Besides lying on the beach, taking a boat trip to the islands off Nha Trang and going out at night, there is one more thing you shouldn’t miss when vacationing in the coastal city. That is going to the Thap Ba Hot Spring Centre to have that mud bath.

To get to the centre, just 4km from downtown Nha Trang, take the road that passes the Ponagar Cham Towers. After a few kilometres more, you reach the spa that sits on a hillside, overlooking the river.

Although there is nothing too luxurious about the secluded spa, it is becoming more and more popular, and you may find it crowded with both locals and foreigners. The centre can accommodate around 400 customers an hour.

You are advised to first soak in hot mineral water for 45 minutes. For that, 25 pools are situated on the hill slope. For the best treatment, you should get out of the water every five minutes to rest on the side of the pool before immersing yourself again in the hot water. The 38 to 41ºC mineral water, above all relaxes people, is changed after each soak. The pools also have underwater massage taps.

After the mineral water, you can wallow in the mud in an outdoor bath. There are two options – private or communal mud bathing. The private bath accommodates two people, and a bamboo screen shields the pool from the rest. Up to six or eight people can splash about in the communal bath, which is cheaper and much more fun.

The mud is about 37 to 38ºC. The mud is taken from a natural source about 60km away. Towels and even bathing costumes are supplied. Plans for a mud lake for public bathing are in the works.

After soaking in the mud for some 15 to 20 minutes, you can dry off in the sun or take a relaxing massage. If you want more wetness, you can use a larger, warm mineral water swimming pool.

For those who want more privacy, the centre has opened a VIP spa area of 14 rooms with sauna, massage and Jacuzzi services. A hairdresser and fresh fruit further pamper guests in the private rooms.

Soaking in the mud costs VND50,000 or VND150,000 per adult, depending on the type of mud. Using the hot mineral water costs VND50,000 per adult. A VIP single room is USD105, and a double room is USD145.

(Source: SGT)