Is it safe to get a foot/leg massage in Nha Trang — risks and warnings from travelers

After a leg massage in Nha Trang, a man developed a serious infection: the masseuse roughly pulled out his leg hair during the session (likely using too little oil), causing micro-wounds. Within a day pimples appeared, which turned into large pustules within a couple of days, and his legs swelled so badly he couldn't stand.

Treatment required a visit to a local clinic, where the doctor prescribed antibiotics, antihistamines, and 2 types of ointment. Even after returning home, treatment continued for several more weeks as the swelling took a long time to subside.

The traveler clarified that her husband's legs were thoroughly washed before the massage, so it wasn't a hygiene issue on the client's side — the infection entered specifically through the micro-wounds caused by hair-pulling during the massage.

For comparison, the family had regularly gotten massages in Thailand for years without any issues, so what happened in Nha Trang came as a shock to them — they recommend being more cautious when choosing a massage salon.

Another traveler confirmed a similar negative experience: after a massage in Nha Trang, their leg muscles remained very tight and sore for a long time afterward — something that never happened after massages in Thailand.