Visit Khao Chaison Hot Springs (Phatthalung)

Located about 30 kilometers from the town of Phatthalung, these hot springs feature water that naturally emerges at around 60°C, but rest assured, the public pools are kept at a much more comfortable temperature, with the hottest reaching only about 40°C. They are a great option for a relaxing thermal soak, offering a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains (there are a few monkeys around, though they tend to keep their distance when it gets crowded).

Although the complex was left somewhat abandoned for years due to a lack of visitors, a renovation project has breathed new life into it, and it is now in good condition and quite well laid out. You have the main pool with its concrete faux-rock décor, followed by two regular swimming pools, one of which has slightly cooler water. Finally, and this is a great idea, there is a pool with barely warm water and a slide for the kids. If you wish, you can also get a massage.

Khao Chaison is an area in Phatthalung province that I really love and which remains largely unknown to foreign tourists. Besides the hot springs, you can also visit the Nam Yen Cave and the nearby Buddha Cave. This makes for a lovely little excursion, especially if you top it off with a relaxing meal at one of the Kaeng Nam Hu Rae restaurants, sitting in one of the small stilt huts built over the river. You can also play in the water (especially the kids) or go kayaking. It's a quintessentially Thai spot located about 1 km from the hot springs (location and details on GMap). There is also a small floating market nearby, but it seems that after being revived post-COVID, it has once again fallen into disuse.