A hot spring near Phongsali, on the border between Laos and China's Yunnan province. The thermal water reaches 40°C (pH 7.3); entry is subject to a small local fee. An indoor bath and an outdoor rotenburo-style bath are available on site.
Insider tip — Tucked near the Yunnan-Laos border, this geothermal spring emerges in a lush subtropical valley frequented by ethnic minority communities. The modest entrance fee keeps crowds low, making for an intimate soaking experience amid jungle greenery. Waters are mildly mineralized and pleasantly neutral in smell. Combine the visit with nearby hilltribe village walks for a full day in the backcountry.