Times of Covid meant that many people haven't had the ability to move outdoors and explore. Nor have the English language tourists been doing their tourist hanging out thing. So that explains the dearth of images and reports of late.
But let's just see how much there is to share.
New Strait Times (Apr. 21) reports on how Japanese tourism companies are eyeing up US expansion:
'Hoshino Resorts, a 107-year-old company famed for its luxury retreats in beautiful Japanese locales, aims to open its first location on the U.S. mainland in the next three to five years, said chief executive officer Yoshiharu Hoshino, whose family founded the business. The closely-held company has scouted locations and held discussions with real-estate developers and investors, he said. One ideal spot, in his view, could be Saratoga Springs, about a three-hour drive from New York City and Boston.
To build a new facility with a partner, Hoshino would seek out a location in the U.S. with such potential. The culture of visiting hot springs for relaxation and restorative treatments already exists in the U.S., although many of the most sought-after spots still remain wild, with no resort infrastructure around them. Hoshino designs and operates hot spring resorts, typically owned by real-estate developers and investors.
Meanwhile, Singaporeans themselves seem to be craving a (Japanese) hot spring experience. Asiaone (Jul. 10) has some notes to share on domestic Japanese style spa's. Expect this:
'This one’s for Westies who’ve had to travel to the east for an onsen fix thus far. Slated to open its doors from end-July, Joya Onsen Cafe is a full-fledged Japanese bathhouse set in Jurong.
For a true-blue communal experience, plunge into their bamboo-roofed public baths ($38++) steeped with a rotating range of minerals and infusions – we hear that green tea and citrus baths are in the lineup. Private onsen rooms are also available from $40++ per pax for a group of five.
A popular post-onsen ritual in Japan is drinking milk, so head over to the rustic in-house cafe for sushi, parfaits, and Hokkaido milkshakes'.
Not quite the same experience I think. Coincidentally Traveller.com (Nov. 16) shares a bath at Kaga onsen, Kanazawa (Japan):
'I do love me an onsen, those bath houses built around geothermal springs in Japan. Ever since discovering the delights of Turkish baths in London in my 20s, I've always jumped at the chance to get hot and sweaty with a bunch of naked men – and onsens are among the most civilised places to do so.
I love the ritual and attention they apply to the pastime: the prescribed washing beforehand; the tiny hand towel which shouldn't ever go into the bath water; the polite injunctions to, essentially, shut up and relax. And in a country as volcanically active as Japan, there are thousands of onsens, indoor and outdoor, private and public. Bliss'.
'Thanh Hoa Department of Planning and Investment is calling for investors to join the mineral hot spring resort urban project with the total investment capital of VND6.1 trillion ($265.2 million).
...
The investor will be allowed to manage, trade, and exploit townhouses, detached villas, duplex villas, quadrangle villas, apartment buildings, management and administration houses, preschools, inter-schools, Japanese food centre, VIP Onsen area, event area, and theme park, after completion'.
TravelDailyNewsAsia (Nov. 10) reports on other investment opportunities in Vietnam: the wellness sector.
Situation
Two lesser reports.
The Bangkok Post (Oct. 16) reports on an incident in which a child fell in a very hot spring (Pai) and whose parents wish to sue the company responsible for the inadequate signage.
While Philippines News reports (Jul. 6) on a unclear incident in which a man is reported to have drowned in a hot spring.
Spending some time in nature is one of our favourite things... This was an incredible place: a hotpool in the middle of nature. No one was around. And you might think: why going to a hotpool in ‘hot indonesia’? The answer is: traveling in Flores is sometimes cold and rainy. So going to a hotpool was a nice and welcome experience. We enjoyed it and after an hour we were ready to go again.
In other news, a Singapore-based influencer from Taiwan faces internet derision (Asiaone, Apr. 28) for using Singapores Sembawang hot spring waters to cook chicken.
'NParks said in a statement: "The egg cooking station at the Sembawang Hot Spring Park is meant for collecting water and cooking eggs. As the water at the hot spring park is channelled to our public waterways, cooking of other food is not allowed as this may pollute the waterways'.
