Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage
Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage
Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
59 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
20
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Kath G
Albany, Australia43 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
The massage I had here was one of the best I've had in SE Asia so far. And so cheap! Already planning on going back again. Facilities are basic but that was all part of the charm. I highly recommend Lemongrass for a massage if you're in Luang Prabang.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent
Petaling District, Malaysia90 contributions
Mar 2023
During my 3 nights stay in LPQ, I've attended this establishment four times, and even squeezed a last massage just an hour before my boarding time because of how reasonable and great experience I've had again and again.
The establishment isn't like most conventional parlour where there's aircond and brick and mortar, but it's an open door area with curtains and dark, just enough lighting for relaxation. You might hear motorbike and dog barking but since it's not directly facing the night market, it's actually quite quiet and comfortable with very minimal village white-noise, which may not be a thing for everyone, but it sure is special. The whole establishment be it at night or daytime will remind you of your old, Asian grandmother's house and you're here just to get the most authentic massage in the relaxing way possible. Hence this is a perfect place for those who wants to experience the real massage experience in a small town and sleeping village of Luang Prabang.
Sure the facilities are minimal (no airconditioning, with many fans, behind a back alley, bare minimum toilet), but I personally think all these are the beauty of this place that makes it indeed very 'Luang Prabang uniqueness', and this is after experiencing massages in many Southeast Asia countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The first night there, I've had a traditional Lao massage that I didn't know what to expect. I was a bit awkward entering the place alone and it was situated behind an alley, when assigned a young female masseuse, I was skeptical as to whether she will have sufficient strength to massage a 30M, tall and meaty built like myself. But I was left surprised with each of her push and focus on her thumb and index finger pinching my muscles to relaxation. I expected pain but there was only relieve that I think I fell asleep in the first half of the massage. Lao massage is almost like a blend with Thai massage but with focus more on pinching the soreness of your muscles away, that is the perfect start of my first night after a long flight.
The second day I opted for a foot massage that didn't disappoint. Like most foot massage, it really delivered strength and even though I was massaged the day before, it still relieve the soreness and focuses on the sole of my feet and my calf, after exploring the many temples and mount Phou Si. I decided that I will then not explore other parlours and make Lemongrass Sauna to be my comfort place.
The third day, my plan was to have the steambath for a good 20 minutes before I go for an oil massage, but I ended up spending over an hour for the steam bath and chilling at the lounge in between rest, until the closing time of 10pm (I've arrived at 8.30pm and when it was over 9.15pm I decided to just forget about the massage). The steambath was infused with strong scent of lemongrass and many herb that I noticed a lot of my dead skins were peeling off. Mr Tung also offered me tea that is added with mint leave and was very relaxing, making me wished that I've came earlier to have the steam bath and massage, but it's still a very good experience.
The last day, when I've checked out of my hotel at 11.30AM before my flight at 2PM, I've decided to call Mr Tung who generously picked me and my belongings from the hotel to squeeze in a herbal massage that I've never tried before. I've had a bad fall from a bike accident the night before and Mr Tung said that this massage is perfect for my bruises and wounds, as it relieve the pain and improve my healing process. The masseuse took a bag of herbs that was soaked with hot herbs and tapped my body gently after massaging me. It may be a bit uncomfortable for many who can't take the heat too well but it's perfect for those who tried it. It was also my visit on the daytime so it's just nice and cozy over there, before my long flight back.
Mr Tung then offered to send me to airport FOR FREE which is about 15 minutes away from the parlour, which was a very wise choice where shortcuts for motorbikes were taken to get to the airport quickly. Mr Tung was very kind and insisted to walk me to the departure gate to send me off too. I think I paid for massage experience but I've made many good memories in the four times visit in my short stay in LPQ.
Totally recomended!
The establishment isn't like most conventional parlour where there's aircond and brick and mortar, but it's an open door area with curtains and dark, just enough lighting for relaxation. You might hear motorbike and dog barking but since it's not directly facing the night market, it's actually quite quiet and comfortable with very minimal village white-noise, which may not be a thing for everyone, but it sure is special. The whole establishment be it at night or daytime will remind you of your old, Asian grandmother's house and you're here just to get the most authentic massage in the relaxing way possible. Hence this is a perfect place for those who wants to experience the real massage experience in a small town and sleeping village of Luang Prabang.
