Finding a good place for haircut or manicure can be daunting in Hanoi when you are only visiting for a few days. During our multiple stays in Hanoi, we tested several locations to find places that have a combination of quality service and fair price.

Le Spa Du Metropole (Sofitel)

Price: Expensive ($75+)

Metropole Website

This is one of my favorite spa and hotel in Hanoi. The design highlights the luxurious interiors with French Indochina aesthetics. The spa continues with the same decor but emphasizes more on relaxation as shown in the photo above. I sampled both facial and full body massage here which left me sleeping like a baby. The spa uses high end products including Clarins. The treatment costs approximately $80-$100. This is a splurge for those days when a touch of luxury is needed.

Lavender Spa

Price: Budget ($20+) 60 minutes massage is VND 520,000 vnd or approximately $23

Address: 28 Nguyễn Du Street

Phone: 0433 899 999 (requires a reservation 1 hour in advance)

This mid-range spa was recommended by my Hanoi friend.  This no frill spa is known for good massages. Each massage room has its own shower so that each guest can freshen up after the session. The massage was good, and the price is very reasonable. The only issue is that staff’s English is weak so this may be a problem for non-Vietnamese speakers. I would suggest having the hotel concierge call and make the reservation specifically requesting the services beforehand.

Elle Glamour Hair Salon

Price: Expensive for local standard ($5+ for a blowout)

• Short hair blowout is VDN 100,000 or approximately $4.50
• Long hair blowout is VND 120,000 or approximately $5.5o

Address: 8 Ngô Quyền, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm

Phone: +84 4 3824 8262 (Walk in welcome)

Another friend recommended this hair salon when I needed a place to get my hair blown out. If you never had your hair washed in Vietnam, it is an interesting experience. Hair washing is a normal service that includes a head massage. The quality of the blowout justifies the higher price. The owner is trained in France, and the stylists know how to properly blow out hair that will last in a humid environment. This is my go-to place for blowout every time I am in Hanoi.

Hiền Quỳnh Nail

Price: Budget ($3-$5 for basic manicure and pedicure)

Address: 30 Bùi Thị Xuân

This nail shop is your typical local nail shop and is very different from the US nail salons.  There are no fancy massage chairs, and it has a very limited color selection. The manicure consists of cutting, trimming and painting nails for 15 minutes.  Foreigners may be scared that the store is not as “pristine” as in the US. The nail technicians do keep their instruments clean. Overvall, the service is good for the price. I noticed the upscale clientele at the salon so in this case, appearances can be deceiving.  The only drawback is the limited to nonexistent English from the staff.

These are my go-to places to get a quick beauty fix when I am in Hanoi for a long stretch of time. Don’t worry about the limited English proficiency from the locals as beauty services are universal.

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Author: Chau Hoang