Are you a fan of traditional Japanese style onsen?
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking in a traditional Japanese hot spring surrounded by nature—but without the long flight to Japan—KOBI Onsen Resort Hue may be Vietnam’s best-kept secret.
Outdoor traditional Japanese style onsen at Kobi onsen Resort Hue, Vietnam (Photo: Kienviet)
Located in the ancient capital of Hue, KOBI Onsen Resort Hue offers one of the most traditional Japanese-style onsen experiences in Vietnam, using the renowned My An hot spring, widely recognized as the richest sulfur hot spring source in the country.
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Vietnam’s Richest Sulfur Hot Spring at KOBI Onsen Resort Hue
Outdoor Onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue. Immersing in hot sulfur springs with an outdoor traditional Japanese style onsen bathing is a great experience. (Photo: Kienviet)
According to KOBI Onsen Resort Hue, the My An hot spring was first discovered in June 1979 during a geological survey in Hue. After years of scientific research, in 2017, the Japan Pharmaceutical Association conducted detailed testing and officially confirmed the exceptional quality of My An mineral water.
With a sulfur content reaching 64.5 mg/l, along with an ideal temperature—52°C at the source and approximately 42°C for bathing, which meets the standard of high-quality Japanese onsen—My An hot spring is considered highly beneficial when combined with proper therapeutic methods. Its mineral composition is known to support cardiovascular health, help relieve osteoarthritis, and enhance skin care and overall well-being.
Today, this rare underground mineral source forms the heart of KOBI Onsen Resort Hue, allowing guests to experience authentic Japanese bathing rituals and the healing power of nature—right in Vietnam’s ancient capital.
How Far Is KOBI Onsen Resort Hue from Hue City Center?
Maps from Hue city to Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
Address: My An, Phu Vang, Thua Thien Hue (on the way to Thuan An beach)
- From Hue city center: ~8 km (15–20 minutes by taxi)
- From Phu Bai Airport: ~23 km (about 40 minutes by taxi)
You can easily reach KOBI Onsen Resort Hue by Grab, taxi, or even a rented motorbike if you enjoy exploring at your own pace. You can easily rent e-bike at Klook with price of 150.000 VND/ per day/e-scouter and 310.000 VND/day/e-bike.
Getting to Hue from Other Cities in Vietnam
Whether you’re traveling from Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Binh, Ha Noi, or Ninh Binh, reaching Hue is straightforward making it easy to include a Japanese style onsen experience at KOBI Onsen Resort Hue in your itinerary.
From Da Nang to Hue
View from a travel train Da Nang-Hue
By Train (Recommended):
- Duration: 3 – 3h15
- Fare:
- Weekdays: 180,000 – 189,000 VND
- Weekends: 210,000 – 220,000 VND
This train route is considered Vietnam’s most scenic coastal railway and is often listed among the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
Beautiful sea from the travel train Da Nang -Hue
For a truly memorable experience, choose the Heritage Train, specially designed for tourists traveling between Da Nang and Hue. On board, you can enjoy breathtaking coastal views, free live Vietnamese traditional music (coach No. 3), and Hue specialty dishes such as bánh bèo, bánh lọc, bánh nậm, along with beautiful photo spots. For the best experience, consider choosing a seat on Coach No. 2, which offers easy access to Coach No. 3.
Live music performance on the travel train Da Nang-Hue
🎟 Tickets & timetable: at Vietnam official railway website. or you can buy train tickets at Klook.
Book train tickets from Da Nang – Hue on Vietnam Railway website
By Bus / Car:
By Motorbike:
A favorite option for adventure lovers. Ride over the stunning Hai Van Pass, stopping at Lang Co Beach along the way.
From Phong Nha – Quang Binh to Hue
By Bus / Car:
- Duration: ~4h30
- Fare: 250,000 VND– 300,000 VND
- Booking: at Vexere
By Train:
- Duration: ~3h10
- Fare: 121,000 VND– 150,000 VND
To take the train, travel from Dong Hoi Station, located about 45 km from Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park (50–60 minutes by car).
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
Distance: ~1,045 km
By Air (Fastest):
- Duration: ~1h15
- Fare: from ~1,000,000 VND (one way)
- Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
(Note: VietJet Air is usually cheaper but may not include checked luggage and can experience delays, except during Tet holiday (our Lunar New Year, VietJet Air is more expensive than Vietnam Airlines)
By Train:
- Duration: 20 – 25 hours
- Fare ranges:
- Soft seat (AC): 700,000 VND– 762,000 VND
- 4-berth sleeper (AC): 1,116,000 VND – 1,252,000 VND
- 6-berth sleeper (AC): 838,000 VND – 1,199,000 VND
- Tickets & timetable: at Vietnam official railway website
By Bus:
- Duration: ~24 hours
- Fare: 700,000 – 800,000 VND
- Booking: at Vexere
From Ha Noi to Hue
Distance: ~664 km
By Air:
- Duration: ~1h15
- Fare: from ~1,022,000 VND
By Train:
- Duration: ~14 hours
- Fare:
- Soft seat (AC): 568,000 VND
- 4-berth sleeper (AC): ~1,054,000 VND
- Tickets & timetable: at Vietnam official railway website
- Tip: Take the overnight train no. SE3, departing from Ha Noi at 19:20 and arriving in Hue at 07:59 the next morning, saving a night’s hotel stay.
By Bus:
- Duration: 9h15 – 13h30 (depending on operator)
- Fare: 400,000 – 700,000 VND
- Booking: at Vexere
My Experience of Traditional Japanese Onsen Bathing at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
At the reception of Kobi onsen resort Hue to book luxury onsen service (authentic Japanese onsen)
As a big fan of traditional Japanese style onsen, each time I visited Japan, I tried to explore a different city to enjoy its hot springs. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to experience many famous onsens across Japan, such as Kawaguchiko Onsen, Shibu Onsen in the Yudanaka area with its nine indoor Japanese style onsen baths, Ginzan Onsen, Hakodate Onsen, Gero Onsen, and Kusatsu Onsen.
