Shiatsu vs Thai vs Hot Stone Massage: How to Choose in Hanoi

In one line: shiatsu presses with fingers and palms, Thai massage adds stretching, and hot stone uses heated stones to warm you through. At Urban Oasis Spa, a 2-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi's Old Quarter, you can choose all three (plus aroma massage) as full-body treatments. This article covers what each one feels like, the prices and durations, and which to pick on which kind of day.

The differences at a glance

• Shiatsu massage: pressure applied with fingers, thumbs and palms. Pressing is the main sensation, for people who want to feel clearly worked on.
• Thai oil massage: oil plus stretching. For people who like being stretched out, or whose body feels cramped after a long journey.
• Hot-stone massage: heated stones. For days when air-conditioning has left you cold, or when you want to unwind with warmth rather than firm pressure.
• Aroma massage: long, gliding strokes with oil. For first-timers and anyone who prefers a gentle touch.

Massage is not medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are unsure about your health, talk to a doctor beforehand and tell the staff when you arrive.

Prices and durations (full body)

Full-body prices at Urban Oasis Spa (October 2026, per person):

• Shiatsu massage: 60 min 590,000 VND / 75 min 730,000 VND / 90 min 880,000 VND / 120 min 1,100,000 VND
• Thai oil massage: 60 min 590,000 VND / 75 min 730,000 VND / 90 min 880,000 VND / 120 min 1,100,000 VND
• Hot-stone massage: 75 min 730,000 VND / 90 min 880,000 VND / 120 min 1,100,000 VND
• Aroma massage: 60 min 530,000 VND / 75 min 660,000 VND / 90 min 790,000 VND / 120 min 1,050,000 VND

20% off all day when you book online: prices in this article are regular prices. Book through online booking and you get 20% off at any time of day (for example, shiatsu 60 min: 590,000 VND → 472,000 VND; hot-stone 75 min: 730,000 VND → 584,000 VND). For other guests, 9:00–12:00 is 20% off and the afternoon is 10% off (October 2026, no end date set).

Shiatsu and Thai cost the same; hot stone starts at 75 minutes. Prices do not include tips, and cards are accepted. Current prices are on the body massage page.

Shiatsu: for a firm, pressing feel

Unlike oil massage that glides over the body, shiatsu presses into one area after another, so you clearly feel it working. Everyone feels pressure differently, so say what strength you like at the start.

• You prefer being pressed to being stroked with oil
• Your shoulders and back are tight from desk work or a long flight

For the menu and how to ask for pressure in English, see what to know before a shiatsu massage in Hanoi.

Thai oil massage: for people who like to be stretched

Many people picture Thai massage as a clothed, oil-free style, but the Thai massage at Urban Oasis Spa is an oil treatment. Stretching is added to the oil massage, so you also get the relief of arms and legs being gently extended.

• After hours sitting on a bus or plane, when you want to open the body up
• When only pressing, or only stroking, feels like not enough

Hot stone: for unwinding with warmth

In a hot-stone massage, heated stones are placed on the back and used to glide over the body. It suits people who don't like strong pressure, and days when you are chilled from air-conditioned rooms or buses. Full-body hot stone starts at 75 minutes, so schedule it for a day with some time to spare.

“The hot stones felt so good I almost fell asleep. I also appreciated being able to choose my favorite scented oil.”

— Spotといっしょ (Google review, translated from Japanese)

The lobby has a tray of scented oils, so you can choose a fragrance before your treatment.

Which one on which day?

• Arrival day, after a long flight: Thai if you want to stretch out, shiatsu if tight shoulders and back bother you most.
• After a full day walking the Old Quarter: shiatsu or Thai for 90 minutes for the whole body. For feet only there is also hot-stone foot massage (60 min 490,000 VND / 75 min 620,000 VND).
• Rainy or chilled by air-conditioning: hot stone, 75 or 90 minutes.
• First time and unsure: start with gentle aroma, 60 minutes.
• A short slot between sights: shoulder and back treatments start at 45 minutes (below).

Shoulders and back only, from 45 minutes

When time is short you can focus on the shoulders and back (October 2026):

• Shiatsu shoulder and back massage: 45 min 460,000 VND / 60 min 590,000 VND
• Thai shoulder and back massage: 45 min 460,000 VND / 60 min 590,000 VND
• Hot-stone shoulder and back massage: 60 min 590,000 VND
• Aroma shoulder and back massage: 45 min 430,000 VND / 60 min 550,000 VND

See the shoulder and back massage page for details.

Good to know before you go

• Pressure, in English: the staff speak English. “Stronger, please.” and “Softer, please.” are all you need. You can also write your preference on the request sheet at reception.
• Avoid right after a meal or alcohol: leave some time in between.
• Luggage and shower: you can leave your bags and use a shower. The shower is free with treatments of 90 minutes or more; under 90 minutes it is 50,000 VND.
• Last guests at 21:30: we are open 9:00–22:00 daily. For evening visits, choose a treatment that finishes by 22:00.

Booking and location

• Booking: WhatsApp, online booking, LINE, KakaoTalk or phone (+84 24 3354 3333).
• Location: 39A Hang Hanh Street, Hanoi Old Quarter, 2 minutes' walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Hours: daily 9:00–22:00

Shiatsu to loosen by pressing, Thai to loosen by stretching, hot stone to loosen with warmth. Pick whichever fits how tired you are today.

Once you know your date, book online to get 20% off at any time of day.