Hanoi Spa Old Quarter : Herbal Shampoo &Head Massage 90′

Hanoi’s Dao Duoc treatment turns a simple hair wash into a full head, neck, and shoulder ritual. For 90 minutes, La Spa combines herbal shampoo and acupressure massage with steam hair treatment and traditional Thong Kinh Lac therapy.

I like the practical location choice, since you can use the voucher at three La Spa branches around Hoan Kiem. I also like the extra herbal foot bath and welcome drink, which make the $26 price feel fair for a long treatment. The main drawback is that tipping is not included, and one booking report specifically noted being asked for a tip afterward.

Key points at a glance

• Dao Duoc hair care: A drug-free Vietnamese head and hair treatment using herbal shampoo.
• 90 minutes of hands-on care: Acupressure, shampoo, steam, and traditional physical therapy are included.
• Three Old Quarter branches: Choose Ly Quoc Su near Hanoi Cathedral, Hang Hom near Hoan Kiem Lake, or Hang Cot in the Old Quarter.
• Foot bath included: Allow another 10 to 15 minutes for the complimentary herbal foot soak.
• Late opening hours: Appointments are available from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm, subject to availability.
• Tip separately: Gratuity is not included, so decide in advance what you want to give.

What Dao Duoc shampoo means in Hanoi

Dao Duoc Hair Shampoo is more than a quick rinse at a salon. It is presented as a Vietnamese, drug-free method of head and hair care, with the shampoo serving as one part of a longer relaxation treatment.

The session focuses on the head, neck, and shoulders. That makes sense after a few days in Hanoi, when you may be carrying a day bag, looking down at your phone, or sleeping in a different bed. The treatment is designed around acupressure and circulation rather than cosmetic styling.

The language about removing cold air belongs to the traditional treatment approach. You can think of the steam and herbal washing as warming, soothing parts of the ritual, not as a substitute for medical care. If you have a serious neck, shoulder, or scalp condition, ask the spa about it before treatment.

La Spa calls the physical therapy portion Thong Kinh Lac. It is intended to help circulate blood and prevent or ease neck and shoulder muscle pain. The important point for you is that this is not only a hair wash. The treatment gives considerable attention to the areas that often feel tight after sightseeing.

Choosing among the three La Spa branches

You can use the voucher at three addresses in Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Each location works well for a slightly different sightseeing plan.

Ly Quoc Su Branch, 16 Ly Quoc Su: This branch is near Hanoi Cathedral, also called the Big Church. It is a handy choice if you are already exploring the cathedral area or walking through the central Old Quarter.

Hang Hom Branch, 38 Hang Hom: This branch is near Hoan Kiem Lake. It suits a day built around the lake, Ngoc Son Temple area, or the surrounding streets. The location also makes the treatment a useful break between sightseeing stops.

Hang Cot Branch, 65 Hang Cot: This is described as being in the Old Quarter. Choose it if your plans are centered farther north in the district.

The information provided does not identify individual therapists or guides by name. La Spa, operated by Hộ Kinh Doanh Bùi Huyền Trang, is the provider. Since the branches are spread around central Hanoi, check the address carefully when booking so you do not walk to the wrong location.

The opening ritual: drink and herbal foot bath

The experience begins with a complimentary welcome drink. This is a small touch, but it gives you a moment to settle before the longer treatment starts.

You also receive a complimentary herbal foot bath lasting about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not count this as part of the 90-minute hair treatment unless the staff explains otherwise. It is an added portion of the visit, so allow a little extra time beyond the advertised duration.

The foot bath is particularly useful if you have spent the morning walking Hanoi’s uneven Old Quarter streets. It is not the main attraction, but it helps shift the mood from sightseeing to rest.

The available details do not specify the exact herbs used in the foot bath or the welcome drink. That is worth asking about if you have allergies or simply want to know what you are receiving.

The 90-minute treatment, step by step

The central treatment lasts 90 minutes and combines four parts: acupressure massage, herbal shampoo, steam hair treatment, and traditional physical therapy.

The order may vary by branch or therapist, since no fixed minute-by-minute schedule is provided. Still, the structure gives you a clear idea of what to expect.

Acupressure massage for the head and neck

Acupressure uses firm pressure at selected points rather than the broad strokes of a standard relaxation massage. Here, it is applied to the head and related areas, with attention also given to the neck and shoulders.

This part should appeal to you if your main goal is to release tension rather than have your hair styled. If pressure feels too strong, say so early. A good treatment depends on communication, especially around the neck and shoulders.

The experience description emphasizes physical therapy and circulation, but it does not promise a medical result. You should view the massage as a traditional relaxation and comfort treatment.

Herbal shampoo and scalp care

The shampoo is the heart of the Dao Duoc method. Instead of treating hair washing as a routine cleaning task, La Spa presents it as nourishing care for the scalp, head, and hair.

The supplied information does not name the herbs or explain the shampoo formula. If you are sensitive to fragrance or botanical ingredients, ask before the shampoo is applied. The treatment is described as drug-free, but drug-free does not automatically mean suitable for every allergy or skin type.

I like this part because it feels connected to local wellness practice rather than a generic hotel massage. At the same time, do not book it expecting a haircut, blowout, coloring service, or salon styling. None of those services is included in the description.

Steam hair treatment

Steam follows as another part of the hair care ritual. La Spa describes it as a way to remove cold air, using the traditional framework behind the treatment.

For you, the practical effect is a warm, moist pause during the shampoo process. Steam can feel especially pleasant after a hot day of walking, though the experience may not suit everyone. If you dislike heat or have a condition affected by steam, tell the staff before this stage begins.

