After visiting an elephant farm, we stopped by the local hot springs.
I had no idea that Thais operated anything like this in such hot weather, or that there were even hot springs like these there.
We arrived at the parking lot and followed the path toward the hot springs.
Along the way, we admired flowers that smelled wonderful and that Thais apparently use as fragrance for their homes, cars, and so on.
I also saw a pineapple growing for perhaps the first time in my life. And yes—it grows from the ground, not from a tree.
Rommanee Hot Spring is located in Phang Nga Province, which is best known for its national parks, jungle, and limestone cliffs. The springs themselves were formed by geothermal activity deep underground—the water is naturally heated there and then rises back to the surface.
Local residents had been using these springs for decades before the site began to be developed for tourists. They were once simply natural pools in the jungle, mainly visited by locals for relaxation and the water's health benefits.
The mineral water from these springs contains sulfur and other minerals traditionally associated with the regeneration of muscles, joints, and skin. That is why Thais often see a visit to hot springs as part of wellness and health care, not merely as a tourist attraction.
Interestingly, even though Thailand is a tropical country, hot springs are quite common here—especially in more mountainous areas. Rommanee is one of the smaller and quieter hot springs, which may be its greatest advantage.
Before we went into the water, our guide told us a little about the hot springs and showed us the large well where the water emerges and from which it is drawn and piped to the individual pools.
It should be noted that it was around 33 degrees outside, the sun was blazing, and the pools were 40, 42, and 45 degrees.
First, I had to take a shower—with ice-cold water, of course—and then I went over to the pool.
I went straight for the 45-degree pool, but I only managed to get in up to my waist; going any farther was too much in that heat.
So I moved to the 42-degree pool, which I ultimately managed to handle as almost the only person in our entire group.
Once you get used to it, it is manageable—I stayed in for about 10 minutes.
The water did not smell at all and was pleasant; it had not been treated in any way either.
After bathing, we also visited a local shop by the parking lot, where a sort of pear-apple caught my eye. It was absolutely delicious—provided you shake all the ants out of it first.
This green one was very sour.
But protein is good too :).
After visiting Rommanee Hot Spring, we continued on to some beautiful waterfalls, but that will be the subject of another article.
