Visitor's Guide to Nail Salons in Ho Chi Minh City
Most tourists take advantage of the nail services when visiting Vietnam, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City. There are nail salons nearly on every corner of the central area in District 1. Vietnamese are renown for the nail technician skills worldwide so why not take advantage of this when in Vietnam, especially when the services are cheaper.
With so many nail services in the city, we’ve categorized them into three types: local shops, nail salons, and nail rooms.
Local Shops
There are a couple dozen nail shops around Ben Thanh market area, particularly on Le Thanh Ton Street. Since there are so many, prices tend to be cheaper here. Inside the market, there are also ladies offering nail services – the ‘local’ way which means it’s very basic. There’s an alleyway off Le Thanh Ton near the market where there are open-air stalls and air-conditioned rooms that offer nail service. The main precaution to consider is hygiene when you’re considering one of these local services which tends to be less hygienic than the salons.
Nail Salons
Below is a list of a select reputable salons in District 1. There prices tend to be higher than the local shops but are more comfortable, clean and professional.
Fame Nails
A chain brand with four locations throughout the city, Fame Nails specializes in nail care with acrylics, Shellac and gel polish, and nail art. Other services include foot treatment, eyelash extension, and waxing.
Price: From 350,000đ (mani or pedi with Shellac)
Hours: 9am to 8pm
45 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1
Merci Nails Cafe
Merci is another popular salon among the expat crowd known for their professionalism and was one of the first to offer waterless nail services. The comfortable sofas and relaxing atmosphere makes the experience enjoyable, in addition to the bonus of having an in-house cafe. They have an assortment of nail polishes including non-toxic brands, Shellac, and gels. A must-try is the Brazilian mani or pedi which includes the keratin and collagen masks for hydration and a hand/foot massage. Additional services include hair care from cuts, treatment, color, perm and straightening. They have two locations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Price: From 450,000đ (mani or pedi with Shellac)
Hours: 9am to 9pm
17/6 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
https://merci-space.com/eng/nail-spa/
Veganic Nail Spa
Located near Ben Thanh Market but away from the hustle and bustle of the market scene, Veganic Nail Spa stands apart from other salons for their vegan and organic nail gel polish. They offer a wide range of nail service with regular and gel polish options along with other services including waxing and hair wash.
Price: Acrylic full set 500,000vnd
Hours: 8:30-20:00 Daily
8 Luu Van Bang St, District 1
Nail Rooms
Nail rooms are express service salons located in neighborhoods catering to locals. Their prices are usually significantly less than those catering to expats and foreign visitors though in return English communication and western-style service and hygiene may not meet expectations. The design inspiration and products are commonly sourced from Korea or China.
Top Nail Saigon (Nail & Eyelash Extension)
Hours: 9:30am to 7pm
14B Vo Thi Sau, District 1
https://www.facebook.com/topnailsaigon/
An Salon (Nail, Hair, Body Care)
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (9am to 8pm)
132 Nguyen Van Thu, 1st floor, District 1
https://www.facebook.com/ancleansalon/
Nzim Beauty Room (Nail, Hair, Eyelash Extension, Eyebrow Shaping)
Hours: 9am to 9pm
93 Ho Tung Mau, District 1