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Maxwell Onsen

A 600 baht Japanese-style bathhouse on Surawong with a free meal thrown in, and a very particular crowd.

4.6(299)Chong Nonsi BTS Station · 8 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Mon–Fri 14:00–00:00, Sat–Sun 12:00–00:00
Getting there
Chong Nonsi BTS Station
8 min walk

Learn Wat Pho First

Wat Pho in Bangkok is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage education. Their on-site massage pavilion offers excellent treatments from students and graduates at reasonable prices — and you know the technique is authentic.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday14:00–00:00
Tuesday14:00–00:00
Wednesday14:00–00:00
Thursday14:00–00:00
Friday14:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–00:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Six hundred baht gets you hot and cold pools, steam, sauna, and a main course downstairs with unlimited ice cream, coffee and dessert. That's the deal, and it's a good one. The kitchen tends to run beef curry with rice, fried chicken or khao soi, and reviewers rate the khao soi. There's a salt room and a relaxation area on the lower level too. Everything is clean and quietly kept, and it rarely feels packed.

Before booking a taxi, know that this is a gay bathhouse, and the sauna and steam rooms function as a cruising space. Plenty of people come purely to soak and are left alone, because the etiquette is clear enough that avoiding eye contact does the job. But if you're expecting a neutral, mixed wellness spa, this isn't it. Go in knowing what it is and you'll have a fine time.

The layout confuses people. Reception is on the ground floor, lockers and toilets on the mezzanine, then you walk back down to the baths. Staff talk you through the two-locker system and which towel goes where.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Well-rated places within a short walk of Maxwell Onsen, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

I came here 2 times, Saturday and Monday. Here is my review: Facilities: nice, clean. Lower level has an eating area where you can have one main course and unlimited ice cream, coffee, and desserts. You need to present the receipt when paying the entrance in order to get a main course. Typically, they have beef in curry with rice or fried chicken and Khao soi(Thai's chicken noodle soup). I liked their Khao soi. It was tasty and not spicy. In this area, also there was a salt room and a relax room. They were both small but cozy. The next level above the eating area was the sauna, steamroom and jacuzzi one. Staff refilled drinking water very often. The top level was for private rooms and lounge chairs. You must wear the short and kimono and slippers in all level, except the wet area where everyone must be naked. Staff: helpful but not super friendly. They were hardly smile with anyone. They showed you what to do upon entering. There was one staff watching at the top floor where you can get either private lounge chairs, massage chairs or a room to rest. I had no ideas what he was watching for. 😀 Clients: on Saturday and Sunday , they are super packed. I came on Saturday around 3:30pm and had no problems to get a locker. Then I left at 5:30pm, at that time, the lobby was full of guys who was waiting to get a next available locker. It must be 40 to 50 of them waiting. The majority guys I saw on Saturday was under 30 yrs old. They were hot. However on Monday, most of them were between 30-40 yrs old, less crowded and less hot than those on the weekend. The intimacy happened in the steamroom, and just like any other places, you would meet someone who was easy going while others were picky/selective. Overall, I recommend this onsen because it is clean, good food, and has many handsome customers. The closet BTS station is Sala Daeng, probably 10 minute walk from the station.

The experience is entirely what you make of it. If you want undisturbed rest and relaxation in the hot and cold pools, no problem. If you’re looking to get down at dirty - also no problem; you can find it, it will find you. I found just letting go and relaxing, being willing to start a conversation with a stranger, goes a long way. People are friendly just need to break the ice. Staff were friendly. Explained the process (two lockers, what towels to use where, when to use the robe, etc). Exchange your entry ticket for free meal after your visit. Also, bring your own fun supplies as not sure they have them or maybe sell? That was never made clear. THB 600 entry. cash only. I would definitely return.

As someone who has never been to a gay spa before I tried this out as it seemed to be more focussed on relaxation. While this is true, down in the spa area, especially the steam and sauna room everyone seems to be hunting - they come in and look at everyone then leave - but clear communication (no eye contact) makes it easy to not get involved if you don’t want to. I went at 5pm and there was about 30 guys there, mostly average build, a couple ripped guys, no twinks. What stood out for me was the staff, when you enter and lock your shoes away you head upstairs to the changing room and there are 2 staff members there to guide you, they seem to stay there by the stairs so you can always ask for guidance. As it was my first time this was really appreciated. The food is included in the price and a lovely chill area. The massage chairs upstairs were great, mostly taken but if you relax for a bit and check in you’ll get one, they are brutal though and there’s not clear instructions but it’s nice nonetheless. The onsen smelled like nappies and the water pressure went to 1/10 on the showers halfway through which is why the 4*. The staff and facilities were good though.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 299 reviews on Google.

173/3-5 Surawong Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

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Try a Herbal Compress

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Maxwell Onsen: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maxwell Onsen worth visiting?

Maxwell Onsen holds a 4.6★ rating from 299 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated wellness & spas in Bangkok.

What are the opening hours of Maxwell Onsen?

Maxwell Onsen is typically open 14:00–00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Maxwell Onsen?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is Maxwell Onsen located?

Maxwell Onsen is at 173/3-5 Surawong Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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