Quick FactsOverview
About San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Thailand is a natural geothermal hot spring and public park in the Ban Sahakon area of Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province, approximately 36 kilometres east of Chiang Mai city via Highway 1317. The 40-acre landscaped park sits in a valley flanked by hills, with manicured gardens, shaded trees, and paved walkways throughout the grounds.
Two natural geysers form the centrepiece of the park, shooting jets of water up to 20 metres in the air at temperatures approaching 100 degrees Celsius. Visitors observe the geysers from a safe distance and use the surrounding pools for egg-boiling. From the geysers, hot water flows through a long man-made canal that winds around the park, maintaining temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius and allowing visitors to sit along its edges for foot soaking. A children's pool, communal bathing pools separated by gender, and private bath rooms are all available for full immersion at cooler, managed temperatures. The spring water is sulfurous and has traditionally been used for skin conditions and improving circulation. Family hot springs near Chiang Mai of this scale and variety, with a direct songthaew connection from the city, are uncommon in the region.
Location & Access
Getting to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is located at 1 Moo 7, Ban Sahakon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province, approximately 36 kilometres east of Chiang Mai city. The drive from Chiang Mai along Highway 1317 takes about 45 minutes to one hour and is well signposted with blue tourist attraction signs throughout.
By public songthaew from Chiang Mai, take a yellow songthaew from Warorot Market heading toward San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Tell the driver "nam poo ron San Kamphaeng" to confirm the destination. The journey takes just over an hour and costs approximately 55 baht. A sign at the hot spring entrance indicates that public transport also runs from Chang-Puak Transport Station to San Kamphaeng, with connections onward by local songthaew to the springs. By scooter or motorbike, the ride from central Chiang Mai along the scenic country roads east of the city takes about one to 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace and is considered an enjoyable ride on light traffic roads.
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry fees are 100 baht for adult foreigners, 50 baht for children, and 40 baht for Thai adults. A car fee of 40 baht applies. Towels can be rented at the entrance. Camping is available within the park grounds. Egg baskets with quail or hen eggs and soy sauce are available from vendors near the entrance for 20 baht. Private bath rooms are available for 65 baht per person.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs suits families, day-trippers from Chiang Mai, and visitors seeking a well-maintained Thai hot spring park with a variety of soaking options. The combination of a children's pool, a long foot canal, communal pools, private rooms, and the geyser spectacle makes it one of the more complete hot spring parks accessible from a major Thai city.
The foot canal is the most accessible feature: visitors can sit along the canal edge and soak their feet at 40 to 50 degrees Celsius without paying for a private room or changing into swimwear. Communal pools are gender-separated and require swimwear. Private bath rooms offer a quieter experience for those who prefer it, priced at 65 baht per person for unlimited time. The sulfurous smell is noticeable throughout the park, particularly near the geysers and source pools; visitors who are sensitive to sulfur should be aware of this before choosing San Kamphaeng over the sulfur-free options elsewhere in the region.
The park is busiest on weekends and Thai public holidays, particularly during the cool season from November to February when the contrast between the cold air and the hot water is most appealing. Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience. The park is suitable for elderly visitors who can manage flat, paved terrain; there is no confirmed wheelchair accessibility documentation. For those combining the hot spring with the Mae Kampong village or Muang On Caves, all three are on or near the same Highway 1317 corridor east of Chiang Mai.
Safety & Etiquette
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Safety Tips
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs features geysers reaching close to 100 degrees Celsius and a boiling egg-cooking pool. Warning signs are posted around these areas; do not approach the geyser jets or place any body part in the source pools or egg-boiling area. Scalding from the geyser water or source pool will cause severe burns. Maintain the distances indicated by signage at all times and keep children well back from the geyser zone.
The foot canal and communal pools are maintained at 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. Test the water before entering and ease in gradually starting from the feet. Limit soaking sessions to 15 to 20 minutes and rest between sessions. The combination of hot water, high ambient temperature, and sun exposure can cause dehydration quickly; drink water throughout the visit. Towels and dry clothing should be on hand for after the soak.
The paved paths and pool surrounds can be wet and slippery. Wear footwear with grip throughout the park and take particular care near the canal edge, where sitting positions can make standing up awkward. Children must be supervised near all water features; the foot canal is shallow but flows continuously and its edges may be slippery.
The sulfurous mineral content of the water at San Kamphaeng gives it a distinctive smell and a relatively high mineral load. Visitors with sensitive skin, open wounds, or active skin conditions should exercise caution and limit soaking time. Pregnant visitors and those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using hot spring facilities. Nearest medical facilities are in Chiang Mai city, approximately 45 minutes away.
