Wat Pho — Herbal Steam Sauna Temple, Baan Tai

Not your average temple visit

Wat Pho is a real, active Buddhist temple, but it's known island-wide for something else entirely — its herbal steam sauna, one of the most distinctive wellness experiences on Phangan and genuinely unlike a resort spa treatment.

The herbal sauna

Started around 2002 by the temple's abbot, Pra Prassert Titanyano, as a herbal remedy practice, the sauna uses natural herbs — lemongrass among them — heated over a traditional log-wood fire, with the resulting steam filtered into the sauna room. It's said to help with everything from high cholesterol to skin conditions like eczema, though most visitors go simply because it's a genuinely relaxing, unusual thing to do that costs almost nothing.

Open daily from 1pm to 7pm, entry is 120 baht, with separate sides for men and women. Massage is also available on-site afterward — a natural pairing after the heat.

Visiting

Dress modestly as you would for any temple, even though you're there for the sauna specifically — this is still active temple grounds. About 10 minutes by bike from Thong Sala heading toward Haad Rin.