Where I Relax My Feet in District 1 Ho Chi Minh

“Walking down Bui Vien Street or wandering around Ben Thanh Market all day is absolute torture for your feet. As a travel addict who can’t live without a spa session after a long day out, I’ve tried countless foot massage spots across Saigon. If you’re looking for somewhere in District 1 that’s genuinely clean, offers spot-on pressure, and is worth every penny, here are my absolute go-to places based on my own personal experience.”

1. The Spa by SOLÉA: A Spot I Stumbled Upon

Anyone who has ever walked from Ben Thanh to Nguyen Hue, then looped around to Le Loi under the blazing 2 PM Saigon sun, knows the feeling. Your feet feel like they’re on fire, your knees are completely shot, and all you want is to sit down somewhere that isn't a plastic stool on the sidewalk.

I found The Spa by SOLÉA pretty much by chance: located at 35/5 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ben Thanh Ward, less than a 5 minute walk from the main gate of Ben Thanh Market. It’s tucked away in a small alley, but super easy to find with Google Maps.

Walking Into The Spa by SOLÉA Felt Completely Different

The space is dominated by warm beige and brown tones, soft warm lighting, and a gentle waft of natural essential oils right as you open the door not the overwhelming air freshener scent of budget spas or anything headache inducing. 

Just enough to let you know you're stepping into a whole different world. The rooms are private and spotless. No "serving multiple clients at once in one big room" nonsense that cheap spas tend to pull.

Foot Massage Pricing Here

SOLÉA offers two foot-related treatments:

• Traveler's Foot Relax: For anyone needing a quick unwind after a lot of walking - 30 minutes for 390,000 VND.
• Foot Recovery Therapy: A deeper session targeting pressure points and muscle recovery - 60 or 90 minutes for 590,000 VND or 790,000 VND.

I opted for the 60 minute package. The routine started with a warm foot soak infused with essential oils, followed by the therapist working their way up from the feet to the calves. 

This wasn't just superficial light rubbing; the pressure on the reflexology points was firm and definite enough to feel it deep without causing painful discomfort. Deeply relaxing; you could easily drift off to sleep if you didn't fight it.

Hours of Operation

The spa is open from 9 AM to midnight daily. Being able to drop in after dinner is a huge plus for tourists. Booking ahead is definitely recommended over walking in, especially on weekend evenings.

Is It Good for Couples or Groups?

SOLÉA offers a Couple Wellness Retreat package for two in a private jacuzzi room, including a 90 minute massage, hair wash, facial care, and sauna/jacuzzi access for 3,890,000 VND total. Couples or friends visiting together highly appreciate the private room and quiet ambiance. Small groups of 3–4 are welcome, but it's best to check room availability in advance.

After the Experience at The Spa by SOLÉA

At 590,000 VND for a 60 minute foot massage in central District 1, the price is higher than low-end spas (which usually run 150k–300k per hour), but significantly lower than 5 star hotel spas. You’re paying extra for privacy, peace and quiet, no rush, and a polished routine from start to finish.

If you just want a quick massage and out, there are cheaper options around Bui Vien Street or nearby. But if you truly want to reset after a long day the kind of recovery where you step out feeling light footed and clear headed SOLÉA is well worth the money.

Contact Information – The Spa by SOLÉA

• Address: 35/5 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Website: https://booking.thespa.vn/
• Hotline: 0393 303 868

2. Tram Relax Spa: What I Actually Experienced

After walking around District 1 all day, my feet were in full revolt with noticeable muscle tightness. Finding a massage spot isn't hard, but finding a legit, properly skilled place in Saigon takes some serious filtering. This time, I decided to drop by Tram Relax Spa, about a 10 minute taxi ride from Ben Thanh Market and the walking street.

