My visit to a natural fish spa in Khanom, Southern Thailand, was memorable.
I remember visiting the natural fish spa at the Tontarn Resort and Spa in the Kuan Thong sub-district of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
There was a rage for fish spas where these “Doctor Fish” operators kept the fish in glass tanks in shopping malls and even night markets.
You can see the fish spa tanks in Malaysia, Bangkok, Chiangmai, and other cities.
However, Khanom, Thailand, best promotes ecotourism by allowing visitors to experience a natural fish spa in a river setting.
Natural River Fish Spa Khanom in the River
Tontarn Resort and Spa has a natural fish spa set in lush nature, sitting on a stream, and has outdoor pools.
The pools teem with Garra Rufa fish, also called “doctor fish.”
This small species of cyprinid fish is native to the river basins of Turkey.
The Turkish people find the healing properties of the fish to ease the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
The beautifying effect that Garra Rufa fish have on the skin is dramatic.
These little fish will only eat and remove any dead skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow.
There are two marked differences between natural spas and healthy fish spas.
These fish are more abundant and can measure up to three inches.
Second, hundreds and possibly thousands of fish are in the interconnecting pools.
A fish spa in a natural river setting is what Thailand does best to promote ecotourism. Photos: Doris Lim
There are timber decks to sit around the pools in relaxed settings. Photos: Doris Lim
A Natural Fish Spa Experience
The fish’s experience of gently nibbling away at the skin of the feet can be ticklish at first.
Many people will scream out when the fish nibble.
Even though the sensation is ticklish, many are apprehensive about putting their feet into pools full of fish.
Garra Rufa fish don’t bite but gently suck the dead outer layer of skin off.
During the removal, the fish produce an enzyme that is vital to growing the new skin.
As I had a pedicure a week before my trip, the fish only took a few precautionary nibbles.
I had a good laugh looking on.
My companion screamed whenever he put his feet into the water. His rough soles and hairy feet were a magnet for the fish.
Most of the fish in the pool would leave other feet to “attack” whenever he dipped his feet in the water.
This boy with his parents was screaming when he saw the fish swimming in the pool waiting. Photos: Doris Lim
It’s fun to go in a group to try this relaxing treatment. Photos: Doris Lim
The fish will only nibble away dead skin, and the sensation is ticklish to most people. Photos: Doris Lim
A closer look at “Dr. Fish” cleaning the soles and cuticles around the toes. Photos: Doris Lim
Natural Fish Spa Biggest Ticklish? YES!!!
Depending on their sensitivity, most visitors will laugh or even squeal, as it can be ticklish. Soaking their feet in the cold waters is relaxing.
After almost an hour, we got up from the ponds. Our feet felt soft and silky, and the new skin felt smoother and healthier.
The operators informed us that the local elderly are fond of this popular treatment, which helps promote blood circulation.
It was an enjoyable experience and a lot of fun!
Precautionary Measures for Natural Fish Spa Khanom
According to Wikipedia, this freshwater fish is used to treat skin diseases.
Garra rufa, the Red Garra, is a nibbling fish, a small species of cyprinid fish native to rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes in Anatolia and the Middle East.
Since the early 21st century, they have integrated Garra rufa into a spa treatment to feed on patients’ skin with psoriasis.
The fish doctor treatment helps to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. However, it is not a cure for the disease.
There is no cure for psoriasis. The efficacy and validity of using fish as a spa treatment for the wider public are still widely debated.
For visitors suffering from psoriasis or other skin conditions or sensitivities, check with the spa first.
What else is on the Farm?
Tontarn Resort and Spa have a sheep farm and share the paddock with goats and alpacas.
One of the many eco-tourism hot spots for sustainable travel is the Land of Smiles.
Tontarn Resort and Spa (Fish Spa Khanom)
100 Moo 1, T.Khuntong, A.Khanom, Near Center, Khanom (Nakhon Si Thammarat), Thailand, 80210
Telephone: +66 81 945 0263
Google: https://g.co/kgs/Gc2wnQ2
Wow I would definitely go for this one. Thailand is in my bucket list next and this post is really helping me out to do so.