After roaming the many night markets in Taiwan, you may want to slow down and take a dip in one of their famed hot springs. These pockets of therapeutic waters will wipe out your weariness and soothe your senses, no matter how beat you are.
Taiwan’s hot springs are clean and potable—the main reason why spas and resorts have also flourished everywhere. Which are the best ones to visit? Well, it really depends on your location, travel schedule, and preferences. Here, we round up some of the best hot springs you can choose from.
Beitou Hot Springs
Let the relaxing thermal pools of Beitou, the hot spring capital of Taiwan, take away your physical aches and stress. The volcanic core of Mount Datun is the source of heat of the district’s springs. The three different types of hot springs you can find in the area are the Green Sulfur Springs, Red Iron Springs, and White Sulfur Springs.
One of the most popular hot springs in Beitou is the Millennium Hot Spring. Visitors can enjoy both hot and cold pools here, where temperatures of hot pools range from 42 to 46 degrees celsius.
The oldest bathhouse in Beitou is the Long Nai Tang Hot Spring. It may not have the luxurious amenities other bathhouses have, but it excels in keeping with traditions. Long Nai Tang Hot Spring has two private baths, one for women and one for men, while the public bath area has two hot pools.
If you’re looking for a complete, modern hot spring resort experience, stay at the Grand View Resort Beitou. Being the only five-star hotel in Beitou, the Grand View Resort features a rooftop infinity pool with views of mountain landscapes and green vistas. They also have a sauna, steam room, a dining area and lounges.
Guanziling Hot Springs
Have you ever bathed in mud? Guanziling is famous for its mud bath, and there are only three countries in the world offering this kind of experience—the other two are Japan and Italy.
The water in this hot spring resort is known for treating allergies and rejuvenating the skin. You can slather the mud on your body as you would with soap, let it dry out, and then rinse it off in a pool. Tourists also flock to what is called the Water and Fire Cave, where there are flames that seem to be dancing on top of a natural spring. Around the area are the Tiger Head Mountain, Chicken Cage Mountain, and Pillow Mountain.
Jiaoxi Hot Spring
Minerals like magnesium, sodium, carbon, and potassium fill the hot springs of Jiaoxi. You can take the train and travel for two hours from Taipei to Jiaoxi, or ride on a bus from the Taipei Bus Station or Taipei City Hall Station.
You can then head to Jiaoxi Hotsprings Park and soak yourself in soothingly warm waters while being surrounded by a beautiful landscape composed of shrubs, trees, ponds, and pathways. The coffee shop and open-air theater completes the tranquil vibe.
Ruisui Hot Springs
Nestled in southern Hualien County, Taiwan, Ruisui is known for its water with a brownish stain. Many would mistake it as murky, but it’s just the result of the water’s rich iron content oxidizing and being in contact with the air.
Salt crystals can also be found on the surface of the water. You can choose from three public baths with different temperatures at Ruisui Hot Springs. They have a guesthouse where you can also buy drinks, as well as facilities where you can rinse.
Tai’an Hot Spring
The Tai’an Hot Spring is a gem in the Tai’an Township of Miaoli County. It can be accessed by bus and taxi from the Miaoli Station of the Taiwan Railways Administration. The Tai’an Hot Spring features a colorless and odorless alkaline carbonate spring and it can heat up to about 47 degrees Celsius. It stands out from other hot springs in Taiwan for its scenery and location far from the big urban areas.
A version of this article first appeared on KKday.