Sure the facilities are minimal (no airconditioning, with many fans, behind a back alley, bare minimum toilet), but I personally think all these are the beauty of this place that makes it indeed very 'Luang Prabang uniqueness', and this is after experiencing massages in many Southeast Asia countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The first night there, I've had a traditional Lao massage that I didn't know what to expect. I was a bit awkward entering the place alone and it was situated behind an alley, when assigned a young female masseuse, I was skeptical as to whether she will have sufficient strength to massage a 30M, tall and meaty built like myself. But I was left surprised with each of her push and focus on her thumb and index finger pinching my muscles to relaxation. I expected pain but there was only relieve that I think I fell asleep in the first half of the massage. Lao massage is almost like a blend with Thai massage but with focus more on pinching the soreness of your muscles away, that is the perfect start of my first night after a long flight.
The second day I opted for a foot massage that didn't disappoint. Like most foot massage, it really delivered strength and even though I was massaged the day before, it still relieve the soreness and focuses on the sole of my feet and my calf, after exploring the many temples and mount Phou Si. I decided that I will then not explore other parlours and make Lemongrass Sauna to be my comfort place.
The third day, my plan was to have the steambath for a good 20 minutes before I go for an oil massage, but I ended up spending over an hour for the steam bath and chilling at the lounge in between rest, until the closing time of 10pm (I've arrived at 8.30pm and when it was over 9.15pm I decided to just forget about the massage). The steambath was infused with strong scent of lemongrass and many herb that I noticed a lot of my dead skins were peeling off. Mr Tung also offered me tea that is added with mint leave and was very relaxing, making me wished that I've came earlier to have the steam bath and massage, but it's still a very good experience.
The last day, when I've checked out of my hotel at 11.30AM before my flight at 2PM, I've decided to call Mr Tung who generously picked me and my belongings from the hotel to squeeze in a herbal massage that I've never tried before. I've had a bad fall from a bike accident the night before and Mr Tung said that this massage is perfect for my bruises and wounds, as it relieve the pain and improve my healing process. The masseuse took a bag of herbs that was soaked with hot herbs and tapped my body gently after massaging me. It may be a bit uncomfortable for many who can't take the heat too well but it's perfect for those who tried it. It was also my visit on the daytime so it's just nice and cozy over there, before my long flight back.
Mr Tung then offered to send me to airport FOR FREE which is about 15 minutes away from the parlour, which was a very wise choice where shortcuts for motorbikes were taken to get to the airport quickly. Mr Tung was very kind and insisted to walk me to the departure gate to send me off too. I think I paid for massage experience but I've made many good memories in the four times visit in my short stay in LPQ.
Totally recomended!
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robyn B
24 contributions
Jan 2020
we found this place while looking for food. It is behind the Novelty restaurant and worth the short trek off the beaten path. The interior of this building takes you back to traditional Lao buildings. very restful and the staff are knowledgeable in their craft. We tried the foot, oil and traditional massages on different days and would have come again if time had allowed. Treat yourself to this oasis of restfulness.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
staledale
1,542 contributions
Jan 2019
My teenage daughter and I each had a one hour massage. Mine was 70,000 kip, and hers was 50,000 kip. There was a young girl who was maybe 10-12 years old who gave me my massage. She was not very strong, so the massage was just ok. While I realize that it's difficult to get clean laundry sometimes, the bedding on the massage table just didn't seem very clean.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jo W
35 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
The woman who massaged me, was twice my size, whenever she needed to manoeuvre across my body, she would put her full body weight on my shoulders or spine, to adjust her position. Every time I asked for softer pressure, the pressure remained the same, with her body weight being used. This may have been ok if I was a stocky man, but as a slim woman, it was too much.
The worst was the facial at the end, where instead on rubbing her fingers across my eyebrows, she pushed my eyeball inwards. Where I’m now still having blurry vision.
Not worth the 60000 kip. Pay more and go to a spa.
