REVIEW · HANOI
Hanoi Spa Old Quarter : Herbal Shampoo &Head Massage 90′
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Hộ Kinh Doanh Bùi Huyền Trang/ Lá Spa · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A quiet reset can fit into Hanoi. This 90-minute Dao Duoc hair treatment blends acupressure, herbal shampoo, and steam, plus a traditional therapy aimed at neck and shoulder tightness. It’s the kind of wellness stop that feels rooted in local head-care ideas, not just generic spa pampering.
I like that it’s drug-free and focused on the head, neck, and shoulders as one connected system. I also like the added touches: a welcome drink and a short herbal foot bath before the main head session. One possible drawback: tipping isn’t included, and some people may be prompted afterward to leave one.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you book
- What this Hanoi head and hair treatment is really about
- The flow of your session: from welcome to steam
- Dao Duoc herbal shampoo: a local, drug-free approach
- Acupressure on your head: pressure where it counts
- Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy: neck and shoulder relief focus
- Steam hair: the part that feels very “treatment,” not spa-lite
- The foot herbal bath: small time, smart warm-up
- Where to go: La Spa branches around Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter
- Price and value: what $26 gets you
- Staff experience: kindness matters in spa comfort
- Possible drawback to plan around: tipping expectations
- Who this is best for in Hanoi
- When you should skip it (or at least ask first)
- Quick practical tips before you go
- Should you book Hanoi Spa Old Quarter: Herbal Shampoo & Head Massage?
- FAQ
- How long is the Hanoi Spa Old Quarter herbal shampoo and head massage?
- What’s included in the treatment?
- Is Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo drug-free?
- Where can I use the voucher in Hanoi?
- Do I need to tip?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key things to know before you book

- Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo is described as a drug-free head-care method used in Vietnam
- Steam hair is part of the treatment, explained as helping remove cold air
- Acupressure massage targets the head and pressure points to support relaxation
- Thong Kinh Lac is a traditional physical therapy aimed at improving blood circulation for neck/shoulder comfort
- 90 minutes is the core time, with a 10–15 minute herbal foot bath included
- Voucher use works at three La Spa locations around Hoan Kiem/Old Quarter
What this Hanoi head and hair treatment is really about

This isn’t a “just wash and style” shampoo. The whole idea is that head health, neck tension, and daily stress are linked—especially when you’re constantly moving, walking, and sleeping in a new place.
The treatment is built around three main actions: acupressure massage, washing with Dao Duoc herbal shampoo, and steam hair. Then it layers on traditional physical therapy called Thong Kinh Lac, described as helping circulate blood to prevent and treat neck and shoulder muscle pain.
If you’re tired of massages that only focus on the body and ignore your head and upper shoulders, this one is built the other way around.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanoi.
The flow of your session: from welcome to steam

Expect a simple start. You’ll receive a complimentary welcome drink, then you go into the calming pre-treatment step: a foot herbal bath that runs about 10–15 minutes.
After that, the main part is the head and hair care session. The experience centers on a combination of:
- acupressure massage
- herbal shampoo
- steam hair
- traditional physical therapy (Thong Kinh Lac)
Because the experience is marketed as a 90-minute treatment, I’d plan your schedule with a little buffer before and after. This type of session can leave you feeling lighter, but you don’t want to rush out mid-relaxation and lose the point.
Dao Duoc herbal shampoo: a local, drug-free approach

The centerpiece is the Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo treatment. It’s described as the only drug-free method of head health care in Vietnam—so the focus is on herbal care and massage rather than medication.
You’ll also hear an explanation tied to body comfort in changing weather: the treatment uses steam hair as part of removing cold air. That concept may sound different from what you’re used to, but it’s a clear logic for why steam is included. You’re not just smelling herbs—you’re using heat and washing as part of the ritual.
What it means for you: if you like wellness that’s sensory and practical, you’ll probably enjoy this. The goal isn’t a makeover; it’s comfort and scalp/head care with a traditional framework.
Acupressure on your head: pressure where it counts

Acupressure is a big part of why this feels more “therapy” than “cosmetic spa.” The treatment is designed to relax tight areas by applying pressure to points around the head and upper body.
You’re not just lying there waiting for someone to be gentle and slow. This is structured, with attention to the areas that often get jammed up during travel—especially the muscles that connect into your neck and shoulders.
Also, the spa frames the head and neck/shoulder area as highly important because it impacts daily life. You may not think about it back home, but after long walks and stiff hotel chairs, your upper body starts to demand attention.
Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy: neck and shoulder relief focus

This is the part that makes the experience stand out. Along with massage and shampoo, the treatment includes traditional physical therapy called Thong Kinh Lac.
It’s described as helping circulate blood, aimed at preventing and treating neck and shoulder muscle pain. So while the session starts at your scalp and hair, it’s not purely about the head.
For you, the value is in the target area. If your neck feels like it’s holding up your phone use, travel stress, and constant looking up at signs, you’re exactly the kind of person this is aimed at.
Just keep expectations realistic: the spa is offering a traditional therapy approach, not a medical cure. But as a comfort-focused reset, the logic makes sense.
Steam hair: the part that feels very “treatment,” not spa-lite

