Guide to Hot Springs Bathing in Vietnam
There are more than 200 hot springs throughout Vietnam though only a handful have been developed and are safely accessible for public bathing. Our insider guide to the ‘Best Hot Springs Experience in Vietnam’ features six unique locations that combine wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion.
As mild temperatures span across most of Vietnam during the winter months of November-February, this is an ideal time to experience the therapeutic and relaxing benefits of hot mineral springs.
Health benefits
Hot mineral springs contain health-boosting minerals such as boron, silica, sodium, and sulfate which contribute to increasing blood circulation, reducing joint pain, relieving skin symptoms of conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, reducing stress, and improving sleep, to name a few. Pushing the body to extreme such as bathing in hot temperatures and dipping between cold and hot baths can stimulate the immune system and the body’s natural self-healing response.
BÌNH CHÂU
Experience a World of Hot Springs
Binh Chau located in southern Vung Tau province has been a popular hot springs destination for decades. In 1928, a French doctor discovered 70 geysers along with natural pools and mud with temperatures ranging from 40-82 degree Celsius. Recently, the Binh Chau Hot Springs complex was renovated and rebranded as Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau.
Comprising 35-hectares, the complex is divided into three areas, Minera Hot Springs, Minera Forest, and Minera Resort. One of the most comprehensive hot springs facilities in southern Vietnam, Minera Hot Springs touts itself as the first wellness destination featuring hot springs and nature reserve in Vietnam.
Where to stay: The 5-star Minera Hot Springs Resort has 75 rooms with eight room categories. Prices start from 3,000,000vnd++ per night.
Bathing facilities: Minera Hot Springs covers an area of 12-hectares and boasts the largest spring pool in Southeast Asia, in addition to over 30 types of baths inspired by bathing culture from around the world. Temperatures range from 37-83 degrees Celsius containing high levels of silica and healthy mineral components such as radium, fluorine, nitrogen, sodium, chlorine. It is the only FEMTEC (World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy) certified hot springs in southern Vietnam. Visitors can choose from purchasing a single pass to the different bathing facilities starting from 500,000vnd per person or a better deal is the combo package offering access to all the bathing facilities and Minera Forest, starting from 1,030,000vnd per person.
How to get here: 70km (2hr drive) from Ho Chi Minh City and 45km from Vung Tau city center. Minera Hot Springs & Resort provides shuttle services from Ho Chi Minh City for staying guests.
THANH TÂN
A Hot Springs Adventure Retreat
Situated at the foot of Truong Son mountains in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Thanh Tan hot mineral spring was first documented by Dr Albert Sallet in 1928 when he was doing a geological survey. Today hot springs area has been developed into Alba Wellness Valley which includes hot springs bathing, a recreation center with a waterpark and zip line, hotel and resort, and a bottling plant for Alba Mineral Water.
Where to stay: Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion comprise of a 3-star accommodations at Thanh Tan Hotel and 4-star accommodation and a 5-star bungalows at Alba Wellness Resort. Staying guests have access to the hot springs stream and onsen facility with adjoining spa at Alba Wellness Resort. Rates start from 3,000,000vnd a night++.
Bathing facilities: There are two bathing facilities, one at Thanh Tan Hot Springs Tourism Complex (100,000vnd admission fee) and the other at Alba Wellness Resort which has an outdoor hot mineral spring stream and an authentic Japanese Onsen & Spa. The mineral content here contains magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, and phosphorous with temperatures between 35-68 degree Celsius.
How to get here: 30km from Hue city center.
QUANG HẠNH
Authentic Japanese Onsen Experience
Nestled in a valley among picturesque karsts landscape of Quang Hanh district in northeastern Vietnam, Yoko Onsen is a destination in itself. Newly opened in 2020, Yoko Onsen is the first Japanese standard hot spring resort in Vietnam and is an impressive replicate of an original Japanese onsen. Designed like a traditional Japanese village, guests are able to experience an authentic onsen bathing with its mix of public and private bathing facilities suitable for families and large groups.
