Mud-Bathing at a Vietnamese Mud Spa: A Must-Do Activity in Nha Trang
Why would you pay to roll around in mud when you probably spent a good chunk of your childhood doing the exact same thing for free?
Well, first of all, I didn’t have that kind of childhood.
If you did, good for you. But maybe now is the perfect time to allow your adult self to relive that moment.
And for the rest of us unlucky kids, a mud bath might be the excuse we need to let go of inhibitions and embrace the mess.
After all, Nha Trang, Vietnam is famous for its mud baths. While similar spas have popped up in other parts of the country, most of them trace their inspiration back to Nha Trang.
So, what draws thousands of travelers and locals to mud-bath spas in Nha Trang every day?
It’s not just the novelty. Mud bathing is believed to offer a range of wellness benefits, especially when combined with geothermal mineral water.
Claimed benefits of mud baths
The mud used in Nha Trang spas is rich in minerals and volcanic ash, mixed with naturally heated mineral water.
Together, they’re said to provide:
- Pain relief — The heat from the mud and geothermal water helps relax muscles and joints, making it popular for people with stiffness or mild aches.
- Detoxification — Minerals derived from plants and volcanic sources may help draw out impurities from the skin, at least on a surface level.
- Relaxation — The warm, dense mud makes you float, removing pressure from your body. The sensation is oddly calming — somewhere between a hot bath and a sensory deprivation tank.
- Skin softening — Volcanic ash acts as a gentle exfoliant, leaving skin feeling smooth afterward. Think of it as a full-body mud mask.
- Improved circulation — Heat from the mineral water and hydrotherapy jets stimulates blood flow, which can help reduce tension and fatigue.
Best mud spas in Nha Trang
Nha Trang has several well-known mud-bath spas catering to different budgets and travel styles. All are relatively close to the city, so location isn’t a major concern.
Choosing one usually comes down to price, atmosphere, and how “resort-like” you want the experience to feel.
Thap Ba Hot Springs
Thap Ba is the oldest and most budget-friendly mud-bath spa in Nha Trang, located near the Po Nagar Cham Towers.
Facilities include communal and private mud tubs, mineral waterfalls, hydrotherapy walls, heated pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and an on-site restaurant.
100 Eggs Mud Bath
The most unique mud bath on this list, with everything inspired by eggs—from the tubs and decorations to the restaurant menu.
The spa is set up like a forest of egg-shaped tubs, each accommodating about three people, and the restaurant serves egg-themed dishes and drinks, including the famous Vietnamese egg coffee.
Beyond the standard spa facilities, Eggs Mud Bath also offers additional activities such as shopping, kayaking, and rock climbing.
I-resort Spa
I-Resort is the most luxurious option and, unsurprisingly, the most expensive. It’s designed like a tropical resort and offers private mud baths, mineral pools, massages, dining, and even day-use bungalows.
If you’re looking for a polished, pampered experience (or traveling with family), this is the place to splurge.
Galina Hotel & Spa
Galina is the only mud-bath spa located right in the city center, housed inside a four-star hotel. The mud-bath area is cave-themed and includes jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, and a swimming pool.
It’s a convenient option if you don’t want to travel far or if you’re already staying at the hotel.
Hon Tam Resort
Hon Tam Resort is home to the largest mineral mud bath complex in Vietnam, with a huge central mud pool and hundreds of smaller tubs spread across the grounds.
Beyond the mud baths, there are hot mineral pools, hydrotherapy areas, jacuzzis, and a massive infinity pool overlooking Nha Trang Bay.
You can easily spend an entire day here, mixing spa time with activities like kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, or just eating your way through the on-site restaurants.
How to book a mud bath in Nha Trang
You can usually walk in without a reservation, but booking online guarantees a spot and sometimes comes with a small discount.
I booked through Klook, which also offers cashback and reward points.
