Located in Phu Mau Village, Son La Province, Bo Am Hot Spring (also known as Mo Am) is a natural hot spring with temperatures ranging from 35-40 degrees Celsius. About 150 kilometers from Hanoi, this hot spring is managed by a local cooperative for tourism purposes.
For just VND30,000 ($1.20), visitors can enjoy unlimited hot spring baths throughout the day. The unspoiled environment makes this a favorite destination for locals, though it remains relatively unknown to far-away tourists.
The springs flow directly from a crevice and are divided into three levels. The top level is the warmest, with temperatures gradually decreasing at lower levels. The bottom level is cool but not too cold, making it suitable for bathing and swimming.
Bo Am Hot Spring is surrounded by bamboo forests on one side and rice fields on the other. Besides enjoying the mineral baths, visitors can also take advantage of the scenery for photography.
The clear, warm water of the springs is soothing. Immersing oneself in the water and taking in the scenery helps alleviate fatigue and rejuvenates the body.
Duong Thi Hang, a teacher from Moc Chau, brought her 16-year-old daughter to relax at the hot spring after her entrance exams. They reached the springs in about an hour from Moc Chau District. They arrived at about 2 p.m.
"I learned about this place while teaching in nearby communes, but this is my first visit. Bo Am is well-known among locals, especially on weekends. The scenery and fresh air appeal to both Vietnamese and foreign visitors, and the prices are very reasonable. My family and I will definitely return. Next time, we plan to arrive in the morning and spend the entire day. We want to enjoy the dining services as well," she said.
According to Hang, locals claim that the pure hot spring water offers health benefits, particularly for sinus issues.
"They also mentioned that drinking the water might alleviate insomnia or joint pain. The water flows straight from the crevice, so it’s very pure. My friends even brought bottles to take the water home," she added.
Across from the hot springs are rice paddies tended by local farmers. Ha Van Khuong, a member of the Tat Nang Tourism and Agriculture Cooperative, which manages Bo Am, stated that cooperative members take turns on duty, selling tickets and addressing visitor concerns.
Bo Am opened to the public in 2019. A brief closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, it reopened in 2022. Geological surveys confirmed the water’s pH level is moderate with minimal sulfur content. The colder the winter, the warmer the water becomes, attracting visitors seeking relaxation.
In addition to hot spring baths, visitors can order local meals featuring specialties such as sticky rice, grilled chicken, and forest vegetables. A few hundred meters away, there are homestays managed by locals. However, the facilities at Bo Am remain quite basic, with limited services available.
Despite being in the middle of summer, the area stays pleasantly cool, making it an ideal escape from the city heat.
Scenery of Bo Am Hot Spring. Video by VnExpress/Nguyen Chi
