TL;DR
The Spa Landscape in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's spa scene has evolved dramatically. What was once limited to tourist-trap massage parlors now includes world-class hotel spas, professional boutique operations, and meaningful social enterprises employing visually impaired therapists.
Unlike Bangkok's overwhelming options or Bali's wellness retreats, Phnom Penh offers a curated selection where quality is generally reliable - if you know where to look.
A Critical Note on 'Happy Spas'
When searching for massage in Southeast Asia, you'll encounter establishments that aren't what they seem. Legitimate spas in this guide:
- • Have professional websites
- • Display clear pricing
- • Employ trained therapists (often with certificates displayed)
- • Focus on specific therapeutic or wellness services
- • Have reviews mentioning actual treatments
Trust the venues in this guide - they're vetted for legitimacy.
Understanding Spa Tiers
Ultra-Luxury Hotel Spas ($80-200+)
These are destination experiences, not just massages. Expect:
- • Signature treatments using house-developed products
- • Access to pools, steam rooms, saunas
- • Champagne, tea ceremonies, or healthy refreshments
- • Multi-hour rituals and packages
Best for: Special occasions, hotel guests, corporate expense accounts
Boutique Day Spas ($30-55)
The sweet spot for regular spa-goers:
- • Professional therapists, often with years of experience
- • Clean, air-conditioned private rooms
- • Quality products (some house-made)
- • Consistent service and hygiene
Best for: Monthly maintenance, couples, visitors wanting quality without hotel prices
Mid-Range Spas ($20-35)
Solid massage at fair prices:
- • Less ambiance than boutiques
- • Reliable quality
- • Often established for 10+ years
Best for: Practical relaxation, regular massage needs
Budget/Social Enterprise ($6-15)
Therapeutic focus over ambiance:
- • Skilled therapists (often visually impaired)
- • Basic facilities
- • Deep tissue and Shiatsu styles
- • Supporting social causes
Best for: Therapeutic massage, budget travelers, supporting social enterprise
Top Luxury Spas
Sense, A Rosewood Spa
The pinnacle of Phnom Penh spa culture.
What you get:
- Sky spa with panoramic views of the Mekong and city
- 'Lost Remedies' concept - indigenous Cambodian healing traditions
- Art curation throughout
- Indoor pool access included
Pricing:
Best for: Special occasions, hotel guests, those seeking the ultimate spa experience.
The views alone justify the price.
Raffles Spa
Colonial heritage meets Khmer tradition.
What you get:
- 1920s Indochine glamour
- Tropical gardens and lap pool
- Vintage-style treatment rooms
- Historic setting you won't find elsewhere
Pricing:
Best for: Heritage lovers, those seeking atmosphere and history with their spa experience.
Swimming in the heritage pool after your massage feels like stepping back in time.
So SPA with L'Occitane (Sofitel)
French luxury at more accessible prices.
What you get:
- Genuine L'Occitane French skincare products
- Menu reads like a restaurant ('Starters, Mains, Desserts')
- Memberships available for residents
- Full resort amenities included
Pricing:
Best for: Best value among luxury hotel spas. Great for combining spa with resort day.
Top Boutique Day Spas
Bodia Spa
The market leader for a reason.
What you get:
- 'Cocoon' design aesthetic creates intimate treatment spaces
- Produce their own Bodia Nature product line
- Two locations mean less travel time
- Open until 11PM
- Excellent consistency across locations
Pricing:
Best for: Regular spa-goers, couples, anyone wanting reliable quality.
Pro tip: Get their $10 membership card for 30% off all treatments. Pays for itself in one visit.
Bliss Spa
Colonial charm and social atmosphere.
What you get:
- Restored colonial villa
- Attached fashion boutique
- Himalayan Salt Room (unique in Phnom Penh)
- Great for group bookings
Pricing:
Best for: Group packages, hen parties, girls' day out. The salt room is beneficial for respiratory issues.
Samatha Spa
Where wellness meets therapy.
What you get:
- Sports recovery focus
- Specific anatomical treatments
- Private lounge access for premium services
- Excellent hygiene protocols
- Health-conscious approach
Pricing:
Best for: Athletes, those with specific pain points, anyone prioritizing therapeutic benefit.
Cholsa Spa
Private spa experience at boutique prices.