What to bring for a mud bath in Nha Trang
Swimwear
Wear something minimal and quick-drying. Mud gets everywhere, and thick fabrics (or anything white) will never forgive you.Flip-flops or waterproof sandals
Paths between pools can be wet and slippery. Easy-on, easy-off footwear is ideal.Towel
Some packages include towels, some don’t. Bringing your own saves you the guesswork and avoids rental fees.Change of clothes
You’ll shower before leaving, but having clean, comfortable clothes afterward is non-negotiable.Hair tie or clip (for long hair)
Trust me — you do not want mud tangled in your hair.Reusable water bottle
Hot mineral baths are dehydrating. Some spas provide water, but it’s safer to have your own.Minimal toiletries
If you prefer your own shampoo or face wash, bring travel-size versions.Small waterproof pouch (optional)
Only if you must bring your phone. Otherwise, leave electronics behind.Cash or card
For locker deposits, food, drinks, or add-on treatments like massages.
My experience at Thap Ba Hot Springs
I chose Thap Ba Hot Springs simply because it was the cheapest. But being the cheapest option also means it attracts a lively crowd (sometimes too lively). It has received mixed reviews over the years due to crowds and aging facilities.
Still, I’m a sucker for affordable experiences, so I decided to see it for myself.
Getting there
I took a Grab Bike, which is easily the cheapest and most fun way to get around Nha Trang. Grab is widely used across Southeast Asia, and the bike option is fast and efficient.
Thap Ba also offers a free shuttle from the city center, though I wasn’t aware of it at the time. If you plan to use it, it’s best to contact the spa directly for details.
If taking a taxi, be specific — “Thap Ba” refers to a large area. Ask for the hot springs or mud-bath spa, or show the full address.
What to expect
Registration
The entrance feels more like a resort than a spa, with a reception desk and lounge area. After checking in and paying (or showing your mobile voucher), you’re directed to the locker area.
You’ll receive a locker key and drinking water. Towels were not included in the package I took, so I brought my own.
There were changing rooms, but I was already wearing my swimsuit underneath my clothes to make things easier.
The mud bath
When I arrived at the mud bath area, only two tubs were occupied. There were more than 10 of them available, each one big enough to fit 8 – 10 people.
If you come in a group, you would all have to share a tub. I was the only solo guest, so I got my own private one.
After each session, the tubs are drained and cleaned. When they’re not in use, they remain dry and empty. Only when a new customer arrives does an attendant turn on the tap.
It’s oddly fascinating to watch the mud slosh into the tub, filling it fast. Beside each tub, you’ll find scoops you can use to pour mud over your body.
You’re allowed 15 minutes in the mud. Attendants keep time and gently usher you along when it’s time to move on.
Sunbathing
After the mud bath, you sunbathe. This is apparently an important step as the sun will help the minerals absorb into your skin. Once the mud dries, you rinse off at an outdoor shower.
Mineral bath & hydrotherapy
Next comes a soak in hot mineral water for another 15 minutes, followed by a hydrotherapy walk-through with powerful water jets. Warning: it can be ticklish and even slightly painful.
After that, you’re free to enjoy the jacuzzis and swimming pools at your own pace. Just be mindful of how long you stay in hot pools, especially if you’re sensitive to heat.
Practical tips for mud bathing in Nha Trang
- Arrive early if you nooked online; late arrivals may have to forfeit their slot.
- Wear minimal swimwear — thick fabrics will take forever to wash.
- Tie up long hair and remove all jewelry.
- Leave valuables behind or lock them up securely.
- Don’t bring phones or electronics into the bath area unless fully waterproofed.
- Avoid mud baths if you have open wounds or contagious skin conditions.
- Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals beforehand.
- Do not over-exert yourself in the geothermal pools. They are meant for soaking, not for doing laps.
- Mud bath is more effective if you don’t wash it off with soap as this will wash away all the good minerals.
FAQs about mud baths in Nha Trang
Is mud bathing in Nha Trang safe?
Yes, mud bathing is generally safe for healthy adults. The mud used in licensed spas is cleaned, filtered, and mixed with geothermal mineral water.
