Where to find hot springs around Chiang Mai? 8 options you can visit for 2026
Public soaking spots from easy day trips to remote mountain springs
Chiang Mai province sits on active geothermal activity, with natural hot springs scattered across the region. For expats and travellers in northern Thailand, these public hot springs offer thermal bathing without high spa resort costs.
The water is heated naturally by underground granite formations, emerging at temperatures from pleasantly warm to boiling hot, rich in minerals like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium.
Here are the public hot springs you can access in Chiang Mai province.
| Hot Spring (Click to jump) | Distance from Chiang Mai | Entry Fee (Foreigner) | Public Transport | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Kamphaeng | 36 km | 100 baht | Excellent (direct songthaew) | Easy |
| Doi Saket | 35 km | Free entry (pay for rooms) | Fair (songthaew + charter) | Moderate |
| Pong Kwao | 50 km | 150 to 200 baht | None | Moderate |
| Fang | 150 km | 200 baht | Good (bus + charter) | Challenging |
| Pong Dueat | 70 km | 300 baht (park fee) | Difficult | Moderate |
| Theppanom | 100 km | 300 baht (park fee) | None | Challenging |
| Chiang Dao | 75 km | Free | Fair (drop-off only) | Easy |
| Pong Arng | 115 km | 100 baht | None | Challenging |
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Location: Mae On District, 36 km east of Chiang Mai city (1-hour drive via Route 1317)
San Kamphaeng is the most developed hot spring in the province, featuring twin geysers shooting water up to 20 metres high. The water at the source reaches 105°C but flows through cooling canals where you can soak your feet at 40-45°C. Facilities include free foot-soaking streams, a mineral swimming pool (extra 50 baht), private bathing rooms (65 baht), Thai massage, and egg-boiling pools.
Entry: 100 baht for foreign adults.
Transport: Yellow songthaew from Warorot Market (50 baht, 90 minutes) or self-drive.
Doi Saket Hot Springs (Ban Pong)
Location: Pa Miang area, Doi Saket District, 30-35 km northeast of Chiang Mai on Route 118
A quieter, community-run experience surrounded by rice paddies and locals come here after work to unwind. The grounds are free of charge, but the facilities include private rooms (standard 100 baht, VIP 200-300 baht), shared pools, free foot-soak streams, and local massage services.
Entry: Free to grounds; private rooms charged separately.
Transport: Songthaew to Doi Saket, then charter motorbike taxi (100 to 200 baht extra). Self-drive recommended.
Pong Kwao Hot Springs
Location: Samoeng District, 50 km northwest of Chiang Mai, deep in the Samoeng Loop mountains
Japanese onsen-style experience with wooden decks, bamboo fencing, and a jungle setting. Features gender-segregated indoor pools and outdoor private cabins with forest-view bathtubs. On-site restaurant serves organic food.
Entry: 150-200 baht
Transport: No public transport. Winding 1.5-2 hour drive on Samoeng Loop (Route 1269/1096). Rental vehicle essential.
Fang Hot Springs (Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park)
Location: Pong Nam Ron village, Fang District, 150 km north of Chiang Mai (3-hour drive via Route 107)
The geothermal giant with 50+ spring outlets sprawling across 10 rai. Source water reaches 80-100°C. Facilities include natural soaking pools, private tubs (50-200 baht/hour), steamed sauna, Thai massage, egg-boiling spots, camping, and restaurants.
Entry: 200 baht for foreign adults.
Transport: Bus from Chang Phuak Terminal to Fang town (170 baht, 3-4 hours), then charter to park entrance (200 to 300 baht).
Pong Dueat Geyser (Huai Nam Dang National Park)
Location: Pa Pae area, Mae Taeng District, 70 km northwest on Route 1095 (toward Pai)
Wild experience with an 800-metre forest hike to the geyser fields. Boiling water erupts up to 2 metres. Managed soaking pools at safe temperatures (38-45°C) near the parking area. Basic facilities include viewing decks, concrete pools, visitor centre.
Entry: 300 baht (park fee, covers Tha Pai too).
Transport: 1.5-2 hours from Chiang Mai. Turn at km 42, then 6 km access road. Self-driving essential.
Theppanom Hot Springs (Op Luang National Park)
Location: Ha Pha subdistrict, Mae Chaem District, 100 km southwest (2.5-hour mountainous drive)
Secluded springs near Mae Chaem River and Op Luang Canyon. Main spring boiling hot; visitors use man-made mineral tubs with cooled water. Very rustic with outdoor tubs in private cubicles, an egg-boiling spot, and basic facilities.
Entry: 300 baht (Op Luang National Park fee).
Transport: Private vehicle necessary via Chom Thong, Routes 108/1270. Remote—bring snacks.
Chiang Dao Hot Springs (Ban Ping Khong)
Location: Near Ban Ping Khong village, south of Chiang Dao town, 75 km north (1.5-hour drive on Route 107)
Small, informal, free spot with 2-3 simple concrete pools beside a forest stream. No staff, no facilities—locals maintain voluntarily. Bring your own towel.
Entry: Free (donation boxes may be present).
Transport: 5-10 minutes from Chiang Dao town on local roads. Ask locals or use GPS. Private vehicle needed.
Pong Arng Hot Spring (Pha Daeng/Chiang Dao National Park)
Location: Pha Daeng National Park, 40 km north of Chiang Dao town (near Sri Sungwan Waterfall)
Natural earthen and stone pools with gravel bottoms in pristine forest. Water around 50°C at source, cooling to the low 40s°C. True wilderness experience. Basic facilities include parking/camping, squat toilets, and picnic tables. The ticket also covers the waterfall trail.
Entry: 100 baht.
Transport: Toward Doi Ang Khang, follow Pha Daeng NP signs. Dirt/gravel road—4WD or motorcycle recommended. Short forest trek from the campsite. No mobile signal.
Best times to visit
The cool season (November-February) is ideal. Morning temperatures can drop to 10-15°C, making hot water especially inviting. Steam rising from pools creates atmospheric conditions at dawn, and weekday mornings see fewer visitors than weekends.
Beyond Chiang Mai province
Mae Hong Son Province offers Tha Pai Hot Springs (natural forest pools), Sai Ngam “Secret Hot Springs” (crystal-clear jungle), and Pha Bong (communal pool near town). Chiang Rai Province has Mae Kachan (roadside stop), Pong Phra Bat (community park), and Pha Soet (riverside springs).
Chiang Mai’s hot springs range from easy-access parks to remote wilderness experiences. San Kamphaeng offers convenience with direct public transport, while Fang delivers a geological spectacle worth the journey north. For budget-conscious visitors, Doi Saket and Chiang Dao provide free or low-cost options.
Those seeking atmosphere will appreciate Pong Kwao’s refined onsen setting or Pong Dueat’s wild geyser fields. Most springs work best as day trips, though several offer camping or overnight accommodation. Whichever you choose, bring cash for entry fees, pack a towel, and allow time to soak; these thermal waters deserve more than a quick stop.
Related articles:
| A guide to the places around the mountains of northern Thailand |
Sources:
Chiang Mai City Life – 7 Hot Springs in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Update – Fang Hot Spring A Must-Visit Chiang Mai Attraction
My Chiang Mai Tour – Hot springs and national park guides
The Blond Travels – “Pong Kwao Hot Springs: A very hot attraction in Northern Thailand”
Thailandee – Pong Arng Hot Springs in Chiang Dao
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