Walking in Shibu Onsen area to experience 9 indoor Japanese onsen bathing
Through these experiences, I’ve noticed some interesting differences between traditional Japanese style onsen bathing in Japan and the authentic Japanese onsen experience at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, in Vietnam, which I would love to share below.
Public Japanese style Onsen in Japan – My Observations
Taking a photo in front of public authentic Japanese onsen area in Japan
- In Japan, most public traditional Japanese onsens are quite simple. I have rarely seen luxurious public onsens—perhaps I just haven’t discovered them yet. Many are modest in size, slightly dark, often crowded, and usually offer only two indoor hot spring pools with different temperatures.
- Visitors must prepare their own towels or rent them at the onsen.
- The onsen routine in Japan is straightforward: remove your clothes, thoroughly rinse your body before entering the hot spring, and then enjoy the bath.
- Onsens often include both indoor and outdoor baths. However, outdoor onsens are more common in mountainous areas or regions far from major cities like Tokyo.
- Rinsing areas are next to hot mineral pools.
Traditional Japanese style Onsen Services at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
Entrance to the reception at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
At Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, there are two main types of hot spring experiences: Public/Family Onsen and Luxury Onsen. Regardless of the option you choose, bathing clothes and towels are provided free of charge.
Public / Family Onsen
- This is a shared onsen where families and multiple guests bathe together while wearing bathing clothes provided by the resort.
- There are two pools to choose from. Although not very large, they are comfortable and suitable for families to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Luxury Onsen – Authentic Japanese Style Onsen
Luxury Onsen, indoor traditional Japanese style onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Vietnam (Photo: Kienviet)
- The Luxury Onsen offers an authentic Japanese style onsen experience, where guests bathe nude, just like in Japan.
- It includes both indoor and outdoor baths with multiple pools at different temperatures, ranging from 37°C to 45°C.
- Guests are provided with beautiful traditional Japanese clothing (kimono/yukata), which can be worn while strolling around the resort, enjoying the Japanese garden, or having a drink.
- Of course, there are two separate areas for men and women. Japanese onsen bathing for women is on the right-hand side and Japanese onsen bathing for men on the left hand side. There are electronic locks for you to keep clothes and important things.
- Children also receive free access to indoor play areas with slides, ball pools, and space to run around.
Free indoor play areas with slides at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue. My niece and nephew were excited to play after enjoying traditional Japaneses onsen.
The 9-Step Traditional Japanese Onsen Experience
Beautiful Japanese painting inside Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
Unlike many authentic Japanese style onsens in Japan that focus solely on hot spring bathing, the Luxury Onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue offers a 9-step onsen journey designed to maximize relaxation, improve blood circulation, and enhance skin health.
The 9 Steps of traditional Japanese style onsen in Hue, Vietnam:
- Rinse your body before entering the mineral pool
- Soak in a hot indoor mineral pool
- Soak in a hot outdoor mineral pool
- Enjoy a wet sauna with the refreshing scent of lemongrass (my favorite!)
- Relax in a dry sauna
- Rest and re-hydrate your body
- Soak in a cold-water pool (around 16°C) to tighten the skin
- Immerse yourself in a carbonated soda onsen containing CO₂ bubbles, which gently massage the skin, enhance blood circulation, and promote deep absorption for healthier, more beautiful skin
- Finish in a jacuzzi pool to massage the body and reduce muscle soreness
My Personal Impression about Traditional Japanese style onsen
Outdoor onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue, Vietnam
What I loved most was bathing in the outdoor hot mineral pools overlooking golden rice fields. There are four outdoor pools, each offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
My most unforgettable memory was soaking in an outdoor hot mineral pool while it was raining on September 1st this year. There were only three people in the hot spring pool, including me. I closed my eyes and enjoyed every cold raindrop on my face, my skin while my body was immersed in the warm mineral water, surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I will always remember.
With a ticket price of 460,000 VND (approximately USD 17) for the Luxury Onsen package, you can easily spend an entire day enjoying this traditional Japanese-style onsen experience. From my experience, the least crowded time is between 13:00 and 15:00.
My extended family often spends more than half a day relaxing. After enjoying the onsen, children can play in the kids’ areas and admire the beautiful scenery around the resort.
Taking a photo inside Kobi Onsen Resort after taking a authentic Japanese style onsen.
Services & Prices of traditional Japansese style onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue
- Family Onsen (Public Onsen):
180,000 VND/adult (USD 6.8) - Luxury Onsen (9-step Japanese-style onsen):
460,000 VND/adult (USD 17.4) - Private Onsen Room:
1,170,000 VND / 3 hours (USD 44.1) - Mud Bath:
330,000 VND / 30 minutes (USD 12.45)
Tip: Tickets can be purchased on Klook with up to 15% discount. Booking at least one day in advance is recommended. - Ganban (Hot Stone Therapy):
330,000 VND/adult (USD 12.45) - Yomogi Steam (Female only):
260,000 VND / 30 minutes (USD 9.8) - Herbal Bath:
260,000 VND / 30 minutes (USD 9.8)
(Detailed prices for children and additional services are shown in the photo below.)
Service prices of traditional Japanese style onsen at Kobi Onsen resort Hue, Vietnam
In summary, you don’t need to travel far to experience traditional Japanese onsen culture. If you’re looking for deep relaxation after a long working day or a full day exploring the ancient capital of Hue, Bathing a traditional Japanese Onsen at Kobi Onsen Resort Hue is a perfect choice.
Try it at least once in your life—you won’t regret it.
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