Popping

Nim Araya at  Ban Phu Kham, Thailand · น้ำพุร้อนบ้านครูเพชรบูรณ์ バンクルー温泉 Bankru Hot Spring.

A very very rare contribution to this blog. 

Driven by a visit to Thailand by Thermalsprings.ru which shares with us an overview of the many hot springs visited. The list you'll find at the end of this entry. Otherwise some news. Some photo's. And back to oblivion. Question mark.

Thaiger reports (Sept. 5, 2023) on a hot spring mishap. A bridge was definitely not sturdy enough:

'A 16 year old Thai youth suffered severe burns after plunging into a scorching hot spring with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in the Fang district of the northern province of Chiang Mai'.

Again Thaiger, this time with an overview (Dec. 9, 2022) of onsen history in Thailand:

'Since the 90s, venues started popping up across Thailand, mostly catering to the many hundreds of Japanese overseas workers living and working in Thailand, with Bangkok seeing the largest concentration'.

That's basically the history lesson!

Last year (Jun. 15) Thaiger shared a brief overview of Bangkok's onsens (n=5).

Hotspringjourneys also adds (Feb. 19) a list of Thai hot springs, just seven though.

Mindthegap

Theblondtravels heads to Chiang Mai's Pong Kwao: 

'We entered the main area with a nice, little garden, fountains and a small swimming pool. Wooden bungalows lined the paved path. We peaked in one of them. There was a group of Thai men soaking in crystal blue water. We stood outside thinking if we should go in and what should we do with our clothes. A few meters further I saw a caucasian man standing outside of one of the bungalows and I decided to ask him. As it turned out, for 150 Baht you could have your own private hut, where you could spend as much time as you wished.

...

We picked one with a sign ’empty’ on its door and went it. We were tempted to just go into the water naked, but there was a big gap between the ground and the wall through which people from the nearby bungalows could see us, so we changed into the clothes we had been given.

The inside of the hut was simple, but clean. There were a couple of hangers and baskets for your items. There was also a small shower cabin with cold water'.

a.torfun 86w

เราลองเป็นแฟนกันเลยได้ไหม 🎵

ก็เพราะฉันเป็นคนไม่คุย 🎶 (คุยไม่เป็น) 💕

🛖 #บ่อน้ำร้อน 🎋 #อุ้มผาง 🌄 #ตาก

One of Thailands leading newspapers, the Nation, shares a visit (Sep. 12, 2023) to Onsen @ Moncham, near Chiang Mai:

'The mineral water from the natural hot springs, emanating from over 100 meters below ground, is so relaxing and revitalizing. I'm confident it's good for the skin and muscles, but I know for sure that it's good for my spirit. The indoor onsen is sex-segregated without clothing, while the onsen in the garden is mixed-gender with swimsuits required. Both are wonderful'.

dueyaoqing

𝐹𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔.. @onsenatmoncham

#chiangmai #travelchiangmai #chiangmaithailand #chiangmairesort #travelthailand #thailand🇹🇭 #travelphotography #goodvibes #travelwithyaoqing #luxurytravelandhotels #onsenmoncham #onsentime

Bangkokairways has a blog (Nov. 23, 2023) on the hot springs of Pai (n=3):

'A trip to any of the natural hot springs in Pai is a wonderful opportunity to relax and nurture your body while relishing the soothing sound of the waters, the song of birds in the trees, and the refreshing feel of the light wind on your skin. Beyond soaking, you can also explore your surroundings and make exciting discoveries. So don’t miss it!

evelyynmta

Nature🧖‍♀️🌿🍃

Pai🇹🇭

#hotsprings #pai #thailand #nature #paihotsprings #saingamhotspring #relax #happiness #disconnect

JonnyMelon has an updated (Jan. 11, =2023) blog entry on Sai Ngam (Pai). A bit expansive for just 1 hot spring.