Steam hair is included, and it plays into the explanation of removing cold air. Practical takeaway: the heat and moisture are part of the experience, so don’t book this if you know you hate being steamed or you get uncomfortable with heat.
On the plus side, steam can make the whole session feel more complete. It’s one more way they’re not treating shampoo as a quick rinse. Instead, it’s an extended head-care process.
If you go after a long day in Hanoi, this is often when your shoulders finally stop bracing. Steam plus massage tends to feel like that “release” moment you’ve been waiting for.
The foot herbal bath: small time, smart warm-up

A complimentary foot herbal bath is included, and it lasts about 10–15 minutes. It’s not the headline, but it sets the tone. Your feet get warmed, your body starts to slow down, and it becomes easier to enjoy the main head session without feeling stiff.
I like that this isn’t an extra-cost add-on. For $26, you’re getting multiple components—welcome drink, foot ritual, and the full head treatment.
Where to go: La Spa branches around Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter

You can redeem your voucher at three La Spa addresses in Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. That flexibility matters if you’re staying somewhere central and want the simplest route on the day.
Here are the three locations:
- Ly Quoc Su branch: 16 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (near Hanoi Cathedral, often called The Big Church)
- Hang Hom branch: 38 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Hang Cot branch: 65 Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (in the Old Quarter)
Pickup is included. The spa describes opening time from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm, and that you’ll go directly to your nearest destinations.
What I’d do: choose the branch closest to where you’re already walking. Hanoi’s Old Quarter roads can get crowded, and you’ll save time if you avoid crossing the whole map at rush hours.
Price and value: what $26 gets you

At $26 per person for about a 90-minute experience, you’re paying for more than a basic scalp wash. You get:
- a welcome drink
- a 10–15 minute herbal foot bath
- the head and hair treatment with acupressure, herbal shampoo, and steam
- traditional physical therapy (Thong Kinh Lac) aimed at neck/shoulder comfort
So the value comes from the “stacked” approach. If you’ve ever paid extra for a massage upgrade or a longer spa add-on, this is refreshing. It’s one set treatment, built around head-care and upper-body relief.
One more practical point: tips aren’t included. So your final cost could be a little higher depending on how you handle gratuity. In particular, I’d come prepared with some cash if you want to avoid any awkwardness.
Staff experience: kindness matters in spa comfort
One of the best things about this kind of treatment is the vibe. The reported feedback highlights staff who are kind and attentive, meaning the session feels more supportive rather than rushed.
That matters more than you might think. During head and shoulder work, you’re relying on the person treating you to match your comfort level and guide you through the steps.
Possible drawback to plan around: tipping expectations
The price is clear, and tipping is listed as not included. Still, one concern that comes up is that after the massage, there may be a request for a tip.
This doesn’t mean it’s a bad experience. It just means you should decide in advance what you’re comfortable with and bring the right amount. If you prefer fully transparent pay-and-leave, you might feel slightly pressured.
Who this is best for in Hanoi
I think this experience fits best if you want:
- a travel-friendly reset that focuses on head, neck, and shoulders
- a traditional approach using herbal shampoo, massage, and steam
- a session that feels more “therapy-like” than purely cosmetic
It’s especially sensible after long walking days in the Old Quarter, after sleep on unfamiliar pillows, or when your neck starts to feel tight from carrying bags and leaning over maps.
If you love acupuncture-style pressure work and you don’t mind steam as part of the process, you’ll probably enjoy it.
When you should skip it (or at least ask first)
Skip or ask questions if you:
- strongly dislike steam or heat on your hair
- are very sensitive to pressure during massage
- prefer a spa experience with no follow-up request for additional payment
And because smoking isn’t allowed, it’s worth planning your timing if you’re the kind of person who usually smokes after a meal. Just keep it off-property.
Quick practical tips before you go
- Wear something easy to remove or adjust, since the session centers on your head and upper body.
- Plan not to rush right after. You’ll likely feel calmer, and that’s when it’s most useful.
- Bring small cash for a tip if you want to be prepared.
Also, since you can use the voucher at three branches, choose the location that best matches your day. Being close to where you’re already spending time helps you actually relax.
Should you book Hanoi Spa Old Quarter: Herbal Shampoo & Head Massage?
I’d book this if you want a structured, traditional head and upper-body treatment in the Hoan Kiem/Old Quarter area, and you’re open to steam and acupressure.
It’s good value because it includes multiple components—not just a head wash. The real appeal is the combination of herbal shampoo, steam hair, acupressure, and Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy aimed at neck and shoulder comfort.
Skip it if you hate steam, dislike pressure work, or you really don’t want any tipping conversation afterward. In that case, you’ll be happier with a more standard massage where the process feels more predictable.
FAQ
How long is the Hanoi Spa Old Quarter herbal shampoo and head massage?
The experience duration is 90 minutes.
What’s included in the treatment?
Included items are a complimentary welcome drink, a complimentary foot herbal bath (10–15 minutes), and the 90-minute hair treatment with acupressure massage, herbal shampoo, steam hair, and traditional physical therapy (Thong Kinh Lac).
Is Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo drug-free?
Yes. Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo is described as a drug-free method of head health care in Vietnam.
Where can I use the voucher in Hanoi?
You can use it at three La Spa locations in Hoan Kiem: 16 Ly Quoc Su, 38 Hang Hom, and 65 Hang Cot.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not included.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

















