Mae Kachan Hot Spring Wiang Pa Pao - a group of people standing outside of a building
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Mae Kachan Hot Spring Wiang Pa Pao

4
·10k reviews·Pha Soet Phatthana Village, Thailand

A unique roadside stop where you can boil eggs in natural hot springs and enjoy a relaxing foot soak, perfect for breaking up long journeys.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Mae Kachan Hot Spring Wiang Pa Pao - a group of people standing outside of a building

Mae Kachan Hot Spring Wiang Pa Pao

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique roadside stop where you can boil eggs in natural hot springs and enjoy a relaxing foot soak, perfect for breaking up long journeys.

4
(10k reviews)

"A quirky and memorable experience, well worth pulling over for as a quick and unique roadside stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍳 Cook Eggs in Hot Spring

Buy eggs from vendors (around 20 baht) and boil them in the natural hot spring for a memorable experience!

🦶 Soothe Tired Feet

The main spring is too hot, but a diverted stream offers a perfect temperature for a relaxing foot soak.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boil Your Own Eggs

Boil Your Own Eggs

Hot spring pools

Purchase eggs from vendors and cook them in the naturally boiling hot spring water – a unique and fun roadside activity.

Relaxing Foot Soak

Relaxing Foot Soak

Diverted stream

Enjoy a warm, therapeutic soak for your tired feet in a safely diverted stream of the hot spring water.

91Coffee Shop Experience

91Coffee Shop Experience

Adjacent to hot springs

Sip on organic coffee and enjoy homemade cashew cookies at this well-regarded cafe with friendly service.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Stop

This popular roadside stop can get busy with tour buses around noon. For a more relaxed experience, aim for early mornings or late evenings. The coffee shop closes in the early evening, but the hot springs are accessible anytime.

Choosing the Right Spring

Be aware there are two Mae Kachan Hot Springs on either side of the highway. One near temples is run-down. Opt for the one with the 91Coffee shop for better facilities and a more pleasant experience.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Unique ambiance, hot springs accessible
Crowd
Low
When
Midday (avoid)
Why
Tour buses can cause crowds
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍳 Cook Eggs in Hot Spring

Buy eggs from vendors (around 20 baht) and boil them in the natural hot spring for a memorable experience! Reddit

🦶 Soothe Tired Feet

The main spring is too hot, but a diverted stream offers a perfect temperature for a relaxing foot soak. Reddit

☕ Visit 91Coffee Shop

Highly recommended for organic coffee and delicious homemade cashew cookies. Reddit

🚻 Basic Toilet Facilities

There's a small fee for restroom use, but facilities are generally decent for a roadside stop. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍳 Cook Eggs in Hot Spring

Buy eggs from vendors (around 20 baht) and boil them in the natural hot spring for a memorable experience! Reddit

🦶 Soothe Tired Feet

The main spring is too hot, but a diverted stream offers a perfect temperature for a relaxing foot soak. Reddit

☕ Visit 91Coffee Shop

Highly recommended for organic coffee and delicious homemade cashew cookies. Reddit

🚻 Basic Toilet Facilities

There's a small fee for restroom use, but facilities are generally decent for a roadside stop. Reddit

🚗 Choose the Right Side

Opt for the side with 91Coffee; avoid the run-down one near temples. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mae Kachan Hot Spring is a highly recommended roadside stop, particularly praised for its unique egg-boiling experience and relaxing foot soaks. Visitors appreciate the convenience and the opportunity to break up long drives with a memorable activity. While some find it a brief stop, the well-organized facilities at the 91Coffee shop location enhance the overall experience.

"One of our favorite places to visit when traveling from Mai Sai in the north to Chiang Mai. We've stopped here several times, even once very late at night. The coffee shop is only open until early evening. But you can use the hot springs anytime. The water is very hot. There are boiled eggs you can purchase but also other cafe items from the coffee shop. It's was only ever crowded one time. A tour bus came around noon. Please note there are two of these places on each side of the highway. The one near the temples are very run down. Go to the other one with 91Coffee shop. 这是一个美丽的地方。这里有一家咖啡和茶馆,价格不贵,很适合拍照。Zhè shì yīgè měilì dì dìfāng. Zhè li yǒu yījiā kāfēi hé cháguǎn, jiàgé bù guì, hěn shìhé pāizhào."

