Raksawarin Hot Springs and Public Park

Raksawarin Hot Springs and Public Park sits about 2km east of central Ranong, where three natural pools — known locally as Father, Mother and Child — surface at around 65°C. Entry to the park and its free public foot-bath pools is free; there’s no listed closing time, and the site has drawn visitors since King Rama V toured Ranong in 1890.

The three source pools vary in size and heat: the largest and hottest is Bo Pho (Father), followed by Bo Mae (Mother), with Bo Look (Child) the smallest and coolest of the three. None of the source pools are for swimming — the water is close to boiling — but a genuinely useful local tradition has grown around them: visitors bring raw eggs and hard-boil them directly in the hottest pool. What is safe to get into is the separate public foot-bath area, shallow basins running around 40°C, free for anyone to use. Rama V was struck enough by the springs on his 1890 visit that he named the road leading here Chon Ra-u — “hot water” — a name that stuck.

What sets Raksawarin apart from Thailand’s other hot springs is the complete absence of sulfur in the water — no rotten-egg smell, and mineral content considered pure enough that it was drawn on for the ceremonies marking King Bhumibol’s 60th birthday. The surrounding park has shaded walking paths and picnic spots, and the adjoining Raksawarin arboretum, just a few hundred metres away, extends the green space with forest trails through the same reserve.

Insider Tip: Bring eggs from a shop in town before you arrive — there’s no vendor selling them at the springs themselves, and cooking your own in the hottest pool is half the appeal for first-time visitors.

Watch out: The three main pools are genuinely too hot to touch, let alone bathe in — stick to the designated foot-bath basins, and keep an eye on children near the source pools.

Getting there

The park is about 2km east of central Ranong town, an easy drive, taxi, or motorbike ride with on-site parking. Other hot spring options in the area for comparison include Hatyay Hot Spring and Phon Rang Hot Spring. View on Google Maps.