As said, Thermalsprings.ru has been on a soaking sojourn to Thailand. Result has been their Thailand overview, more or less as follows:

North Thailand

Chiang Mai province

• Thepphanom
• San Kampaeng
• Rung Arun
• Doi Saket
• Chiang Dao
• Fang
• Porn Ang
• Pong Duet

Chiang Rai

• Mae Kachan
• Lanna
• Huai Sai Kao
• Pa Tueng

Mae Hong Son

• Pai Hotsprings Resort
• Tha Pai
• Mueng _Paeng Geysir
• Mueng Paeng Hot Springs
• Sai Ngam
• Pha Bong
• Nong Heang
• Mae Umlang

magda_smolikova

Phu Klon Spa - jedno ze tři jediných míst na světe s přírodním léčivým bahýnkem. Přitom málo známé a pro nás převážně bez lidí. Perfektní místo po několikadenní náročné cestě a přesezených zadcích na motorce, nebo aspoň to jsme si mysleli. Obličejový bahenní zábal byl perfektním startem a věřila jsem, že relax v termální vodě si naprosto užiji, ALE nenapadlo by mne, že teplota vody ze mě bude po pár sekundách dělat lidský vývar. Thajci sice nebudou nejodolnější a nejotužilejší národ vůči studeným teplotám, ale naopak ty vysoké teploty zvládají bravůrně. Zatímco já tam na poprvé vydržela maximálně minutu a vylezla červená jak napařené kuře, starší dámy si ve vodě lebedily u zdroje horké vody desítky minut a ani se neměly potřebu ochladit ledovou sprchou. Ten klid a výhled na nádhernou přírodu ti vděk v duši přivodí tak i tak💧❤️

#phuklon #phuklonmudspa #maehongson #norththailand #lannathai #spa #naturespa #mudspa #thailand

Central Thailand

Phetchaburi

• Na Yong Plong

Ratchaburi

• Pong Krathing
• Bor Klueng

thekengbc

มีแฟนเป็นช่างภาพแทนแหละ

Kanchanaburi

• Rock Valley
• Hin Dat
• Wat Wang Khanai

Southern thailand
Krabi

• Nattha Waree
• Klong Thom Saline
• Klong Thom
• Krabi (Bang Phueng)

crossingoffcoordinates

Have you ever been to a natural hot spring?

Don’t miss this place in Thailand

📍Khlong Thom Nuea, Krabi

#krabi #krabithailand #hotsprings #coupletravel #thailandtravelguide #travelguides #thailand

Trang

• Kantang
• Bo Nam Rong - Kantang

Phatthalung

• Khao Chaison

Nakhon Si Thammarat

• Krung Ching

Suratthani

• Krut
• Surat Thani -Sathorn
• Chaiya

Chumpon

• Than Khao Phlu

Ranong

• Raksawarin
• Pongrung
• Taryn
• Phu Lim Phi

PhangNga

• Romanee
• Kapong
• Hot Spring Beach Resort
  

Missing

crossingoffcoordinates

Have you ever been to a natural hot spring?

Don’t miss this place in Thailand

📍Khlong Thom Nuea, Krabi

#krabi #krabithailand #hotsprings #coupletravel #thailandtravelguide #travelguides #thailand

A slight appendix to the Southeast Asian entry with news / views from Thailand.

Thaiger reports (8 Sep.) on an unfortunate accident:

'A 16 year old Thai youth suffered severe burns after plunging into a scorching hot spring with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in the Fang district of the northern province of Chiang Mai.
...
he positioned himself on a bridge that spanned the middle of the hot spring, leaning against the weathered wooden railing. Unfortunately, the aged railing could not withstand his weight, causing him to tumble into the scalding waters below'.

Thaiger has other soaking related articles. On onsens in Thailand for instance. December 9 (2022):

'Since the 90s, venues started popping up across Thailand, mostly catering to the many hundreds of Japanese overseas workers living and working in Thailand, with Bangkok seeing the largest concentration'.

June 15:

'What if we tell you that you can have an authentic onsen experience right in the bustling city of Bangkok? Here are five amazing onsens in Bangkok that you have to visit'

makishimaaa , a Thai enjoying a true Japanese onsen:

Hot spring ❤️อยากไปแช่ออนเซนจัง 寒い！温泉行きたい♨️

#温泉#温泉旅行#温泉大好き#露天風呂#露天風呂付き客室

#露天風呂大好き#天然温泉

#hotsprings#sunset

#ออนเซ็น#ญี่ปุ่น

#japan#japantravel#atami

#熱海#🇹🇭#🇯🇵

The Blondtravels heads (Sep. 29) over to Pong Kwao hot springs.

