Vietnam Spas: Overview

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Temple at One Pillar Pagoda.

The power of western propaganda is such that 30 years after the war, people are still asking -- is it safe to travel? Vietnam's doors have been opened to both foreign investors and tourists since the doi moi economic reforms in 1986 and a growing number of foreigners have taken up residency in Vietnam, either for work or retirement. Many are happy to swap a stressful western lifestyle for another that is more leisurely and conducive to healthy living, not to mention affordable. Tourists who visit almost always plan for return trips. The surge in tourist arrivals has spurred the development of hotels, resorts and spas all across the country. Big names like Accor, Hyatt, Hilton and Sheraton are already there, with many others following suit. The current economic crunch may have slowed things down a little but most hotels are taking things in stride, using this lull period to refurbish or re-brand.

The wellness industry is, however, a relatively new phenomenon in a country steeped in culture and tradition. "I am finding it hard to convince parents to allow their girls to join us and train to be spa therapists," says Yvette Lim Uy-Garcia, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi's spa manager. "Many of the older folks still have a negative impression of the industry and do not really know what it's all about," she adds. Indeed, the concept of wellness in a country seasoned by basic survival needs and years of foreign intrusions seems far fetched.

Fortunately, the situation is changing. A whole new generation of post-war Vietnamese are now coming into the mainstream, with a growing number proficient in foreign languages and eager to adopt service standards set by the international hotels. Ha, for example, an attractive young lady from a village outside Ho Chi Minh City, works for a travel agency downtown and speaks both English and Mandarin fluently. Long, a young man in a hurry, quit school abroad to return to his home in Hanoi to start up a hostel and travel agency. Both of them are part of a new workforce hoping to get in on the action and catch up with the rest of the world.

While it may seem improbable a few years ago, a wellness journey across Vietnam is not only possible now, it could be the next big thing for travellers looking for a dose of culture and unique experiences that only this beautiful country can offer.