Unlike the superficial, light touch massages typical of tourist spots, the foot massage service here feels distinctly therapeutic. The technician didn't rush straight into rubbing; instead, they started with a herbal foot soak to soften up tight muscles. The pressure was deep and grounded, moving at a steady pace to target blocked energy points on the soles of my feet.

That day, I chose the 90 minute Jade Facial & Herbal Head Spa Package listed at 790,000 VND. If you're pressed for time, you can go for an à la carte foot massage around 60 minutes. 

The package I got was a seamless combination: while my legs and feet were being worked on below the knees, my upper body was treated to meridian therapy using jade and hot stones. 

This price was all inclusive, with an electronic invoice sent straight to my phone fast, clean, no hidden fees, and zero pushy attitudes for tips. That transparency is a massive plus.

Ambiance and Hygiene

This is what sold me on coming back:

• The towels had a subtle, pleasant scent of lemongrass and were completely dry. I noticed in the prep station that tools like hot stones and massage implements were pulled directly from UV sterilizers.

If you're visiting with a partner or friends, there are double beds and private setups where you can chat without worrying about noise. The staff speak basic English more than enough to guide and consult with my foreign friend who tagged along, with no major communication barriers.

After the Experience at Tram Relax Spa

• Results: After 90 minutes, stepping off the bed made my legs feel half as heavy, with zero sharp heel pain left when walking. Looking at recent online reviews, most travelers agree on the deep, solid technique of the therapists here.
• No Hard Selling: You won't have to listen to a pitch like "Would you like to buy a 10-session package?" while you're trying to doze off. The experience feels totally complete.
• Hours & Booking: Open until 10 PM, making it convenient to pop in after a night out. They accept card payments and bank transfers. My honest advice is to message and book 1–2 hours ahead since peak evening hours get pretty busy.

Contact Information – Tram Relax Spa

• Address: 127 Calmette, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Website: https://tramrelax.com/dich-vu
• Hotline: 0901 867 547

3. Floating on Air: My Foot Massage Experience at Ria SPA

For hardcore travelers who love exploring on foot like me, a late-night foot massage is the ultimate lifesaver. Standing right at Bui Vien Walking Street, I set my sights on Ria SPA in alley 279/1 Pham Ngu Lao just a few steps from Bui Vien and about 5 minutes by taxi from Ben Thanh Market thanks to its 4.9/5 rating with over 2,500 reviews on Google Maps. Tucked inside an alley, it's remarkably soundproofed, completely cut off from the booming noise of the main strip outside.

I picked the Express Foot Massage package with a clearly listed price of 250,000 VND for 30 minutes. If your neck and shoulders are aching too, you might consider a combo package. What I liked most during consultation was their total transparency: this was the final price, with no awkward tip begging at the end or pushy upsells to more expensive packages.

Technique wise, the staff here genuinely understand pressure points. Their pressure is deeply solid, stroking along the calves and pinpointing tight knots on the soles. The initial mild tenderness quickly gave way to wonderfully soothing muscle relief.

Hygiene is something I always inspect closely: foot tubs are scrubbed with disinfectant solution and thoroughly rinsed with hot water before serving new guests. Towels are bone dry without lingering stale essential oil odors. 

The spa has an elevator and a clean, subtle scent throughout. A major bonus is their split-floor design for men and women, plus private double rooms ideal if you're coming with a partner or a friend.

After the Experience at Ria SPA

• Results: After 30 minutes, stepping off the bed made my feet feel noticeably weightless, and the tightness in my heels and calves had practically vanished.
• Perks: If you have a late night flight, you can store your luggage here and take a clean shower free of charge before heading to the airport. When you finish, you're served hot tea and a deliciously addicting jar of homemade yogurt.
• Hours & Booking: Open late until midnight, accepting Visa/Mastercard payments. However, because it gets super busy with tourists and walk-ins, you should definitely book ahead to avoid sitting around waiting.

Contact Information – Ria SPA

• Address: 279/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
• Website: https://riaspa.vn/
• Hotline: 0817 885 655