Chiang Dao Hot Springs are in natural setting and little known to most visitors. In North Thailand , you will find many Hot Springs but most of the are commercial with paid entry and also have been converted to swimming pool kind of settings. Opposite to that, Chiang Dao Hot Springs are in natural settings on the side of a water stream just next to Chiang Dao National Park.
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A favorite with locals, these hot springs are open toall with no entry fee. Many people confuse these with Pong Arng Hot Spring which are around 35 kilometers from Chiang Dao. These Hot Springs are just next to Chiang Dao, a few kilometers away in Ban Tham village (Location), same village where Chiang Dao Caves are located.
There are different concrete tubs which are interconnected. Hot water from the mountains is being directed to these tubs through a simple network of pipes. As water flows from one tub to another, so temperature across these tubs varies. As you start, you may take a seat in the one with lower temperature and slowly move to the one with direct supply of water.
Do not shy from sharing a tub with a local or do not feel bad if someone was sitting in the tub before you 🙂 These are public hot springs and this is expected. Sulphur content in the water is so high that you can smell and feel it on your body. You will get an amazing feeling and will come out fresh and clean after a bath in hot springs.
Despite public use, place is quite clean and everyone takes care of not using soap inside hot springs. We went twice for the bath both in evening and also next day morning during our stay at Chiang Dao. At both the times, we could easily get a tub for ourselves and did not find place crowded. A couple had come all prepared with a separate tub for their baby too.
After taking bath in hot spring water inside the tubs, you can just walk to the Mae Ka water stream for a clean water bath. Take a slow dip as stream water is cold and your body temperature will change abruptly. You will love to lie down inside the stream once your body will acclimatize with the change of temperature.
These hot springs are just next to Chiang Dao National Park and views around are just amazing. Especially during the morning time, when you can see fog and clouds around.
Here is complete video of Chiang Dao Hot Springs –
Please note that these hot springs are public bathing space, so please carry your own swim-wear or be in clothes that you are comfortable to take bath in a public space. Also there is no place to change. We were staying nearby only at Doo Dao Daoi Farm Stay ( A very nice place next to Mae Ka water stream only – Click here to book at Booking.com) and changed at our place only.
Chiang Dao Hot Springs Details
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Timings: Open all the time but no recommended to take bath at night.
Overall a very pristine and refreshing experience. Not many people are aware of these hot springs, and thus you can enjoy at leisure bathing along side local villagers.