An interesting article (Nov. 15) from BBC on Taiwan's under-ocean thermal hot acidic springs:
'Nicknamed the Milky Sea, it is both a beauty and a beast. The alluring hue attracts photographers, but under the surface the water is hot and acidic, its pH value one of the lowest naturally occurring in the world's oceans – something not yet fully understood by scientists. Dozens of hydrothermal vents, like small chimneys, called fumaroles, litter the ocean floor, pumping out toxic gases and heavy metals. Turtle Island's vents are like a natural laboratory because not only are they close to shore, they are also shallow, many lying less than 14m below the surface, making them accessible sites for study by marine scientists'.
Well, overall not too much to share, mostly country related.
Let's first look at the lesser reported. It's not often that we can read about a Timorese hot spring in a publication such as The Australian (Jan. 24). Pity it's quite a short piece:
'These must be the most remote hot springs in all of Asia. We are soaking in a swimming pool of hot spring water at Marobo, Timor-Leste. The water is hot enough to boil an egg. Or a toe. I inch in and once I’m in, it’s hard to get out'.
Another anomaly. Myanmore (Jan. 26) has a tip on what to do at Naypyitaw the nation's capital:
'First up we have Pinlong Hot Springs, around a 2 hour drive from Naypyitaw, you can enjoy the natural hot and cold springs in a beautiful and lush landscape. After opening in 2010, it was mainly locals who would go to enjoy the springs but finally the word has trickled down and up to 400 people a day go to visit during the colder winter months. They’ve built a resort around them which you can now stay in for 20,000 kyat a night, however the reviews are not particularly good and even the manager admits that no one stays there. However it’s a great place to spend a day, you can enjoy some traditional food and tea amongst beautiful scenery and away from the soulless capital'.
Not necessarily regional, hot spring literature: now available for pre-ordering from a Hongkong publisher, Iris Law's
Lifeofdoing, (Mar. 4) stayed a night in Nha Trang's I-resort, experiencing mudbathing and soaking:
'The highlights of the day were the famous mud bath and the hot mineral springs. After we changed into our swimwear, we went straight to our mud bath in our private tub. Mud has the pre-connotation of a thick goopy texture. Here, the warm and almond colored mud had a velvety and silky smooth texture similar to a coffee latte. It was fun to sit, chat with my mom, and slather the mud onto our skin.
Once we rinsed off, we went straight to the hot mineral spring swimming pool. It’s stated that the mineral water is natural to the area. The pool is shared with other guests in the VIP bungalows yet we had it all to ourselves for 15 minutes until three other guests arrived. The pool was hot yet so relaxing to swim in. The view overlooked the green hills of Nha Trang'.
Hmm I need some mud bath right now. Quarantine or lock-down should never be hot key words. I'm in isolationship in this summer days 🙄#omg #covid_19 #plzleavemealone #travelphotography #phuquoc #island #vietnam #mudbath #enjoylife #instapic #instagood
More from Vietnam, Yahoo Finance (Mar. 25) shares this:
'From now till the end of 2020, a number of game-changing tourism projects and products will also be launched by Sun Group. Specifically, phase 1 of the luxurious Yoko Onsen (a hot spring resort) in Quang Hanh, Cam Pha, Quang Ninh will officially come into operation. This investment by Sun Group is the first Japanese-style 'onsen' resort to be opened in Vietnam. Attracting tourists through all four seasons, Yoko Onsen will solve a perceived seasonal weakness for tourism in Quang Ninh'.
Boasting
Channelnews Asia has an article (Jan. 4) on the re-opening of Sembawang soak, Singapore's only public hot spring:
'Where there used to be just drains, taps and buckets of very hot water, the Sembawang Hot Spring is now a park that boasts a cascading pool, cafe as well as a floral walk.The park, the only natural hot spring park in Singapore, reopened to the public on Saturday (Jan 4)....The park's amenities have also been improved and there are now toilets, an activity lawn and a cafe'.
