Phu Tho: Japanese Onsen Retreat & Wellness Stay with Private Baths

Summary

Mineral hot springs, Japanese streets and quiet sky bar moments at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy

You’ll wake up to riverside air in Phu Tho and spend hours soaking in real mineral-rich Japanese onsen baths—private if you want them—then wander food streets or relax with a massage. Try local dishes at one of three restaurants or sip sake at an izakaya pub before drifting off in your own suite. The whole stay feels like pressing pause on city noise for a while.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping out at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy was the air — a little misty from the Da River, not cold but with that soft mineral smell you get near hot springs. We’d just driven out from Hanoi (not too far, maybe two hours), and honestly I was ready to just drop my bags. The check-in felt easy; the staff smiled a lot, even though my Vietnamese is basically nonexistent. Our Shoptel had three bedrooms and this odd little living room where sunlight came in sideways — I remember touching the tatami mat and thinking it felt softer than I expected. Didn’t even bother unpacking before heading for our first soak.

The Ohayo Onsen area is all Japanese style — wooden buckets, steam swirling around your ankles, that faint cedar scent. Water’s hot (like 50°C hot) but somehow you just melt into it after a minute or two. There were locals chatting quietly, a couple of kids giggling near the foot onsen. Our guide Linh explained how these minerals are supposed to be good for your joints; she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Thanh Thuy” right (I definitely didn’t). Afterward I got a massage — not fancy, just honest hands working out knots from city life. For lunch we wandered between Tinh Hoa Bac Bo and Cha Ca Song Da; ended up sharing grilled fish with sticky rice because neither of us could decide.

Evenings here are kind of their own thing. There’s a sky bar where you can see the river lights flicker under low clouds, and down below, Food Street smells like grilled meat and sweet soy. We tried an izakaya pub — sake was warm, people were louder than I expected (in a good way). Later I walked along the Japanese street alone for a bit; lanterns swinging above me, some teenagers taking selfies by a koi pond. It’s peaceful but not silent — there’s always some laughter drifting by or slippers shuffling on stone tiles. Fell asleep that night after another quick soak in our private onsen, skin tingling and brain finally quiet.

I still think about that morning light coming through our window — pale yellow over tiled roofs and someone humming somewhere nearby. Breakfast was simple but good: rice porridge with pickled veggies and strong coffee that tasted almost chocolatey. Before checkout we visited the Japanese Cultural Museum (small but full of odd little artifacts), took silly photos in yukata robes we rented for an hour. It all felt unhurried; nobody rushing you out the door here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and relaxation at Lynn Times

• Arrive and have lunch at resort restaurant
• Check in to Shoptel with private Onsen
• Relax in private Onsen or spa services
• Optional: Yukata rental or cultural activities
• Dine at The Rice or Food Street
• Unwind at café or entertainment area

Day 2 — Morning relaxation and departure

• Have light breakfast at resort restaurant
• Enjoy private Onsen or walk Japanese street
• Have lunch at resort restaurant
• Check out and end retreat

Top questions

How far is Lynn Times Thanh Thuy from Hanoi?

It's about two hours by car from Hanoi to Lynn Times Thanh Thuy resort.

Are meals included at Wyndham Lynn Times Onsen Wellness?

No, meals are not included; you can choose from several restaurants at your own expense.

Is there private onsen access in the rooms?

Yes, Shoptel accommodations include a private onsen area for guests.

What wellness facilities are available?

The resort offers themed Japanese-style baths, foot onsen, sauna, massage services, spa treatments, nail and hair services.

Is the resort wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both public areas and transportation options at the resort are wheelchair accessible.

Are there cultural activities at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy?

You can visit the Japanese Cultural Museum or join pottery workshops and art exhibitions during your stay.

Does my stay include entry to all wellness areas?

Your booking includes entry/admission to natural onsen areas as well as themed baths and foot onsen experiences.

Can families with children enjoy this resort?

The resort is suitable for all fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to natural mineral hot springs (including themed baths and foot onsen), free WiFi throughout public spaces, access to the Japanese Cultural Museum plus use of spa facilities—soaking tubs, sauna, massage—and flexible dining options onsite before returning to Hanoi refreshed.