HO CHI MINH CITY / SAIGON -- area code (84-8)

Comments from Utopians:

"Massage in HCMC will cost you around D$200,000 (US$13) or more. The sauna/spa charges range from D$70,000 to D$100,000, but that is for the spa. You also need to pay the masseur. At the end of the session, you will be asked to put the number on a paper. The usual price is D$100,000. The masseur will ask for D$200,000. Most people end up paying D$150,000. So all together, prepare to pay US$12-15." -- billylondon, Apr 13, 2008

DISTRICT 1

• Ho Chi Minh Blind Association
  185 Cong Quynh St Dist 1 (also see listing under Saunas). The city’s best kept gay secret. The institutional appearance belies what goes on inside. The staff speak no English so you might want to go with a local friend. A sign tacked to a tree in the courtyard points the way to 'Massage' at the top of the stairs where a woman takes your money and gives you a yellow card for a massage and/or a blue card for the sauna. Inexpensive (cost is less than half of Golden Smile). The massage area has six cubicles divided by head-height frosted glass partitions and curtains across the front. A sign on the door reads 'Massage for Gentlemen'. Each cubicle contains a massage table and locker. The quality of the massage varies according to the masseur. They also have an active sauna (see listing under Saunas).

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Sauna is now D$30,000. Towels were clean." -- KenW, Jul 4, 2008

  "I have had fine experiences here. The place is rather run down, but friendly, and it is a great spot to chill out for a few hours on a rainy afternoon. Ordinary fellows gather here, and it is a good place to say hello." -- thomas94610, Jul 18, 2007

  "Blind Association is a place for anyone to visit. Don't waste time and money for massage as its massage service is not skillful, at least from my 10 years of experiences in different massage places. Some female clients may see you in a towel in the changing room area." -- Fatbird, Jan 7, 2007

• Ngoc Anh (mixed)
  31/1 Nguyen Binh Khiem St Dist 1 (across from the Somerset Hotel). Steam and dry sauna, private showers, large whirlpool.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Ngoc Anh's foot massage is fairly good. The massage room is about the size of a large hotel room and they pack in about 12 chairs. One customer was snoring heartily while I was there. If you don't mind the stuffiness, the massage quality is okay, better than Golden Smile." -- asianbod, Apr 15, 2007

  DISTRICT 8

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Went to a great spa called Thien Phu at 118 Duong S6 8, P4 Q8, 850-5846. D$60,000 entry (pay on leaving). Choose a masseur from a photo album and pay him US$3 or more for the excellent service." -- cossy, Dec 2, 2007

  DISTRICT 10

• Golden Smile Club
  656 Su Van Hanh, District 10 (also see listing under Saunas), 862-6119, email. Entry includes access to the steam room, jacuzzi, sauna and a 50 minute massage. There's a TV lounge and a couple of PCs to access Net. Crowd is mainly locals.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Massage is quite decent given the price of some US$3. I recommend it, but be careful with the massage guys - they are much smarter than they look. Dont let them do extras or they will hassle you for US$30 tips." -- jucavi, Mar 9, 2008

  "Golden Smile is clean and fairly spacious by Vietnamese standards. For D$100,000 (US$7) you get to use the sauna plus a 50 minute massage. The masseurs' pictures are posted on the wall and you can choose. My experience with their massage was below average. My masseur was not very cute, and he talked a lot, perhaps to entice me to give a large tip, instead of being attentive to the work. He asked for more money at the end even though there was nothing special about his massage." -- asianbod, Apr 15, 2007

  "Massage service and skill are good, but the masseurs' looks are just normal." -- Fatbird, Jan 7, 2007

• Ngoc Anh
  285/92-93 CMT8 W. 12, Dist.10, 290-5483 (also see listing under Saunas).

  Comments from Utopians:

  "You can select a masseur from photos on a board on 2/F. I enjoyed excellent massages by friendly masseurs who aimed to please. Massage is now D$45,000 and the sauna D$25,000. tip of about D$80,000 is appropriate, or more if you are well satisfied. The staff, some of whom are rather playful, do not circulate frequently as they do in Golden Smile." -- Michael, Feb 14, 2008

• Toan Thang Sauna
  126 Thanh Thai, P12, Dist 10, 863-2096 (also see listing under Saunas). Blind masseurs on hand provide competent, strictly professional massage.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Toan Thang is a good bet for massage. Nice facilities, fun and also cheaper than the other places." -- Michael, Feb 14, 2008

  OTHER AREAS

• Airliner's Spa
  108a Hong Ha St, Tan Binh District. Take Hong Ha St just before the airport to the end and you will find a sport complex on your right. Just below the swimming pool at the far end (see also listing under Saunas).

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Airliner's Spa (known as Air Spa). Masseurs there are gorgeous. Entrance is D$50,000 for the sauna and D$70,000 with massage. Of course, you need to tip extra to the masseur." -- billylondon, Apr 21, 2008