However, it’s not recommended if you have open wounds, contagious skin conditions, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Do you share a mud bath with strangers?
It depends on the spa and how busy it is. Communal tubs can be shared, especially during peak hours. If you’re traveling solo and it’s quiet, you may get a tub to yourself.
Private tubs are available at higher price points.
How long does a mud bath session last?
For me, the mud bath itself lasted about 15 minutes, but I guess this depends on the spa. The full experience, including sunbathing, mineral soaking, hydrotherapy, and pools can take 1.5 hours or more.
Will my skin actually feel better afterward?
Your skin will likely feel softer and smoother due to exfoliation, though results vary. The biggest benefit for many people is relaxation rather than dramatic skincare changes.
Is mud-bathing worth it if you're traveling solo?
Absolutely. Mud baths are easy to do solo, low-pressure, and super relaxing. If you’re comfortable with communal spaces—or opt for a private tub—it’s a fun and unique experience.
Are mud baths in Nha Trang suitable for kids?
Yes, most spas allow children (usually from age 2), but hot pools should be used cautiously and for short periods.
Final thoughts on mud bathing in Vietnam
I had never intentionally played with mud, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I guess I expected it to be smelly and clumpy, with chunks of dirt and debris sticking to my skin.
Instead, it was surprisingly clean, smooth, and velvety in texture, and only faintly earthy. If it weren’t for the color, I wouldn’t have thought of it as mud at all.
Being (partially) submerged in it felt strangely calming because of its density. It made me feel light.
While I didn’t notice dramatic changes in my skin afterward, the experience itself was relaxing and memorable.
I started around 4 p.m., lost track of time in the jacuzzis, and finished close to 7. Unfortunately, I missed the last shuttle and couldn’t get a Grab, which resulted in a 5 km walk back to the city in the dark — an adventure of its own.
Would I do it again? Yes — but next time, I’d plan my transport better.
Have you ever had an unusual spa treatment? Where did you do it, and what was your experience like? Comment below.
This looks like an interesting place to relax and unwind. Would love to go there to experience bathing in mud.
Yes, it is, Tekkaus. And also a great place to get in touch with your inner child. We always condition ourselves to stay clean. This is the time to let go of that inhibition and get down and dirty!
mud bathing? this is truly a new experience… great place to relax… feels like wanna go and experience too..
Yup, Kylie. It’s the specialty of this place. I think the only other time I’ve heard about mud bathing was in Sabah, but I didn’t get to try it there. Try it if you get the chance 🙂
Sis pernah sekali pergi Sabah tahun lepas dan ke mud. Try jugaa laa letak di muka hahahaha mula takut gak, kot laa sensitif nanti kulit, nasib baik okay..
Tapi Sis nengok kolam air panas tu, bestnyaa.. belum pernah lagi mandi kolam air panas..
Saya pun mula-mula takut juga, sis. Maklumlah, kulit sensitif, senang naik jerawat. Tapi nasib baik takde apa2. Lagipun mud di spa ni dah dirawat dan ditapis, jadi takde la rasa kotor. Kolam air panas tu memang best. Selalu kan kalau masuk kolam renang mesti airnya sejuk. Kalau cuaca tak panas, menggigil. Yang ni best je, suam2. Tapi sesuai untuk berendam je la. Saya cuba swim, terus mengah, rasa macam lari marathon di tengah panas.
banyak kebaikan mud bathing ni, bagus untuk kulit. teringin juga nak cuba aktiviti macam ni 🙂
Ya, Tiara. Banyak kebaikan mud bathing ni untuk kulit dan kesihatan fizikal. Kalau ada kesempatan berkunjung ke Nha Trang, Vietnam nanti, cuba la. Kat Sabah pun ada, yang lagi natural.
enjoy betul u mud bath eh haha.. tak pernah try mud bath but i know its good for skin. thanks sharing
You’re welcome, Bae. Memang enjoy la sebab takde orang kacau. Tapi tak lama lepas tu ada pulak sekumpulan pelancong dari China ni tiba2 je terjah masuk dalam tub i, lepas tu buat bising. Padahal duduk sebelah2 je, tapi borak macam nak satu kampung dengar. Haishh..