'We were a little shocked seeing that one ticket cost 150 Baht. We had been to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs before and thought that it would be the same here: just a park with some hot water stream, where the biggest attraction was boiling eggs. This time, however, it was different and we were handed towels and outfits: bermuda shorts for Chris and a jumpsuit for me.

We entered the main area with a nice, little garden, fountains and a small swimming pool. Wooden bungalows lined the paved path. We peaked in one of them. There was a group of Thai men soaking in crystal blue water. We stood outside thinking if we should go in and what should we do with our clothes. A few meters further I saw a caucasian man standing outside of one of the bungalows and I decided to ask him. As it turned out, for 150 Baht you could have your own private hut, where you could spend as much time as you wished.

...

We picked one with a sign ’empty’ on its door and went it. We were tempted to just go into the water naked, but there was a big gap between the ground and the wall through which people from the nearby bungalows could see us, so we changed into the clothes we had been given'.

Johnny Melon has updated (Jan. 11) his guide to Sai Ngam hot springs - Pai:

These stunning hot springs feature a 3-tiered cascading natural hot pool, the top one being the hottest at 34 degrees Celsius.
I could have spent hours floating around in this crystal clear hot spring. The water temperature was just perfect!

me_vane_ssa in Pai, but not Sai Ngam:

#hotsprings #pai #thailand #travel #nature #water #pool #naturalpool

Peace

duangsuki at Pong Arn hot spring, Chiang Dao (Chiang Mai):

Boiling myself at 58°C ♨️

Just a brief overview of some of Thailands soaks and topical soaking news.

Starting in the south, thai.lt has a guide (May 1) on Raksawarin (Ranong).
th.readme (Feb. 4) on Krabi's salt spring.
The Nation (Dec. 22 2019) adds to this:

'Hundreds of tourists are flocking to a salt spring in the Khlong Thom district of Krabi to enjoy its warmth amid the cool atmosphere. Some 300-500 people every day visit the Khlong Thom salt spring, a famous tourist attraction Krabi province, one of only two in the world. Some people come to get rid of fatigue, while some with more serious problems like paralysis undergo physical therapy by submerged in the water for several days. The exercise reportedly helps the nerves to relax.

The salt spring in Khlong Thom is a natural phenomenon caused by the combination of hot water and seawater being pushed to the soil surface. There are only two such places in the world: in the Khlong Thom district of Krabi province and another in the Czech Republic. More than 1,000 tourists come every day during long holidays or festivals. Originally, the salt pond of this spring was located amid a forest. Villagers in the area came to soak in the hot water for treatment. About five years ago, the district administration improved the area to make it more convenient for people and began collecting a fee for the development of the district area.

There is a spring pond called Boa Mae [Mother pond], a source of hot springs, with temperature at around 47 degrees Celsius. However, visitors are not allowed to dip themselves in the water. They are only allowed to take the water with a ladle or cup.

Villagers believe that the salt infusion spring helps treat skin diseases, cures knee pain, joint pain and even paralysis. Regular soaking slowly tackles the symptoms. Villagers believe the mother pond is a sacred well for drinking and bathing and helps recover from disease. In the past, those who recovered from a disease used to come to offer their respects by tying a seven-coloured cloth on the tree or released a number of local chickens to keep a promise'.

jungjingdi698 at บ่อน้ำร้อน ทุ่งนุ้ย จ.สตูล Hot Spring Thung Nui (Satun):

อาบน้ำแร่แช่น้ำพุร้อน🤪🤪#สตูลออนเซน#ออนเซน #อาบน้ำกัน#photo #onsen♨️

 Hatyaifocus (Jan. 5) looks at a hot spring in the same province. Translated:

'After sympathizers flock to share a photo of a new hot spring in Moo 2, Baan Krabok [Ban Khrong] Subdistrict, Nathawi District, Songkhla Province. From the picture, we can see that people are very interested in this tourist attraction. Who now know that they are in the process of renovating the area and the landscape to be beautiful For tourism in the future The area is in the process of being developed seriously with good support. It is expected that the water temperature is around 40 degrees (boiled eggs are not cooked), or if boiled, have to wait for more than 30 minutes, but can provide warmth to the body when immersing in peace.

