Hot springs
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- For destinations named "Hot Springs", see the Hot Springs disambiguation page.
Hot springs are natural features resulting when ground water is heated (sometimes far beyond the level of human endurance) by geothermal forces and brought to the surface, typically becoming diluted with cool surface water on the way. Many are in attractive locations and are scenic (e.g. the geysers of Yellowstone National Park, Kamchatka and New Zealand) or celebrated (e.g. the original town of Spa), hence are attractions or even destinations in their own right. For the hot-spring aficionado, the greatest pleasure comes not from just looking at the spring, but from getting into the water for its therapeutic powers, not to mention just because it feels good – really good. This article will help travelers get the most out of their hot-spring experiences world-wide.
"Developed" versus "wild" hot springsThe term "hot spring" means different things to different people, and it's a good idea to know just what manner of hot spring you're bound for at a destination, because it may be something quite different from what…
SpasThere is a difference between a hot spring and a spa.
Non-English termsStep one in locating a hot spring is knowing exactly how to say – or read – "hot spring" in the language of the country you're visiting. Some translations into other languages:
AccessAccess to "commercial" hot springs is a simple matter: you do what the proprietor asks (likely involving the exchange of money, and possibly requiring reservations), then you use the spring.
What to take
Clothing-optional springsAt both commercial and wild springs, customs (and laws) vary substantially as to whether you're required to wear a bathing suit.
Where to find themMost hot springs (locally called tsachu) in Bhutan have avoided overdevelopment and generally a trek is required reach them. Popular ones are in Gasa. Duer in Bumthang and Koma in Punakha.
Stay safe
Stay healthy
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hot springs" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons