Hot tubs and Jacuzzis are nice but nothing can compare to a soothing soak in one of nature’s own thermal spas. Escape from stress and sink into one of Asia’s hidden hot springs to feel your tension melt away. From a small mountain town in Thailand to the Malaysian forest, by the river in northern Laos to the mountains of southern Taiwan and more, these destinations will reconnect you with nature.
Pai Hot Springs, Thailand
Located in the countryside surrounding Pai in Mae Hong Son province, you will find organically-formed pools with thermal waters just deep enough to lay back in. The pools vary in temperature with the top ones being the hottest (where it is hot enough to boil an egg) then gradually cooling as they descend. Find your perfect temperature and settle in for a soak.
Where to stay: Reverie Siam offers an intimate and fresh interpretation of luxury hospitality in Pai. Inspired by the colonial architecture and cultural fusion of Southeast Asia in the early 20th century. It is an oasis of daydreams and nostalgia for a bygone era of romance and elegance.
Poring Hot Springs, Malaysia
Located 40 km southeast of the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters, Poring Hot Springs attracts visitors from around the world and is named from a Kadazandusun word for a bamboo species found in the area. Spend your day exploring the natural surrounds, walking through the lush Menggaris trees – the Kings of the Forest – and dipping into a series of tiled hot sulphur pools and public baths built by the Japanese during their occupation in WWI. Relax as you gaze up at giant bamboo trees while soaking up the healing waters.
Where to stay: Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve. Located 400 metres above sea level in a lowland forest with large rainforest trees, the property’s luxurious Palm Villas are the perfect accommodation for the whole family. Equipped with three bedrooms, basic amenities and fitted with rustic local-made furniture, the villas are situated on a hillside, surrounded by nature.
Muang La Hot Springs, Laos
Located in a charming town on the banks of the Nam Pak River, Muang La Hot Springs are surrounded by farmland, mountains and traditional villages in a beautifully picturesque corner of northern Laos. When water levels are low, a bamboo suspension bridge allows access from the hot springs to a unique area where salt is produced by a mud-leeching process.
Where to Stay: Muang La Lodge is situated in the heat of the lush, green countryside – a haven of peace and tranquility where the tradition of bathing in the hot springs at the foot of the lodge or in one of the raised hot tubs offers a remote place to unwind. Soak in secluded hot tubs steaming in the cool night air or head to a secluded pavilion for an essential oil massage.
Hakone Hot Springs, Japan
The hot spring town of Hakone has been a local institution for over 50 years with its rustic atmosphere and a friendly, family-style vibe. Hakone’s unique geological location lends to its impressive number of different and unique hot springs throughout the area, including onsens in the upper highlands and mountains with milky white waters that are good for one’s skin.
Where to Stay: Yama No Chaya features baths filled with water drawn from its own spring on the property. Yama No Chaya takes its name from “mountain teahouse,” a friendly place where people can easily drop in for tea, comfort and outstanding cuisine. Its beautiful mountain location in Hakone is a cool respite from Tokyo’s summer heat while, in the fall, it becomes a popular destination for people who love to watch the koyo, the leaves turning their autumn colors.
Mudanwan Hot Springs, Taiwan
Mudanwan’s various hot springs come from Taiwan’s Syuhai Plain where the water contains a gentle grade of sodium bicarbonate and is known as a “Beauty Bath.” Slipping into these special waters serves as a welcome respite for one’s body, mind, skin and soul.
Where to Stay: Mudanwan Villa, named after the local village Mudan, is a hot spring resort situated in Pintung, Taiwan. Set amidst remote mountains on the banks of Tou-Mu Lake, each suite features both an indoor and outdoor hot tub with sodium bicarbonate spring water that can be adjusted to any temperature. Immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere featuring traditional Paiwan tribal architecture with wooden pillars carved in the shape of Chinese moccasins, a legendary Paiwan tribal symbol.