More pictures here.

Thainews (Mar. 12) on another southern hot spring, translated:

'Today (11 March 63) Villagers in the area of ​​Ayerweeng Subdistrict, Betong District, Yala Province, are ready to welcome General Chai Chanchangmongkol, Deputy Minister of Defense. And the special representative of the government On the occasion of traveling down to Betong District, Yala Province, to preside over the opening of Ban Na Ko Hot Springs Which is in the village of Na Ko Village, Village No. 9, Ayer Weng Subdistrict, Betong District, Yala Province, on March 12, 2020, which is a project for rehabilitation and development of a new tourist attraction, Ban Na Ko Hot Springs Tourism Community. Which is part of the prototype city project "Triangle, stability, wealth, sustainability" as a model city of development Self-sufficient, sustainable, systematic and comprehensive. 

Bonding

worochor at Chiang Dao:

พระอาทิตย์ตกดินแล้ว อากาศเริ่มหนาวแล้ว แต่มาแช่น้ำร้อนมันให้ความอบอุ่นอย่างบอกไม่ถูก และลงแช่น้ำเย็นสะท้านไปทั้งทรวง น้ำร้อน น้ำเย็น ตามธรรมชาติโป่งน้ำร้อนบ้านยางปู่โต๊ะ ช่วยผ่อนคลายได้จริงๆ ไปแช่น้ำกับมิตรใหม่ต่างชาติที่นอนห้องเดียวกันที่โฮสเทล #วรช #เชียงดาว #ผ่อนคลาย

Over to the north of the country, less news items, more photo's.

Mychiangmaitour has info on Sai Ngam hot spring, one of the hot springs near Pai (Mae Hong Son).
Bodegahostels (Mar. 1) also on Pai but with the question whether or not the locals soaks are Siam's best? It describe's 3 hot springs and answers the question with: find out for yourself ...

smileandtravel_

h o t s pr i n g s 💦.Après 10h de route d'Ayuttaya a Pai, nous faisons une pause au petit matin. L'air est frais, le temps brumeux et le soleil pointe son nez alors que nous nous prelassons seuls dans des sources d'eaux chaudes dans la montagne. 💙 ..#thailand #hotsprings #nature #family #voyage #voyageursdumonde

The Nation (Dec. 12, 2019) heads over to Chaeson (Lampang):

'About 1,000-2,000 visitors visited the park every day during the last five days, particularly at the weekend. Most of them enjoyed immersing themselves in the hot springs for relaxation and boiling eggs for fun.

p.i.n.k.yyyy

Thankful for more bonding time with the Thai team. Such a calming way to end the day at the local hot springs. We cooked an egg in the water and it was soooo delicious!! 👌...#thailand #phrao #blessed #thankful #hotsprings #local #sulfur #asia #peaceful #joy #bonding #explore 

Salty

llcoolreed at Wareerak hot spring (Krabi)

🌸🌸

Not much to report on. Nor that many pictures, come to mention. 

Mgronline (Mar. 20) has an article on a newly (?) discovered saline hot spring in the province of Krabi. Translated:

'Today (20 March) Mr. Maen Lamphol, Head of Village 7, Ban Na, Huai Nam Khao Subdistrict, Khlong Thom District, Krabi Province, brought villagers to explore the new salty hot spring in the area of ​​Moo 7, Huay White water after the villagers have jointly developed the route Take a walk to see the nature in the area by the salty hot spring that is newly found as a circular pond. Diameter of about 2 meters, depth of about 50 cm. There are traces of villagers brought stones around. And bring the wood to be a walking path The water in the pond is clean, salty, with a temperature of 35 - 40 degrees. For health, relieving pain'.

