Binh Chau Hot Springs
Binh Chau Hot Springs
Located 140 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the Binh Chau geothermal complex combines mineral-rich bathing pools, naturally boiling springs and a forest park.
The Binh Chau hot springs form a geothermal complex situated in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, in southern Vietnam. Approximately 140 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 60 km from Long Hai, the site combines open-air bathing pools, natural boiling springs and a forest park. A stop often integrated into an itinerary connecting Ho Chi Minh City to the Vung Tau coast or Ho Tram.
Why visit Binh Chau Hot Springs
The site holds a dual appeal: geological and recreational. Waters surge at temperatures varying significantly from one pool to another, with the hottest spring reaching 82°C. Particularly rich in minerals, they are said, according to local tradition, to have soothing properties for the skin and joints — an ancient cultural practice with no formal medical validation.
The environment remains wooded and relatively unspoiled, which sets Binh Chau apart from more urbanized thermal resorts. It is also one of the few accessible geothermal zones in southern Vietnam, where the majority of the country's hot springs are concentrated in the north and center.
What to see and do
The bathing pools
The pools designed for bathing display temperatures between 37°C and 40°C, equivalent to a warm bath. Several formats coexist: open-air communal pools, hot tubs, and private baths for those seeking more intimacy. The water, clear and mineral-rich, releases a faint sulfurous odor typical of geothermal sites.
The boiling springs
Beyond the bathing pools, the site comprises natural springs reaching up to 82°C. These zones, marked and cordoned off, are understandably not accessible for bathing. A fun activity consists of cooking eggs in just minutes, immersed in baskets provided for this purpose.
The park and walking trails
The springs cover an area of approximately 1 km² composed of several pools interconnected by underground springs. Exploration is done on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, along marked trails through forest and wetland zones. A complete walk takes some time and allows you to observe tropical vegetation, vapors rising from the pools, and local wildlife.
Spa treatments and mud baths
The complex also offers mineral mud baths, massages and various body treatments. These services remain optional and complement the bathing experience.
Practical information
- Visit duration: plan a half-day to enjoy the pools, or a full day including lunch on-site.
- Admission fees: budget-friendly entrance fee, with surcharges for private baths, treatments and accommodation.
- On-site amenities: restaurants, shop, accommodation (bungalows and integrated hotel).
- What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Safety: it is unwise to venture off marked trails, risking slipping into an underground pool of boiling water.
When to visit
The Ba Ria-Vung Tau region experiences a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season, from November to April, remains most comfortable: stable temperatures, low rainfall and clear skies. The rainy season, from May to October, does not prevent visits but alternates tropical showers with sunshine. Bathing in warm water remains pleasant year-round, even during rainy spells. Vietnamese weekends and public holidays attract more local visitors: prefer weekdays for greater tranquility.
How to get there
From Ho Chi Minh City
The 140 km journey takes approximately 3 hours by road, depending on traffic. Standard options: private car with driver, long-distance taxi, or local bus from Mien Dong Bus Station heading to Vung Tau, with transfer to Binh Chau.
From Vung Tau or Long Hai
Located 60 km from Long Hai and roughly 80 km from Vung Tau, the site lends itself to a day trip from these beach resorts. Taxi, rental car and tourist shuttles are the most practical solutions. Many travelers combine Binh Chau with a stop at Ho Tram, which is closer.
What to combine in the region
Binh Chau integrates easily into a circuit through southern Vietnam. The beaches of Ho Tram and Long Hai, the salt marshes of Vung Tau or sites in the Mekong Delta are within reach. To extend your discovery of the country, several sites merit a detour:
- Cai Rang Floating Market, in the Mekong Delta
- Ba Den Mountain, the highest point in southern Vietnam
- Buu Long Mountain and Long An, near Ho Chi Minh City
- Cham Sculpture Museum, in Da Nang
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes, provided you dedicate at least a full day or incorporate it into a trip to the coast. The 140 km distance makes a same-day round trip lengthy but doable.
Yes, the complex offers several accommodation options, from simple bungalows to hotels with privileged pool access. It is a worthwhile option to enjoy the pools in the evening.
The waters are rich in minerals and local tradition attributes soothing properties to them, without formal medical validation. The relaxing effect of a warm mineral bath remains, however, undeniable.
Yes, provided you closely supervise children: some areas of the park contain springs at 82°C, dangerous outside marked trails.
Swimsuit, towel and non-slip sandals suffice. Remember to bring sunscreen and insect repellent for the park walk.
Include Binh Chau in your trip
Binh Chau Hot Springs integrate into a circuit through southern Vietnam combining Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and the Vung Tau coast. To build a tailor-made itinerary, consult our Vietnam travel suggestions.
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