Luxury healthcare tourism isn't a new thing. But never before has it become such a "hot" trend in the context of constantly considerable impact by dangerous diseases like Covid-19 on the whole world. 

The rise of healthcare tourism

About two years ago, it was predicted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that tourists around the world tend to increasingly prefer different types of tourism to serve their healthcare and beauty needs, etc. Upon the Covid-19 pandemic’s strong spread worldwide in early 2020, this type of tourism proves its attractiveness and is even predicted to be a rising trend in the coming time. The reason for this is the fact that health has become the top concern among people globally, forcing them to change their behavior to meet their healthcare goals, including the need to travel.

ETBrandequity - the Indian-based news site recently predicted 25 post-Covid-19 tourism and resort trends specifying the domination of experiential tourism in the near future. Particularly, the health farms and spa, etc., all create new opportunities for tourism industry.

In Vietnam, tourism associated with relaxation, health care and rehabilitation is attracting the attention of tourists. It is notable that this trend is being shaped and developed with a relatively new type - hot spring resort. 

Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, Quang Ninh. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group.

In May 2020, as soon as the government’s control of Covid-19 Vietnam, Quang Ninh was considered as a must-visit destination by tourism lovers. Because Quang Ninh has a “new trendy magnet” to attract them: Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh luxury hot spring resort.  

First days after its opening, the resort, as the latest products of Sun Group in Quang Ninh, showed its trendy attraction by an increasing number of service bookings. 

An experience with numerous uses

Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh quickly achieved its widespread fame because of Quang Hanh hot spring quality and excellent health benefits.

The resort is located about 10km from Ha Long City and 15km from the center of Cam Pha to the West. Since the French colonial period, research works of French experts disclosed that Quang Hanh hot spring is one of the most valuable sources of minerals in Vietnam. “The analysis results of samples collected in Quang Hanh mineral water and sent to Tokyo, Japan showed that this hot spring is rich in valuable minerals including metasilicic acid and boric acid. Particularly, the content of Na + and Cl- ions accounts for more than 20g/ l. It also contains a significantly large proportion of Bromine up to 40mg/ l. As one of three mineral water mines with the highest content of hot mineralized Bromine in the world, Quang Hanh mineral spring is truly an invaluable natural gift to Quang Hanh land with great relaxation and health care effects, especially for the elderly and people working under pressure”- said Mr. Wataru Shintaku, an experienced expert in the hot spring field in Japan and the Director of Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh.

Outdoor mineral baths and aeration tank at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group.

With such a high content of precious minerals and Bromine, mineral water in Quang Hanh Onsen helps eliminate toxins, promote blood circulation, boost immunity, support the treatment of skin diseases, rejuvenate the skin, relax nerves, easy to sleep and refreshed after each working day in addition to reducing fatigue, relieving pain and quickly restoring musculoskeletal function, etc. Hot mineral bath here is especially good for the elderly, intellectual workers in stressful environment, women wishing to have youthful skin and a vibrant body.

Jar baths at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group.

A representative of the resort said that Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh has up to 27 baths with many different uses. For example, the Silky Bath may be used for cleansing and relaxing the whole body while helping to clear pores and beautifying the skin. High concentration CO2 aeration tank (carbonate aeration tanks) helps clean the skin, expand capillaries, reduce high blood pressure condition, and increase the concentration of oxygen in the blood in addition to warming the body from the inside. Japanese research showed that high concentration CO2 aeration tanks help reduce their clinical symptoms in diabetic patients, etc.

Different types of sauna and spa services after mineral bath are also preferred at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. Loyly hot stone sauna - commonly known as “the panacea” among the Finns - soothes aching muscles for a healthy and smooth skin. Meanwhile, Himalayan salt stone sauna will be a great treatment for people with respiratory problems. Cold steam inhalation therapy at temperatures down to 6 degrees C is also very popular with many customers, especially female for its help smoothen the skin as if it has just been regenerated. 25 Japanese-style spa rooms providing massage therapy with Shiatsu reflexology is also a must-try experience for those who wish to have "everlasting youth" beauty. 

Spa services at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group.

Ms. Tran Thi Hanh, a tourist from Cam Pha City, said that since the resort opening, her family has been here twice on weekends. “Cam Pha people already knew the use of this mineral spring for such a long time. Mineral bath experience is considered as a good way to renew energy for a healthier body. If possible, taking mineral bath once a week is a good method to take care of both physical and mental health”. 

Salt stone sauna at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh from Hanoi shows his excitement when talking about his hot spring bath experience at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh: “There are many types of baths here, which are more diverse, better and even much more beautiful than those in Japan. After bathing, hot steam then cold steam inhalation therapies, I feel really refreshing. This should be a regular destination for health care and strengthening resistance to diseases”.

Taking a rest in a pure Japanese space, in the middle of the cool Quang Hanh valley surrounded by green forests and mountains while enjoying wonderful mineral bath services with many health benefits only are the compelling reason for healthcare resort services like Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh are becoming a "hot" trend.