10 Nice Hot Springs in Asia
Do you require a brief period of rest and recuperation? Speaking about the ultimate in bathing, nothing can beat natural hot springs. A soak in an onsen or hot spring offers a unique opportunity to relax in an unparalleled way. If you are seeking to incorporate stress-relieving activities into your next vacation, then unwinding by immersing yourself in nature’s hot springs is an excellent option. The simple act of immersing oneself in the waters allows the body to release tension, fatigue and stress. These are many wonderful experiences that can be incorporated into a holiday itinerary in Asia.
Kurokawa Onsen (Japan)
Kurokawa Onsen is a lesser-known attraction that has gained a reputation as one of Kyushu’s best-kept secrets. The hot spring town is situated in a verdant forest valley. One of the town’s distinctive features is its traditional appearance and ambience. Its rustic charm, coupled with a rich cultural and historical heritage, contributes to its unique appeal. The area is free from the commercialisation of hotels, the bright neon signage and the skyscraper buildings that are common in other locations. A number of Japanese-style inns are located along the streets, offering guests the opportunity to stay and enjoy the benefits of one of their hot spring baths.
Tatopani (Nepal)
The Hot Spring situated near the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge and surrounded by dramatic granite mountains and a cascading whitewater river, has gained recognition among locals for its reputed curative properties. The rich minerals in the water are believed to have detoxifying properties, as well as being effective in relieving symptoms of rheumatism and relaxing stiff muscles. The water contains a substantial amount of black salt and phosphorus, both of which are natural antibiotics. The most straightforward way to reach the destination is to join a hiking tour in Kathmandu that will pass by the hot spring. This will provide a relaxing stop that will leave you feeling re-energised.
Yufuin Hot Springs (Japan)
You might have heard of the famed Beppu resort area, but the nearby town of Yufuin is the Kyushu hot spring for those really in the know. Yufuin Sansou Murata, a seriously luxurious retreat in the mountains, is built on a four-acre parcel of land, offering impressive views. Each of its 12 accommodations is a lodge from the Meiji (1868-1912) or Shōwa (1926-1989) periods. The sparse layout and in-room baths offer optimal privacy, while guests can also find plenty of amenities on-site, from the hotel’s soba restaurant to a private art museum and a bar filled with the sounds of jazz.
Pai Hot Springs (Thailand)
Looking for an unparalleled hideaway for those in search of tranquility and a private gateway? Pai Hotspring Spa Resort sits on the riverbank of Pai, a boutique town in Mae Hong Son province of Northern Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relax and unwind among the surrounding mountain forests. Enjoy hot spring water throughout the resort with hot-spring public pools and mineral spring water piped into every single guestroom’s bathroom.
Dukgu Hot Springs (South Korea)
Unlike other places where water is pumped up from below, the 600-year-old hot spring at Dukgu is the only one in South Korea where the water flows naturally to the surface. If you’re looking for top-notch facilities in the area, head to the Dugku Hot Spring and Spa. Located near Mount Taebaek, not too far from the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula, this is a resort complex offering diverse spa facilities and hotel accommodations. The resort prides itself on the purity of its water, which is said to be good for nerve pain, rheumatism, skin problems, diabetes and paralysis.
The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat (Malaysia)
A luxurious retreat awaits you across the causeway. The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat, Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat, is built around the beauty of nature. You are invited to enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural dipping pools, which contain fresh hot water sourced from the geothermal hot spring pools. These pools are replenished with three million litres of water per day from the ground below. The Thermal Steam Cave offers you a unique opportunity to relax and unwind with a platform overlooking a body of clear geothermal hot springs water. The resulting natural sauna provides a restorative therapy that soothes, relaxes and detoxifies the body.
Maquinit Hot Springs (Philippines)
The all-natural hot water at Maquinit Hot Spring, a renowned natural site for its healing and relaxation properties, awaits your indulgence. The hot water is a natural byproduct of geothermal activity caused by an underground volcano, seeping from the earth below. The water is sourced directly from the ocean at the shore, where geothermal activity heats the seawater. Enjoy a refreshing beverage, such as a cold beer, while you relax in the natural setting, taking in the sights of mangrove trees and picturesque skylines. We recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from the mangrove boardwalk.
Wareerak Hot Spring Thai Spa (Thailand)
Wareerak Hot Spring Retreat, situated in the heart of Klong Thom, offers a distinctive spa experience in Krabi. Treat yourself to our nature-based facilities, which offer guests a unique day of pampering in an open-air setting. You are invited to participate in destination spa programmes utilising the fresh mineral hot spring. Their signature treatment combines hydrotherapy with self-directed exercises in the water. Allow your body to rejuvenate as you relax in the renowned Kinaree Hot Spring pools, surrounded by a tropical and lush landscape spanning over 10 acres.
Batur Natural Hot Spring (Indonesia)
A visit to this hidden gem in Kintamani will allow you to experience the captivating natural beauty of a spectacular mountainous region, while enjoying the unique opportunity to soak in the only natural hot spring in Bali. The longest lakefront hot spring pool in the world awaits your visit, surrounded by captivating nature in this spectacular mountainous region. The minerals in the colourless and odourless hot spring, heated deep within the earth, have healing and curative properties. The facilities include four natural hot spring pools and one warm Olympic-sized pool, offering guests the opportunity to relax in a majestic setting with panoramic views and fresh mountain air.
Takaragawa Onsen (Japan)
It is the largest open-air bath in Japan. The location in a tranquil forest setting and surrounded by mountains is a significant draw for many visitors, who also appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the majestic views. The mixed-gender baths are open to non-residents during the day. The location of the onsen along a river means that it benefits from a different scenery depending on the season. Takaragawa Onsen is one of Japan’s hot spring baths where all guests are required to use the bath dress provided at the facility.
Treat your loved one to a soak in some of Asia’s best hot spring retreats. Are you seeking a natural solution to meet your rest needs? Please chat with our travel consultant to design a tour that suits your needs.