Natural Fish Spa Khanom River Thailand – Full Review

Natural Fish Spa Khanom River, Thailand: My Ticklish Adventure

I still laugh thinking about my visit to the natural fish spa at Tontarn Resort and Spa in Khanom, Southern Thailand.

Unlike mall fish spas in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Malaysia—where Garra Rufa “doctor fish” are confined to glass tanks—Khanom lets visitors experience a fish spa in a real river, surrounded by lush nature.

This is Thailand’s eco-tourism at its best: relaxing, sustainable, and unique.

What Makes Khanom Special

The pools at Tontarn Resort are alive with hundreds of Garra Rufa fish, all eager to nibble dead skin.

These little fish, native to Turkey, are known for smoothing skin and easing psoriasis symptoms.

Don’t worry—they don’t bite, just tickle.

Here’s what makes the natural fish spa different:

• The fish are bigger and more abundant, sometimes up to three inches long.
• The pools are interconnected, letting the fish swim freely while you soak.
• Being in a river setting reinforces Khanom’s eco-tourism focus, making the experience authentic and environmentally friendly.

A fish spa in a natural river setting is what Thailand does best to promote ecotourism.

There are timber decks to sit around the pools in relaxed settings.

Ticklish Fun (Yes, Really)

Putting your feet in the pool is… interesting.

At first, it’s ticklish.

Then a little nerve-tingling.

Hilarious to watch, too.

My companion’s hairy, rough feet became the fish’s favorite snack.

He squealed, I laughed, and a little boy nearby couldn’t stop giggling.

After about an hour, our feet were silky smooth, and the cool water left us completely relaxed.

It’s the perfect mix of spa treatment and pure fun.

A boy with his parents was screaming when he saw the fish swimming in the pool waiting.

It’s fun to go in a group to try this relaxing treatment.

The fish will only nibble away dead skin, and the sensation is ticklish to most people.

A closer look at “Dr. Fish” cleaning the soles and cuticles around the toes.

Precautions

Garra Rufa fish aren’t a cure for skin conditions—they nibble dead skin only.

If you have sensitivities, check with the spa before trying it.

For most visitors, the experience is safe, relaxing, and strangely addictive.

More Than Fish

Tontarn Resort also features a mini eco-farm with goats, sheep, and alpacas.

Wander the paddocks and enjoy a slow, eco-friendly Thai experience that’s as much about nature as it is about pampering.

Tontarn Resort and Spa (Fish Spa Khanom)
100 Moo 1, T. Khuntong, A. Khanom, Near Center, Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 945 0263

Blog Disclosure:
This is a sponsored blog post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Tourism Authority of Thailand, for the wonderful travel blog invitation!