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Chiang Mai’s contrast therapy scene is a gift to anyone spending too much time at a desk. Whether you want a full wellness hang, a quiet minimalist soak or a social pool day with extra recovery perks, the city is so full of places to reset and recover that we couldn’t choose just one.
The Cocoon Sauna & Ice Bath is probably our fave – an all-in-one option south of town, with a saltwater pool, dry sauna, ice bath and a beautiful bell-shaped herbal steam room. It’s easy to spend hours here, especially with yummy food and drinks on-site. Their evening sauna parties with DJs and beers are especially fun.
The Old City Spa is another, more wellness-centric spot that (if the name didn’t give it away) is right in the heart of the city. This garden oasis offers a full recovery lineup – dry sauna, Thai herbal steam, infrared sauna, ice bath and onsen. Nice extras include free hot teas and water, plus a complimentary scrub.
Hokka-An Sauna & Steam is minimalist, quiet and deeply peaceful, with two mineral onsens, a cold plunge and sauna. The best choice if you want to switch off completely and avoid crowds. And Looper Swimming Pool is the place to be seen swimming laps, with a lively pool vibe and hot onsens and ice bath poolside for the perfect post-swim reset.
And while these four really fit the bill, our longer list of onsens and ice baths in Chiang Mai can be found here.
Looper Swimming Pool. Yu Yen Road. 7am-9pm
The Cocoon Sauna & Ice Bath. Nam Phrae. 12pm-7pm (12pm-10pm on Thursday)
The Old City Spa. Intrawarorot Road. 10am-10pm
Hokka-An Sauna & Steam. Thongkaw Road. 1pm-10pm