1 / 5San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a landscaped park around natural hot springs in Mae On district, about 36 km east of Chiang Mai. Two geysers shoot steaming water into the air, mineral pools and private baths let you soak, and baskets of eggs boil in the spring water while families picnic on the lawns. It is about 50 minutes by car from the Old City and about 65 minutes from Mae Hia. Entry is 100 THB for foreign visitors and 40 THB for Thais, with the pools and baths charged separately.
Why go
Hot springs are not what most people expect in Chiang Mai, and that is part of the charm. The water comes out of the ground at around 100 C at the source, hot enough to cook an egg, and is cooled into pools where you can soak your feet or your whole body. On a cool-season morning, with steam rising off the streams and the hills behind, it is a genuinely relaxing place.
It is also an easy family day. Children love boiling their own eggs in the bamboo baskets and watching the geysers go off, while adults can take a private mineral bath and then lie on the grass under the trees. There is food on site, so you can stay for lunch without planning.
The springs sit at the end of the craft road east of the city, which makes them a good pairing with the umbrella village of Bo Sang on the way out, or with the mountain village of Mae Kampong further up the hill.
What to see
- The geysers: two geysers in the middle of the park throw a column of steaming water into the air. Stand back; the water is scalding near the source.
- Egg boiling: buy a basket of eggs at the stalls and lower it into the hottest pool. In a few minutes you have soft-boiled eggs to eat on the lawn.
- Foot-soaking streams: warm channels run through the park where you can sit on the edge and soak your feet for free.
- Mineral pools: a large public pool of warm mineral water, charged separately, with changing rooms nearby.
- Private baths: small private rooms with a tub of hot mineral water, good for a quiet soak, also charged separately.
- Lawns and gardens: shady lawns, flower beds and picnic spots. There is also accommodation in the park if you want to stay the night.
How to get there
- From the Old City
- about 50 minutes by car or Grab, east on Route 1006 through San Kamphaeng, then on towards Mae On. The springs are well signposted.
- From the airport or Mae Hia
- about 65 minutes by car. Take the outer ring road around the south of the city to Route 1006 to avoid central traffic.
- By songthaew or Grab
- there is no convenient public transport. Book a Grab each way, or charter a red songthaew or a car with a driver for the day so you can add Bo Sang or Mae Kampong.
- By own car or scooter
- the roads are good and there is a large car park. On a scooter it is a long ride, so start early and avoid the midday heat.
Tips
- Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to use the pools or baths; changing rooms are available.
- Go in the morning or late afternoon in the cool season, when the steam is most visible and the sun is gentle. Our guide to the best time to visit explains Chiang Mai's seasons.
- Keep children close to the geysers and the hottest pools. The water near the source is close to boiling.
- Do not soak too long in the hot mineral water, especially if you have heart or blood pressure problems. Drink water before and after.
- Bring cash for egg baskets, food and extras.
- Combine the springs with Bo Sang Umbrella Village for an easy half day east of the city, or stay overnight in Mae Kampong up the hill.
- If you have energy left in the evening, the Chiang Mai Night Safari is on the Mae Hia side of the city, convenient on the way back.
FAQ
How much is the entrance fee at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs?
100 THB for foreign visitors and 40 THB for Thais; the mineral pools and private baths cost extra.
What are the opening hours?
08:00 to 18:00 every day.
How far are the hot springs from Chiang Mai?
About 36 km east, roughly 50 minutes by car from the Old City.
Can you swim at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs?
Yes, in the mineral pool, for an extra charge. There are also private baths.
Can I boil eggs in the hot spring?
Yes. Buy a basket at the stalls and lower it into the hot pool for a few minutes.