Barbara Gehl

"This rest stop is incredibly well-organized and has everything you need! A highlight: you can cook eggs in a hot spring. Vendors walk around with baskets containing three eggs, which you can buy for 20 baht and boil right there. It’s a unique experience"

Keusen Kay

"We stopped at Mae Kachan Hot Springs during our drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, and it turned out to be one of our favorite unscheduled pauses. Located right off the highway in Moo 6, Pha Soet Phatthana Village, the spot is a popular rest stop—complete with cafes, souvenir shops, and stalls selling fresh fruit, snacks, and souvenirs.

The highlight is the natural hot spring pools, where boiling water gushes from the ground at around 90°C—hot enough to cook eggs in just a few minutes. We bought a few eggs (chicken and quail) and had fun boiling them right there on the spot. A quirky and memorable experience!

While the main hot spring is too hot for dipping, there’s a smaller diverted stream where the temperature is just right for soaking your feet. It felt great to give our tired legs a warm soak after hours on the road. There were even foot-soak setups offered by nearby shops if you wanted to make it a little more indulgent.

The facilities were basic but decent. There was no entrance fee, just a small charge for using the restrooms. The area was bustling but still relaxing, with friendly vendors and fellow travelers stopping for a break.

It’s not a destination you’ll spend hours at, but as a quick and unique roadside stop, it’s well worth pulling over for. Definitely a fun way to break up the journey!"

Crumpled Nomad

What People Like

Unique egg boiling
Relaxing foot soak
Convenient roadside stop

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mae Kachan Hot Spring is conveniently located along Highway 11, about halfway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. You can reach it by car, taxi, or by taking a bus heading north or south on this route. It's a common and easy stop for travelers on this road. Reddit

Yes, it's an excellent and popular rest stop for breaking up the journey between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. It offers unique activities like boiling eggs and a relaxing foot soak. Reddit

The hot springs themselves are accessible anytime, even late at night. However, the coffee shop and most vendors typically close in the early evening. Reddit

Yes, it's very easy to find as it's directly on the side of Highway 11. Look for the signs indicating the hot springs. Remember to choose the side with the 91Coffee shop for better facilities. Reddit

From Chiang Mai, it's approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. From Chiang Rai, it's about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive, depending on traffic and your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access the general area of Mae Kachan Hot Spring. You only pay for items you purchase, such as eggs to boil or refreshments from the coffee shop. Reddit

A basket of three eggs typically costs around 20 baht. This is a small price for a fun and unique experience. Reddit

No, booking in advance is not necessary as it's a roadside attraction and rest stop. You can stop by anytime. Reddit

The hot springs are accessible 24/7. However, the coffee shop and souvenir stalls usually operate during daylight hours and close in the early evening. Reddit

Yes, there is a small fee, typically around 5-10 baht, to use the restrooms at Mae Kachan Hot Spring. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main activities include boiling eggs in the natural hot spring, enjoying a relaxing foot soak in a cooler stream, and visiting the adjacent 91Coffee shop for refreshments and souvenirs. It's primarily a unique roadside stop. Reddit

The main hot spring water is extremely hot, around 90°C, making it perfect for cooking eggs but too hot for bathing. A diverted stream offers a safe and pleasant temperature for foot soaks. Reddit

No, the main hot spring pools are far too hot for swimming. The experience is focused on cooking eggs and enjoying a foot soak in a separate, cooler stream. Reddit

Yes, there are several stalls selling local handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs. The 91Coffee shop also offers some local products. Reddit

It can get crowded, especially around noon when tour buses often stop. Visiting in the early morning or late evening usually provides a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The primary food offering is the ability to buy eggs to boil in the hot spring. The 91Coffee shop serves organic coffee, tea, and homemade cashew cookies. There are also vendors selling snacks and fresh fruit. Reddit

Yes, the 91Coffee shop is highly recommended for its organic coffee and pleasant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax and refuel. Reddit

While the hot spring area has snack vendors and a coffee shop, for more extensive dining options, you might need to stop in a larger town like Wiang Pa Pao or continue towards your destination. Reddit

Vendors often sell local snacks, fresh fruit like mangoes or bananas, and sometimes pre-packaged items. It's a good place for a quick bite. Reddit

