Traveling to Vietnam during Lunar New Year (Tết) is often associated with vibrant decorations, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. However, beyond the festive atmosphere, Tết is also one of the best times to slow down, reset your body, and experience traditional Vietnamese spa culture.

As the new year begins, wellness, balance, and renewal become deeply meaningful values in Vietnamese life. This makes Tết an ideal moment for travelers to discover spa rituals that focus not only on beauty, but also on relaxation, healing, and inner harmony.

The Meaning of Tết in Vietnamese Culture

Tết, or Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and fresh beginnings.

During Tết:

  • Families gather to reconnect and rest after a busy year

  • Homes are cleaned to welcome positive energy

  • People focus on health, well-being, and good fortune

Unlike Western New Year celebrations, Tết emphasizes slowing down, reflection, and self-care. This cultural mindset naturally aligns with wellness practices such as massage, skincare, and holistic spa treatments.

For international travelers, Tết offers a rare chance to experience Vietnam at a more mindful pace — especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

Why Spa & Body Care Are Important at the Beginning of the Year

In Vietnamese culture, caring for the body at the start of the year is believed to help:

  • Release physical and emotional stress from the past year

  • Restore balance to the body and mind

  • Prepare positive energy for the months ahead

For travelers, this need is even more relevant. Long flights, climate changes, walking tours, and festive crowds can easily lead to:

  • Muscle tension and fatigue

  • Dehydrated or congested skin

  • Mental overload from constant movement

A spa visit during Tết is not considered a luxury — it is a necessary pause that allows the body to recover and fully enjoy the journey.

What Makes Vietnamese Spa Culture Different?

Vietnamese spas are deeply influenced by traditional healing philosophies, focusing on balance rather than aggressive treatments.

Key differences compared to spas in other countries include:

1. Emphasis on Manual Therapy

Vietnamese spa treatments often rely on skilled hands instead of heavy machinery. Massage, facial lifting, and lymphatic techniques are performed manually to stimulate circulation and release tension naturally.

2. Holistic Wellness Approach

Treatments are designed to care for:

  • Skin

  • Muscles and joints

  • Nervous system

  • Emotional well-being

This creates a deeply relaxing experience that goes beyond surface-level beauty.

3. Natural & Herbal Ingredients

Vietnamese spas commonly use:

  • Herbal oils

  • Plant-based skincare

  • Traditional ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and green tea

These ingredients are gentle, effective, and suitable for sensitive skin.

4. Slower, More Mindful Experience

Unlike fast-paced spa services in some countries, Vietnamese spa rituals encourage guests to slow down, breathe, and truly rest — especially meaningful during Tết.

Spa as a Hidden Escape During Tết in the City

During Lunar New Year, many shops and businesses reduce their operating hours. As a result, spas that remain open become hidden sanctuaries in the middle of the city.

For travelers, a spa visit during Tết offers:

  • A quiet escape from festive crowds

  • A peaceful environment to recharge between sightseeing days

  • A chance to experience Vietnamese wellness culture authentically

This contrast between the lively streets and the calm spa atmosphere is what makes the experience especially memorable.

Experiencing a Traditional Vietnamese Spa at Laboho Spa During Tết

Located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Laboho Spa is an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation, skincare, and holistic wellness during Lunar New Year.

Why Laboho Spa Is Perfect During Tết

  • Central location, easy to access from hotels and tourist attractions

  • Calm, bohemian-inspired space away from city noise

  • Skilled therapists trained in professional and international standards

  • Treatments tailored for travelers, stress relief, and skin recovery

Recommended Spa Experiences During Tết

Deep Cleansing & Detox Facials
Ideal for skin affected by pollution, travel stress, or oil imbalance. These treatments help cleanse pores, refresh dull skin, and restore clarity.

Hydration & Recovery Facials
Perfect after long flights or days in air-conditioned environments. These facials replenish moisture, calm tired skin, and improve elasticity.

Natural Lifting Therapy
A manual facial lifting treatment that relaxes facial muscles, stimulates circulation, and improves skin firmness — without invasive techniques.

Full-Body Massage & Herbal Therapy
Massage treatments using essential oils, hot stones, or herbal compresses help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system.

Vietnamese Herbal Hair Wash
A signature local experience combining scalp massage, herbal shampoo, and head–neck–shoulder relaxation — both cultural and therapeutic.

Why Tết Is Truly the Best Time for a Spa Retreat in Vietnam

Traveling during Lunar New Year offers something unique:

  • A slower rhythm of life

  • More meaningful self-care experiences

  • A deeper connection to Vietnamese traditions

Choosing a spa retreat during this time allows travelers to:

  • Physically recover from travel

  • Mentally reset for a new year

  • Experience Vietnam beyond sightseeing

It becomes more than a vacation — it becomes a moment of renewal.

Plan Your Tet Spa Experience at Laboho Spa

If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City during Lunar New Year and looking for a peaceful, authentic spa experience, Laboho Spa offers the perfect balance of relaxation, skincare, and cultural wellness.

  • Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • 🎋 Lunar New Year holiday closure: from Monday, February 16th 20226 to Saturday, February 21st 2026

  • 🌸 Reopening date: Sunday, February 22nd 2206

  • 📍 Location: LABOHO Spa – 17 Dang thi Nhu street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

  • 📞 Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 986 320 372

This Tết, give yourself the gift of rest, balance, and renewal — the Vietnamese way.