Muang La Hotels

Right alongside, and practically in the Nam Pak River, the hot springs are surrounded by beautiful scenery. In Lao, the translation is Warm Water, but in reality it's stinking hot, although not as pungent as some other springs in the country. Bubbles rise up from the rocky bottom of the spring, its murky blue green waters divided from the cold brown rushing river beside it. When the river runs high, the water is dirty, but three small tanks sit, big enough to hold one foreigner, two Lao, or about five small Lao children. The water in these tanks is much cleaner, and still bubbling hot. As dusk falls, the springs become busy as everyone comes for their nightly wash. A few select small rocks sit by the edge of the springs, which women use as a pumice stones. A bamboo rack is available to hang dry clothes on, but if you're going to get in the springs, do so wearing a sarong or fully dressed like the locals. It costs nothing to come and play in the springs, which are at the back of the Hot Springs Resort.