Hongye Hot Spring

Your trip into the heart of Bunun indigenous country begins at the quiet Luye TRA Station, where you can easily hail a local taxi for a short, picturesque drive into the deep mountain folds of Yanping Township. As the road traces the riverbed, the valley opens up to reveal the striking, contemporary structures of the Vakangan Hot Spring Park. Reopened in 2022 after a comprehensive, eco conscious redesign, this beautiful park is built around a green energy theme. The atmosphere blends modern architectural design with deep historical roots, the park sits on the historic grounds where the legendary Bunun children of the 1968 Hongye Red Leaf Little League baseball team practiced with wooden sticks and stones before famously defeating a visiting Japanese youth all star team. Bathing here means soaking in a truly rare geological phenomenon, the water is a metamorphic rock spring filtered through the ancient Tananao Schist of the Central Mountain Range. It emerges completely clear, odorless, and perfectly neutral with a pH of 6.4. The beautifully tiered outdoor family pools range comfortably from 39 to 43 degrees Celsius, framed by panoramic views of the surrounding green peaks. Because it is a structured, managed park, standard Taiwanese pool etiquette applies, you must bring a proper swimsuit and cap, and the facility is fully tattoo friendly and welcoming to all generations. A basic weekday adult entry ticket costs around 399 TWD, rising to 500 TWD on weekends, which grants you access to the pools and the architectural grounds. An excellent local detail is the on site restaurant, which serves creative dishes incorporating seasonal, organic indigenous ingredients. To avoid the crowds, plan to arrive right when they open at eleven in the morning on a weekday.