Buffetliciuos takes the opportunity to head over to the revamped Sembawang hot springs cafe, with intent. They aren't too impressed by what's on offer here: local delights. Advice entails a 10 minute walk for
There's more user-related info from Goodyfood (Jan. 11):
'It’s only been a few days since the newly redeveloped Sembawang Hot Springs Park reopened and we’ve already heard quite a lot of comments about the place. More specifically, about the people who have visited the place since the reopening. And let me just say that the comments aren’t all good. One blogger called Petunia Lee shared her experience on her blog which was posted on 7 January when she visited the park in hopes of feeling refreshed and revitalised. Instead, she left feeling disgusted and ashamed. Well, here’s why. It all started when she entered and saw a domestic helper bending down and washing her employers’ feet for them. Her entry wrote, “She fetched water. She bent down and splashed water over her employers’ feet and calves. Those people did not look handicapped. They probably have delusions of royalty.” ... One 31-year-old woman told Shin Min Daily News that one’s feet are bound to be dirty after walking around to get to the cascading pool and it’s only right that they wash their feet before entering the pool.It was previously hyped that visitors can cook their eggs at the park using the hot water that can be collected at the water collection points.Excited about this feature of the park, Lee brought two eggs along with her on her trip. However, while she was trying to cook her eggs, an inconsiderate old man simply emptied his pail of feet soaking water into her pail with her eggs. ... It seems that even though this place is newly reopened, it’s only a matter of time before people stop visiting because of how dirty the place has become. Lee expressed how beautiful the place was, but she was ultimately disappointed by the people she met there. She even said, “At times like this, I am so ashamed of being Singaporean.”
Elsewhere Asiaone (Jan. 15) also reported on an impromptu bath, which is also a no-no here. There is though a hot spring etiquette guide, see here.
Indication
Thailand's Pataya Mail (Mar. 10) looks on the upside of our current crisis:
'Authorities in the northern most province of Chiang Rai have decided to promote over 10 hot springs in the province in an attempt to attract local travelers after a 70 –per cent drop in tourist number due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
...
Under the Lanna Spa City Programme, hot springs which would be promoted include Thaweesin, Pong Pu Fuang, PhaSert, Pong Phra Bat in Muang district and Pa Tueng in Mae Chan district'.
'Tacloban City – The Department of Tourism regional office 8 (DO-8) is upbeat with the tourism viability of a hot spring in La Paz town as another tourist attraction in Eastern Visayas. DOT Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes told reporters in an interview that the newly-identified tourism destination will surely attract more local and foreign tourists with the infrastructure now in place connecting the tourist destination located in Barangay Bocawon to the town proper of La Paz town'.
Sangat island, an islet off Busuanga, has a hot spring which seems very idyllic. More info here.
Davaotoday (Jan. 28) notes on the nearby Ardent hot spring:
'He [Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo] said the temperature in Ardent Hot Spring, one of the tourist attractions in the province that’s located at the foot of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, has gone down in the last few years. Their recent record was at 33 to 34 degrees. In the past, its temperature could reach up to 47 degrees Celsius. Romualdo said this could be an indicator that Mt. Hibok-Hibok no longer poses a threat to Camiguin. And while the change in temperature could have an effect on the tourism industry, the governor said they could still develop Ardent into a water park if it no longer offers the temperature that it is known for'.
So, no longer so hot?
Confused
Malaysia's New Strait Times (Feb. 24) notes the local delvelopment of
'Esplanade Hot Spring Hotel in KSL Bandar Bestari in Klang, Selangor [which] is targeted to open in July 2021'.
Bestblogcorner (Dec. 30) has 8 best Balinese hot springs:
'There are many wellness retreats that serve hot springs with mineral-rich water too. Some of these springs are even sources of holy water. Be it the hot springs Bali Ubud or of any other area but, if you also wish to be a part of one of these natural hot springs in Bali, then be confused no more as we have already done the leg work for you. Here is a list of top 8 hot springs in Bali'.
If I'm correct, there are only 8 hot springs on Bali.
'Traveling has many purposes. One of them is for relaxation. To get your own relaxation can be obtained in many ways, including by visiting natural hot springs. Soaking in a hot spring pool can be one solution to make the body fresh again after tired undergoing holiday activities. If you want to travel to the hot springs, here are our recommendations for 12 best Indonesia natural hot springs'.
Another new hot spring? Bali sees a hot spring called Gitgit, as in the famous waterfall. It has a website, though only in Bahasa. Google reviews have been around for a year, the last few months seem more positive.
Reminiscing on the sweet and simple sunsets spent in SE Asia 🌴 #solotravel #girlswhotravel #travelgram #growthmindset #thailand #backpacking
A recent find, sexandsingaporecity has a feature on Alba hot springs in Vietnam (yeah, yeah, i know):
'Alba Wellness Valley, by Fusion, offers guests next level in wellness and health retreats, because of its natural hot springs. Running throughout the resort, these hot springs are available to guests whatever time of the day. Even if you decide you want a midnight dip, they’re there. A true highlight of your stay, the mineral water sits at around 43 degrees constantly – and is actually cooled to this hot temperature by the resort, because it comes out of the ground at over 60 degrees Celsius.
