hot pools at Yunomori Onsen — Photo courtesy of Dave StamboulisWhile hot spring bathing is something akin to a sacred ritual in Japan, the Thai penchant for cleanliness has not carried over into the creation of a bathhouse culture. Until now that is. Bangkok now has its first authentic Japanese bathhouse, with the arrival of Yunomori Onsen, a hot spring bath and spa complex that is one of the city's best spots to take some time off and relax in.
jet hot spring bath — Photo courtesy of Dave StamboulisSmith Mekaroonkamol, the owner of Yunomori, has gone to great lengths to try to recreate a bit of Japan for the 80,000 odd Japanese expats calling Bangkok home, as well as for Thais and foreigners seeking a haven in which to de-stress and relax.
Yunomori pretty much resembles the real deal that you find in the Land of the Rising Sun. The large bathing areas contain shower facilities along with three large pools: a jet whirlpool bath, another one containing a carbonated soda water generator from Japan which mixes soda with the water and promotes circulation and rejuvenation. This is the “cool” pool at a nice 38 degrees, but for the real lovers of hot springing, the best bath is next to this, a 43 degree sizzler with 3000 liters of hot spring water brought up from the famed Raksawarin hot springs in Ranong, whose water is extremely clear and without any sulfurous odor. If this gets too hot, there is also a 17 degree cold pool to get into, and there are also some warm teak tubs and another pool for bathing in out in the garden.garden bath — Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Additionally, there is a large spa center upstairs where one can have sublime aromatherapy and Thai massage treatments after soaking in the hot baths. Overall, a fantastic way to spend a day getting all those toxins from the traffic, pollution, and noise out.