It further reveals that tourists come here because of it's natural location, within a swap forest.

More Krabi. wanderintwo (Mar. 14) has an essential (?) guide on Krabi's Emerlad pool and Krabi hot springs. Not much to add. I mean what help is it to prepare yourself to be not alone at these locations? Sounds logical in one of Asia's best known hot springs.

Sorry

esmeevanrvensteijn

Thailand spam 🌿💚 #sorrynotsorry #hotspring #nature#friends

To bring this entry to an end (already?), some northern soaks. Above Pai, below Chiang Mai.

seapeople

น้ำพุร้อนกลางป่า
#บ่อน้ำร้อนบ้านยางปู่โต๊ะ​ #เชียงดาว

Lemongrass

miamalaine

What my perfect day looks like (and what I did yesterday): wake up at 6am in a bungalow with my lover surrounded by nature. Head to my favorite coffee shop and sip on a latte while looking at the beautiful view. Go on a long ride (either dirt bikes or horses) through the mountains and swim in some hidden hot springs. Ride back to town and have lunch. Go back to the bungalow, take a nap, work on some business emails and make some art. Go back into town and have another delicious meal. Go on a hike and watch the sunset. Come back into town for some dessert. End the day with a couples massage and some lemongrass tea. One day this is going to be a average day for me. What does your perfect day look like? If money wasn't an issue and you could do ANYTHING, what would your dream day look like? Tell me all the details💌

A quick tour through Thailand's soaking pictures of the past cooler months, most though from north Thailand. Such as Mae Hong Son province hot spring at Pai (above).

The brokebackpacker actually has a recent entry (Jan. 12) on Pai and it's hot springs:

'One of the best things to do in Pai is visiting one of the many natural hot springs. The Sai Ngam hot springs (also known as the secret hot springs) are run by the local Karen hill tribe, who showed me where to find mud that’s rich in minerals.
We lathered our body in mud and waited for it to completely dry before washing it off. My skin was so soft and smooth afterwards, I couldn’t believe it. There are so many natural health benefits associated with hot springs thanks to the high levels of magnesium, sodium and sulphur thanks to the geological conditions.
There’s a bunch of different hot springs around Pai, but the best, most natural and the cheapest one is Sai Ngam. Entry is only 40 Bhat, compared to 300 Bhat at the super touristy Tha Pai Hot Springs plus the drive to Sai Ngam goes through the incredibly beautiful national park!'

miko_de_baat at Sai Ngam

Is this water hot or is it just me? #notcockyjustconfident #hotsprings #thailand #travel #pai #naked#canon

Nearby and probably on your way to Pai. You have the opportunity to stop at Pong Duet which lies on the edge of Chiang Mai province.

fit.packers

These hot springs were amazing! Loved to chill out and have the whole national park just for ourselves! 😍 cheers to the low season 🥂....Prirodni dzakuzi je bio fenomenalan! Uzivali smo u vreloj prirodnoj vodi i imajuci ceo nacionalni park samo za nas 😍 upravo zbog toga obozavamo ovu sezonu - nema turista juhuuuu......#travelling #instagood #insta #instapic#travel #traveller #travelinspiration#travelgram #travellife #travellers#naturelovers #love #f4f #backpacking#beautiful #nature #thailand #landscape#followforfollowback #photography#travelphotography #view #mountains#waterfall #wanderlust #lostinthailand#travelgram_ #hotsprings

Line.today has a Thai language article (Dec. 2) on the hot springs of Doi Saket (also Chiang Mai province) which have been recently renovated.

Purse
Meanwhile in south Thailand there's a bit of news to be hashed up.

Photo above is a lead photo to a Thai article (Nov. 9) on Trang's salty hot spring at Ban Khuan Sa - Tha Khlong Palian District. It basically describes how an investment has been made to improve the facilities.
Thairath has a same sort of article (Nov. 12).

