Way more than just a hot spring, at San Kamphaeng Hot Spring you can even spend the night!
A great reason to go on a day trip, this family destination has something for all ages. Adults and grandparents can relax by the hot spring in Chiang Mai or enjoy a massage. The kids can swim or enjoy the playground. There are plenty of spots for a picnic too. Your family can even stay for the night in one of the bungalows or even go camping!
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Geysers, oh my!
Take a trip out to San Kamphaeng and stand within a few feet of the closest thing to an active volcano! The hot spring boasts two geysers that expel water over 20 metres into the air. Young kids will love the anticipation as they wait for the geysers to shoot up into the sky. The geysers are the source of the hot spring where the water comes out at over 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).
Are your kids interested in how geysers are formed?
Ever wondered how hot springs are formed?
Have a read through this article by InnovateUs to learn more.
Boil some eggs at San Kamphaeng Hot Spring
Because the water is literally boiling, you can cook eggs in it! This part of the hot spring is nicknamed the ‘boiling pot.’ For a quick snack, a basket of eggs can be purchased for between 20-40 baht depending on how many you’d like. To cook them is so easy as you simply hang the basket on a hook for the desired cook time. The eggs make for an eggcelent snack (sorry, I had to!).
Soak in the hot spring
As the water flows further away from the source, the temperature becomes more manageable for you and the family to dip your legs in. You can sit along the sides of the hot stream with your legs dangling in the therapeutic waters.
Swim in the mineral waters
There’s also a large mineral pool so everyone in the family can experience the therapeutic effects of the waters. Did you know hot springs are known to improve circulation, metabolism, and even reduce pain? The pool looks much like a swimming pool, but it contains fresh minerals and is relaxing and warm. It is located a ways to the left of the entrance as you enter the park. The large mineral swimming pool costs 100 baht per adult and 50 baht per child for foreigners while it’s only 50 baht for Thai adults and 30 baht for Thai children.
Because the hot spring waters are typically too hot for children, the local authority that manages the hot spring built a warm mineral pool just for them! The kiddy pool is a shallow, temperature controlled pool located closer to the geysers. Children would definitely need to know how to swim and be attended at all times. The fee to swim is 10 baht for children.
Hot tub!
Looking for a private escape? Located next to the large mineral pool are hot tub huts which are available for rent. With taps of both hot and cold water, you can control the temperature yourself. You can choose from five options.
Option 1: for 20 baht per person, you gain access to a private hot spring tap where you use a coconut scoop to pour hot water over your body.
Option 2: for 60 baht per person, you can draw a bath and soak in a deep concrete tiled bath.
Option 3: costs 300 baht per hour for up to four people. This grants access to a hot tub guest house with a modern bath. It even comes with beds to relax on as the family take turns in the tub. Your family will have the entire private bath to yourselves for up to an hour.
Option 4: the fee is 500 baht per hour for a large group of people. You will get a larger guest house with a much larger hot tub to accommodate more people. It also comes with beds to lounge on. Your family will have the entire private bath to yourselves for up to an hour.
Option 5: Foreigner price is 100 baht per adult, 50 baht per child. Thai price is 50 baht per adult and 30 baht per child. This grants entrance the large mineral swimming pool.
No worries if you need a towel or swim suit! Both are available for rent for 20 baht each.
Picnic & play
Surrounding the hot spring is a large landscaped area. Parts of it are being turned into a beautiful garden with paths for children to run along. Also on the premises is a small playground for young children. Most of the area is grassy making it a nice spot if anyone wanted to kick a ball around, throw a Frisbee, or set up a picnic for lunch or dinner. Food stalls are available before you enter and within the hot spring, but be aware they close early-ish so keep this in mind if you’re thinking of dinner.
Get a massage
Following a calming dip is the perfect time for a massage! Sit down and relax some more while you get a soothing foot or body rub. It’s only 120 baht for 30 mins or 200 baht for a full hour. Afterwards you may find you don’t want to leave! Guess, what? You don’t have to.
Stay for the night
The San Kamphaeng hot spring also offers prearranged accommodations if you’d like to spend the night. There are two options of housing. One is to stay in resort-like huts which are wheelchair accessible. The other is to rent a tent with all the amenities included. Staying overnight could be a great option as there is more to explore near the hot spring such as Muang On Cave and Chiang Doi Cave. You’ll also enjoy boiling your eggs for breakfast in the early morning! You’ll have the place practically to yourself in the morning light. Contact the hot spring for rates.
When to go
San Kamphaeng hot spring is open daily, all year-round. It is extremely popular during the cool season (November-February) especially on weekends and Thai holidays. While you’ll still enjoy your time there, if being closely surrounded by others is not your thing, it’s best to come during the week.
What to bring
- Swim suits (although you can rent them there for 20 baht)
- Mat to sit on
- Towels (can also rent them there for 20 baht)
- Frisbee or football to play with
- Stuff to stay overnight (if you are!)
- a picnic if you wish! (there are lots of food stalls there too)
How to get there
Whether you are renting a car, taking a songtaew or taxi, or even riding motorbikes, the easiest way to get to the San Kampaeng hot spring is to take the 1317, which is the San Kampaeng Road. You can expect the journey to take about 45 minutes to an hour. The route is well marked and straight forward with many signs along the way. Follow the 1317 until you see a sign and a turn off to the left for the 4041. Once you turn onto this road, it’s about another 10 minutes until you reach the marked entrance for the hot spring. You will see parking outside the entrance, but you can also park inside for a small fee. of 40 baht. Parking outside is free!
Entrance fee:
Tourist Price – Adults 100 baht, children 50 baht.
Local’s price – Adult Thai 40 baht. Child Thai 20 baht
Children’s mineral pool: 10 baht
Large mineral pool:
Tourist Price – Adults 100 baht, children 50 baht.
Local’s price – Adult Thai 50 baht. Child Thai 30 baht
Private hot tub rooms:
Washing with hot water: 20 baht per person
Soaking in a tub: 60 baht per person
Private hot tub guest house: 300 baht per room for one hour (4 people)
Private hot tub guest house: 500 baht per room for one hour (many people)
Hours: Open 7 am-6 pm daily. Camping and staying overnight allowed.
Pet friendly: NO
Accessibility: stroller, wheelchair (if you have someone to help).
Parking: FREE outside the hot spring. 40 baht to park inside.
Telephone: 053 037 101
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
On your travels to the hot spring you’ll see signs for a local cave. Muang Cave could easily be visited during this same trip. It is best to see the cave before the hot spring. Why? Well, the cave visit requires a bit of exertion. Get yourself some adventurous exercise and then relax in the hot spring!