...
For the pampering aspect of my package, aside from frequenting the hot springs in the evening, every day I got to enjoy the Japanese onsen, followed by a treatment of my choice. Having never entered an onsen before, I was initially a little, shall we say, nervous about being naked in a public bath area, but you soon lose that once you’re enjoying the 7-step baths, looking out onto greenery via the large glass wall. The onsens are separated for genders, I might add'.
And below from the interiors of northern Sumatra's jungle:
Then over to Taiwan, as in above. S'pavelous a new sort of travel company, Korean?
'While we understand how marvelous a relaxing hot spring sounds for a trip, the destinations are normally hard to reach. Well, worry no more, we are here to take care of bookings and transportation. Just simply focus on pampering yourself with the creme de la creme of spa'.
It has two tours on offer in Taiwan and on it's instagram we notice this:
Plan your 2020 trip now✈️ .#2 Must-do in Taiwan- Soaking in hot springSpots to visit in Taipei:WulaiBeitouYangmin MountainEnjoy a relaxing hot spring experience with ne message away. DM us for more info!#taiwan #travelphotography #spainasia #thermalbath #wellness #hotspring #台湾 #台湾旅行 #溫泉 #찜질방 #온천 #여행 #여행스타그램
Se prélasser dans la chaleur suffocante des onsen 🏮🌡️Expérience à tenter qui rend la peau douce et permet de progresser dans l'acceptation de son corps 😘....#taiwan #onsen #beitou #roadtrip #sourcesthermales #hotsprings #chaleur #hot #bodypositive
'Japan is proud of its bathing traditions. For many Westerners, though, the fact that these traditions involve being naked with strangers is awkward at best, even though men and women bathe separately. On my first trip I tried to wriggle out of a friend's offer to take me to an onsen, or hot springs resort. I suggested a different town that had an attraction I wanted to see, and thought I was off the hook. ... It turned out for the best, though, because I've become a fan. Nothing is more relaxing after a tiring day of sightseeing than a long soak, and you can reassure yourself that you're experiencing authentic culture at the same time'.
A more personal experience from yahoo7.com.au (Apr. 5):
'I’m standing in a small room wrapped in a towel. I know I have to go in to a further room to shower, but I’m finding it hard to will myself to go in there because… well, when I get in there I will have to shower naked.. with other people.
...
I get in and under before I’m spotted by anyone ('anyone' being the other three women - two of whom are already in the water, and one who is focusing on her own bits for the time being).
And then something magical happens.
It’s so relaxing... I allow the steaming hot water to envelop me. I do what I’ve read is customary and place the facecloth on my head, then lie back against a wall and relax.
...
My visit has made me realise that no one is really looking at me, that everyone has a body with bits that wobble or bits that we don't like, and yet, we’re all just wasting valuable time worrying about showing it'.
'I knew it was something I needed to do—a cultural experience to cross off my travel bucket list. But I was nervous about other people seeing me naked. I don't have any particular reason for my fear, other than years of American culture conditioning me (and all women) to shower solo, change your clothes as quickly as possible, and use robes and towels whenever possible. (You know, you've wrapped a towel around your waist while sliding underwear on and off in the locker room.) I worried that if I stripped down in front of other women and stayed that way for more than five seconds, then they would find something to silently judge. The cellulite on the back of my thighs. The slight pudge in my stomach. Hell, maybe I had too much—or too little—pubic hair for their liking. I didn't know, but certainly, they would find something.
....
We weren't forced to use public onsens the entire trip. In fact, only four of the 11 days had them as our only option. The other, larger accommodations had private onsens or personal en suite bathing facilities available. But by the end of the trip, we were all forgoing those private tubs and opting for the public onsens instead. There wasn't much talk, if any, of who would go when. A simple, "I'm hitting the onsen!" sufficed as we checked into our rooms, ditched our dirty hiking clothes, and slipped into our yukatas. Sure, my heart still skipped a beat each time I derobed, but the cry for a rejuvenating soak was louder than my body image fears. And as the warm water soothed my achy muscles and the quiet conversation between other women buzzed around me, my fears were, little by little, washed away.
