The Ban Dung district in eastern Udon Thani is famous for its salt, which is extracted from natural saltwater. This water is pumped from the ground and channeled into sun-exposed pools where it evaporates and crystallizes. The area is home to several salt fields and numerous roadside stalls selling bags of this salt (20 THB for a 1.5 kg bag). In Ban Dung itself is the Kunnapat Rock Salt Spa, which offers therapeutic baths using the same sun-heated saltwater (the temperature therefore varies depending on the season; in mid-December, when I was there, it was 50°C). You can soak either just your feet or your whole body in wooden tubs, some of which offer a lovely view of the pond where the water is heated. They recommend immersing yourself for five minutes, getting out, drinking water (a bottle is provided), immersing yourself again for five minutes, and so on. You are not allowed to move during each phase in the tub, as movement agitates the water and intensifies the sensation of heat. I found it easy to get in, but my wife found it difficult. So, for people who don't like bathing in very hot water, it might not be the ideal place to relax. They offer a small DIY face mask with salt and turmeric. They also sell a wide selection of beauty products. Be sure to visit the salt pans directly behind the spa (entrance to the left of the shop) and the warehouse.

A one-hour full-body bath costs 300 THB. A foot bath only costs 60 THB. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I haven't tried it myself, but I recommend calling ahead, as they often host groups and it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. You can reach the baths at 098 824 5491 or 083-879 4614 (mobile).

This spa is just a 10-minute drive from Wat Kham Chanot, arguably the most visited temple for Thai Buddhists in Udon Thani province. While there are songthaews (shared taxis) from Udon Thani to Ban Dung, I don't find them very convenient, and the three-plus-hour round trip by public bus isn't worth it for just an hour at the spa. It's located 86 kilometers from the city.

How to get there

How do you get to Kunnapat Rock Salt Spa (Ban Dung)? The spa is just a 10-minute drive from Wat Kham Chanot, arguably the most visited temple for Thai Buddhists in Udon Thani province. There are certainly songthaews (shared taxis) from Udon Thani to Ban Dung, but I don't find the over 3-hour round trip by bus very practical for just an hour at the spa. The distance to the city is 86 kilometers.