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Upcoming and open programmes, plus a past archive
Applications open — the third Thai Herbal Sauna Tour, 2026
Five facilities in Phuket plus Bangkok: facility visits, sauna sessions and the Thai Root Herbalist certification in one programme. Eight places only.
(Closed) 2025 Thai Herbal Sauna Tour
Archive of the second tour's call for applications: 1–6 November 2025, five Phuket facilities, Bangkok, and the Root Herbalist certification. Eight places, ¥143,000.
(Closed) 2024 Thai Herbal Sauna Tour
Archive of the second-year call for applications: five Phuket facilities and the origins of the herbal sauna.
Field Notes
Visits to five Phuket herbal saunas, plus editor's notes
JRHA featured in the book “Sekai Yokujo Kenbunroku”
The association's work appears in the latest book by Ayana Kobayashi, a Finland-based researcher of sauna culture and the first Japanese holder of the Saunamestari title. Published by Gakugei Shuppansha on 21 December 2025.
Field note — Kao Lan Sauna
A neighbourhood herbal sauna whose sign reads “op samun phrai” in Thai — the word for a herbal sauna that was in use long before “sauna” reached Thailand.
Field note — ILAND Herbal Spa
A large resort facility in Phuket with hotel pick-up, one staff member per guest, and herbal sauna, jacuzzi and massage usually taken as a set.
Field note — Ao Chalong Sauna
A concrete box with an aluminium door: a typical Thai sauna room, except that the tiled bench sits a step higher and the ceiling is low.
Field note — TIRA Herbal Sauna & Spa
A sauna built in white and wood, known locally as TIRA Sauna, shaped by what its owner, Madame Tira, wanted it to be.
Field note — Kathu Herb Sauna
A red sign at the end of a jungle path reads “herb sauna” in Thai. Inside: steam, citrus, and a single tier of seating.
Five herbal saunas in Phuket — a round-up
Five very different herbal saunas visited on one trip: Kathu, TIRA, Ao Chalong, ILAND and Kao Lan.
Herb Profiles
Herbs woven into Thai daily life
Kaffir lime fruit — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply the kaffir lime (มะกรูด / Citrus hystrix) is rooted in everyday life.
Bai makrut, the kaffir lime leaf — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply bai makrut (ใบมะกรูด / Citrus hystrix) is rooted in everyday life.
Pandan leaf — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply the pandan leaf (ใบเตย / Pandanus amaryllifolius) is rooted in everyday life.
Lemongrass — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply lemongrass (ตะไคร้ / Cymbopogon citratus) is rooted in everyday life.
Tamarind leaves — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply the tamarind leaf (ใบมะขาม) is rooted in everyday life.
Kha, galangal — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply kha (galangal / Alpinia galanga) is rooted in everyday life.
Kamin, turmeric — woven into daily life in Thailand
While researching Thai traditional medicine and herbal sauna culture we saw how deeply turmeric — kamin (ขมิ้น) on the market signs — is rooted in everyday life.