I may not be down to dip in my birthday suit on the regular, but if this trip taught me anything, it's that body confidence—just like everything else—is always a work in progress'.
Japan Today (Apr. 8) notes how some national bathing traditions are on the fade:
'If you find yourself on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu, you will come upon delicacies that are not offered abundantly in other parts of the country. However, what the island is the most well known for are its onsen, or hot springs. Dipping into the thermal waters of Kyushu is a must, especially if you can do it with all of your friends or significant other.
These days, the konyoku onsen, or mixed gendered bath, is a rare and dying breed. Every year, more facilities are closing their doors or changing their policies so that men and women bathe separately. Traditionally, onsen were meant for men and women to bathe together, so many advocates are pushing to preserve the old ways'.
It then refers to gaijinpot blog which lists 9 Kyushu konyoku's.
'Travelling the world is about exploring new cultures and traditions. And sometimes you do that completely naked, surrounded by equally naked locals, wearing nothing but your warmest smile. ... But contrary to what you might think, going au naturel won’t embarrass you in front of the locals as much as your lack of etiquette might. For instance, what is customary in a Japanese onsen may be downright rude in a Turkish bath house'.
What follows is just some pointers for sauna's, onsens, Turkish baths and jjimjilbangs.
Soakings stamped
Then the stranger side of soaking, more or less related.
Spoon and Tamago (Feb. 12) on the peculiar art of soaking-themed stamps:
'Each of Hirose’s stamp designs depicts an individual bath house in Japan with a particular focus on the bath house’s unique features: a stunning mural of Mount Fuji, a stately front entrance, a water spout in the shape of a lion’s head. By highlighting these specific quirks, Hirose hopes to inspire others to visit local public bath houses more frequently. In fact, traditional bath houses are disappearing in Japan, where one public bath house goes out of business about once a week. Last month, Hirose held two exhibitions in Tokyo of his stamp designs intended to generate interest in local public bath houses. The first, a partnership with the Tokyo Sento Association, included stamps Hirose created for the 22 public bath houses in Tokyo’s Arakawa Ward, which has the second-highest ratio of bath houses to residents in Tokyo. The second exhibition showcased roughly 100 stamps of individual bath houses all across Tokyo, representing what Hirose describes as a “sento pilgrimage.” Visitors can even embark on their own sento pilgrimages by collecting stamps from each bath house featured in Hirose’s designs'.
And the trend in soaking Southeastasian-wise seems to replicate the Japanese experience, but then back home. And without the public viewing.
The Indonesiaexpat describes (Apr. 11) an onsen experience (The Onsen Resort) to be had in Batu, Eastern Java.
'Batu’s most recent attraction has truly made this town unique in all of Java. The Onsen Hot Spring Resort opened its doors at Jalan Arumaldu, Songgoriti in December 2017. Though small, this resort is regarded as one of the most unique resorts in Southeast Asia as it is the very first resort with a Japanese bathhouse theme. ... Though the water may seem dirty, it actually isn’t. The brown colouring comes from the sulphur powder used to prevent itching and cleanse the skin. It’s simply divine to soak in the hot water after a long day discovering the beautiful Japanese-inspired grounds of the resort'.
A recent booking.com reviewer (average score 7.3) however notes:
'The food! The staffs were very friendly, the rooms were clean, there is a nice view, but the food was so bad [and] not tasty. The breakfast was also bad. A lot of empty food trays and the staffs were so slow too'.
Tripadvisor, handing a visit with a review feedback of 3.0 stars, continues:
'Japanese culture is popular around the world. In this place,I can experience it completely,no matter Japanese traditional clothes or onsen or food. Honestly, I like onsen most , because the water is yellow and not hot. It is really relaxed my body and mind. Of course, the lady clothes is fascinating and food price is suitable . I wanna get here again'.
Quotes for a family villa for 2 nights, €508 no less.
