Barbershop in Vietnam: More Than a Haircut (A Complete Guide)

At some point, the Vietnamese barbershop seems to have become a must-try tourist experience for travelers from all over the world.

Hearing the word “barbershop” might conjure up certain negative images, but a barbershop in Vietnam is completely different from that.

These unique establishments are found all over Vietnam. This guide will explain exactly what a Vietnamese barbershop is and what kind of services you can expect.

(Please note: This article does not promote any specific barbershop and no brand names are mentioned.)

What Exactly is a Vietnamese Barbershop?

In short, it’s an all-in-one grooming destination for men that combines a haircut, a clean massage, and spa services.

These are legitimate businesses operating in fully open spaces and have no connection to nightlife or illicit services. The easiest way to think of it is like the traditional, old-school barbershops that offered more than just a quick trim.

While there may be some shady local venues that use the “barbershop” name, they are extremely rare and not something tourists need to worry about.

Why Do People Go to Vietnamese Barbershops?

If you had to describe a Vietnamese barbershop in one sentence, it’s a one-stop shop where any guy can get a complete head-to-toe grooming makeover.

Let’s be honest—for many men, keeping up with a grooming routine can fall by the wayside while traveling.

For many guys visiting Vietnam, the plan is simple: relax, explore, and go with the flow. With the focus on sightseeing and new experiences, packing a full grooming kit isn’t exactly a top priority. They might pack a few changes of clothes and rely on the cheap razor from the hotel. But after a few days of travel, their nails get long and a clean shave is hard to maintain.

Buying a new razor and nail clippers from a convenience store for just a few days can feel like a waste of money.

This is where the Vietnamese barbershop comes in.

You get a haircut, a shave, nail trimming, facial hair cleanup, and even skincare and a massage. It’s a pampering experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and clean.

Another reason is to kill time. Sometimes you’ll find yourself with an awkward gap in your travel schedule. “What should I do this afternoon? I don’t want to just sit in a cafe.”

In that case, the perfect solution is to think, “I’ll just go to a barbershop and get cleaned up.”

While it’s essentially a grooming service, the satisfaction rate is incredibly high. I’ve rarely met a man who didn’t enjoy the experience.

What Services Are Included?

A full-service package at a barbershop in Vietnam typically includes:

• Facial hair trimming
• Manicure and pedicure (nail care)
• Haircut
• Shave
• Skincare using steam, coconut oil, etc.
• Full body massage
• Foot massage

How Much Does a Vietnamese Barbershop Cost?

The price varies depending on the course you select. Most people opt for the 90-minute full course that includes everything. This typically costs between 350,000 to 400,000 VND (about $14-16), depending on the establishment.

What Are the Typical Business Hours?

Most barbershops are open from around 9:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM, so you can visit almost any time.

However, the busiest times are usually after lunch and after dinner. If you visit during these peak hours, you may have to wait.

Weekends are busy all day, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation. You can usually find their phone number on Google Maps and call ahead.

Should I Go to a Barbershop or a Massage Parlor?

If your primary goal is to get a massage, you don’t really need to go to a barbershop.

No matter how good the massage at a barbershop is, it won’t compare to a dedicated, professional massage parlor. You can get a much higher quality massage for 400,000 to 500,000 VND at one of the top-rated massage shops in Ho Chi Minh City.

You shouldn’t visit a barbershop just for the massage. The real advantage of the barbershop is the comprehensive grooming package—skincare, nail care, haircut, and shave—that massage parlors don’t offer.

If you need those services, a barbershop is the perfect choice. If you just want a massage, go somewhere else. Think of the barbershop massage as a nice bonus; it’s not bad, but it’s not the main event.

Frequently Asked Questions