Koh Phangan has countless places with saunas and ice baths. But there’s only one authentic Japanese Onsen. The Navana Water Healing Center is the first spot on the island to offer a mineral-infused hot bath at 104°F (40°C).
Is Navana worth the steep entry fee? Who will enjoy it, and who won’t? Find my honest review here.
How to get to Navana Water Healing Center
First things first. How do you even get to Navana? The center is located right on Chaloklum Road. If you’re coming from Sri Thanu, you’ll eventually spot it on the right side. You can park your car or scooter directly in the parking lot, which is covered in large pebbles.
Registration, Payment, and Opening Hours
Cross a small wooden bridge and then head up a few steps to reach the front desk. There, the friendly staff will help you check in. The cost is 600 THB (about 16 USD) per adult during the low season and 800 THB (about 22 USD) in the high season (December to April). You can also buy a package of 5 sessions at a discounted price.
The Navana Water Healing Center in Koh Phangan is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Changing Rooms and Facilities
After check-in comes the toughest part of your visit – the climb up to the healing center. You’ll need to tackle several steep stairs before reaching the changing rooms. Here, you’ll find lockers to store your valuables, two showers, two toilets, a sink, and a shelf stocked with fresh robes, towels and hair dryers. Honestly, this little house is so small that it feels crowded with more than two people inside. That’s a bit of a downside. I’d suggest waiting outside if there’s already a group inside.
It’s a unisex changing area. If you feel uncomfortable, you can change in the private showers or toilet cabins. Just pop the locker key into the handy pocket of your robe. Don’t forget to grab a towel and bring your own plastic flip-flops from outside, and you’re good to go!
Pools and Sauna at Navana Koh Phangan
Waterfall Pool: Just around the corner, above the changing room, you’ll find the Waterfall Infinity Pool. It’s a pretty natural-looking pool with an artificial waterfall. The water isn’t heated or cooled, so it’s at a natural temperature. The large swimming pool is deep enough for a little swim, but I personally love just listening to the waterfall and enjoying the view of the lush green valley. You can even see all the way to Ang Thong Marine National Park from here.
Sauna: Walk a few more steps up from the changing room, and you’ll reach the main house of the spa. Outdoor showers are installed throughout, allowing you to rinse off between sessions. The small sauna is to your right as you enter. It’s typically around 194°F (90°C) and made entirely of light wood, with windows looking out into the jungle. You’ll find a ladle and bucket for pouring water over the rocks, letting you create your own steam. Remember, swimwear is required, and you must sit on a towel inside the sauna.
Onsen: Right next to the sauna is Navana Koh Phangan’s highlight—the Onsen bath. This large indoor pool is filled with mineral-rich water at 104°F (40°C), giving it a milky texture. The minerals in the water include:
- Sulfur: Has antibacterial properties and a distinct smell, believed to improve skin conditions and joint pain.
- Iron: Gives the water a reddish-brown color, said to aid blood circulation and anemia recovery.
- Calcium: Strengthens bones and relieves muscle pain, often creating a smooth, milky water texture.
- Magnesium: Helps muscle relaxation and promotes healthier skin.
- Sodium Chloride: Retains body heat, making it great for staying warm longer and easing muscle tension.
- Carbon Dioxide: Increases blood circulation and metabolism, adding a fizzy, bubbly sensation to the water.
- Silica: Provides a smooth, slippery texture, believed to improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Cool Water Pools: After warming up in the sauna and onsen, it’s time to cool down. There are two separate bathtubs with cold water available: a tub with slightly cooled water and a larger plunge pool filled with very cold (but not icy) water. My tip for enjoying this experience: sit down quickly, exhale as you do, and focus only on your breathing. Try to move as little as possible—this helps you stay comfortable and enjoy the cold for a few minutes.
Tea Station and Chill-Out Area: If you want to take a break or relax after a few rounds, you can make yourself a fresh tea or pour a glass of lemon-infused water. A few steps up, next to the onsen, you’ll find a chill-out area with cozy bean bags, small tables, camping chairs, and a bonfire once it gets dark. This is the perfect spot to end your visit, maybe even catching the sunset while you’re there.
Who is Navana Water Healing Center For, and Who Shouldn’t Come?