The worst was the facial at the end, where instead on rubbing her fingers across my eyebrows, she pushed my eyeball inwards. Where I’m now still having blurry vision.
Not worth the 60000 kip. Pay more and go to a spa.
Written February 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerah joy M
Philippines9 contributions
Jun 2018
My friend and I went there for the sauna but we were so happy that they also offer massage services. Though we had a bit of a hard time to locate it because the signage was quite small, we were happy that the place had a very relaxing atmosphere though it was just meters away from the night market. We were quite unhappy though with some foreign nationals who were so loud. I think that was the downside of it. But overall it was really good. Highly recommended.
Written February 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philip1120
Llangollen, UK430 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
On my recent trip to LPB I struggled to find anywhere that offered a good, professional oil massage at a reasonable price, until I discovered this place. It is easy to miss as it is located down a little alley that runs alongside the Novelty Cafe on the main tourist street, Sisavangvong Rd, on the left-hand side as you walk towards the day and night markets. Look out for the A-board on the main road and follow the signs to the sauna/massage shop, which is at first-floor level (second if you are American!) and entered via an external staircase.
I had two massages here, both by the same lady. They were strong and thorough. At 60,000kip, they were also very reasonably priced.
My only criticism relates to the ambience, which can be a bit hit and miss as the massage area is open-sided, and screened from the outside world only by sheets and pieces of fabric. That means that you can hear people talking in the alley below or sitting out nearby, and endure occasional cooking smells from the backs of the restaurants facing Sisavangvong Rd.
I did not try the sauna. If you are happy with the setting, then this is a decent enough place for a good cheap massage, in my view.
I had two massages here, both by the same lady. They were strong and thorough. At 60,000kip, they were also very reasonably priced.
My only criticism relates to the ambience, which can be a bit hit and miss as the massage area is open-sided, and screened from the outside world only by sheets and pieces of fabric. That means that you can hear people talking in the alley below or sitting out nearby, and endure occasional cooking smells from the backs of the restaurants facing Sisavangvong Rd.
I did not try the sauna. If you are happy with the setting, then this is a decent enough place for a good cheap massage, in my view.
Written February 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hiroki K
Tokyo, Japan30 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
The sauna is very nice, but the massage would be varied depends on the massager. The sauna room is very small but two long seats and the possibly maximum 8 people can be in the room although it’s very packed... You may take a shower and drink tea or water with free services.
Written February 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Msjuicylover
Houston, TX55 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
I was hesitant after a somewhat invasive and painful Thai massage elsewhere but I'm glad I gave it a chance.
Place is located in an alley off a busy tourist street but felt secluded and private. There were other customers there which is a good thing but not crowded.
I chose the Lao oil massage which was relaxing and not aggressive or painful. The combination shower /toilet did not look clean with communal bar of soap. Would recommend herbal sauna instead.
This place is very traditional and not fancy so if you want luxury then choose hotel spa instead
Place is located in an alley off a busy tourist street but felt secluded and private. There were other customers there which is a good thing but not crowded.
I chose the Lao oil massage which was relaxing and not aggressive or painful. The combination shower /toilet did not look clean with communal bar of soap. Would recommend herbal sauna instead.
This place is very traditional and not fancy so if you want luxury then choose hotel spa instead
Written December 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fiona P
Denpasar, Indonesia40 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
I had read bad things about Lao massage in general and was worried it would be painful and amateur. I chose head and shoulder massage. It was very good, included full back and upper arms, initially dry, then with oil. Could have been harder. Girl spoke a little English, was quiet, used both hands, didn’t text! Nice traditional place, open air. Can’t complain.
Written October 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage (Luang Prabang) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage
- Hotels near Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage:
- (0.01 mi) Tony Central Hostel
- (0.02 mi) Shangri Lao
- (0.02 mi) Salakphet Guesthouse
- (0.02 mi) Ban Jeck
- (0.02 mi) Oun I luck Luangprabang
- Restaurants near Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage:
- (0.00 mi) Sena Steak House
- (0.01 mi) Tangor
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- (0.01 mi) Mookata Asian Grill
- (0.01 mi) Coconut Garden