Visit San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (Chiang Mai)

A visit to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs isn't exactly a tourist attraction, but rather a pleasant and relaxing day trip from Chiang Mai. Nestled in a lush green valley, they offer an ideal setting for relaxation, with mineral thermal waters, geysers, relaxation areas, and unique activities like cooking eggs in the hot water.

A good soak in naturally warm mineral water is always a soothing, pleasant, and healthy experience. A visit to the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is therefore a great way to unwind and pamper yourself. It's also fun because you can buy small wicker baskets filled with three or more eggs (20 THB, last I heard) and cook them in the hottest part of the spring, choosing how you want them cooked, from soft-boiled to hard-boiled. Cooking times are indicated on a sign. When you buy a basket, you'll also receive a small sachet of soy sauce to season your eggs.

The San Kamphaeng hot springs naturally provide water at 105 degrees Celsius (ideal for cooking an egg), which loses heat upon contact with the air. In the most popular area, there are 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 this is a children's pool where they can bathe completely, and further along are two geysers (access prohibited). In front of these are the pools with small hooks for hanging your wicker baskets and cooking your eggs. If that's not enough to feed you, there's a restaurant near the entrance and a few stalls selling roast chicken, Thai salads, etc.

But what remains the best place to be when you come here, in my opinion, is the mineral bath pool (entrance fee in addition to the entrance fee, see below) where you can fully immerse yourself and even swim a little. There are also two small massage parlors for even deeper relaxation and well-being.

Note that it's very crowded on weekends because Thais like to come here with their families. In fact, it's a place with far more Thai visitors than foreigners. So, if you can, come during the week.