Below it's Krabi-time. Wareerak to be precise.

julian_mi

#hotsprings

In Bangkok the soakers seek alternatives. Tripcanvas gives as a recent overview of 11 Bangkok onsens:

'What’s even better is that luxury in Bangkok doesn’t necessarily mean burning your (or your guy’s) purse, especially when it comes to onsens and spa. Onsens may cost you a bomb elsewhere, but you’ll be surprised at what you can get in Bangkok!
Stay with us as we journey to find the most value-for-money and affordably luxurious onsens and spas in this bustling city!

All receive a positive glow. One comment though states:

'BTW .. I live in Bangkok and visited some of the SPA above described .. well the photos although looks nice with staged models, dont exactly reflex the state of the establishment. They are not all as clean as presented and some better be avoided'.

kirarista

แช่ Onsen นวดหน้า อาหารคลีนๆ สวยกว่านี้มีอีกมั้ยคะ 😆

📍 Panpuri Wellness

Full Vdo at www.youtube.com/KirariTV

バンコク都内にもプライベート温泉あります！気持ちいい~

.

#KirariTV #PanpuriWellness #panpurionsen #onsen

Mentioned

 

nanikaooh at Phasoet (Chiang Rai):

Onsen♨️♨️♨️ Thailand

As always there's not much to keep you up to date with. 

Sure there's the odd bit here and there, but nothing really newsworthy. Slowly the more natural soaks are evolving into what can be considered a sight to see though fortunately not on the scale seen as in for instance Vietnam. Though no doubt the wave of Chinese tourists still heading to Thailand might change this. Where moneys to be made, there goes the protection of the natural surroundings.
On the other hand it must be said with the willingness to close Maya beach in southern Thailand (source) does mean that to conservation still has a virtue in modern day Thailand. 

If you look at the lead picture, it's a pretty common way of soaking in Thailand. 
One that I fail to understand. 
Thailand is all about sharing and any great setting combined with a few (new) friends is just another reason for a party. 
So why these cubicles? 
They have an appeal of the inside of an empty deep freezer and fail to accommodate even a few friends, 3 max. So obvious it's meant for something not so Thai. An alone bath?

evabaerin alone:

Went for a swim in the not so secret secret hot springs and even boiled an egg in there! 🥚 Did I mention that I LOVE PAI? 💦🌴 #hotsprings #pai

Rustic

adrenne

#lazyday #hotsprings #ranong#thailand

TTRWeekly (Aug. 7), a well read tourist-oriented online newspaper, has a feature on Ranong, southern Thailand and it's underdeveloped potential to tourists especially considering the hot springs:

'Ranong might be known as the least populated province in Thailand, or the one with the longest rainy season at eight months, but for most of us its hot springs are iconic.
There is something about Ranong’s rustic outdoor hot springs that appeals to visitors, who will queue up for the chance to boil an egg in the piping hot water. Like all natural hot spring resorts there is a pungent smell of vaporizing minerals that prompts a few queries or jokes. But ultimately reassurances that it will impart miraculous health benefits usually win the day. We linger and dip a toe in the waters.
The closest hot springs to town are located at Raksawarin Park shaded under the canopy of rainforest trees in a forested mountain area next to a river just 2 km northeast of town.
Three natural springs are appropriately called father, mother and daughter. The latter two are cooler where visitors can wash or dangle their feet over the edge. The ‘father’ pool are where eggs are boiled.
Opposite the pools, the more up-market Siam Hot Spa is located offering a sophisticated bathing pleasure with jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and traditional massage. There is even a small restaurant serving Thai snacks, noodles, single spicy rice dishes and local curries.
The Raksawarin hot springs were remodelled over the last few years and this in turn encouraged small boutique hotels to open close by, although the original Jansom Hot Spa Hotel remains the most popular.
Jansom Hot Spa located on highway 4 offers 150 rooms and bungalows all with air-conditioning, TV and private bathroom with piping hot natural spring water pumped from the nearby spring. It claims to be the only resort to have 100% pure natural mineral water on tap flowing through the plumbing from the spring itself.
From Ranong town the springs are a pleasant walk offering an opportunity to explore the town and its forested paths around the hot springs.
There’s an impressive line up of Thai food stalls near the hot springs and one of the popular favourites is an ice cream serving in a bread bun with lashings of condensed milk.
The free hot spring pools are the most popular, but shell out THB40 and go for the luxury version that gets you a clean towel and a small cubicle to change to your swimsuit so can enjoy immersion in the deeper, clearer pools.
The water can be as hot as 65 degree Celsius in one of the pools where visitors cautiously pat the surface, or attempt to boil an egg. A river flows through the park and a suspension bridge spans the short distance between banks an attraction for children who run its length back and forth to destabilize anyone in their wake. There is also a meditation pavilion with a warm floor created by underground piping that circulate water from the hot spring. The pavilion is used for meditation, a warm snooze or energetic hot yoga classes.
Pornrang Hot Springs is an alternative, a more natural and quieter spot 11 km south of town, just off highway 4 on the road to Khao Lak. Located just inside the Ngao Waterfall National Park, there is an entrance fee of THB100.
The river running close to the hot spring is crystal clear and the trick is to take a dip in the river cool down and then transfer to the hot spring pool to warm up.
The setting is natural and just sitting in the river as tiny fish take a nibble at your toes is akin to the expensive fad that took urban spas by storm. It still goes on in Ranong, a complimentary courtesy of the river’s fish population.
1 comment:
charubun pananon August 7, 2018 at 16:13We had tried to promote hot spring in Ranong for the past many years but never achieved in the expecting level even trying to attract the Japanese hot spring investors to invest in Ranong also not successful. I assume that the weather in Thailand is too warm to do hot spring bath and noticing that hot spring bath is favorite and popular in the cold weather countries.