_marnelli_ at Marawar hot springs, Kapatagan, Mindanao, Philippines:
💦 #nature #hotspring
More onsen, this time from Vietnam (Viet Nam News, Apr. 13):
'Located 30km north of Huế City, the newly opened Alba Wellness Resort is nestled in a tranquil land cradled by tropical forest, hot and cold streams and a local lifestyle rich in Huế traditions. ... Boasting a natural hot spring, a precious gift of nature scattering around the property, Alba Wellness Resort offers Việt Nam’s first authentic onsen and spa centre, where I enjoyed a seven-step contemporary Japanese bath. Although I had experience with traditional onsen in Japan, where nudity is required, I was as a bit hesitant to strip off and bathe in front of other ladies. (There are separate spaces for men and women.) My embarrassment vanished quickly after I got into the ‘silk bath’ pool, which had thousands of small bubbles that I used to cover my skin'.
'The only minor thing was the water temperature of Onsen Spa. They were somehow lukewarm, and I was a bit unsatisfied with being an expert in hot springs. I left feedback so it will be fixed soon... I hope'.
This was the first review. Management responded that they would solve the problem and I see no repetitions of this comment.
'I like the beautiful atmosphere here. The staffs are very nice and helpful also. The hot spring here is a really great present of God'.
Quotes are from US$180 and above.
Da Nang Corner on a visit to Nui Than. Google translates from Vietnamese:
'Onsen bathing area is surrounded by two mountains of Thanh Long and Bach Ho, behind is Ba Na mountain, the two sides are the stream of water in front. This is a prime location with gas. Onsen Towers are built on the Japanese architecture and are standardized according to strict procedures of Beppu province, the home of hot springs in the world'
'Is a place for mineral bath in the tub with large size according the Japanese style and characteristic. At Onsen in Nui Than Tai hot spring park has qualified with standards of Beppu city - the famous city of Onsen in Japan'.
'We came during summer holidays on the weekends, so it was quite noisy and crowded in swimming pools. The Osen bathing facility was not too crowded so it was quite pleasant and relaxing. We tried out the 2 bathtubs, first with lemongrass then with milk, which we found very refreshing. There are more choices that we didn't try: with vietnamese wine, tea, coffee, and mud'.
And:
'Expensive, poorly run, slides closed, restaurants closed, 120k for Pho?? They made me share a mud tub with two other people?? Slippery tiles and screaming kids everywhere. Turned away from slides because of size (we are not overweight at all)'.
Then in Thailand, Bangkok Post (May 8) posts the following:
'The popularity of onsens has been bubbling up in Thailand, even though it is a tropical country, says one wellness brand.
Thai onsen lovers no longer need to fly to Japan to enjoy a hot soak as onsen services are available across the country, particularly at major tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Bangkok -- specifically on Sukhumvit Road and at the K Village retail complex on Rama 4 Road.
Panpuri, a leading wellness brand, is set to open its first onsen on the 12th floor of the Gaysorn complex on Ratchaprasong Road next month, aiming to tap fans of the bathing ritual.
"It is the first onsen downtown. Apart from shopping in the area, onsen will be an alternative activity for visitors," said Vorravit Siripark, chief executive at Puri Co, the operator of Panpuri Wellness and Spa. Onsen will be one feature at the 100-million-baht Panpuri Wellness and Spa, which entails a variety of services, including organic spa, wellness bar, studio, body massage and meditation.
There are 10 onsen pools separated by gender and two small individual pools.The company has hired a consultant from Japan to design the onsen system, with hot springs imported in the form of powder from several Japanese cities. This wellness centre was soft launched last December.
"We've had better than expected responses, and about 60% of our customers are foreigners from China, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong," said Mr Vorravit, a self-described spa and massage lover.
Mr Vorravit first opened a Panpuri store in a 120 square metre space at Gaysorn Complex to sell organic spa products for body care. He opened the space shortly after returning to Thailand from Italy in 2003, where he was studying for a master's degree and was inspired to realise his entrepreneurial ambitions.
"I had a chance to try spa treatments at famous hotel chains. Their services are excellent. But there are no Thai products available there. This inspired me to create my own health and services, without imaging they would one day become part of a global trend," said Mr Vorravit.
He said there is huge potential for spa and wellness centres in Thailand, with foreign tourist arrivals reaching 35.4 million in 2017. Thailand is ranked No.1 globally as a spa-holiday destination, generating revenue of 32 billion baht from foreign customers in 2015'.
Mountains Waterfalls and hot spring.. what more could you ask for 😀#vietnsm #nahtrang #waterfalls #hotsprings#beautifuldestinations #natureboy#naturelover #greatday #gopro
Let's look at the more natural springs, starting with Vietnam.
