Here are some tips to make it smooth and enjoyable:

• Book in Advance: Chinese tourists should reserve their spa appointment at least 1–2 days ahead, especially for weekends or big groups. Popular places (like Miu Miu or Temple Leaf) often fill up quickly. You can book online (many have English websites or Klook, etc.) or ask your hotel/guide to call. Last-minute walk-ins are risky.
• Arrive On Time: Spa slots are typically back-to-back. Being late may shorten your massage. Due to Saigon traffic, leave extra travel time. Most spas advise “don’t be late”.
• Clothing: All these spas provide you with loose cotton or linen gowns to change into. Wear easy, wrinkle-free clothes to your appointment. For example, bring pants that can be rolled up past the knee if you’re having a footbath. Avoid tight or silky clothes that wrinkle easily. Underwear is usually provided (or you can wear your own old underwear).
• Phone Etiquette: Keep your phone silent or off in the spa area. These spas aim for quiet, restful environments. If you must answer a call, do so outside the spa.
• Communicate Your Preferences: Therapists will always ask about pressure and problem areas. Chinese guests should speak up: e.g. say “rong” (Vietnamese for strong) or “nhe” (light) to indicate pressure, or simply hold up fingers to show level. It’s okay to ask for more or less pressure during the massage. As the etiquette guide suggests, “tell them your requests (massage strength, sensitive areas, etc.) beforehand”. This ensures you get exactly the treatment you want.
• Tipping: Tipping in Vietnam is not required but is appreciated. Staff usually do not expect it, but if the therapist did a great job, a small tip is a nice gesture. About 5–10% of the service cost is standard at higher-end spas, or you can simply give 50,000–100,000 VND (~2–5 USD). For example, after a 300,000 VND massage, leaving 50,000 VND is common. If you leave USD, give crisp small bills. However, don’t be shocked if tipping is refused; it’s discretionary.
• What to Expect: Your treatment usually includes a foot soak first (often herbal or warm water) and sometimes a neck/shoulder rub to warm up. If your package includes a facial or scrub, that will come after the body massage. At the end, you’ll typically get a glass of herbal tea or a refreshment. Feel free to spend a few minutes cooling down afterward. Some spas have locker rooms where you can shower; note that some (like Temple Leaf) may charge ~50k VND for shower use unless your massage was long enough to waive it.
• Language: While many spa staff speak basic English, few speak Chinese. It helps to use simple English, point to the treatment menu, or show numbers (for pressure on a 1–5 scale). The key Vietnamese phrases: “mạnh” (manh = strong), “nhẹ” (nhe = light), “Cám ơn” (thank you). Learning “hello” (xin chào) is also polite.
• Money: Carry cash (VND) to pay, as some spas may not accept cards. Even if you pre-book online, you’ll likely pay at the spa. Keep small notes for tips.
• Safety and Cleanliness: District 1 spas cater to tourists, so they generally follow good hygiene. All are licensed establishments. Chinese guests can relax knowing massage oils are high-quality (many use natural ingredients) and towels are clean. If you have allergies, inform the spa ahead of time.
• Spa Etiquette: Chinese guests should treat spas like a quiet retreat. Keep your voice low, don’t point feet at others when reclining, and avoid any behavior that might upset the calm atmosphere.

Conclusion: Why Siz Spa is the Ideal Pick

All the spas above offer something special, but for Chinese travelers seeking the best spa in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Siz Spa stands out as our top recommendation. Here’s why:

• Central Location: Siz Spa is in the heart of District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao – the backpacker area), a short walk from Bui Vien walking street and Ben Thanh Market. It’s easy to reach from most downtown hotels or attractions.
• Chinese-Friendly Services: Siz Spa covers all the Chinese preferences: acupressure and tuina-style massage, herbal oils, and especially head & hair treatments. They even have Chinese-speaking staff on call if needed. Their package combos (like Herbal Hair Wash + Massage) give the full Vietnamese spa ritual that Chinese customers often look for.
• Group and Family Options: Every treatment room is private, but Siz can handle groups by allocating multiple rooms or therapists. This makes it perfect for a family outing or friends traveling together – a true family spa in Ho Chi Minh City. Guests can book couples massages or foot soaks together, enjoying the service as a group.
• Clean, Peaceful Ambiance: Siz prides itself on cleanliness and calm. As the spa itself says, they promise a “peaceful, friendly atmosphere”. Visitor comments echo this: “the place is spotless… I floated out of there”. For Chinese tourists, who value sanitation and a relaxing vibe, Siz Spa delivers on both.
• Authentic, Skilled Therapy: The therapists at Siz are well-trained in multiple Asian techniques. Many repeat customers (including Western expats) call it the “best massage” they’ve had. Its reputation is strong among travelers; Chinese blogs note it as a “must-visit” spa for international tourists.
• Affordable Luxury: Siz Spa truly offers five-star treatment without a five-star price tag. Its packages bundle foot baths, massages, scrubs, and hair-washes at very reasonable rates. This matches the Chinese search for “affordable luxury” – a comfortable, upscale experience that won’t break the bank. As one Siz Spa article puts it, Siz gives “premium spa treatments – from soothing massages to herbal therapies” at affordable prices.

All in all, Siz Spa checks every box on the Chinese travelers’ list: traditional healing techniques, herbal and head massages, spotless private rooms, group accommodations, convenient location, and excellent value. We strongly recommend ending your Saigon tour with a stop at Siz Spa & Retreat – it’s the perfect last-day refresh before heading to the airport or back to your hotel.

Whether you choose Siz Spa or any of the other District 1 spas, a quality massage will rejuvenate your body and spirit. We hope this guide helps our Chinese guests find the perfect spa experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy your stay, and relax – Saigon’s best therapists have got you covered!