The coffee shop typically closes in the early evening, so it's best to visit during daylight hours if you want to enjoy their offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique experience of boiling eggs in the steaming hot spring, the natural landscape with steam rising, and the vibrant stalls. The 91Coffee shop also offers a picturesque setting. Reddit

Yes, the steam rising from the hot springs creates a dramatic atmosphere, and the activity of boiling eggs is visually interesting. The coffee shop provides a nice backdrop too. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the steam is often most visible during cooler parts of the day, so midday can also be dramatic. Reddit

You can get good shots from the pathways around the hot spring pools. The area around the 91Coffee shop also provides nice framing opportunities. Reddit

It's generally acceptable to take photos of the vendors and their stalls, but it's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you are focusing on an individual. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mae Kachan Hot Spring is a fantastic, engaging stop for families. The egg-boiling activity is a huge hit with children, turning a simple snack into an exciting science experiment. It's a safe and fun way for kids to interact with nature. The foot soak area is also a great way for everyone to relax tired legs after a long drive. Reddit

Remember that the main spring is extremely hot, so keep a close eye on children and ensure they only interact with the designated foot soak stream. The 91Coffee shop offers a pleasant spot for parents to grab a coffee while kids enjoy a treat. It’s a perfect, memorable break on a family road trip.

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For anyone traveling between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Mae Kachan Hot Spring is an essential and highly recommended pit stop. It breaks up the journey with unique activities that are both fun and relaxing. The egg boiling and foot soak are perfect for stretching and rejuvenating. Reddit

It’s not a destination for an entire day, but rather a delightful and worthwhile pause. Make sure to choose the side with the 91Coffee shop for the best facilities and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a quick, memorable experience that adds value to any road trip.

💰 Budget Travelers

Mae Kachan Hot Spring is very budget-friendly. There's no entrance fee, and the main activity of boiling eggs is very inexpensive, costing only about 20 baht for a basket of eggs. The foot soak is also free to use. Reddit

While you can purchase coffee and snacks, these are reasonably priced. The small fee for restrooms is the only mandatory cost. It’s an affordable way to have a unique and enjoyable experience during your travels.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Egg-Boiling Experience

One of the most talked-about aspects of Mae Kachan Hot Spring is the opportunity to cook your own eggs in the natural geothermal waters. Vendors are readily available, selling baskets of fresh eggs (often quail and chicken eggs) for a small fee, typically around 20 baht. You simply place the eggs into the designated hot spring pools, where the water hovers around a scorching 90°C, and they cook in just a few minutes. This quirky and interactive activity is a highlight for many visitors, offering a fun break from long drives and a memorable souvenir of their journey. Reddit

Travelers often describe this as a 'must-do' roadside attraction. The novelty of cooking food using natural heat is a significant draw, making it more than just a simple rest stop. It’s an experience that appeals to all ages, providing a hands-on way to engage with the natural environment. The speed at which the eggs cook is also impressive, adding to the unique charm of the place. Reddit

Foot Soaking and Relaxation

While the main hot spring pools are too hot for direct contact, Mae Kachan Hot Spring thoughtfully provides a diverted stream where the water is cooled to a comfortable temperature, perfect for a therapeutic foot soak. After hours on the road, this is an incredibly welcome and relaxing amenity. Many visitors find it to be a highlight, offering immediate relief to tired feet and legs. Reddit

Some nearby shops may even offer more elaborate foot soak setups if you wish to indulge further. The sensation of the warm water is deeply soothing, making it an ideal way to rejuvenate during a long journey. It’s a simple pleasure that significantly enhances the stop, turning it into a mini-spa experience on the highway. Reddit

The 91Coffee Shop and Facilities

A key piece of advice from seasoned travelers is to seek out the specific Mae Kachan Hot Spring location that features the 91Coffee shop. This establishment is consistently praised for its quality organic coffee and delicious homemade cashew cookies. It offers a more refined experience compared to basic roadside stalls, providing a pleasant atmosphere to relax and enjoy a refreshment. Reddit

Beyond the coffee shop, the facilities at this particular location are described as well-organized and decent, making it a comfortable stop. While there's a small fee for restroom use, the overall cleanliness and convenience make it worthwhile. This distinction is important, as reviews mention another Mae Kachan Hot Spring on the opposite side of the highway that is considered run-down and less appealing. Reddit

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