I selalu dengar kebaikan mud bath ni. Dia bagus terutama penjagaan dan terapi kulit
Betul tu Ayu, lumpur ni memang terbukti kebaikannya pada kulit. Tapi lumpur yang terawat la kot, jangan main sebarang lumpur je. 🙂 Mud spa di Vietnam ni memang best. Rasa smooth dan bersih je lumpur tu. Takde sebarang bau atau rasa yang tak menyenangkan.
perkongsian yang sangat menarik , mud bathing memang bagus kan untuk kulit. Ada terbaca dekat mana tah yang ada di sebuah negara diorang juga guna lumpur dari gunung berapi untuk masalah kesihatan kulit. Tapi nampak bestlah tengok ummi mandi lumpur dalam bath tub biasa bath tub isi buih ini isi lumpur …memang rare …
Haah, lumpur dari gunung berapi memang dikatakan bagus untuk kulit. Betul ke tak tu, saya tak pasti la, sebab biasanya produk yang berasaskan clay ni adalah untuk kulit berminyak. Kulit saya kering, jadi tak berapa sesuai.
Tapi yang mud spa ni ok, takde sebarang reaksi negatif pada kulit. Memang rasa sangat rare, bila masuk bath tub berisi lumpur.
Dah lama sangat teringin nak try mud bath ni sebab selalu tengok runningman diaorang main dalam mud lepastu cakap nanti kulit cantik hahahahhaa
Hahaha la yeke? Tak pernah tengok running man. Tapi ye la, Koreans memang kulit cantik, I think one of the reasons is because they use volcanic clay from Jeju tu kot. Kalau Airah ke Nha Trang, Vietnam nanti, boleh la cuba mud bath ni.
Tried mud-bathing before in Sabah but takde la masuk dalam tub khas gini..yang ni macam lagi syokkk..bagus untuk kulit kann..
Pernah try hot spring dekat Medan, uniknya diorang jual sulfur dari gunung berapi untuk sapu kat kulit sambil berhotspring..tu je la yg weird 😂
Saya pun pernah dengar juga yang kat Sabah tu. Kalau ada kesempatan, nanti saya nak cuba hang tu pulak sebab dia lagi natural kan, takde tub macam yang ni.
Oh, kat Medan ada hot spring? Bunyi menarik juga tu. Saya baru pertama kali dengar. Terima kasih berkongsi info.
Wah menariknya mud bath ni. Tak pernah cuba dan nampak sangat best. Mud mask pun lepas tu rasa lembut apatah lagi mud bath ni.
Ya, Marshaliza. Dan yang paling bestnya kat mud spa ni, mud tu rasa bersih dan smooth je. Macam dah ditapis. Baju yang kena lumpur tu pun senang je nak basuh.
Tak pernah pegi soa mandi mud. Bestnye. Tempat dia sangat cantik dan nampak selesa.
Ya, Marina. Memang selesa dan bersih. Tapi mungkin sebab masa saya pergi tu tak berapa ramai orang. So xpayah share tub dgn orang lain. Kalau ada banyak tour bus, agaknya tak best juga kot.
Wow!!!!!!!!! Mud bath in Vietnam! Interesting! I cuma pernah try volcano clay massage at Bandung. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Wah menarik juga tu volcano clay massage. Bukan senang nak dapat. Nanti kalau ke Bandung, saya pun nak cuba yang tu. Thank you for sharing your experience too!
Wahhh complete info dia. Nnt lps covid memang leh rujuk kat sini mana tempat nak gi kalo ke Vietnam. Siap ada no contact lagi! Thanks tau
Ya Min, please do. Banyak lagi tempat kat Vietnam ni yang saya tengah dalam proses nak tulis. Nanti refer kat sini semula, ya.
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