Fancy A Hot Salty Bath
Well what a treat we had today! Cruising south of Krabi
not far from Khlong Thom, you will find a sensational
spot for a hot bath. The hot springs, called Hua Nahm
Khao, near Ban Na are just that, very hot springs. These
ones are actually salt water springs. In the Thai language
salt water is pronounced Nahm Khem.
It is a pleasant drive through small villages and farm
lands, mostly palms and rubber plantations. The area of
the hot springs is not quite as pretty as the Crystal
Springs which are more inland, and not far away.
Coastal Scrubby Bushland
It is coastal, and more of a light scrubby bushland than
the dense forests found mostly in these areas. But it
is now being protected and to a degree regenerated by
the local authorities.
There are several pools around, most with a sandy gravel
base. The edges of the pools have been made more stable
with laid rock and concrete surrounds. You can bath in
all but one. This particular one is naturally shaped like
a small volcano.
You can splash yourself with the buckets
provided, but it is preferred you do not get in completely.
If you can arrive in the morning you may find it less
populated. I am told it can be very busy in the afternoon
as the locals arrive to relax after a hard days work.
A Slight Tinge Of Green
The water is very clear, with a slight tinge of green
caused by the high mineral content. It is a delicate entry
I will warn you, but once in, it is extremely satisfying.
You may not be able to stay in too long, but a few short
dips with a breather in between and you will be feeling
extremely refreshed.
To find this little haven of natural beauty you will have
to take a series of turns. At the southern end of Khlong
Thom, if you are coming from Krabi, take a right turn
at the very edge of the town. Next take a series of left,
right, left, and right in the village of Ban Na.
This
is a village with about ten small shops. To help you enjoy
your stay, it may be a good idea to grab some fresh fruit
and drinks here. And yes, you will take another left and
a right again, on gravel this time. There are signs directing
you most of the way. In all it is roughly ten kilometers
from Khlong Thom.
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