Above a more touristic destination near Yangbay, I believe.
'105 of the most stunning swimming pools in the world'.
Including Nha Trang's (Vietnam) hot spring I-resort.
Possibly more to do with the lead and the local spin-offs but nonetheless interesting:
Baomoi.com describes (Jan. 23) the hot springs of Ngoc Chien hot springs in Loi village (Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district, Son La province). Afforded with google translate:
'And Pham Ngoc Son, a traveling tourist from Hanoi, shared, working week with computer, head tense, Mr. Son gathered group to go to relax. His group runs a distance of more than 300km from Hanoi along Highway 32, to the Kim junction (Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai province) to Ngoc Tuan to experience, relax, soak in the hot mineral water. Mr. Son and his friends all feel the same, when the bath is full of stress, tired all dispel them in a moment'.
A visit to Laos Muang La hot spring (Daily Beast, Jun. 11) draws the author to see the future passing:
'But the days of undisturbed authenticity are numbered in Muang La, and Laos in general. The Chinese are investing heavily across the country, building infrastructure that threatens the undeveloped tranquility of much of the country, including Muang La.
One of the biggest changes coming is a high-speed train line being built to China, which will cut through Oudomxay, a small city about an hour from Muang La. Today, Muang La villagers enjoy welcoming small groups of visitors, but they fear the train will bring development and crowds of tourists.
...
The villages were rustic, but a visit to Muang La can be luxurious. We stayed at Muang La Lodge, about a 45-minute drive from the mountains where the tribes live. The resort is set over a river with natural hot springs, with food from local markets, fisheries, and chefs, and only 10 rooms. It was an unpretentious indulgence. The only nuisance was a stray goat we had to shoo away from the pool'.
guterres05 Waicana Hot spring!•••#goprophoto#gopro#goprolife#gopronation#gopro_captures#goprouniverse#goprotravel#beahero#hero5#goprohero5#goprophotography#gopro_epic#lightroom#goprouniverse#gopro_moment#moodygrams#ig_masterpiece#goprooftheday#aov#hot_shotz#master_shots#exploretocreate#exploreeverything#fartoodope#earthpics#beautifulseasia#photooftheday#timorlesteparadise#timorleste🇹🇱#hotspring#turismotimorleste🇹🇱
With this site I hope to get interest in the geological phenomenon known as hot springs. And enjoying them. Soaking. Here. In. Southeast Asia. In many countries visiting hot springs is a favourite past time, strange as it may sound in such steamy nations, hot springs tourism is well, er ... hot in Southeast Asia. I am trying to maintain this site with supplying first hand knowledge, trolling the net for other sources and hopefully contributions from other soakies. So if you ever feel the need to contribute just contact me,
jhdubbeldam@ hotmail.com
Soaking in Southeast Asia visited hot springs postings
Torrent
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*tea_for_taryn*
*There is a snug, shady corner of my heart reserved for skinny dipping on
top of waterfalls. The same cannot be said for torrential downpo...
Harness
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*bethy_the_vt_hiker*
*The Jhinu Hot Spring ✨️*
*Amazing... I highly recommend visiting when you are in Nepal 🇳🇵*
As usual, quite little to share, especi...
Cooked
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*kamshingwai*
*Cooked ♨️🇹🇭 #hotsprings#thailand*
A look at a couple of photo's popping up from the soaks of Siam.
Starting south-ish.
Above Taryn hot ...
Spa Scandinave Les Bains Vieux Montréal
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When you enter Spa Scandinave Les Bains Vieux Montréal, it is a very
different Scandinave experience. Though the circuit is familiar, the
setting is not. I...
The Terme di Sirmione and its Miraculous Waters
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Featuring Guest Blogger Sophia Knowles We are pleased to feature a guest
blog by Sophia Knowles, who presents our first article on the geothermal
waters of...
Seoul, Dongdaemoon - Haevitch (Havitz) Spa World
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Guest reviewer: Cami
This spa is on the 12th floor of the Cerestar building in Dongdaemun, right
behind the Migliore building. Exit Dongdaemun station at...
Spring Dance Hot Tubs Virtual Showroom
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Our owner Dan Sine was recently interviewed about our company during the
Suburban Home & Garden Show last month.
In this quick video he talks about the hot ...
