Dominic Horner
There’s no shortage of choice for massage and spa treatments in Yangon. We’ve lost track of the number of massages facials, hot stones, and beauty treatments we’ve had over over the last couple of weeks in our quest to deliver a definite cross section of what’s on offer in Yangon. Now, here we are, thoroughly mellowed and ready to share with you: The MYANMORE guide to spas of various price and style.
-Budget Option-
Sa Bai Dee 26 C Nawaday street/ 73 Than Lwin Street, Kamaryut Township/ 223 Maharbandoola Garden Street Kyauktada Township. 
A popular cheap and cheerful spa in Dagon township, Sa Bai Dee is a decidedly no-frills option. You’ve got foot massage or you’ve got… foot massage. Well, at least that’s what they say. If you request politely that the focus of your massage be on your arms shoulders and head they can do that – but that’s really it. That said, we’ve always been happy with our treatment at Sa Bai Dee. You get the standard green tea, the WI-FI’s pretty good, they’re open till late, ( last booking’s at 10pm) the masseuses know what they’re doing and for k6000 you can’t really go wrong. With only one item on the menu and something of a production line vibe, this is obviously not the place to feel like a pampered prince/ princess. Still, it’s great value and the massage cuts the mustard.
Mon-Sunday – 11pm (last booking at 10pm)
Price: k6000
Private Rooms: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
PH: 0932105450
-Midrange-
Health Blessing: Two Spas on 19th Street –Lower Block. 
In and around Chinatown there are more than enough spas to choose from but this is our personal favourite. We’ve been there more than half a dozen times for various treatments and we’ve yet to be disappointed. You’ll pay a bit more than you normally would for a downtown massage (excluding manicures and pedicures K10,000 is the cheapest option on the menu) but the old adage “you get what you pay for,” rings true in this case. There’s no Wi-Fi, but with the standard this high, why would you need it? The service is friendly and attentive, the spa is clean and well maintained and the ambience remains chilled despite the very un-chilled environment outside – Recommended.
Monday to Saturday 10.30am -12am (last booking at 11pm)
Sunday: 5pm -12am
Price: K10,000 – K29,000
Private Rooms: No
Wi-Fi: No
PH: 0932105450
Miyako Clinic: 446/444 Merchant Road Botahtaung Township
Japanese owned, run and themed, Miyako run a welcoming and professional spa in downtown Yangon. As you’d expect, the treatments have something of a Japanese flavour – the Shiatsu is particularly good – but they’ve also got a wide range of treatments and have just added hot stone to the menu. While Miyako isn’t quite up there with the very best in town, they’re reliably great and provide decent value for money. The customer service is also very good and the staff usually speak a smattering of English. There’s no Wi-Fi but if the spa’s friendly owner Chei is around ,she’ll let you hot spot her phone. A solid all-rounder.
Monday- Friday: 11am -10pm (last booking at 9pm)
Saturday/Sunday: 10am -10pm (last booking at 9pm)
Price Range: K800 – k30,000
Private Rooms: No
WI-FI: No
PH: 09259781636
-Something a Bit Different-
Genky Clinic: Bo Aung Kyaw / No 64 12th Street –Upper Block
Genky is a Japanese owned spa that specializes in blind massage. They recruit from Yangon and Sagaing region and the masseuses live and work in and around the spa. The staff are provided with bread, board and we’re told, a competitive wage. They’re also, clearly, trained exceptionally well. Unsurprisingly there isn’t a massive list of treatments to choose from, you’ve got foot massage; body massage; and foot and body massage. But the emphasis at Genky is on quality, not quantity and on that front the spa scores highly. Last time we were there we had the foot & body combo and while the foot massage was a teeny bit on the harsh side, the body massage left us like big floppy jellyfish. Despite having a little bit of a sterile atmosphere the spa is well equipped with decent facilities and massage beds as well as wifi. The prices are also very reasonable (45 minute massage for 5,000 Ks. Not bad at all). If all this wasn’t enticing enough, Genky does home delivery. If you live downtown, for a few extra thousand kyat, Genky will organize a masseuse to visit you and massage you from the comfort of your own home . It should go without saying that tipping generously is a good idea.
9am – 9pm (last booking at 8pm)
Price Range: k5,000 – K13,000
Private Rooms: No
WI-FI: Yes
PH: Bo Aug Kyaw – 098615036/ 12th street – 0973145681
-Top End-
Sense Spa: 269, Room 3, Yan Aung Lane 1, Yankin Township
This one’s a real hidden gem. Tucked away behind the Yankin center, Sense Spa offers some of the best and most unusual treatments in Yangon. On first impression, it seems to be firmly in the traditional Thai massage mould. that is, until ,you start looking through the menu. The choices on offer at Sense are wide ranging and genuinely eclectic. They include but are not limited to: Aloe Vera massage; milk massage; four-handed massage; Honey massage; gold leaf facial. Yes, really. Gold leaf.
On our last visit we tired the black herb compress,(a bizarre combo of aromatherapy, hot stone and traditional Thai) and It was fantastic. For those who like their massage a bit out there and don’t mind coughing up a bit, Sense is a real find.
Daily: 11am-11pm (last booking at 10pm)
Price Range: K7000-K45,000
Private Rooms: Yes
WI-FI: Yes
PH: 01549993
Inya Day Spa: 16/2 Inya Road, Kamayut Township/ Star City, Building A5, Wing C Thanlyin Township/ Building No 17, 3rd floor, Junction Square, Sanchaung Township.
If you’re looking to be pampered look no further. The décor and design scream opulence, the staff are professional and thorough ,and the monthly packages are just about unbeatable. Every month the spa offers brand new packages that usually fall somewhere between the K60,000 – K130,000 range. The last time we went we had a two hour oil massage and facial combo for K80,000 and we left feeling extremely positive about everything. You get the usual complimentary tea and coffee and the spa sells fresh juice and smoothies as well.
Needless to say, this isn’t the place for those who like to keep it frugal. The basic Thai massages and foot scrubs aren’t too expensive, but really, if you make the effort to go somewhere like Inya, it’s worth treating yourself a bit. The spa doesn’t stay up late (the final booking’s at 6.30pm) so it’s best to call in advance.
Daily: 10am – 8pm (last booking at 6.30pm)
Price Range: K13,00 – K100,000 +
Private Rooms: Yes
WI-FI: Yes
PH 01-537907
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