Here, life is beautiful.✨🧚🙏🏼💕#pai #hotsprings #thailand #fagabond
It's been quite a while, so you'd expect that this posting would be jammed pack. It's not.
There seems to be less and less sharing of pure natural hot springs on the internet. Just teases. Or commercial advertisements for the ever-increasing privately run facilities.
But despite this, a couple of snippets.
A brief overview of teases and advertisements on Southeast Asia's soaking scene. Then launching into the wider area and soaking culture.
Let's start off in Malaysia.
'Some visitors (us included) are slightly surprised when arriving at the bathing tubs, so it helps to set expectations before you arrive. In a battle between nature and function, the latter has won so you shouldn’t expect rock pools or large, pristine bathing areas like in Iceland, for example.Instead of building into the existing landscape, (very) functional manmade bathtubs have been installed, in blocks of four, surrounded by concrete walkways and steps. It’s fine but wasn’t quite what we expected.As there isn’t sufficient flow onsite anymore to cater for the volume of visitors, an offsite plant pipes the water into the resort at controlled flows and temperatures. Whilst this is a practical solution to a common problem, it take something away from the experience to know it’s so managed. You can see the original spring at the rear of the bathtub area, but it’s cordoned off and looks quite sorry for itself.This also means that you will be sharing a bathing area with lots of other people, although we had a block to ourselves on our visit due to lower numbers. The tubs are quite deep, so you aren’t necessarily on display all of the time'.
Then the tease, though Malaysia harbours precious little free accesible soaks. Travel & Leisure Asia (Nov. 8) on Malaysia's best hot spring "retreats":
'While Japan is emblematic of onsens, Malaysia’s network of rejuvenating hot springs promises natural beauty and modern luxury, as these thermal wonders are not just found amidst natural surroundings but also as part of retreats, resorts and even theme parks. Join us as we explore some of the best hot springs in Malaysia'.
Klook (updated Mar. 15) presents Vietnam's best hot springs. The list does itself no favours as two of the photo's are from the US!
Another link doing itself no favours is that of Seafan (Sep. 24). Artist impressions accompany the list, though these are in no way related to the actual conditions. Wishful thinking? The intro:'On my first trip to Thailand, after a few days exploring Bangkok, I ventured out into lush jungles on some day trips, and eventually I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a hot spring nestled in the mountains. As I stepped into the warm, mineral-rich water, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me. It was the perfect retreat from the bustling adventure and exactly what I needed to recharge.Thailand’s hot springs offer that same feeling of tranquility for anyone seeking a break from the energetic pace of travel.From remote mountain springs to luxurious spa resorts, this guide will take you to incredible spots where you can soak, relax, and let the natural beauty of Thailand wash away your worries. Enjoy!
Ur happiness is ur responsibility, so do it when ever u can 💙💙💙 #hotsprings
Wanderon (Oct. 7) has a Top 10 Thai hot springs.
Surprises? No. 10 Banjaran Hot Springs is actually located deep into Malaysia ... Pity, because the others are neatly presented. The intro:
'Thailand’s got a secret: hot springs. Not just any hot springs, but steamy pools hidden in jungles and mountains. It is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Imagine stumbling across a natural hot tub while hiking – that’s what we’re talking about.These aren’t your average puddles. The water’s hot enough to boil an egg. Locals swear by them for fixing everything from sore backs to skin problems. Some people even drink the water, claiming it’s good for your insides'.
World Thermal Springs reports back (March) on a hot springs trip to Thailand, Lao P.D.R. and Cambodia.
An extensive feedback. The hot spring section of the tour starts in Krabi (a hot spring count of 7), heads up the east coast to Khanchanaburi (9 on the way there), then back down to Phuket, via the west coast (7). Restarts in Chiang Mai (7), then over to Chiang Rai, back via Fang (3), Pai (6) and Mae Hong Son (3). Then over to Muang Xai (Laos (1), then rounded off in Xieng Khouan (4). Nothing from Cambodia btw.
I admire that she is able to notch off quite a few hot springs on a daily basis, but the reports are all very matter of fact, not sharing the experience.
VNexpress (Aug. 10) on the cheap soak of Bo Am, followed by an accompanying photo:
'Located in Phu Mau Village, Son La Province, Bo Am Hot Spring (also known as Mo Am) is a natural hot spring with temperatures ranging from 35-40 degrees Celsius. About 150 kilometers from Hanoi, this hot spring is managed by a local cooperative for tourism purposes'.
Klook though does have better photo's with it's updated article (Oct. 2) on hot springs from Malaysia.
If you actually compare their both articles (above on Thailand) it's evidently that Thai hot springs seem to encompass more nature in or nearby their pools. Just saying.
