Mai Chau is not only famous for its picturesque villages and lush green valleys, but it also attracts visitors with its nearby hot springs. Here, travelers can relax in the heart of nature, soak in warm mineral waters, and fully enjoy the pristine beauty of Vietnam’s Northwest mountains and forests. Let’s explore the most notable hot springs around Mai Chau and discover the unique experiences this peaceful land has to offer.
Where are the Mai Chau Hot Springs? How to get there
Mai Chau hot springs are natural mineral hot springs scattered throughout Mai Chau District, currently part of Phu Tho province. Most hot spring sites are located about 20–30 km from the center of Mai Chau town, making them very convenient for travelers to combine sightseeing, relaxation, and nature-based wellness experiences.
To reach the Mai Chau hot springs, visitors first need to travel to the center of Mai Chau, then continue on to each specific hot spring location. From Hanoi, you can choose from several transportation options depending on your time, budget, and comfort preferences:
- Coach / Limousine: Coaches are a popular choice for convenient travel at a reasonable cost. Many routes depart from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Yen Nghia bus stations to Mai Chau. Travel time is about 3.5–4.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 VND per person. If you prefer more comfort, limousine vans with spacious seating and better services are an excellent option.
- Private Car / Taxi / Shuttle Service: Traveling by private car or taxi is ideal for families and groups of friends, offering flexibility in timing and itinerary. The journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau usually takes around 3.5–4 hours. In addition, some resorts, such as Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort, offer private shuttle services, making the trip more relaxing and hassle-free.
Traveling from Hanoi to Mai Chau by car
- Motorbike: For travelers who love adventure, riding a motorbike offers an exciting journey along National Highway 6, especially when passing through Thung Khe Pass. With a distance of around 140 km, the trip usually takes about 4–5 hours on average. Once you arrive in Mai Chau, a motorbike is also a flexible way to continue exploring nearby hot spring spots.
After reaching Mai Chau town center, visitors can keep traveling by motorbike, local taxi, or a rented private car to reach the hot springs scattered around the valley. The travel time is typically 30–60 minutes, making it ideal for day trips or for adding into a relaxing resort itinerary.
Health benefits of bathing in Mai Chau hot springs
Soaking in hot springs in Mai Chau is not only a great way to unwind after stressful workdays, but it can also offer many health benefits:
- Lower blood pressure & improve circulation: Warm water helps dilate blood vessels and slightly increases heart rate, supporting natural blood pressure reduction and better blood flow.
- Better sleep quality: Soaking in warm water at around 39°C (103°F) before bedtime relaxes muscles, eases tension, and signals your body that it’s time to rest.
- Improved mobility: Water buoyancy and comfortable heat reduce pressure on joints, relax muscles, and improve flexibility, especially helpful for people with arthritis.
- Detox support: Sweating in mineral water may help the body release impurities. Combining bathing salts, herbs, or essential oils can also help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
- Healthier-looking skin: Mineral-rich water may brighten the skin and help reduce freckles, dark spots, and uneven tone, leaving skin smoother and more even-looking.
- Mental balance & stress relief: Hot spring bathing relaxes both body and mind, easing stress and improving mood.
Note: Avoid soaking too long in water that’s too hot, as it may cause low blood pressure, heat dizziness, or cardiovascular strain. Soaking properly helps you enjoy the full wellness benefits of Mai Chau hot springs safely.
Top hot springs near Mai Chau to visit
Although Mai Chau itself doesn’t have many natural hot springs, there are several well-known mineral bathing spots nearby that are convenient to combine with sightseeing and relaxation.
Kim Boi Hot Springs
- Location: Mo Da Hamlet, Ha Bi Commune, Kim Boi District, Hoa Binh
- Opening hours: Approximately 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (depending on each service area)
- Entrance fee: Around 180,000 VND per person (prices may vary by time)
Kim Boi Hot Springs is well known for its natural mineral hot water source with a stable temperature, making it ideal for relaxation and health care. The tourist area features a diverse bathing system, ranging from shared mineral pools to private bathing areas, catering to solo travelers, families, and groups of friends. The surrounding space is open and peaceful, making it suitable for short wellness getaways combined with sightseeing in Mai Chau.
Kim Boi Hot Springs
In addition to mineral hot spring bathing, visitors can enjoy services such as mineral mud baths, jacuzzi pools, private whirlpool rooms, or simply relax in a peaceful natural setting. Especially on cool days, soaking in the warm water at Kim Boi Hot Springs offers a pleasant feeling and helps the body regain energy after a journey exploring Mai Chau.
Community hot springs
- Location: Sam Khoe, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh
The community hot springs near Mai Chau use natural mineral water that feels cool in summer and warm in winter, providing a relaxing experience all year round. The mineral water is directly supplied to nearby resorts, allowing visitors to enjoy a quiet atmosphere while gently and naturally taking care of their health.
Besides soaking in mineral water, guests can experience amenities such as in-room onsen-style jacuzzi tubs, four-season swimming pools, or outdoor mineral pools surrounded by green landscapes. This is an ideal option for travelers seeking a more private, relaxing, and resort-style hot spring experience in Mai Chau.
