Getting dirty in Vietnam

Playing and swimming in mud is not normally something that sounds appealing to adults, however on a recent visit to Nha Trang, Vietnam, that is exactly what we did!

Only in Nha Trang for the day on a port stop as part of an Asian cruise, we narrowed our options down to a visit to Vinpearl, the amusement park, or a visit to the local mud baths.  

Having done a number of theme parks in our life we opted for a fun family day at the mud baths.

Nha Trang is well known for it’s mud baths, there were a number to choose from. We settled on the Thap Ba Hot Springs and we were as happy as pigs in mud!

After locking away our belongings and stripping down to our smallest swimming costumes we were directed to an area filled with varying sized baths. 

When arriving we were given an option of paying for a private bath V communal bath, however despite taking the cheaper option of communal bath we were put into a private bath just for our family. And so the mud flowed!

In we jumped, a family of four in an outdoor bath filled with mud.  It really was a very bizarre experience.  The mud is not thick, it is very watery in consistency yet thick enough to leave a film on your skin and hair. 

The kids poured mud over their heads, rubbed it into their hair and floated in it.  When would you ever have an opportunity as a kid - or an adult - to do that!

And to add to the bizarre experience was the fact that all the time we were being watched by fellow bathers! An elderly German couple in one bath, a group of Japanese girls in another - it is a very communal experience despite having our own private tub.

After some time swimming in the bath we were then directed to a large outdoor shower area where we attempted to remove as much of the mud from our bather bottoms as possible before walking through what could only be described as a human carwash!  Water sprayed from every direction as we walked through a series of open top tunnels and washed off!

At the end, a selection of waterfalls and mineral pools of varying temperatures to continue the ritual of bathing and relaxing. 

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Top tips for mud bathing

1. Wear a two-piece swimming costume.  Having mud in your one-piece suit could be very uncomfortable.
2. Wear an old pair of bathers.  The mud can be difficult to get out, you may not want to wear your new expensive pair of swimmers. 
3. You can pay extra for a private bath, but if you are in a group you will most likely get a private bath anyway.
4. Leave your valuables at home.  Whilst there is a bizarre locker system available, I wasn't that confident it was very secure.
5. Rent a towel at the facility.  Although I don't normally like communal towels - if you take your own you will probably throw it away after the visit.  

If you ever get an opportunity to experience a mud bath, go for it.  It is a bizarre experience, but one that you will neither regret or forget.

​Check Agoda for hotel deals in Nha Trang - visit Agoda.

Penny - ITCHY FEET FAMILY

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