Bo Am Hot Springs: A Warm Natural Pool Near Mai Chau

Bo Am Hot Springs is a natural warm spring in the mountains of North Vietnam. The water is clear, the pools sit in the middle of green jungle, and it is still mostly local people who come here. If you drive between Mai Chau and Moc Chau, it is an easy stop.

What it is like

The water comes out of the ground warm. Not lukewarm, but properly warm, so you can sit in it for a long time without getting cold. The pools are shallow and lined with stone, and the water is so clear you can see every stone on the bottom.

There are a few pools connected by small stone paths, with thatched umbrellas for shade. Around you there is only forest and the sound of water. It is simple, not a resort, and that is the charm.

Good to know

• It is warm, not hot. You can stay in for a long time. Very pleasant in cool weather.
• Shallow water. Fine for children, but always keep an eye on them.
• Mostly local visitors. Not a tourist place, so dress modestly. Many Vietnamese people swim in T-shirt and shorts.
• Bring your own things. Towel, water, and something to change into. Do not expect much on site.

Where it is

• Location: Van Ho, Son La province, North Vietnam.
• From Mai Chau: about 30 minutes by car.
• From Moc Chau: about 45 minutes by car.
• From Hanoi: about 3.5 hours by car.
• From Ninh Binh: about 4 hours by car.
• Map: Open Bo Am Hot Springs in Google Maps

How to fit it into your trip

Bo Am works best as a stop, not as a destination on its own. Two ideas:

• Mai Chau day trip. Cycle through the rice fields in the morning, then drive here in the afternoon to relax.
• On the road to Moc Chau. If you drive from Mai Chau to the tea hills of Moc Chau, this is roughly halfway. A good place to break the drive.

Both Mai Chau and Moc Chau are far from Ninh Binh, so this fits a longer trip through North Vietnam rather than a day tour. We can arrange a car and driver if you want to travel this way.

Getting there: see Hanoi to Mai Chau and Moc Chau, or let us plan your whole trip, airport to airport.