You are likely to see more charming smiles, graceful bodies and seducing eyes per square kilometer than in any other place on earth. But caution is always the best approach in uncharted territory. There is makeup and then there is life. Karaoke and massage parlors are often the front doors to more sleazy and personal services.
But, under constant surveillance from the social evils police, many establishments are just what they advertise … places to sing and relax, albeit in the company of charming young and respectable ladies.
The one thing to remember is that, except in the true-blue back alley clandestine bordellos, you can still go for a sing-along or a regular Vietnamese massage in any establishment that advertises these services. Extras are extras and never compulsory. But they forced me into it … is not such a good line for anyone who knows the scene here. Vietnamese massage is mostly influenced by Chinese methods of therapy but has evolved to be unique in that it really focuses on kneading and working out the knots in the muscles.
By contrast, Thai massage use a lot of muscle movement, stretching, and moving limbs. There are massage parlors with scantily clad women eyeing potentials customer as they walk by. Many masseuses even offer their services roadside or on the beach in a public setting. Unlike in other countries where the happy ending is most likely advertised legally, in Vietnam if you want to get a happy ending you may feel like finding the needle in the haystack.
A wide variety of nice hotel spas and plenty of smaller shops are opened around town as well. If a place looks suspicious, it probably is! Located in Hanoi Old Quarter, Midori Spa is highly appreciated by tourists thanks to professional staff, fantastic services and different types of massages from Indian, Swedish, Vietnamese to sport massage.
