Yunomori Onsen and Spa: A tranquil oasis in the heart of Bangkok

After years of walking into a 250 baht place for a hit-and-miss Thai Massage, I decided to try something new and slightly more lavish. I read that an onsen and spa place had recently opened in Singapore, and that it had an established branch in Bangkok. A friend had recently gone there for an onsen session and recommended a visit, hence I put aside an afternoon for some self-pampering.

Yunomori Onsen and Spa is located in the heart of Bangkok and is easily accessible via Uber, or the nearest metro station is Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Once you’ve endured the traffic to get there, you’d be treated to peace and tranquility, so unlike the bustling city Bangkok is known for.

The first of its kind, the spa brings an authentic Japanese hot bath and spa experience to Thailand. I was sold from the onsen part.

First, you’re greeted warmly by the staff behind the marble reception and then you choose from one of the many packages that best suits you.

Their more recent menu offered facial treatment packages, but when I went to enquire, they informed me that the facilities were not quite ready and will be offered later during the year. It’s 450 baht (SGD19) to for an all-day access to the onsen. Add a little more and you’ll get a Thai massage thrown in as well! For my self-pampering session, I chose the first package consisting of the onsen + Thai Massage (90 minutes) + Herbal Compress (30 minutes).

It is best to contact the spa prior to your arrival to secure your preferred time for the treatment, or you’d have to wait for an available slot late into the evening.

You’re given a receipt and a token with a number to your locker – and your identity for the day- to exchange your shoes for a pair of slippers and a tote bag for your belongings. Then comes the fun part. You head towards the gardens and come to a stop before a counter where you’ll choose one of the many beautiful patterned yukatas to use for the day.

Don’t know how to wear a yukata? No worries, there’s always a friendly attendant ready to help you.

There was a separate onsen for males and females. If you aren’t entirely comfortable with hanging round the baths completely naked, they also provided us females with dark coloured disposables. It’s entirely optional to put them on. Oh, and you get a small face towel too.

First thing’s first: take a nice shower to cleanse yourself of all the dirt from the street.

And then you enjoy the 6 baths (Soda Spa, Jet Bath, Teak Bath, Garden Bath, Cold Bath and Onsen) and the steam room for an unlimited time. Phones are not allowed past the place you’ll leave your slippers so no pictures.

If you’re confused which baths to dip into first, no worries. There’s a large Onsen Guide to help you. My favourite is the Garden Bath, where you soak in a large pond outdoors surrounded by greenery. My second favourite is surprisingly the Cold Bath where after you’ve stewed in the warm waters of the onsen, you get a refreshing cold kick. Do remember to hydrate yourself regularly!

If you’ve booked for a massage therapy after your onsen, there’s a chance that you’ll not be able to return for the oils might contaminate the water. There’s a digital clock placed at a strategic place in the baths so you can keep track of your time. Or, an attendant will come into the bath announcing your number when it’s time for your massage.

When you get hungry, there’s also a cafe in the compound with fresh food offerings. There’re small portioned main courses, desserts, teas, soft drinks and even beers! The best part is that after you’ve been watered and fed, you can still go back into the onsen and resume your soak session.

I can spend an entire day in the compound, sitting on the plush chairs by the garden with a book, or at the cafe with an ice cold tea and then go back into the onsen to relax. Everyone does their own thing and it’s so blissfully peaceful.

Once you’re done with the day feeling squeaky clean from the onsen and relaxed after the massage, you gather your belongings and pay for what you’ve ate and drank and then wait for the tuk-tuk that will take you to the nearest MRT line and be on your way. Or be like me, Uber everywhere.

Onsen, spa treatment and food for all less than 2000 THB (SGD84) is quite a steal, and an experience like no other. Even though they forgot to do the Herbal Compression after the massage (and me having only realised it after reviewing the receipt back in my hotel room) I’ll definitely come back the next time if I wanted a day just for myself to relax.

How to get there:

Yunomori Onsen & Spa Bangkok
Address: 120/5 Sukhumvit 26 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: 9 AM – 12 AM DAILY
Contact: +66 2 259 5778
Nearest MRT: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phrong