A visit to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs isn't your typical tourist attraction, but rather a pleasant and relaxing day trip from Chiang Mai. Nestled in a lush green valley, they offer ideal conditions for relaxation with their mineral-rich thermal waters, geysers, relaxation areas, and unique activities like cooking eggs in the hot water. A soothing bath in the naturally warm mineral water is always a calming, pleasant, and healthy experience. A visit to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is therefore an excellent way to unwind and pamper yourself. It's also fun because you can buy small wicker baskets containing three or more eggs (most recently for 20 THB) and cook them in the hottest part of the spring. You can choose how you want your eggs cooked, from soft-boiled to hard-boiled. Cooking times are indicated on a sign. When you buy a basket, you also receive a small sachet of soy sauce to season the eggs. The hot springs of San Kamphaeng naturally produce 105°C water (ideal for boiling eggs), which cools upon contact with the air. The most popular area features several long pools where you can sit and soak your feet. The water temperature there ranges from 40 to 50°C, depending on the spot. Behind these pools is a children's pool for little ones, and a little further on are two geysers (entry prohibited). In front of these are pools with small hooks for hanging wicker baskets and boiling eggs. If that's not enough, there's a restaurant near the entrance and several stalls selling fried chicken, Thai salads, and other food. In my opinion, however, the mineral bath pool (in addition to the entrance fee, see below) is the nicest place to completely relax and even swim a little. There are also two small massage parlors for even deeper relaxation and well-being. Be aware that it gets very crowded on weekends, as Thais like to come here with their families. In fact, it's a place with far more Thai than foreign visitors. So, if possible, come during the week.

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entrance fees for foreigners: 100 THB per adult and 50 THB per child. Entrance fees for Thai citizens: 40 THB per adult and 20 THB per child. Entrance to the mineral pool: 100 THB per adult and 60 THB per child. There is also a campsite and bungalows available for booking if you wish to stay overnight at the San Kamphaeng hot springs.

To get to the San Kamphaeng hot springs from Chiang Mai using public transport, head to Warorot Market. Opposite the market, right by the Ping River (right here), is a minivan stop for passengers to Mae Kamphaeng (timetables and online booking available). (The yellow songthaews that used to run between Chiang Mai and the San Kamphaeng hot springs don't seem to be operating anymore; however, this should be checked as they were running at the end of 2023.) Make sure you take the correct minivan (tell the driver "nam pou ron San Kamphaeng" to be safe); the stop is well signposted. The journey is highly recommended. Book your minivan to the hot springs in Chiang Mai, especially on weekends! The journey takes less than an hour and costs 100 THB.

How to get there

How do I get to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs? To get to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs from Chiang Mai using public transport, go to Warorot Market. Opposite the market, right by the Ping River (right here), is a minivan stop for passengers to Mae Kamphaeng (timetables and online booking available) and to the hot springs. (The yellow songthaews that used to run between Chiang Mai and the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs don't seem to be running anymore. However, this should be checked, as they were still operating at the end of 2023.) Make sure you take the correct minivan (tell the driver "nam pou ron San Kamphaeng" to be sure). The stop is well signposted. It is recommended to book your minivan to the hot springs from Chiang Mai in advance, especially on weekends! The journey takes less than an hour and costs 100 THB.