7 of the World’s Best Hot Springs
Hot springs are such special places in this world, and I hesitate to assign a ranking to any one of them. Here are a few that really excite me and that I would love to share with you.
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs (U.S.)
Ojo Caliente is one of the country’s oldest health spas. Tucked between rugged desert cliffs and a cottonwood-lined bosque, our hot springs await soakers seeking healing and respite. Ojo Caliente is one of the only hot springs spas and resorts on Earth featuring four healing minerals: Arsenic, Lithia, Soda and Iron in naturally sulfur-free waters.
There are a range of accommodations from cozy hotel rooms, upscale suites, casitas, vintage trailers, and private homes. Available features include private soaking pools, exclusive soaking access, traditional Kiva fireplaces, private courtyards and full kitchens.
2. Lake Bororia Hot Springs (Kenya)
Nestled on the shores of Lake Bogoria, the Lake Bororia Resort is a haven for pink flamingos, this resort offers access to natural hot springs and stunning views. Relax in pools while witnessing the vibrant flamingo flocks.
Stay at the nearby Panari Resort with your cottage and fireplace while enjoying the steam sauna, heated indoor pool, fitness center or spa and beauty salon.
This lake is alkaline – with a pH of 10.5 at the western bank. Lake water is twice as saline as seawater. Lake gets water only from the hot springs and some perennial rivers and it has no outlet.
Around Lake Bogoria are some 200 hot springs with water temperatures from 39 to 98.5° C. Nearly all these springs are very close to the lake or – even inside the lake.
3. Minera Hot Springs Bình Châu (Vietnam)
Binh Chau is called “The blessed land” as besides its natural resources, the happy and hospitable people here is also a highlight that will make you come back here for the second time or more.
Unwind in a luxurious setting at Minera Hot Springs Bình Châu with multiple pools, mud baths, spa services, and a variety of amenities. Certified by FEMTEC - World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy - part of WHO.
The first wellness destination featuring hot springs and a forested park in Vietnam. Just a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. When in the area enjoy Ho Coc Beach and a visit to a dragon fruit farm.
Minera Springs and Mineral Forest will gently guide you and your loved ones on the journey to discover more than 40 types of mineral baths inspired by countries from all over the world.
Enjoy a hot spring water pool, personal mud-bath tubs, VIP spa and massage, egg boiling pools, horse cart renting service and crocodile fishing.
The resort has lifeguards on duty and well-maintained facilities.
The spring water is believed to be rich in sulfur, minerals, and potentially sodium. Specific details and potential health benefits haven't been widely documented.
Secret Tip: Book your stay in advance, especially during peak season, as this resort is quite popular.
4. Romanee Nom Ron Hot Springs (Thailand)
Embark on a thrilling adventure through Khao Sok National Park, home to diverse wildlife and stunning rainforest scenery. Relax in the natural hot springs after a day of exploring waterfalls and caves.
Romanee Nam Ron has four large, clean pools fed directly from a bubbling spring. The hot spring water can be from 22 and 52 degrees Celsius (68 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit).
Along the way, take in a dramatic vista of the Khao Sok valley in Khao Sok National Park View Point.
When done try out nearby Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary, Tam Nang Waterfall, and Buddha Cave.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and stress relief.
Secret Tip: Hike to the viewpoint above the hot springs for breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest.
Best Time to Go: Dry season (November-April) offers sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, while the rainy season (May-October) can be lush but may have higher water levels and potential for flash floods.
5. Tengchong Volcanic Hot Springs
The Ming Dynasty's great traveller, Xu Xiake, conducted on-site investigations of Tengchong's Rehai Hot Springs, Dadong Hot Springs, and Laxing Hot Springs.
There are many hot springs hotels in the region, including Tengchong Jingge Banshan Hot Spring Hotel and Mayu Valley Hot Spring Homestay.
Tengchong currently has 74 hot spring resources with temperatures above 21°C. The hot springs in the Thermal Sea are volcanic hot springs represented by sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs and radon and fluorine springs which are of extremely high temperature, extremely soft water, suitable for life, and extremely high mineralization.
These hot springs are rich in free gold, so they enjoy a good reputation of “gold spring” with a high rating for their quality in China.
The most famous is the Rehai Hot Springs, which is the second-largest hot field in China, with a maximum water temperature of 102 degrees Celsius. It is the best place for geothermal therapy in China. Next to it, you can find hot spring eggs (five yuan for two), peanuts, and other items for sale. There are also two large "steam boilers" where visitors can experience the joy of steaming and cooking eggs themselves (available outside the scenic area for five yuan for four eggs). The saying "Yunnan's Eighteen Wonders, selling eggs on a string" originated from here.
Yugu Hot Spring is built according to the mountain topography, and covers an area of 10,530 m2. Its 4,689 m2 of landscape are dotted with pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing stream, vigorous flowers and trees, 22 hot water bathing pools, 8 private hot water bathing houses, and 2 natural geothermal steam bath areas, so that the whole building layout and the natural landscape of the hot springs are organically combined, constituting a rich and colorful picture of hot spring spa culture and garden art. It is a world of hot spring health care in the mountains worthy of the name.
6. Maquinit Hot Spring
Craving a seaside soak with a touch of the extraordinary? Maquinit Hot Spring in Coron, Palawan, is your answer. One of the lesser-known saltwater hot springs in the world is the Maquinit Hot Spring. It is situated off the Southern coast of Busuanga Island and less than 5 km away from Coron town.
Stay at the top rated DK's Inn, an 8-minute walk from Coron Public Market and 0.7 miles from Mount Tapyas. If you don’t mind sharing space, try out Hop Hostel with a shared kitchen and lounge with a rooftop space, pool, and laundry.
After hiking Mt. Tapyas, you can head over to the hot spring to take a soothing dip into its giant tub-shaped pool. You can also pay a tricycle driver to take you 30 minutes over the rough roads to get there, but make sure they know you need a ride back!
There are 3 pools that are quite hot, but mornings and evenings are good times to go. I like to go to hot springs when the cool rain is dripping on my head. Changing rooms and restrooms are available, but no shower.
This saltwater wonder, heated by the volcanic depths of the island, is a unique blend of marine minerals and geothermal magic. The sulfur content boasts potential benefits for skin health, while the magnesium offers muscle relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, the calcium and potassium present can contribute to bone health and overall well-being.
Prepare for a dip unlike any other, with the rhythmic waves lapping against the pools and the whispers of the ocean mingling with the volcanic symphony of minerals.
7. Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal
Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal includes four natural thermal water pools. If you are looking for a plan full of relaxation and fun for the whole family, you are in Termales Balneario. The hot springs open at 6:30 am and close at 11:30 pm.
Located about 18 kilometers from Santa Rosa de Cabal, the thermal springs are surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains, providing an atmosphere of tranquility and pure nature. Access can be done by private vehicle or tourist transport services.
Once you go through the gates of the hot springs building at the top, you’ll see several pools of different shapes, sizes, and temperatures that are perfect for hanging out in.
Some of the pools are bathtub warm (like the one that’s designed for little kids), and others are scorching so that you can’t stay in for long at all. Each of the pools has a spout filling it with cool water as well, so if things are getting too hot for your taste, simply move closer to that and the water will cool down.
With a 95-meter-high waterfall and five branches of cold water that bathe the mountain, they make a dream landscape.
Magmatic waters are composed of elements such as nitrogen, copper, arsenic, bromine, phosphorus and boron.
If you’re making the long journey out to the hot springs, you might as well just stay there as well. About 1.2 km farther down the road is the Hotel Termales San Vicente which also has its own set of hot springs pools.
