Entrance to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
One of the things I like most about living in Chiang Mai, Thailand are the numerous mini-adventures that can be had near town. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, less than 45 minutes away, is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Make no mistake, this is not a luxury spa experience, but it is a fun way to while away a few hours.
Families Enjoying a Picnic at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
I was expecting a place that was undeveloped, primitive maybe (hopefully), but I found a large parking lot filled with cars, concrete sidewalks, and numerous vendors. There were crowds but refreshingly it was mostly families and locals who were entering. Inside there are manmade streams, steaming even in the hot afternoon. It was shady and there were some nice picnic tables and areas where you could put down a blanket and relax.
Kid Jumping in the Water at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
On the far end of the park are the springs themselves. They have been for the most part capped and piped but they are still pretty impressive. There is a large trough nearby where you can hard-boil baskets of eggs, which can be purchased at nearby stands, in the 100-degree centigrade, vaguely sulfurous smelling water.
See also:
Boiling Eggs in the Hot Springs
Egg Boiling Times at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Eggs Boiling at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
One of the highlights is buying a basket of eggs and boiling them in the thermal waters. The eggs, basket included, costs less than $1 USD, so I bought a few baskets, one chicken, and one quail, and cooked them while I soaked my feet in the hot waters.
They say the waters are curative but I can’t attest to that. It was a fun people watching. It wasn’t a brilliant experience but if you are in need of a mini-adventure not far from town I would say it is worth a visit to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs.
Boiled Eggs at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Map
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Opening Hours
Open daily from 08:00 – 21:00
Entrance Fee to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
200 baht foreigner price
a basket of eggs costs 20 – 30 baht
How to get to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
The easiest way to get there is by own transport. There’s plenty of parking and the hot springs are well signposted.
Without your own transport, you can take a local bus from the center of Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng, then a taxi or a taxi from Chiang Mai. Be sure to arrange a time for your return or you may get stranded.