What you get:
- Private steam room and jacuzzi pool (exclusive guest use)
- Skilled Khmer therapists with consistent quality
- Calm, boutique setting away from hotel crowds
- Excellent value for private spa facilities
Pricing:
Best for: Couples, solo travelers wanting a private, peaceful spa experience without luxury-hotel pricing.
Pro tip: The private jacuzzi & steam room is just $15/hour — add it to any massage for a complete spa experience at a fraction of hotel spa prices.
Best Value Spas
Devatara Spa
Entry-level luxury with aggressive promotions.
What you get:
- Almost perpetual promotions
- Quality treatments at budget prices when discounted
- Sign up for newsletter for 35% off deals
Pricing:
Best for: Deal hunters, those who can be flexible with timing.
Islands Massage
The consistent veteran.
What you get:
- Operating since 1998
- Long-term staff know their craft
- No frills, just solid massage
- Fair prices
Pricing:
Best for: Those who value consistency and experience over ambiance.
Social Enterprise: Seeing Hands Massage
Nika's Seeing Hands
Best massage value in Phnom Penh.
What you get:
- Trained visually impaired therapists (22+ years program)
- Shiatsu and deep tissue focus
- Seriously skilled work
- Supporting meaningful employment
Pricing:
Best for: People seeking pain relief over pampering, and anyone wanting their money to do good.
The setting is basic - a communal room - but the massage is exceptional.
Seeing Hands (Wat Phnom)
Tourist-convenient location.
What you get:
- Similar concept to Nika's
- Convenient after sightseeing
- Clients wear provided tunics
- Communal space, function over form
Pricing:
Best for: Tourists near Wat Phnom, budget travelers.
Spa Pricing Guide
| Spa Type | 60min Massage | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Luxury | $80-120 | Pool access, amenities, signature products |
| Boutique | $37-55 | Private room, quality products, tea service |
| Mid-Range | $25-40 | Clean room, solid massage |
| Budget | $6-15 | Communal setting, therapeutic focus |
Massage Types Explained
Khmer Massage
Traditional Cambodian style using acupressure, stretching, and firm pressure. Similar to Thai massage but generally gentler.
Aromatherapy
Swedish-style massage with essential oils. Relaxation focused.
Deep Tissue
Firm pressure targeting muscle knots. Can be uncomfortable but effective for chronic tension.
Hot Stone
Heated basalt stones placed on body and used for massage. Deeply relaxing.
Herbal Compress
Heated pouches of Cambodian herbs pressed into muscles. Aromatic and therapeutic.
Four Hands
Two therapists work simultaneously. Deeply immersive and disorienting in the best way.
Booking and Etiquette
Booking
- Luxury hotels: Book 1-3 days ahead, especially weekends
- Boutique spas: Same-day usually fine, but call to confirm
- Seeing Hands: Walk-in only, arrive early for shorter waits
What to Expect
- Remove shoes at entrance
- You'll be offered tea or water
- Change into provided clothing (robes or loose clothes)
- Communicate pressure preferences
- Therapist will leave room for you to dress after
Tipping
Not mandatory but appreciated:
- • $2-5 for standard massage
- • $5-10 for luxury treatments or exceptional service
Don't Be Embarrassed About
- • Falling asleep (it's a compliment)
- • Making noise if something hurts (communication is good)
- • Asking for more/less pressure
- • Declining services you don't want
Spa Day Itinerary Ideas
Luxury Experience
$250-400
- Morning: Rosewood Sense signature
- Lunch: Rosewood restaurant or Malis
- Afternoon: Pool time at the hotel
Boutique Day
$100-150
- Morning: Bodia full package
- Lunch: Nearby cafe
- Afternoon: Bliss salt room + shopping
Budget Wellness
$50-80
- Morning: Nika's Seeing Hands
- Lunch: Local noodle shop
- Afternoon: Devatara (catch a promo)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to get a massage in Phnom Penh?
How much should I pay for a massage in Phnom Penh?
Do I need to book ahead?
What's the difference between spa and massage parlor?
Can men visit these spas?
Find Your Perfect Spa
Browse our verified spas in Phnom Penh to compare prices, read descriptions, and find the right match for your needs.
Looking for more options? dermatologists and physiotherapy.