Nhien Spa, Ho Chi Minh

Places like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam - you walk around the streets you see plenty of spa and massage places. They may range from the uber cheap (approx RM20 per hour) to the downright high class poshy spas.

Picked up some spa brochures in HCM yesterday but was recommended Nhien Spa - not sure if the lady gets commission from recommending them, but she did mention that they are reasonably priced with excellent service and popular amongst the tourists.

I decided to give it a go anyway as they offer free hotel pick up from District 1. (Call: 091 8169043 for reservation and free pick up).

The spa is only about 5 minutes drive from the Sofitel. The spa on first impression - nothing too impressive or attracted by it, but you will be greeted by friendly staff as you step into their spa.

A range of services are offered - from facial to massages and packages. I wanted to try the 1 hr ginger massage (USD 16) but the lady there cautioned that it may be too hot and suggested the hot stone at USD15 (which is more or less like the prices of a decent massage in KL). Tea and ginger sweets are served while the lady recommends you one of their many services offered.

Strangely, they had 2 people in the room all times during my massage, one to position the stones and help around and the masseur herself. She did a good job the whole 1 hour and pressure was just right (they would ask you before hand). It's probably one of the better hot stone massages I've tried. The best - they have that hot little beanie case they put to cover your eyes, totally relaxing. And if you tell them to focus at problem areas (back, shoulders e.g - they actually do listen)

Overall, it was a really relaxing experience and would love to go again if I have the time. Truly recommended if you're willing to pay a bit more and not fussed about an average looking spa.

Yuse Spa

I gotta tell you - going into the hot and cold spring, enjoying the steam bath and having a great massage on a Sunday evening, letting your mind wander and linger to those awesome, beautiful memories of the past has got to be the best feeling in the world! Really, nothing beats that! Plus point, what more if the spa is overlooking lush greeneries!

For the first time in my life, I experienced the hot spring in Yuse Spa. Well, if you ask me how great it is, I am not exactly the best person to judge cause after all, my virgin trip ma..but I guess it's kinda cool for a first timer for about Taiwan Dollah 200.

And you get to enjoy a scrumptious (well not exactly) Japanese meal after.

In total I spent about 1 hr plus in the hot/cold spring + steam room and about 50 minutes of massage ( of course you have to seperately pay for the massage but the masseuse was fantastic although a bit pricey for 50 mins NTD1000 for extra strenght on ur pressure points). Sheer bliss I tell u!

Just something I found from trip advisor on how to get there by public transport. Being the road and direction dummy me, I purely relied on my colleague to get me there.

From MRT Shihpai Station, take Bus 508, 535 or 536; alight at "Shing Yi Rd. 3"; from Shing Yi Rd., turn into Lane 300; Yuse Spa is a 3-min. walk from there. It's located in Beitou.

Will I try it again? Definitely. But maybe try a different place. I'm not too sure, but cleanliness wise, I wasn't too impressed loh, but experience wise - thumbs up all the way!