Forget about flying six hours to Japan just to get some onsen + nature time in your life — just head to the north of Thailand to enjoy a tranquil retreat set among cool, lush green hills.
Onsen at Moncham opened late last year on a mountaintop in Chiang Mai’s Mon Cham district. The high-end resort features eight guest rooms and eight suites (for a total of 16 units) and, of course, the traditional-style Japanese hot springs known as “onsen.”
The property’s onsen are the heart of the resort. Here, they’re gender-segregated and offer both indoor and outdoor bathing areas. While most so-called onsen in Thailand add mineral water powder into their tubs to recreate an onsen-esque experience, this place in Moncham actually uses natural spring water from a hundred meters below the earth’s surface — so visitors can expect a relaxing dip with copper, magnesium, calcium and sulfate ions just as if they’re soaking in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Holidaymakers who wish to soak in the onsen can walk in without booking or staying at the resort. The onsen-only package is priced at THB750 per person, and includes a drink, locker, towel, and bathroom amenities.
Since its opening, Onsen at Moncham has been creating buzz among Thai tourists looking for a quick, nature-filled getaway from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok life.
“The onsen here uses natural mineral water and whoever is in it would feel relaxed and refreshed. The setting is surrounded by pure nature with Japanese tea served to you. What would be better than a vacation like this,” wrote travel blogger Wang Kor Pai. “Guests can walk around in a yukata like they’re living in another world. Bangkokians like us hardly have a chance to experience this.”
“I once wished that Chiang Mai had a Japanese-style homestay and an onsen so we can chillax there with cool weather in the north. Finally, my wish came true,” wrote another blogger, Palapilii Thailand.
The property is owned by two Thai friends who partnered with Rasa Hospitality Management and Development with THB220 million investment. The elegant, traditional Japanese-style interiors and surrounding gardens were apparently inspired by the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto and were conceptualized by artist and architect Kritsada Rojanakorn, who is also behind the designs of The Grand Luang Prabang in Laos and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam.
Onsen at Moncham is located in the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai province. It is open from 8am until 10pm every day. Transportation service between the Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and the retreat is available upon request.
FIND IT:
Onsen at Moncham is at 293, Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
Open 8am – 10pm daily
Phone: +66 (0) 5311 1606
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