Hanuman, sentinel of myth and memory, welcomes guests to a sanctuary where Finnish heat meets Thai herbal soul.
In the gentle haze of steam, where eucalyptus and lemongrass mingle, a new chapter in Thailand’s wellness story is being written. Jintana Herb Sauna , born from the partnership of Finnish entrepreneur Erkki Kellosalo and his Thai wife Jintana, has become a sanctuary where two cultures meet not as competitors but as co-authors of a shared vision for health and happiness.
Where Finnish Sauna Embraces Thai Herbal Wisdom
What began as a modest experiment in cross-cultural wellness has grown into a phenomenon. The sauna, so deeply woven into the Finnish psyche that UNESCO has recognised it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, has found fertile ground in Thailand’s warm climate and rich herbal tradition. Jintana Herb Sauna has demonstrated that the sauna works exceptionally well here in the tropics, building upon Finland’s worldwide fame for saunas. The establishment has been providing sauna experiences in Thailand for over five years to thousands of people. While many similar Finnish saunas exist, the unique Thai herbal sauna offers an entirely new experience for users, and its core appeal lies in how well fresh herbs complement the sauna concept. At Jintana Herb Sauna, guests are invited to experience more than just heat: they are welcomed into a holistic journey that honours both Finnish and Thai ways of caring for body and spirit.
Local guests immerse themselves in the Finnish sauna experience.
Director Rang, a local health official, expresses a sentiment that resonates with many:
“I am amazed by Jintana Sauna’s keen vision of combining local knowledge with modern sauna technology to create an innovative solution that provides practical and impressive wellness services”.
Here, the rituals of löyly, where steam rises from hot stones, are complemented by Thai herbal steam, massage, and cold plunge pools. The result is an experience that feels both ancient and refreshingly new, drawing wellness seekers from across Asia and beyond.
From fiery heat to icy plunge, guests traverse the ancient Finnish cycle, now joyfully adopted in the tropics.
Thai Herbs Unveiled: Nature’s Potent Wellness Secret
The “Thainess” of Jintana Herb Sauna is a key differentiator, and the owners are proud to take the Thai focus a step higher. What makes the Thai herbal sauna unique is its exclusive use of fresh herbs, which people have traditionally used for centuries. Traditional herbal use is a departure from other steam saunas that might use various fragrances; here, it’s about authentic, time-tested herbal properties.
Typical herbs and their benefits include:
- Lemongrass (Takrai): Relaxing aroma, promotes nervous system harmony and lowers diastolic blood pressure.
- Kaffir Lime (Makrut): An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it cleanses the blood and is traditionally used to alleviate nausea and promote scalp health.
- Turmeric (Khamin): Anti-inflammatory, supports immune function, uplifts mood, and aids respiratory health.
- Ginger (Khing): Stimulates blood flow, detoxifies and relieves arthritis and muscle stiffness.
- Plai (Zingiber cassumunar), Camphor, and Menthol: Warming and penetrating vapours that ease muscle aches and clear respiratory passages.
The specific “formula” usually depends on regional availability and traditional practices, but fresh herbs are paramount.
A tangle of fresh Thai herbs, such as lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime, releases its healing breath into the steamy air, the true heart of the ritual.
Herbal scrubbing, an age-old Thai rite, adds another layer of renewal to the sauna’s embrace.
Thai herbal heat practices, although likely indigenous, were significantly influenced by Indian culture and medical practices, including classical Ayurveda, which were integrated into Thai society early in the first millennium AD. Ancient Indian medical texts and early Buddhist treatments mention similar practices. Early Thai saunas were typically rooms with charcoal burners, often covered with stones, where herbs or essential oils were placed to create aromatic mist. The herbs used would depend on local availability.
The Thai herbal sauna tradition encompasses both a scholarly “Royal tradition,” rooted in classical Ayurveda, and a folk tradition based on local, orally passed-down knowledge. Unfortunately, early Thai written records were lost mainly due to events such as the Burmese ransacking of Ayutthaya in 1767. To preserve this invaluable medical knowledge, King Rama I decreed that herbal formulas and other medical information be carved onto stone tablets at Wat Pho temple. Heat therapy has since evolved from dry heat to moist steam, and immersion baths, as seen in spas, gained popularity due to the moisturising benefits of steam. An interesting detail is “yu fai,” a traditional post-natal therapy where mothers would stay near a fire for up to three weeks to perspire and flush out toxins, sometimes accompanied by daily herbal steam treatments to restore musculature.
Scaling Wellness: Expanding the Finnish-Thai Sauna Footprint
It was during a recent visit by Buriram Provincial Public Health Office representatives that the true spirit of the sauna—its power to forge bonds—was made manifest. As the delegation moved from the herbal steam to the Finnish sauna and finally to the icy plunge, something quietly profound occurred. In a small but heartfelt ceremony, Erkki and a senior Buriram official exchanged tokens of friendship, marking the moment with a promise of enduring collaboration.
A handshake in the haze: Erkki Kellosalo and Buriram Provincial Public Health Office executives seal a partnership born of shared warmth.
It was not just a gesture but a recognition that in the heat of the sauna, strangers can become friends, and friends can become lifelong allies in the pursuit of well-being. Chairman Boonchit, moved by the warmth and hospitality, later reflected:
“I couldn’t help but shed tears unknowingly upon our departure, vowing to carry these beautiful memories”.
Growing Together: Community at the Heart of Jintana Herb Sauna’s Success
Jintana Herb Sauna’s success is not measured solely by visitor numbers or glowing reviews but by the depth of its community impact. The opening of Jintana Herb Sauna by the Beach in Hua Hin at the end of 2024 marked a bold expansion, offering a comprehensive wellness experience set against the tranquil backdrop of the sea. The support of local investors and the enthusiasm of returning guests signal a growing appreciation for this unique blend of Finnish thoroughness and Thai hospitality. This beachfront location also prioritises improved ventilation, which is crucial for herbal saunas. A partnership with a bank in developing operations underscores the vision of making Thailand a long-term destination for health tourism.
