The sun goes down in Vientiane, Laos capital city, and the town comes to life with all the things you can expect from a regular night out in a Southeast Asian capital city. Vientiane has a lot to offer at night: night markets, fine dining and even bars! However, another aspect that makes the city so interesting and unique a night, is the fact that you can get massages and spa treatments, all the way until late at night and in some cases, at anytime during the 24 hours of the day.
In fact, an oil massage in Vientiane is a luxury you can pretty much enjoy at any time during the day, and nights are not the exception. If you walk along the Mekong, you will come across some of the most popular spots for massages such as Champa, that stay open until quite late at night. There is also the Wood House Spa, which remains open all the way until 23.00, which makes it a great option for those who like to be fully active all day long and need a late night relaxing session before going to bed. It can also be a great stop for anyone who plans to spend a big night out, and needs some recovery time in between day and late night activities. Herbal Steam is also a great option, which is popular amongst travelers and it stays open until 21.00.
If you head towards the easter part of the city, you will also find other options such as Dalah Spa and Utopia Massage. Both of these places have decent facilities, making it a very comfortable spot, but keep in mind that you will most likely need to take a sŏrngtăaou or a săhm-lór to get here, but such ride will make up for a great local experience.
Closer to the city you will find more lively and concurred spots such as Massage Vientiane Plaza, which according to visitors it stays open all the way until 1 in the morning and it is an affordable and well located option. One thing we must keep in mind is that the staff in most of these places do not speak good English, therefore communication might be an issue. Massage Vientiane Plaza is no exception. However, also keep in mind that Lao people have some of the most welcoming and warm personalities in the region, which makes them the best hosts for this kind of experience.
At the end of the day, when you look at Vientiane, you realize that such a small city is full of surprises and activities available for all kinds of visitors. If you are seeking to find a great Asian massage experience, make sure you consider Laos. Most specifically, make sure to consider Vientiane. This city is most likely to be your hub before you head out to more destinations such as Luang Prabang, Thakek or other small towns in this unspoiled country. Therefore, make sure you get a good stretch on your muscles before you head out on your adventures.