No separate steam duration is given. It is included within the 90-minute hair treatment.

Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy

The final component is traditional Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy. The stated purpose is to help circulate blood and prevent or treat neck and shoulder muscle pain.

This makes the treatment more focused than a simple head massage. You can choose it because your shoulders feel tired after sightseeing, but keep your expectations sensible. The activity does not claim to diagnose or cure an injury, and it is not presented as clinical treatment.

If you have existing neck pain, limited movement, or a recent injury, explain that before the therapist begins. The provided information does not specify whether the pressure can be modified, so asking first is the wise move.

Is $26 good value for 90 minutes?

At $26 per person, this is a reasonable Hanoi spa price for a 90-minute treatment that includes several separate elements. You get the herbal foot bath, welcome drink, acupressure, shampoo, steam, and traditional physical therapy in one visit.

The value is strongest if you want a long session rather than a quick scalp wash. You are paying for time and variety, not just for the shampoo itself.

The price also works well for a mid-trip reset. After several days of walking, the neck, shoulders, and scalp may need more attention than your feet. You can book the treatment near the end of a sightseeing day and return to your hotel feeling less wound up.

There are two details to add to your budget. Tips are not included, and one verified booking reported that staff asked for a tip afterward. The activity information does not state a required amount, so prepare small cash or decide beforehand how you want to handle gratuity.

The overall rating is 4.4 from five ratings, which is encouraging but still a small sample. One French customer gave a five-star score and described the staff as very kind and attentive. A Dutch customer gave three stars, praised the massage, but disliked being asked for a tip afterward. Those two points give you a fair picture: the hands-on service can be good, while the tipping approach may not suit everyone.

When to book your appointment

La Spa lists opening hours from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm. That is useful in Hanoi, where sightseeing often stretches into the evening and heat can make a midday rest appealing.

A morning appointment lets you start the day quietly, though it may be less useful if you want relief after walking. An afternoon or evening appointment fits better if your shoulders are already tired.

The treatment lasts 90 minutes, plus the 10 to 15-minute herbal foot bath. I would allow at least two hours in your schedule so you do not rush to dinner or another booking.

Starting times depend on availability. Reserve ahead if you have a tight itinerary, especially since the three branches may not all have the same appointment openings.

Pickup is listed as included, with instructions to go directly to your nearest destination. Since the addresses are all in central Hoan Kiem and no detailed vehicle arrangement is provided, confirm the exact meeting or arrival instructions before setting out. Do not assume a private hotel transfer unless La Spa confirms it.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the appointment, and you can reserve now and pay later. These terms are helpful if your Hanoi plans may shift.

Who will enjoy this treatment most?

This experience suits you if you want a quiet break without leaving the Old Quarter. It is especially practical for:

• People with tired neck and shoulder muscles after walking and carrying a day bag.
• Anyone curious about Vietnamese herbal care and traditional acupressure.
• Couples or friends looking for a shared wellness activity.
• Visitors who prefer a longer treatment at a moderate price.
• People staying near Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Cathedral, or the Old Quarter.

It may be less suitable if you want a conventional full-body massage. The focus is the head, hair, neck, and shoulders, with the foot bath as an extra. It also may not be right for you if you dislike herbal scents, shampoo treatments, steam, or firm pressure.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful for many visitors. Still, accessibility can vary between older Old Quarter buildings, so confirm the details for your chosen branch if you need step-free access or extra room.

Smoking is not allowed.

Small things to know before you go

Wear clothing that lets you relax around the neck and shoulders. The activity does not specify a dress code, but a stiff collar or bulky clothing could make the massage less comfortable.

Tell the therapist about sensitive areas before the acupressure begins. The description emphasizes traditional pressure and physical therapy, so speak up if you need lighter treatment.

Ask about the herbs if you have allergies. The treatment is described as drug-free, but the exact ingredients are not provided.

Bring your booking voucher and check the branch address. The three locations are close enough to sound interchangeable, but Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets can make a short distance take longer than expected.

Set aside money for a tip only if you wish to give one. It is not included in the price, and the experience does not state a fixed gratuity.

Should you book La Spa’s Dao Duoc treatment?

I would book this if you want a distinctly Vietnamese head and hair ritual, not simply a standard shampoo or generic massage. The combination of acupressure, herbal washing, steam, Thong Kinh Lac therapy, and a foot bath gives you plenty of treatment time for $26.

The best reason to choose it is the focus on the head, neck, and shoulders. The best practical reason is the choice of three central Hanoi locations with late opening hours.

I would hesitate only if you are uncomfortable with steam, firm pressure, herbal products, or unexpected requests about tipping. Confirm the branch, ask about ingredients, and make your tipping decision before you arrive. For a reasonably priced rest stop in the Old Quarter, this is a useful and culturally specific way to slow down.

FAQ

How long does the La Spa treatment last?

The main hair treatment lasts 90 minutes. A complimentary herbal foot bath takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

What is included in the price?

The $26 price includes a welcome drink, herbal foot bath, acupressure massage, herbal shampoo, steam hair treatment, and traditional Thong Kinh Lac physical therapy.

Where can I use the voucher?

You can use it at three La Spa branches in Hoan Kiem: 16 Ly Quoc Su, 38 Hang Hom, or 65 Hang Cot.

What are the opening hours?

The listed opening hours are from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Confirm the specific branch details if you need particular access arrangements.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is listed as included, with instructions to go directly to your nearest destination. Confirm the exact arrival instructions and branch before you go.

Is tipping included?

No. Tips are not included in the price. One booking report also noted being asked for a tip after the massage, so plan how you want to handle gratuity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.