The reach of the sauna extends far beyond Hua Hin. In Cha Am, a new Finnish-Thai sauna is taking shape, the result of a partnership with Belgian entrepreneur Pieters Christian. Christian reflects:
“Jintana Herb Sauna’s growth and proven success over my three years as a customer motivated my desire to partner with them.”
Even those who build these sanctuaries feel the significance of their work. As one sauna builder observed:
“Building Finnish-style saunas is a rewarding challenge… locals are embracing and adapting this tradition to their climate and lifestyle, demonstrating the universal appeal of sauna culture”.
Wellness as a Public Good: Crafting Community Health Blueprints
Perhaps the most remarkable testament to Jintana Herb Sauna’s influence comes from its growing role in public health. When Buriram health officials visited the Hua Hin facility, they discovered more than a business model; they found a blueprint for community well-being. Mr Peerapolsilp Thuamthaisong, Director of the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, recalls his first encounter with the hot-cold contrast of sauna and plunge:
“One of the best things we should have in our public health centre in Buriram; it was a fantastic feeling afterwards”.
Inspired by this, a new Finnish-Thai sauna is currently under construction at Buriram Hospital, promising to provide patients and visitors with a restorative space for relaxation and recovery. Lieutenant Colonel Narong Chaicherdchoo, Scholar President of Ban Kruat District, shares a more personal perspective:
“My 20-year dream of developing herbal steam for my family and local people came true through Jintana and Erkki’s help”.
Such stories speak to the broader potential of sauna culture not just as a luxury but as a tool for preventive care, rehabilitation, and community resilience.
The Buriram Public Health delegation gathers by the seaside sauna.
There is scientific research indicating that Jintana Herb Saunas are beneficial for promoting health and well-being, particularly in terms of the health effects associated with the herbal sauna. These include detoxification, improved circulation, respiratory relief, skin rejuvenation, and enhanced absorption of external applications. The experience aims to achieve a balance of the four elements (earth, wind, fire, water) and heal both body and mind, aligning with traditional Thai medicine principles. The ambition is to link the flow of health information to relatives and involve the offering as part of public healthcare.
Standards and Comfort: Tailoring the Sauna Experience
The Finnish Sauna Law (“Löylyn laki”) dictates standards for ventilation and bench heights. It is worth noting that the International Sauna Association (ISA) approves steam saunas, indicating adherence to specific quality benchmarks. Finnish sauna temperatures are optimally between 75°C and 105°C, while Thai herbal saunas operate at 50°C to 70°C. This option allows individuals to select the heat level they prefer, tailored to their personal preferences or health conditions. Some may even get health benefits by plunging into an ice pool. The lower benches in the herbal sauna may not be as hot as those in a traditional Finnish sauna, but this is part of the unique, adaptable experience designed to make saunas suitable for people of all ages and with various health conditions.
Side by side: the robust simplicity of Finnish sauna and the fragrant intricacy of Thai herbal steam. Two traditions, one pursuit of well-being.
Behind the scenes, Jintana Herb Sauna’s ascent is powered by strategic collaborations. As Thailand’s representative to the International Sauna Association (ISA) and a corporate member of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), the brand is anchored in both global best practices and local engagement. Recent alliances, such as with Japan Sauna & Spa (Thailand) Ltd., have further expanded its reach, inviting Japanese travellers to experience the fusion of Finnish authenticity and Thai herbal wisdom. A recent Midsummer event, promoted in partnership with Vision Finland, drew an international crowd and sparked online engagement well beyond expectations. The event’s success, measured not just in numbers but in the warmth of shared experience, underscored the power of sauna culture to connect people across borders.
Finnish Wellness Diplomacy: President Stubb’s Vision and the Osaka Expo
The story of Jintana Herb Sauna is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Finnish wellness diplomacy. President Alexander Stubb, whose sporty lifestyle and reflections on happiness have made headlines, has become a global ambassador for Finland’s values of well-being, equality, and resilience. His recent visit to Japan, culminating in the opening of Finland’s Happiness Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, was a celebration of these ideals. There, the Finnish pavilion showcased how timeless tradition and innovation can meet and how the sauna remains central to Finland’s image as the world’s happiest country. President Stubb’s message is clear: happiness is not a fleeting emotion but a practice cultivated through steady habits, moderate exercise, and meaningful connection. The sauna, for Stubb and Finland, is more than a tradition. It is a sanctuary, a place for cleansing, reflection, and, above all, community. It is this vision that Jintana Herb Sauna has brought to Thailand, translating the Finnish formula for happiness into a language the world can understand.
A Future Forged in Wellness and Cultural Harmony
As wellness tourism continues its global ascent, Thailand is poised to become a hub for those seeking more than just a holiday. The unique blend of Finnish sauna and Thai hospitality offers a compelling narrative for tourists, a robust platform for local economic growth, and a model for public health innovation. For investors, health officials, and wellness enthusiasts, the message is clear: the Finnish formula for happiness is alive and well in Thailand, and its best chapters are yet to be written. In the gentle heat of the sauna, the boundaries between cultures, professions, and ambitions dissolve. What remains is a shared sense of possibility: a quiet triumph and a promise of more to come.
Jintana embodies the spirit of cultural harmony, blending Finnish sauna heritage with Thai pride.
Visuals and Authorship
- Photos from Jintana Herb Sauna; select images enhanced with AI.
- Text by Antti Rahikainen.
