“Well baked” visitors share a photo-op

Among the mountains of southeastern Vietnam, amidst the lush greenery of a primary forest, a perfect hot spot awaits your discovery.

Literally.

The Binh Chau - Ho Coc area teems with hot springs hidden in forests. They were “discovered” in 1928 by a French doctor named Salle.

The area consists of more than 70 visible hot springs with water temperatures ranging from 37 to 82 degree Celsius.

Tourists have been flocking to Binh Chau - Ho Coc hot springs since 1989 in search of relaxation and relief.

Experts say the water contains many substances like silica, nitrogen, sulfur, sodium, and chlorine that are useful for treating many types of illnesses.

The minerals in the water are said to be beneficial for the bones, muscles and skin, and to improve blood circulation, thus strengthening the immune system and facilitating the healing process.

Visitors soak their feet in hot water along a concrete channel winding through the area, and usually, do not forgo the opportunity to boil eggs in the 80°C wells.

We reached Binh Chau - Ho Coc after spending three hours on the bus from Ho Chi Minh City. The stiffness and muscle tensions of a somewhat long journey disappeared as we immersed ourselves in a pool where the water stayed at 37 degrees Celsius.

Beside the hot-water baths, the site now offers mud-baths, sauna, massage, jacuzzi and steam baths.

A sports-leisure complex to play golf, volleyball and tennis as well as a garden named Vuon Trang with a 1,000-seat open air stage have been added to the area to lure more visitors. The last-mentioned facility is often hired by companies for team-building activities and by others for concerts, dance performances and so on.

Other “attractions” include river fishing and rides on horse-carriages.

For the more scientifically inclined, or those looking for added adventure, the Binh Chau forest is an ideal place to explore.

Accommodation in Binh Chau is offered by eight hotels with the usual range of rooms, not to mention a few villas.

In 2003, the Binh Chau Hot Spring area was recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of 65 sustainable ecotourism areas located in 47 countries worldwide.

Those visiting Binh Chau can also head to the Ho Coc Beach, around 15 kilometers from the hot springs.

The three-kilometer long, white sandy beach is more or less unspoilt – an idyllic get-away spot.