Sight guide · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Visiting Wat Pho herbal sauna
The temple of Wat Pho in Ban Tai runs a traditional herbal steam sauna, heated with lemongrass and local herbs, with cooling showers and simple massages.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Wat Pho herbal sauna is an experience in Ban Tai and Ban Khai, Koh Phangan. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- Ban Tai and Ban Khai
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- rainy day and off the beaten path
- Best months
- September–November
About Wat Pho herbal sauna
The temple of Wat Pho in Ban Tai runs a traditional herbal steam sauna, heated with lemongrass and local herbs, with cooling showers and simple massages. It is a local favourite, especially after a hike.
Tip: Bring a sarong and towel and go in the late afternoon; take short sessions in the steam room and drink water between them.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Ban Tai and Ban Khai, south-coast villages between Thong Sala and Haad Rin, with jungle parties and calm shallows.
Best time to visit Wat Pho herbal sauna
Wat Pho herbal sauna is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 20 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 19 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- September: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Koh Phangan has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Wat Pho herbal sauna is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Full Moon Party at Haad Rin and Bottle Beach.
- No. 15 of the 16 sights in our Koh Phangan things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
Near Wat Pho herbal sauna
Also in Ban Tai and Ban Khai, so you can walk between them:
- Wat Khao Tham — 1 hour (visit) or several days (retreat), low cost
If you like Wat Pho herbal sauna
- Full Moon Party at Haad Rin — Haad Rin, One night
Staying near Wat Pho herbal sauna
Stay in Ban Tai and Ban Khai ($$) to walk here: south-coast villages between Thong Sala and Haad Rin, with jungle parties and calm shallows. All areas to stay in Koh Phangan.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Wat Pho herbal sauna?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Wat Khao Tham nearby, it fits a half-day in Ban Tai and Ban Khai.
+Is Wat Pho herbal sauna free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Wat Pho herbal sauna?
September–November, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Bring a sarong and towel and go in the late afternoon; take short sessions in the steam room and drink water between them.
+Do I need to book Wat Pho herbal sauna in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.