The source of the mineral water comes directly from Quang Hanh’s natural hot mineral spring with temperatures averaging 36-40 degrees Celsius. The mineral content includes sodium chloride, boric, metasilicate acid, and bromine. Quang Hanh mineral springs is one of three mineral springs with highest concentration of bromine in the world. Bromine content calms the nervous system, provides relaxation for nerve cells and helps restore impaired functions throughout the body.
Bathing facility: 21 public indoor and outdoor bathing facilities. There are five private Washitsu rooms which include onsen bathing facilities, steam room, and relaxation room. These are ideal for families and groups. Admission price start from 500,000vnd per adult.
How to get here: 100km from Hanoi (2hrs drive). 40km from Van Don Airport. 20km from Halong International Cruise Port.
TRẠM TẤU
Remote & Rustic Hot Springs
Tram Tau Hot Spring is located in a scenic valley in northern Yen Bai Province, famous for its photogenic rice terraces and mountainous landscape. This off-the-beaten-track town attracts adventurous travelers and photographers for mountain trekking and the breathtaking scenery. Though the hot spring bathing facilities may be limited and accommodations more basic, this hot spring experience is definitely one-of-a-kind with amazing views of rice terraces with nature and cultural immersion.
Where to stay: Tram Tau Hot Spring is a charming home-stay facility with seven bungalows on stilts. Price range from 400-900,000vnd per bungalow and includes access to hot springs pools.
Bathing facilities: Three hot mineral pools nestled amongst towering terraced fields. Temperatures range from 43-45 degree Celsius. Non-staying guests can use the pools for 70,000vnd per person.
How to get here: Tram Tau is 260km from Hanoi (about six-hour drive) via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Highway.
TÚ LỆ
Hot Springs with Cultural Immersion
Tu Le has become a popular stopover town for travelers coming to Yen Bai province to visit the picturesque rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai. Nestled in a valley between three mountains, Tu Le is home to a variety of ethnic minority peoples including the Thai, Hmong, and Dao. The town itself has become known for its hot springs which is sourced from the Chao village stream and has been a hot spring bathing place for ethnic Thai people for generations.
Where to stay: The best place to stay in Tu Le and surrounding areas is Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot Spring & Spa. The 4-star property has 55 rooms and covers an area of over seven hectares surrounded by picturesque terrace fields and natural streams that flow from the surrounding mountain range.
Bathing facilities: The resort has two hot spring baths with an impressive natural springs’ infinity pool and onsen bathing facility. In winter, when the temperature in Tu Le drops to below 10 degrees, hot springs remain at 38-40 degrees.
How to get here: 278 km (6hr drive) from Hanoi (going by Hanoi – Lao Cai highway). Le Champ Tu Le is located on Nuoc Nong village of Tu Le commune, located at the foot of Khau Pha pass. There are numerous public buses and limousines from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai (36km).
KIM BÔI
Family Hot Springs Getaway
A short 2hr drive from Hanoi, Kim Boi is a well-known hot springs destination in Hoa Binh province. Hoa Binh itself is a popular destination for nature getaways and outdoor adventure and with the addition of the hot mineral springs activities, it has attracted more visitors seeking health rejuvenation.
The area of Kim Boi is a sprawling tourism complex so there are many options to experience the hot mineral springs in addition to a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can choose from a day experience or stay overnight in numerous hotels and resorts with hot mineral springs bathing and pool facilities.
Where to stay: The best accommodation in the area is the 4-star Serena Kim Boi Resort. With 155 rooms and comprehensive entertainment and meeting facilities it attracts families and group events. Prices range from 1,500,000 to 8,000,0000vnd++.
Bathing facilities: Serena Resort has six Japanese onsen baths in varying capacity and can be reserved for private use based on 90min intervals with price ranging from 800,000 to 3,000,000 per usage. Temperatures average 34-36 degree Celsius which is not hot enough to form steam but the temperature and main mineral content of bicarbonate sulphate calcium and magnesium are sufficient for therapeutic benefits.
How to get here: Approximately 70 km from Hanoi along Highway 6, and 30 km from Hoa Binh City. There are limousine services and buses that travel regularly to Hoa Binh.