Sixteen worldwide hot springs as by Travel & Leisure (Sep. 23).
Sixteen worldwide hot springs as by Travel & Leisure (Sep. 23).
Apparently selected for their "incredible views". Includes Banjar (Bali), the sell:
'Few hot springs boast the tropical serenity of northern Bali's Banjar Hot Springs, a palm-fringed oasis with steamy 100-degree Fahrenheit water and traditional Balinese décor. The turquoise springs have two levels for swimming or bathing, with 13 intricate dragon spouts, and one central pool. The water's sulfuric content promises a restful, therapeutic experience — with lush gardens, towering palm trees, and chirping birds further transporting visitors to their state of Zen'.Tripadvisor gives it 4 stars, from the reviews, it seems it is all or nothing (expectations?). Absolutely no one comments on the views. Nor can I remember these giving any impression.
Meals
Heading onwards, to the less natural, the wider region and just-touching-on subjects.
Starting off with the former.
ThinkGeoEnergy (Sep. 30) on Malaysia's first geothermal energy congress:
'The Southeast Asia region has earned an excellent reputation in the field of geothermal power generation. As of the end of 2023, the Philippines and Indonesia have a combined installed geothermal power capacity of 4370 MW, or about 27% of the global installed capacity. Taiwan also has operating geothermal power plants in Qingshui and Sihuangziping, and Thailand has had a 300-kW geothermal installation running since the 1980s'.
From the Philippines Primer (updated Jun. 13, original 2020):
A recent review:'Get your ultimate Japanese pampering at the first-ever onsen spa and largest urban spa property in the country—I’M Onsen Spa....At I’M Onsen Spa, they offer a variety of therapeutic onsen spa, each with unique benefits'.
'It is not onsen. It is just a sauna with a jacuzzi where you have to be naked. I.e. the only common thing with onsen is that you have to be naked. That's it. And those jacuzzi doesn't even work, it is just a pool with hot water. There are no different types of hot and cold baths with different minerals. And they do mention on their site that they have baths, i.e. they lie in customer face'.From their own website:
'Two Onsen pools with varying water properties. The state-of-the-art technology mimics the chemical composition of natural hot spring waters in Japan. Water types are rotating, featuring seasonal flavors, each with unique health and beauty benefits'.
Soaks further afield.
Taiwan has a couple of reads.
'Adding to the attraction is how relatively uncrowded some of Taiwan’s best hot springs are, especially when compared to Japan’s most popular onsen. Fewer people and fewer restrictions – what's not to love about this easier, lesser known and offbeat option?..."In the West, people go to bars after work to relax and catch up with friends. In Taiwan, we go to hot springs to meet our friends and socialise," Taiwanese marketing professional Jacquelyn Wu told me. The concept of yì bó èr shí is very popular in Taiwan, she elaborated. Literally translated as "one stay two meals", it refers to the phenomenon where people head to a hot springs resort after work, usually on Friday evenings, to enjoy a soak, dinner and a good night's sleep, followed by another soak and lunch, before going home.For a relatively small island, Taiwan has one of the largest concentrations of geothermal springs anywhere in the world, thanks to its location in an active volcanic zone with constant subterranean heat. It was the Japanese colonisers in Taiwan who popularised the idea of bathing in these natural thermal springs. Just like Finns flock to their saunas, the Taiwanese frequent their hot springs for relaxation and rejuvenation'.
wenhsi1995, not crowded in Taiwan:
♨️
'This guide will cover Taiwanese hot spring etiquette and what they are. I’ll also talk about the most noteworthy geothermal springs to visit throughout the country.I’ve visited several hot springs in Taiwan throughout my 5 years here. I want to help you determine whether it’s worth adding hydrothermal springs to your itinerary. So I compiled a bunch of information.SummaryHot springs are geothermal springs that are great for relieving pain.You’re allowed into Taiwanese hot springs if you have tattoos.Beitou is the most popular hot springs in Taiwan.Many hot springs are in hot springs hotels'.
Stark
Experiences shared, East Asia.
An Australian view on bathing near an airport. News.com (Nov. 5):
Experiences shared, East Asia.
