Exhaustion is a feeling that most of us are familiar with. The ache that seeps into our bones, the fatigue which washes over the body, and chains us to the nearest couch or bed until this vague illness passes. However you may choose to rid your body of its exhaustion wiles, there are always new methods, tips, or techniques to try. One such experience is the onsen.
Though not exactly new, onsens have been rising in popularity as people struggle to reset the work-life balance.
An onsen (温泉) is a natural hot spring that is found in Japan. It refers not just to the hot springs but also to the bathing facilities and traditional inns (ryokan) that surround it. Though an exact date is not known, historical records show mention of onsens going back at least 1,300 years. It was believed that onsens held cures to diseases and other ailments. Talk about a magical bath!
The idea of bathing to draw out toxins is certainly not new and can be found in various cultures. The sauna, Turkish baths, and Korean jjimjilbangs are all wellness rituals which certain people swear by, but what is behind the onsen’s enduring popularity?
At its core, an onsen has water that is naturally heated underground. This water may contain a myriad of dissolved minerals. Thus, there is not just one type of hot spring that can be enjoyed at an onsen, but rather multiple types. Each of these minerals can give the water its own health benefit. Onsens will often advertise specific health and beauty claims that can be found in their waters. The most common types of hot spring waters that can be found at an onsen include: (1) simple, (2) chloride, (3) sulphur, and (4) sulphate.
A simple onsen contains hot spring water that is warmed to at least 25 degrees Celsius. It does not contain minerals in a large enough quantity to qualify for any of the specific mineral categories. A simple onsen is perfect for treating run-of-the-mill fatigue, insomnia, and high blood pressure. A chloride onsen has hot spring water that looks a lot like seawater because it contains salt ions. The sodium chloride water helps the body to retain its heat and can be good for treating muscle and joint pains.
Sulphur onsens are easily recognisable by their smell and the yellowish deposits found in the hot spring waters. These hot springs expand blood vessels and soften skin. A sulphur onsen can be used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and skin spots.
Finally, a sulphate onsen (not to be confused with the sulphur onsens) contains calcium, sodium, or magnesium sulphates. These onsens are held in high regard for their healing capabilities. Taking a dip in these waters can be great for multiple skin ailments, and drinking them is said to relieve constipation. Then again, after sharing the hot spring water with other people, drink at your own risk!
To some, an onsen can be as familiar as a trip to the spa. Unlike spas, however, there is bathing etiquette that must be followed when visiting an onsen. Most onsens will have their rules posted both on their websites and at their location. Here are the most important rules that must be followed at every onsen:
HYDRATING
Although onsens can be fun, they can also have side effects on our body if we are not careful about how we engage with them. Since we are spending so much time soaking in hot water, it is easy to have lingering effects of discomfort, light headedness, and nausea. In order to avoid these side effects, drink a glass of water before entering the hot springs.
It is also ill-advised to take part in onsen activities immediately before or after meals. When we are extremely tired, it can be tempting to see the onsen as a cure-all, but onsens are best avoided at this time.
Now that you are thoroughly informed about the wonderful and possibly new world of onsen, you must be wondering, “Are there any proper onsen places in Thailand?” The answer is yes. Not one, but multiple. So, we went ahead and have rounded up some of the better onsen choices for those days you want to unwind and de-stress.
CLOTHING ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED
Underwear and swimsuits are not allowed in the baths. You are, however, allowed to take a small towel with you. Before you dip in the hot spring, wash yourself thoroughly in the showers.
DIORA ONSEN
A familiar name in the world of rest and relaxation, Diora has locations aplenty scattered throughout Bangkok, whether it is Asoke, Lumpini, Chitlom, or Sukhumvit. Now Diora has forayed into the world with their new offering: Diora Onsen and Spa.
Inspired by theJapanese style of tranquility, Diora Onsen and Spa can be found in Sathorn where peace and rejuvenation are well met. Diora has both public and private onsens, so depending on your speed and what you’re in the mood for, you’re spoiled for choice. With several packages combining the serene and soothing qualities of the onsen and tailored massages, Diora Onsen and Spa is the perfect getaway for when the hustle and bustle of the city gets to be too much.
Price: Private Onsen Retreat, 60 minutes: (Individual, THB
1500; Couple, THB 2400); Public Onsen Day Pass (THB 1200)
(Instagram: @dioraworld )
KAIZEN ONSEN
Want to experience an onsen but be a little intimidated by the idea of undressing in front of strangers? That’s perfectly normal. Many people feel the same way, hence the existence of Kaizen Private Onsen and Spa. This is a private onsen experience that needs to be booked beforehand. One of their onsens is Ureshino room onsen, named after the city of Ureshino in Japan, whose hot springs are known for their clear onsen waters. The other is the Momiji room Sakura, which is a scented milky onsen. If you’re craving a VIP experience, Kaizen also has a VIP Forest room. Kaizen is the place to go if you want to dip your feet into onsen culture but aren’t ready for its communal nature.
Price: THB 2,800 for two people
(45 minutes); THB 3,190 for two people (60 minutes) for Ureshino and Momiji rooms. THB 4,990 for two people (60 minutes) for their VIP room.
(Instagram: @kaizen.onsenbkk)
LET’S RELAX ONSEN & SPA
This onsen is located in the Grand Centre Point Hotel in Thong Lo. The onsen bath experience at Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa consists of five different pools, including the Gero hot springs bath. Purchasing an all-day pass to the onsen also provides access to other facilities such as the steam room, the sauna, and the cool-down rooms. This is perfect for people who want a no-frills, no-nonsense approach to their onsen experience.
Price: THB 750, onsen day pass
(Instagram: @letsrelaxonsen.official)
PAÑPURI WELLNESS
Pañpuri, famously known for its fine fragrances and home goods, has stepped into the sphere of wellness with its onsen and spa location in Gaysorn Village. Pañpuri Wellness Retreat has five luxury, public onsen pools, separated by gender, and a private onsen suite, amongst other wellness facilities. It is perfect for those who want a little extra pampering with their onsen experience.
Price: THB 750, onsen day pass; THB 3,800 for 120-minute massage and onsen
(Website: https://panpuri.com/spa-onsen/wellness-destinations/wellness-gaysorn/)
YUNOMORI ONSEN
This onsen has two locations in Bangkok, one in Sukhumvit and the other in Sathorn. The Sathorn Yunomori Onsen boasts of seven different onsen baths, ranging from traditional Japanese style to a more modern iteration. The Sukhumvit location has six different baths, which include the Yunomori signature bath and the Onsen mineral water bath, also available at the Sathorn location. The specialty of the Sukhumvit location is the Garden and Teak baths that are more traditional, mimicking the style of an outdoor onsen in Japan.
Price: THB 650, onsen day pass
(Instagram: @yunomori_onsen)