So much for pushing Ranong. It is though a very interesting region to visit, with nature galore. 

More Ranong by melinaillustrations, but it's the text which sells the sketch:

So recently, I went on holiday and stopped by a hot spring called Pornrang near Ranong with my family. The hot water is directed into pools for people to soak in then emptied back into streams where the water cools down.
There was only enough time to sketch the stream, the colors were added later so they aren’t faithful. I tried to recreated a warm atmosphere rather than use realistic colors.
Further up the stream I drew was even a spot with doctor or nibble fish, they nibble at your dead skin and are used as a spa treatment in some places. It was really weird to see them in nature and not a tank, they’re a lot bigger and definitely not as gentle. It’s surprising how they repeatedly slam into you but it doesn’t actually hurt.

Powder
Tatsuo Ura reports on Facebook on developments at Doi Saket / Doi Saked (Chiang Mai). Translated and followed by a photo of the building site:

'On February 18, 2018, from the afternoon to the of hot spring. By Car, about 1 hours from Chiang Mai.
The Guide was unwilling to drive a slope and a winding road, so we drove on the way. International License!The car was changing to ford since June 17 The front car is Toyota.As a rumor, I can't take a bath during a large-scale construction.The construction started on September 9, 2017, and it was completed on may 3, 2018The amount of investment is 1,867 million baht (1 baht per month). It seems to be capital of Bangkok. 
For more details, I'd like to take a look at the next visit. I'm impatient to hear from the interpreter'.

Bangkok Post (May 8) enlightens on us on the onsen wave slowly taking over the country's soaking country:

'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 [really?] 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 wellness 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.
...
In addition, the company also operates luxury organic spas in Park Hyatt Hotel Bangkok and Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang. "We opened the first flagship store in a 70 sq m space in Ginza district, Japan last year. There is a huge demand for quality and natural products from Japanese customers. After setting up shop in Japan, we can go anywhere in the world," said Mr Vorravit'.

enjoy_sadoodta with a more sedate soak near Mae Kasa, Tak province:

Onsen in Thai style 🇹🇭 #Tak#Thailand #amazingthailand #onsen#explorertheworld #blogger​ #travelblogger#girlsborntotravel#travel #trip #journey #vocation

Tense
Phuketnews goes soaking (Jun. 30):

'The Hotspring Beach Resort and Spa has very spacious grounds, dotted with pools that capture the hot water as it flows up from the depths of the earth. There are two hot pools, both with a decidedly hot temperature of about 40ºC. There are also two cold pools, the coldest of which is about 16ºC – a stark contrast to the hot pools'.

