Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hindad Hot Springs: Geothermal Regeneration

Youthapong Charoenpan

Set within the Tanaosri Mountain Range amid swathes of dense jungle in Kanchanaburi's Thong Pha Phum district, the Hindad Hot Springs provide visitors to the northern part of the province with the opportunity to sample an authentic Thai-style 'Bor Nam Rorn' (hot spring).

Discovered by a Japanese soldier during World War II (1939-1945), the springs, located to the south of Thong Pha Phum municipality, feature two geothermal baths for regular visitors, adjacent to another that's specifically for use by members of the Buddhist clergy. Each is about 150 centimeters deep, which, based on recent data, is about neck height for the average Thai person. It should be noted that of the two hot baths, the one located near a small generator (see photo, below) is slightly hotter than the other.


Parallel to the baths is a fast-running stream, which allows bathers to cool down in between spells in the hot baths. This is said to promote good circulation, so I spent a good part of the afternoon switching from one to the other. The temperature of the water in the hot baths reaches between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius.


There is also an open-air massage pavilion nearby (see photo, below, right). My companion sampled a one hour Thai massage, which costs 150 baht (US$5) for Thais and 250 baht for foreigners, following a three-hour session in the hot baths. He noted that is was a completely positive experience, while heaping a good deal of praise on the masseuse.


During my visit, I also got the impression that the management of the establishment are collaborating closely with the local authorities. The site is extremely clean and well kept, while the level of security is also very impressive.


Adventurous types and nature lovers might wish to venture about 5 kilometers further along the same road that leads to Hindad Hot Springs, which eventually leads to Nam Tok Pha That ('Pha That Waterfall').

The cost of entry to the park itself is just 10 baht for locals and 40 baht for foreigners, so I recommend that if you're planning a trip to the province, you allow at least a day to explore this wonderful facility.






Transport Connections:

Car: Take the westward branch of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) from Bangkok in the direction of Nakhon Pathom province. Once you're in Nakhon Pathom province, look out for signs for Highway 323 and follow them.

Highway 323 will take you through Ratchaburi province and past Tha Maka district in Kanchanaburi province. You'll then need to drive through the city of Kanchanaburi before reaching a regular road (Route 323). Follow this road (Sangkhlaburi-Kanchanaburi), which will lead you towards the Hindad Hot Springs. The springs are located about 135 kilometers from Kanchanaburi and 30 km from Nam Tok Sai Yok Yai ('Large Sai Yok Waterfall').


Bus: Air-conditioned and regular buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus terminal (Sai Tai Mai) about every 15 minutes. Departures begin at about 5 am and continue until 10 pm. The journey takes between two to three hours and a single (one-way) fare is 150 baht.

Alternatively, you can take a minivan from Khao San Road or Victory Monument (BTS: Victory Monument). The fare is 150 baht, but the journey using this method is slightly quicker (about two hours) than the bus journey just described. Local buses run hourly from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum.

Train: Trains to Kanchanaburi depart Thon Buri's Bangkok Noi Railway Station twice a day (at 7.45 am and 1.35 pm). A single (one-way) fare costs 100 baht and the journey takes between three and three-and-a-half hours.


source: Tannetwork.tv

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