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Guide to Asia’s Natural Thermal Springs

From hidden gems to fancy spa resorts, Asia is full of various hot springs in every corner of the continent. Thermal water enthusiasts should incorporate a trip to this part of the world to discover some of the best soaking and healing pools in the Eastern Hemisphere.

South Asia

South Asia is filled with natural hot springs, from Afghanistan down to the island destination, the Maldives. In places like India, thermal springs are part of the country’s religious and cultural history. They are often mentioned in ancient myths and are thought of as holy places. Most of these hot springs flow into bathhouses that people have built next to religious buildings like temples.

Many natural hot water springs can also be found throughout Nepal, with one of the most well-known being Tatopani in Kodari, on the highway near the Nepal-China border.

It might also surprise many travelers that Iran has its fair share of amazing thermal mineral waters for drinking and soaking in. There are touristy man-made pools and picturesque outdoor ones that are great for relaxing and rejuvenating.

Other countries in South Asia with hot springs include:

• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Sri Lanka
• Pakistan

Southeast Asia

The region of Southeast Asia is home to a respectable number of hot springs, especially in countries like the Philippines (PI). Because the PI is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is home to several volcanoes still erupting, travelers may choose from a wide variety of natural hot spring resorts on the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Some of these resorts are relatively well known, while others are more off the beaten path. Most of the best thermal spring resorts in the Philippines are in the province of Laguna, which is called the “Resort Capital of the Philippines” and is only a few hours’ drive from Manila, the country’s capital.

From Jilin in the far north to Yunnan in the far south, China is home to an incredible number of natural hot springs. Over 3,000 hot springs are operating in the country, and the tourism sector for Chinese hot springs is one of the most rapidly expanding in the world.

There are also several sites to soak in Vietnam, both in the north and the south of the nation. Some of these spots are developed, while others are in natural, beautiful surroundings.

Other Asian countries in the southeast with thermal springs include:

• Thailand
• Laos

Central Asia

Central Asia is a smaller region than other parts of the continent, but a few places have some geothermal springs to visit. Hot springs known as Bibi Fatima may be found deep in the Wakhan Valley of the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan and are just a short distance from the settlement of Yamchun.

This well-known spa in the area is just a short distance from the border with Afghanistan. The water has a lot of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.

Hot springs can additionally be found in the Nurata Mountains of Uzbekistan, where visitors who like nature can take a soak. According to local mythology, the fish that may be found in the springs are considered to be holy.

East Asia

East Asia is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit a hot spring resort. Because of the central role that thermal springs play in the traditions of many countries in the region, these natural wonders may be found in abundance and are typically kept at a very high quality. Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend, resorts offer a wide range of services, from the most basic to the most luxurious.

South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan all use hot springs as a big part of their health care and culture. Japan has thermal pools in every part of the country, and visitors can use hot spring baths at a ryokan, hotels, and public bath houses.

There are at least one hundred main hot springs in Taiwan, in addition to many other springs, thanks to its location between two tectonic plates. South Korea is also full of geothermal spas with a wide range of settings and facilities.

Western Asia

Parts of western Asia are also referred to as the “Middle East,” but countries like the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Tunisia, and Oman are home to public hot spring baths. Even though these waters have been utilized for decades, you can now find “Hammams,” also known as Turkish baths, all across the area, from public places to the spas of high-end hotels.

When traveling around Asia’s many regions, remember to keep an eye out for some of the region’s incredible thermal pools to relax in.

Learn more about visiting Asia on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.

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