Massage Spa in District 1 During Lunar New Year (Tết): Opening Hours, Prices & Best Experiences

Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) is the most important holiday in Vietnam. For locals, it’s a time for family gatherings, traditions, and rest. For international travelers and expats in Ho Chi Minh City, however, Tết can feel a little… confusing.

Many restaurants close. Shops operate on limited hours. And one of the most common questions travelers ask during this time is:

“Is there any massage spa open during Tet in District 1?”

The good news? Yes — if you know where to look.

District 1 remains the most tourist-friendly area in Ho Chi Minh City during the Lunar New Year. And for travelers who want to relax, recover from long flights, or simply escape the busy holiday atmosphere, visiting a reliable massage spa during Tết can be one of the best experiences in Saigon.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about massage and spa services in District 1 during Lunar New Year, including opening hours, prices, what to expect, and why Siz Spa is a trusted choice for many visitors during the holiday season.

What Tết Feels Like in District 1

Tết is Vietnam’s biggest holiday, and you can feel it everywhere. Families travel home, offices close, and the city runs on a different rhythm.

District 1, however, never fully shuts down.

Because it’s the center for tourism, hotels, and business travelers, many services continue operating — just with lighter staff and shorter hours. This includes massage and spa services, which become surprisingly popular during the holiday.

After all, when museums close early and shopping options are limited, there aren’t many ways to slow down and relax. A spa suddenly becomes one of the best places to spend a couple of hours.

Are Massage Spas Actually Open During Tết?

This is the question everyone asks, usually after walking around for an hour in the heat.

The honest answer: yes, but you have to be selective.

Smaller neighborhood spas often close for several days so staff can return to their hometowns. Some places open only after the first or second day of Tết. Others don’t bother updating their hours online, which leads to a lot of trial and error.

In District 1, though, you’ll find more spas that stay open specifically to serve tourists and expats. These places are used to holiday periods and know that visitors still want (and need) massage services.

That’s how I ended up at Siz Spa, a centrally located spa that stays open during the Lunar New Year and caters mainly to international guests.

Why Getting a Massage During Tết Just Hits Different

There’s something about getting a massage during Lunar New Year that feels especially good.

Maybe it’s the contrast — the quiet, calm spa environment versus the busy streets outside. Or maybe it’s because your body is already tired from travel, walking, and late nights.

Most people I met during Tết were dealing with:

• Sore feet from endless walking in District 1

• Tight shoulders from long flights

• Jet lag mixed with heat exhaustion

A massage isn’t just relaxing — it resets your entire trip.

What Kind of Massage Should You Choose During Tết?

Here are the massage types that tend to work best for travelers during the holiday.

Full Body Massage – The Safest and Most Popular Choice

For most visitors, a full body massage is the first and best option during Tết.

It’s designed to work through the entire body, from your back and shoulders to your legs and feet, helping release built-up tension from travel and sightseeing. If you’ve just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City or have been moving around nonstop, this type of massage helps reset your body and get you back into a comfortable rhythm.

A good full body massage is especially helpful during Tết because:

• It reduces overall fatigue from walking and standing

• It improves circulation after long flights

• It helps you sleep better in a new time zone

This is why full body massage remains the most frequently booked treatment at Siz Spa during the Lunar New Year, especially among first-time visitors to Vietnam.

Foot Massage – A Lifesaver After Exploring District 1

District 1 is compact and walkable, which makes it perfect for exploring — but not so kind to your feet.

During Tết, many people spend hours walking between hotels, cafés, flower streets, and tourist attractions. By the end of the day, sore feet and tight calves are almost guaranteed.

That’s where a foot massage really shines.

A proper foot massage focuses not only on your feet, but also your lower legs, helping to reduce swelling and release tension built up throughout the day. Many travelers find it especially satisfying in the evening, when they want to relax without committing to a long treatment.

During Lunar New Year, foot massage becomes one of the most repeated bookings at Siz Spa, with guests often coming back more than once during their stay.

Hot Stone Massage – Deep Relaxation When Your Body Feels Heavy

If your back, shoulders, or lower body feel unusually tight, a hot stone massage can feel incredibly comforting during Tết.

The warmth from the stones helps muscles relax more quickly than traditional massage alone. This makes it a great choice if you’ve been carrying tension for several days or if regular massage pressure feels too intense.

Hot stone massage is especially popular among travelers who:

• Have been on long-haul flights

• Feel stiffness in the back and shoulders

• Want a slower, more calming experience

During the busy Lunar New Year period, the quiet, grounding nature of hot stone massage offers a welcome contrast to the festive energy outside.

Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage – Quick Relief for Jet Lag and Tension

Not everyone has time for a full treatment during Tết, and that’s completely fine.

Head, neck, and shoulder massage is a great option if you’re dealing with jet lag, headaches, or upper-body tension from travel. It focuses on the areas where stress tends to build up first, especially after flights and long days on the move.

This type of massage:

• Relieves stiff neck and shoulder pain

• Helps reduce headaches and eye strain

• Feels refreshing without being overwhelming

It’s a popular choice for travelers who want quick relief before dinner or after a busy day exploring District 1.

At Siz Spa, all of these treatments are available year-round, but during the Lunar New Year they tend to book up much faster than usual. If you already know which massage suits your needs, booking ahead during Tết is always a smart move — especially in the evenings.

Why Siz Spa Works Well for Tết Visitors

Siz Spa isn’t the kind of place that tries to impress you with flashy décor or over-the-top promises — and that’s part of its appeal. But what really sets it apart during Lunar New Year is something much more practical: it continues operating normally throughout Tết.

While many spas in Ho Chi Minh City close for several days or run on reduced schedules, Siz Spa remains open during the holiday, with regular services and consistent operating hours. For travelers staying in District 1, that alone removes a lot of stress. You don’t have to guess whether the spa will be open or worry about turning up to a locked door during Vietnam’s biggest holiday.

Despite the busy season, the spa stays well-organized and calm. The space is clean, the flow is smooth, and the atmosphere feels relaxed even when District 1 outside is at its most energetic. This sense of normalcy is surprisingly valuable during Tết, when so many services feel uncertain.

Another reason Siz Spa works so well for Tết visitors is experience. The team is used to serving international guests year-round, including during peak holiday periods. Communication is easy, preferences are clearly understood, and treatments don’t feel rushed — even when demand is high.

Therapists remain professional and attentive throughout the Lunar New Year, maintaining the same service standards that guests expect outside the holiday season. That consistency is what makes the experience feel reliable, rather than seasonal or improvised.

During Tết, when many places operate differently or unpredictably, having a spa that runs as usual makes a noticeable difference. If you’re staying in District 1 and want a massage experience that feels smooth, familiar, and stress-free during the Lunar New Year, Siz Spa is one of those places you’re genuinely glad to find.

Final Thoughts

Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant, beautiful, and completely different from any other time of year. It’s also tiring in ways you don’t expect.

Finding a good massage spa in District 1 during Tết can make your trip feel balanced instead of exhausting. It gives you space to slow down, recharge, and actually enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a massage spa that stays open during Lunar New Year and understands what travelers need, Siz Spa is worth keeping on your list.