Bo Am Hot Springs
- Location: Phu Mau Village, Chieng Yen Commune, Son La Province
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (daily)
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND per person
Bo Am Hot Springs is a natural mineral hot spring flowing directly from underground rock crevices, with water temperatures ranging from 35–40°C. The stream is divided into multiple levels with gradually decreasing temperatures, and the lower area is cooler, making it ideal for soaking and swimming. With affordable entrance fees and no time limit for bathing, this spot is popular among locals and travelers who enjoy natural experiences.
Bo Am Hot Springs
The surrounding landscape of Bo Am Hot Springs is pristine and peaceful, with rocky cliffs and bamboo forests on one side and vast rice fields on the other. Soaking in the clear, warm mineral water while enjoying the poetic natural scenery helps visitors relieve fatigue and offers many beautiful photo opportunities close to nature.
Read more: Mai Chau Kayak – Top Spots, tours & Tips for the perfect adventure
Best time to experience Mai Chau hot springs
You can visit Mai Chau hot springs all year round, as each season offers a different relaxing atmosphere. Choosing the right time will help you fully enjoy the wellness experience amid the Northwest mountains.
March – May: Fresh spring season
During this period, Mai Chau has pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 18–27.5°C. The warm mineral water feels comfortable without being overwhelming, making it ideal for gentle relaxation combined with sightseeing.
September – November: Stable and comfortable weather
Temperatures range from 16–30°C with fresh and stable air. Bathing in hot springs during this time helps restore energy after daily activities, while favorable weather makes travel planning easier.
December – February: Cool winter, perfect for hot springs
With temperatures around 12–20°C, winter is the most ideal season to soak in hot springs. The warm mineral water helps warm the body, relieve fatigue, and create a peaceful, relaxing experience amid the quiet mountains.
Tips for visiting Mai Chau hot springs
To ensure a smooth and truly relaxing experience when visiting Mai Chau hot springs, travelers should prepare and keep in mind the following basic tips:
Plan your trip in advance
Most hot springs near Mai Chau are combined with resorts or community-based services. If you plan to stay overnight, it is recommended to book accommodation early, especially during peak seasons or weekends. For day trips, arrange your travel time carefully to avoid rushing.
Choose the right time for hot spring bathing
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy Mai Chau hot springs thanks to the cool and pleasant weather. In winter, soaking in hot mineral water provides a warm and deeply relaxing experience. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, avoid public holidays and weekends.
Prepare suitable clothing and personal items
Bring swimwear, towels, anti-slip sandals, and comfortable clothes to change into after bathing. Drinking water and light snacks are also useful to replenish energy during your rest time.
Do not soak for too long
The recommended soaking time is about 15–30 minutes per session. After soaking, take a short break to allow your body to adjust and avoid dizziness or fatigue caused by high water temperatures.
Read more: Top excursion Mai Chau itineraries for every traveler
Resort near Mai Chau hot springs – Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
Located just about 10 km from the center of Mai Chau, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort is an ideal retreat for travelers who wish to combine hot spring exploration with peaceful relaxation by Hoa Binh Lake. Its convenient location allows easy access to popular hot springs such as Kim Boi Hot Springs and nearby community hot spring areas.
Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort
Nestled among the Northwest mountains and offering panoramic views of the emerald-green lake, Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort provides a secluded, gentle, and deeply relaxing getaway. Designed in harmony with nature, the resort is perfect for travelers looking to restore energy after sightseeing and experiencing Mai Chau hot springs.
Frequently asked questions about Mai Chau hot springs
Below are some frequently asked questions about Mai Chau hot springs, along with helpful answers to give you more confidence when planning a relaxing trip amid the mountain landscapes.
Do Mai Chau hot springs charge an entrance fee?
Yes. Most hot springs near Mai Chau require an entrance fee, with prices varying depending on the location and the mineral bathing services you choose. Well-developed hot spring facilities usually have separate ticket prices for adults, children, and different types of pools. It is recommended to check prices in advance to choose the most suitable option.
Can children bathe in hot springs?
Yes, children can bathe in hot springs but must be accompanied and closely supervised by adults. Many hot spring areas offer pools with lower temperatures designed specifically for children, making them safer and more suitable. Choose age-appropriate pools and avoid long soaking sessions to ensure children’s health.
Is summer a good time to visit Mai Chau hot springs?
Yes. Summer can still be a good time to enjoy Mai Chau hot springs if you choose cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Even during hot weather, natural mineral water and outdoor mineral pools provide a relaxing experience after exploring the surrounding areas.
How long does it take to reach hot springs from Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort?
Traveling from Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort to nearby hot springs usually takes about 30 minutes to over 1 hour, depending on the destination, such as Kim Boi Hot Springs or community hot spring areas. With its location just 10 km from Mai Chau town, the resort is an ideal base for combining relaxation and hot spring experiences.
Hotline: 0963 406 366 or 0987 536 787 for consultation and room booking today!