Different people want very different things from their trip to Halong Bay. There are the inevitable Gap Year Backpackers who want to booze and cruise until the sun comes up, the adventurous types who need to get their daily adrenaline hit with some extreme sports and the folks who just want to soak in all the culture, scenery and relaxation of a few days spent drifting on the sea. We’re complicated beasts, we humans, and most of us will want a taste of these different experiences at different times during our trip. But there’s one thing I’m confident that all of us want, all of the time. Yes, a good massage!
Vietnamese Massage
Vietnamese massage is distinct from other styles of massage in its focus on kneading and working the massage in a deep tissue technique influenced by Chinese massage. Traditional Vietnamese ‘Tam Quat’ massage is known for being a fairly strong massage. Massage therapists will often use the weight of their whole bodies to achieve the maximum amount of pressure during the massage so if you prefer a lighter massage make sure you let them know before the massage starts. If your masseuse doesn’t speak English make sure you find someone to translate. You really don’t want any confusion once you’re lying on your front, naked and defenceless! In contrast to western styles of massage, eastern massage generally uses pulling techniques and Vietnamese massage is no different, expect to have your limbs, fingers and even toes tugged away from you with the view to improving circulation. (It’s not as painful as it sounds.) Generally, some oil is used for a Vietnamese massage but not as much as in Swedish-style massage. Hot stones are generally included in a standard massage and sometimes so too is a cucumber facial.
An example of a milky herbal bath
Herbal Baths
Herbal bath therapies have been used in Vietnam for centuries. Traditional medicines play an incredibly important role in Vietnamese culture, especially in more remote and rural areas. Herbal baths are said to significantly reduce tension in the muscles, stress and tiredness of the mind. Many varieties of herbs are used in a herbal bath and most spas will tailor your treatment to suit your needs. I’m yet to sample one of these decadent pastimes but as I spend most of my evenings soaking in the tub already, it’s only a matter of time.
So where is the best place to experience a vigorous massage technique and a steamy, fragrant bath in Halong Bay?
Hotel Massage
There is an abundance of massage parlours almost everywhere you go in Vietnam but massage is even bigger business anywhere where there are tourists. Westerners who have rarely travelled to other parts of Asia are often taken back by the soliciting techniques used by masseuses on the streets. Not all of the massage parlours are as risqué as they look and I have personally had some wonderful massages from establishments that look less than luxurious. The best place to ensure you have a relaxing and fulfilling spa experience in Halong City or Cat Ba Island is from the comfort ofan upmarket hotel. While this tends to be a pricier option, going to a spa in an established and highly-rated hotel gives you a bit of a guarantee that you’re going to get a good quality service and even if you’re not staying at one of these hotels, you can visit the spa. Royal Lotus Hotel, Halong Paradise Suites Hotel and Novotel Halong Bay all have highly recommended facilities.
Massage on Your Cruise
Massage on Cruise
Just writing this I suddenly feel incredibly tense and can’t take my eyes off the chip in my left thumbnail! I’m desperately in need of a few hours in a spa but, really, aren’t we all. Spa treatments are all about taking good care of yourself, physically and mentally, and no relaxing trip is complete without a bit of time spent laid flat on a massage table. Take the time in Halong Bay.
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