Navana is great for all ages. If you love saunas, hot baths, and cold plunges, this is the right place for you. However, the many steep stairs at the entrance can be challenging for those with limited physical abilities. If you have mobility issues or significant endurance limitations, it might be best to skip this visit.
Is the Navana Water Healing Center Suitable for Kids?
I’ve brought my 7-year-old daughter here twice, but I’d only recommend it to parents who are confident their kids can stay calm and not run around. People come here to relax, so it’s important to maintain a quiet atmosphere. For example, talking isn’t allowed in the sauna or onsen.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visiting the Navana Water Healing Center is a true treat for both your body and mind. The warm, mineral-rich pools help relax muscles, soothe aches, and improve skin. They also boost circulation and ease stress. The sauna supports your heart and immune system, helping you sweat out toxins. The cooling bath delivers a refreshing shock, reducing inflammation, boosting energy, and aiding faster recovery.
Overall, it’s a wonderful way to feel relaxed, clear-headed, and ready for a restful night’s sleep. That’s why we come here every week—it’s simply the most relaxing place on the island for us.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
What to Bring: Pack a swimsuit and plastic slippers. While Navana offers free flip-flops, I prefer bringing my own. Also, bring cash for the entry fee.
Nutrition Tips: Before your onsen session, have a light meal like rice balls, miso soup, fruit, or yogurt with nuts about 1-2 hours beforehand, giving your body time to digest. This prevents discomfort and keeps your energy steady. Avoid heavy or greasy foods, caffeine, or alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. After the onsen, it’s good to have something nourishing, like a rice bowl with veggies, tofu, or a simple noodle dish to restore nutrients and fluids.
Best Time to Visit: I personally like to go to Navana Koh Phangan at 4 PM. It’s less crowded, and I enjoy the views in daylight.
Mosquitos: The most challenging part of visiting Navana Koh Phangan is the mosquitos. During their ‘happy hour’ around sunset, they gather in swarms, making it tough to enjoy the pools and the chill-out area. I recommend using the mosquito spray provided (even on your head and hair). I think Navana could improve this by placing more mosquito repellent stations throughout the property.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan?
Final Thoughts on Visiting Navana Water Healing Center Koh Phangan
Overall, the Navana Water Healing Center in Koh Phangan is a true oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. With its combination of warm onsen, sauna, and cooling baths, it offers a unique way to refresh both body and mind.
For those willing to tackle the many steps, it’s a rewarding experience. Just be prepared for the challenge of mosquitoes, especially around sunset.
Despite this, Navana remains a top choice for regular relaxation and wellness. It’s different from other spots in Koh Phangan, which are often more basic—it’s stylish, clean, modern, and creative.
FAQ
How does Navana compare to similar wellness spots in the Gulf of Thailand, like those in Koh Samui or Koh Tao?
Navana Water Healing Center stands out among other wellness spots in the Gulf of Thailand due to its authentic Japanese onsen and modern amenities. While Koh Samui and Koh Tao offer basic and luxury spas and pools, Navana is unique with its mineral-infused hot bath and combination of onsen, sauna, and cooling pools.
Are there any full-service spa treatments available at Navana?
No, Navana does not offer full-service spa treatments like massages or facials. Instead, it focuses purely on water-based therapies, saunas, and relaxation zones.
Is Navana suitable for groups of friends?
Yes, Navana can be a great experience for groups of friends who enjoy saunas, onsen baths, and cooling plunges. There’s plenty of space to relax, like the chill-out area with bean bags and a bonfire. You can also book Navana for a private session at closing days.
Does Navana offer ultimate luxury features like guest rooms, private bathrooms, or private balconies?
No, Navana is not a hotel or resort. While it offers modern amenities like free WiFi, the facilities are limited to the healing center itself. There are no guest rooms, private bathrooms, or private balconies. However, many nearby resorts and hotels offer such amenities if you’re seeking ultimate luxury and direct access to wellness spots.
Can I find ultimate luxury amenities like an in-room hot tub or full-service spa nearby?
Yes, some of the best hotels in Koh Phangan offer ultimate luxury amenities, such as private rooms with hot tubs, full-service spas, and even their own pools. For a combined luxury stay and wellness experience, you can book a resort nearby and visit Navana during your stay.
