hair & nails · 60–120 minutes for a gel set + pedicure

Gel Manicure & Pedicure

Nail work across Vietnam and Thailand costs a fraction of US salon pricing with equal or better detail work — Vietnamese salons in particular, given the diaspora’s dominance of the US industry, are the source tradition.

What it costs

Vietnam $8–20 for gel mani + pedi together
Bangkok / Chiang Mai $15–30
United States $70–130 for the same services

What to expect

Standard gel application, nail art on request (often extraordinary and nearly free by US standards), and pedicures that include genuine foot massage time rather than a token rub. Chairs are comfortable; iced tea appears.

Etiquette & modesty

Walk-ins are normal; late hours common. Check that metal tools come from sealed sterilized pouches — the good salons make a show of it. A 10–15% tip in Vietnam and Thailand is appreciated.

Get the city guides

Where this treatment is best — and what it costs there. One short email when it matters.