Will definitely go back
Checked over the internet for a good spa in Ho Chi Minh since I was travelling for days and wanted to get a relaxation. I stumbled upon Nadam Spa (didnt checked for reviews tho) with their website and how the ambiance of the spa looks like (really pretty in photos but really amazing in real life). I’m not sure if the entrance fee was posted in their site but it contains their services.
Location:
I was staying at district 1 and it’s a 30 minutes uber/taxi/ grab ride going to the spa.
Around 130,000 dong ($5.5 USD).
From the uber pin, it doesn’t directly dropping you off at the front of the Spa, instead, there are markers and direction to a 4 minutes walk to the spa.
First impression:
Upon arriving at the counter, I was just handed a locker key and was pointed out to the locker area. This is new to me because I was accustomed to pay first before entering the facility (clueless as well to how much it would cost me or how long i could stay). It was not properly instructed to me so I left the counter clueless and just walked towards the locker room.
Locker room:
Upon arriving at the locker room, i was handed over a bottle of water, body towel, face towel and a flip flops. In here, I asked the crew why I didn't pay at the counter, the crew was unable to explain to me since I spoke in English. I was then advised by the spa goer that I will pay once I’m finished. That being said, I changed there are hangers to hang my clothes a shoe rack etc. The locker bins were the usual old school key and lock bin type that uses keys. Keys are attached to bracelet type that you bring with you.
Amenities(steam, sauna, jacussi, lounge):
After changing, it’s time for me to explore the entire spa. It was crazy huge! For me, as of the moment is the best in terms of size and amenities! The interior is really relaxing and captivating which is like a bali-type or zen type mood of interior that uses wood, stones etc. The ornaments (antiques etc.) resembled the old Vietnam as told to me by one of the spa goers that i had chatted with.
(Steam): small room that can fit 6-8 pax inside. I like steam so this is very important to me. Its relatively small compare to others I’ve been to. That’s where the first encounter I got! Lol.
(Sauna): there were 2 sauna, one is the pineapple dry sauna and the other is the Himalayan dry sauna. I personally don’t like dry saunas so I didn't spent much time in here.
(Jacuzzi): lots of action on that dark Jacuzzi! Didn’t manage to go inside as it was a bit packed! Haha
(Pool): it was situated in like an outside atmosphere. Good for a cool down. Lol.
(Sleeping quarters): Wait I was really lost by this. There were 2 that I saw with the purpose of a sleeping quarter (but then of course it was not it’s purpose). I checked for the sleeping quarters at the ground level. It was a maze! got an encounter here too. Hehe. They also got one at the 3rd level.
(Others): Red room at 2nd level, it’s purpose was for fat loss or something but then again it looks like a private room for miracles. Lol!
(Outside lounges): Very relaxing special the one’s near the body services area. They got ponds with koi the chairs were like swings and an access to the 2nd floor overlooking the ground floor. So serene and relaxing!
(Gym): Boy, if I knew, should have brought my gym clothes as they got a fully equipped gym! Get the idea of the masseurs as your gym buddies. Its hot.
Body services:
After I got my fun times at the spa (lol) i opted to check their massage services, it is what is stated in their website (make sure to check it out). The receptionist is really cute! He handed me their services and got the 80 minutes for 25 USD. Then turn the book to the next page which contains the list of therapist with their head shot pictures! I really am not accustomed in choosing a therapist, and so i just choose the cutest among the picture. When I pointed out the therapist with all of the luck in the world, it was the receptionist (the cute one as what i metioned above)!! He said (with small laughs) “that was me!” We both laughed. It was really a coincidence! He asked if i’m sure that i chose him. I said, “yes!” Haha!
After which, i was then asked to sit first in the lounges as he need to ask for the other therapist to be in the reception.
I was called and handed me over a new bottled water and escorted to the room (2nd floor).
Massage:
The room is huge, it got a bed, a tub, shower, toilet, shampoos, mouth wash etc. It’s a cool room (most beautiful i saw for a massage room). I was then handed a shorts (dude the short was so skimpy and small! As if i’m just covering the D hahaha!). The massage was ok (got more intense compared to other spas than here) The massage continued with the usual, legs, hands and back, The rest was so fun lol! He said that he was just new in the business. (As if it was true lol). We got couple of chats, he’s so nice and the good thing i can converse with him as he can speak English. When i go back here I hope i can book him again lol.
Tipping:
Unlike the minimum upfront tipping in Bangkok, in here you are handed over a paper where in you’ll write to how much you wanted to tip him and will pay once you get out of the spa. I’m a bit generous that time that my tip was twice the amount of the massage (well it’s still cheaper than those in Bangkok! Minimum tip for 2 hrs massage in bangkok was at 60USD!) ! Lol. But i think 15-30 USD would do you well. Well, it’s based on how satisfied you are with the service.