Australian website Escape (Oct. 29) and Korea:
Then with a US perspective. Live and let's fly (Aug. 24):'So I hit East Asia’s cool capital of Seoul, where Korean Bathhouses (jjimjilbang) are as popular as they are plentiful. The hottest item on the menu - a darn good naked scrubbing. Weekly or fortnightly beauty-conscious South Koreans will have their bodies ceremoniously scrubbed to achieve their envied glistening glow....The naked bit felt a bit odd for a spa service, but having soaked in onsen in Japan and steamed starkers in saunas throughout Finland, I accepted this as a cultural norm....While I did my best to avoid eye contact with stark naked fellow spa-goers, I felt uneasy about losing my own clothing (and perhaps my dignity). But once stripped bare, I did one last “OMG” breath, and joined the au natural K-set....In hindsight, it wasn’t pleasant but it certainly wasn’t painful and perhaps I’d overreacted to the naked bit, as nobody else cared or stared. The discomfort was also worth it considering my skin’s transformation from rough, dull and dry to soft, smooth and dewy - which is fairly priced at $60 (KRW 55,000) too'.
Then over to the Japanese soaking experience.'A Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bathhouse and a cultural fixture in South Korea. These public bathhouses include gender-segregated Mogyoktang areas with hot and cold tubs, steam rooms, saunas, massage, and body scrubbing areas. They also include common areas with relaxation zones in which you can rest, eat, drink, and in some cases even sleep.Indeed, my spa at the Grand Hyatt Seoul did not provide the full experience, but the Mogyoktang area was pretty authentic. There were saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, and hot tubs. There was also little communal shower areas where you could dress and scrub your body before jumping in the pool or sauna while sitting on a stool that was only a foot off the ground.And full nudity.I find that interesting since it can vary so much from country to country, even within a region. I’m neither prudish nor unaccustomed to naked people. Spending so much time in Germany, where nudity in public baths is not only required but co-ed, I’ve seen bodies of all shapes and sizes and there’s frankly nothing prurient about it.In Korea, the spa is truly a place where you let it all hang out. Quite a contrast from LA where people come into the sauna in their workout clothes or at least wrapped from neck to knee in towels. It wasn’t just in the sauna or steam room, though, but also in all the pools and even the lounge. And the place was packed!
An Australian view on bathing near an airport. News.com (Nov. 5):
'I’m at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido where I’ve spent the night at the Air Terminal Hotel before joining a tour group to explore the culinary highlights of the prefecture. This airport hotel has a view of the tarmac and a reasonable price tag (AUD $176) that includes a buffet breakfast and a visit to the onsen....I stand and move towards the pool’s steps, towel once again clutched in front of me, and the moment comes when I must fold it and put it on my head, as is the custom, and descend into the steaming 42 degree geothermal water.And, of course, it’s fine.In the onsen, no one looks or talks to each other and they certainly don’t invade each others’ space. I find a spot in the corner and sink down until the water is covering my shoulders. Then I gaze out the window at the garden and the tiny patch of sky I can see from this angle, and let my mind wander. Everyone is calm, serene, quiet and I feel my worries and the tension of travel float away....It took me a couple of days to get truly comfortable with public nudity but once I’d chilled a bit I was so proud of myself for shaking off my shyness'.
Finally, a slightly different take on soaking in Japan. From artnet (Feb. 29):
'All good things come to an end, but an ending can also be the start of something new. Such appears to be the case with Tokyo’s Onsen Confidential, the hybrid gallery share and hot spring retreat, which is prepping its second and final edition....Onsen Confidential began in 2022, after plans to launch in 2020 were scuttled by the pandemic. It involves Japanese galleries hosting shows from foreign dealers—and everyone repairing to an onsen (a traditional natural hot spring) to chat while bathing together naked....While many dealers are comfortable with gallery exchanges at this point, the idea of having to bathe naked in front of others can be quite daunting for some. (Swimsuits are not allowed at onsen.) But it is this kind of setting that allows them to let their guard down, get to know each other, share their thoughts, and explore new ideas, Rosen [co-director of the Tokyo gallery Misako & Rosen and one of the project’s organizers] said. The event, as he sees it, is meant to “get people together in a space of trust.”It is “meant to be fun, and it’s meant to place people in a position of vulnerability and trust, while also combining with relaxation,” Rosen said. “If you think about a polar opposite, you may think of an art fair, where it—just by design—fosters a sense of competition.”
Yesterday sento in Kaisei-yu @kaiseiyuKaisei-yu is a onsen sento with natural black water hot & cold ☺️ super refreshing and enjoyable sento with the beautiful Fuji-san tiles and the 🐟🐠.Kaisei-yu, Kamata改正湯、蒲田、大田区.📍〒144-0051 Tokyo, Ota City, Nishikamata, 5 Chome−10−5.Remember that taking pictures in a sento is prohibited 🙏🏻Taken with a special permission.#dokodemosento #銭湯 #sento #onsen #bath #japan #温泉 #bathtime #黒湯 #蒲田 #大田区 #羽田 #haneda #otaku #tokyo