ryseva.vv at Hotsprings Resort:

В Директ сегодня много написали с расспросами об источниках, решила что можно рассказать сразу всем 🤗 В отеле The hot springs resort and spa есть возможность погреться в тёплом источнике :) Среди полезных свойств этого источника отмечают улучшение работы почек, улучшение состояния кожи, снятие стресса и напряжения, облегчение мышечной боли, поднятие общего жизненного тонуса. Быть постоянцем отеля не обязательно. Взрослый билет стоит 400 батт, детский 200 батт (старше 5 лет). До 22 сентября можно пройти в 2 раза дешевле, т.к. один из бассейнов на реконструкции (не лечебный). Ехать с Пхукета на машине примерно час. Ехать определенно стоит, нам очень понравилось 👍🏻 На входе выдают воду, а вот покушать лучше заранее и с собой взять что-то перекусить, поесть там толком не где 😊

Translated it goes sort of like this: 

'They wrote a lot today in Direct with questions about sources, decided that you can tell everyone at once tension, relief of muscle pain, raising the general vitality. Being a permanent hotel is not necessary. An adult ticket costs 400 Baht, a children's 200 Baht (over 5 years old). Until September 22, you can go 2 times cheaper, because one of the pools is under reconstruction (not medical). Drive from Phuket by car in about an hour. It is definitely worth the ride, we really liked it вы They give out water at the entrance, but it’s better to eat beforehand and take something to eat with you, it’s not really where to eat 😊' 

Highondreams (Apr. 7) visit Wareerak hot springs (Krabi) and publish an extensive photographic overview of the experience. Just one of the photo's:

Once again bare (!) with the translation by google:

'Down the hot spring I have to put on a cloth that I love. I like the uniform. I do not have to sit on the porch like onsen in Japan , I do not go to this size, it will not go down to me anyway. I changed the dress to it.We like that the shape of each pond is FREEFORM and play like step ladder. There is a seating area that will allow you to soak up your feet, soak up your waist, soak up your chest or soak up your neck'.

The Bangkok Post (Oct. 4) goes upcountry to Lampang:

'Blessed by nature, the national park [Chae Son National Park] is located in the area of the hot springs in Muang Pan district. Covering the forest area of 480,000 rai, the park also has waterfalls, caves and walking trails for those who love outdoor activities.
Most tourists visit the national park during cool season, although visitors can travel to the park all year round. Last year, the park welcomed about 230,000 tourists, up from 160,000 visitors five years before.
"Our visitors love hot springs. I want to upgrade our service standard, products and facilities so we will have something new to offer tourists. My plan is to make our park the centre of wellness and spa tourism in the North," he said.
To achieve the goal, the national park has worked with Suan Dusit University.
...
The team has recently introduced prototypes of skincare products based on the mineral water of Chae Son National Park.
...
While the food was cooking on the stove, which took about 30min, Phonnabphan wanted us to try spa sum kai, or a herbal sauna in a bamboo chicken coop. We walked to the house of Kabkham Wannasuwong.
She already prepared the herbal sauna for us. A clay pot was put on a charcoal stove. Inside the pot, many types of fragrant herbs were boiling and that included pandan leaves, ginger, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, flowers and shavings of phang (sappanwood). "The herbal steam was originally prepared for a mother who's just given birth to sweat out so that she can regain her strength quickly," said Kabkham. When the community [of Ban Sam Kha] launched its tourism years ago, she introduced the service to the tourists.
She told me to sit on a small wooden stool next to the boiling herbal pot. Phonnabphan and a kid helped lift the chicken coop over me. Only my head popped up from the centre of the dome cage. The smell of boiled herbs was very pleasant. I also felt the heat inside the coop.
"The herbal sauna is good for health. It helps detox your skin," said Kabkham. One course comprises two sessions. Each time should be about 10 minutes. The herbal steam can make you sweat like sitting in a sauna room.
...
Lampang is gearing up for the booming business of wellness tourism'.

Back where we started but not in Chiang Rai but indeed it's Chaeson hot spring. Good guess: 

pnutz_pk

Come on babe 💕