Leave the stress behind in a hot spring in northern Vietnam for $1

Located in Phu Mau village, Son La province, Bo Am Hot Spring (also known as Mo Am) is a natural hot spring with temperatures ranging between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. This hot spring is located about 150 kilometers from Hanoi and is managed by a local cooperative for tourism purposes.

For just 30,000 VND ($1.20), visitors can enjoy unlimited bathing in the hot springs all day long. Its pristine nature makes it a popular destination for locals, although it is relatively unknown among tourists from afar.

The springs emerge directly from a crevice in the rock and are divided into three levels. The top level is the warmest, with temperatures gradually decreasing towards the bottom. The bottom level is cool but not too cold and is therefore suitable for bathing and swimming.

Bo Am Hot Spring is surrounded by bamboo forests on one side and rice fields on the other. Visitors can not only enjoy the mineral baths but also take advantage of the scenery to take photos.

The clear, warm water of the springs has a beneficial effect. Immersing yourself in the water and enjoying the view helps to relieve fatigue and regenerate the body.

Duong Thi Hang, a teacher from Moc Chau, took her 16-year-old daughter to the hot spring to relax after her entrance exams. They reached the springs in about an hour from Moc Chau district. They arrived at around 2 p.m.

“I learned about this place when I was teaching in nearby communities, but this is my first visit. Bo Am is well-known among locals, especially on weekends. The scenery and fresh air appeal to both Vietnamese and foreign visitors, and the prices are very reasonable. My family and I will definitely come back. Next time, we plan to arrive in the morning and stay there all day. We also want to enjoy the food,” she said.

According to Hang, locals claim that the pure hot spring water has health-promoting effects, especially for sinus infections.

“They also mentioned that drinking the water could relieve insomnia or joint pain. The water flows directly from the fissure and is therefore very pure. My friends even brought bottles to take the water home,” she added.

Opposite the hot springs are rice fields cultivated by local farmers. Ha Van Khuong, a member of the Tat Nang Tourism and Agriculture Cooperative, which manages Bo Am, said the cooperative's members take turns selling tickets and taking care of visitors' needs.

Bo Am opened to the public in 2019. After a brief closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, it reopened in 2022. Geological surveys confirmed that the pH of the water is moderate and has minimal sulfur content. As the winter gets colder, the water warms up, attracting visitors seeking relaxation.

In addition to hot spring baths, visitors can order local dishes with specialties such as sticky rice, grilled chicken and forest vegetables. There are homestays run by locals a few hundred meters away. However, facilities in Bo Am remain quite basic and offer limited services.

Although it is midsummer, the area remains pleasantly cool, providing an ideal escape from the heat of the city.

Khu suối nước nóng giá rẻ ở Sơn La

Scenery of Bo Am hot spring. Video by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi