Chae Son National Park Chiang Mai
Discover the soothing hot springs and scenic waterfall of Chae Son National Park, a natural gem straddling Lampang and Chiang Mai.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hot springs are always inviting
Chae Son National Park Chiang Mai
Best Time
Hot springs are always inviting

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the soothing hot springs and scenic waterfall of Chae Son National Park, a natural gem straddling Lampang and Chiang Mai.
"A chance to experience a real hot spring with beautiful views, worth a visit!"
♨️ Soak in the Springs
Enjoy the mineral foot baths or book a private hot spring room for ultimate relaxation. Towels available for rent .
🍳 Boil Your Own Eggs
A popular activity at the hot springs! Purchase raw eggs and cook them in the natural heat .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chae Son Hot Springs
Main park area
Relax in naturally heated mineral waters, boil eggs, or enjoy private onsen baths.

Chae Son Waterfall
Short trail from hot springs
A beautiful cascade offering a refreshing dip, though swimming directly under it is prohibited.

Campsite & Nature Trails
Various locations
Spacious camping grounds with clean facilities and scenic walking paths along the river.
Planning Your Visit
Hot Springs & Waterfalls Await
Navigating the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
♨️ Soak in the Springs
Enjoy the mineral foot baths or book a private hot spring room for ultimate relaxation. Towels available for rent.
🍳 Boil Your Own Eggs
A popular activity at the hot springs! Purchase raw eggs and cook them in the natural heat.
🚗 Scenic Route 1252
If driving from Chiang Mai, take Route 1252 for a less challenging and more scenic drive.
🥾 Explore the Trails
While hiking trails are limited, enjoy the short path to the waterfall and riverside walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Soak in the Springs
Enjoy the mineral foot baths or book a private hot spring room for ultimate relaxation. Towels available for rent.
🍳 Boil Your Own Eggs
A popular activity at the hot springs! Purchase raw eggs and cook them in the natural heat.
🚗 Scenic Route 1252
If driving from Chiang Mai, take Route 1252 for a less challenging and more scenic drive.
🥾 Explore the Trails
While hiking trails are limited, enjoy the short path to the waterfall and riverside walks.
💰 Affordable Massages
Experience a relaxing Thai massage at the park's pavilion for a very reasonable price.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chae Son National Park for its unique hot springs, where you can boil eggs and enjoy relaxing soaks, including affordable private baths. The scenic waterfall and well-maintained facilities, like clean campsites and restrooms, are also highlights. Some note that hiking trails are limited and the waterfall itself is not ideal for swimming.
"Good hotspring with cold and hot water. You can buy raw eggs and boiled it as well.
You can also take a bath privately, but for me the mineral foot bath is the best.
Waterfall itself not far from here not recommend to swim at the waterfall since the hotspring will be better."
Grady Leif
"🌿 I visited the beautiful Chae Son National Park for 2 days and stayed one night at the campsite.
If you’re driving from Chiang Mai, I highly recommend taking Route 1252. I mistakenly took the route through Mae Kampong village, which was very steep and challenging — not suitable for small cars like a Mazda 2 😄
🎟️ Entrance fee is 200 THB for foreigners, regardless of having a Thai work permit or pink card. Each national park in Thailand has its own policy, so always check ahead.
The park is great for kids, with hot springs and a waterfall to explore. As other reviews mentioned: the bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.
💦 I definitely recommend taking an onsen bath at the hot springs — mine was 40°C and incredibly relaxing. They allow you to soak for 15 minutes, which was perfect.
☔ The only downside during our stay was the heavy rain, but despite that, we still had a lot of fun here. Highly recommended!"
Koen Geijssen
"This is a chance to experience a real hot spring. You can see a lot of locals and the view is beautiful. It is worth a visit."
Jung-Woo Choi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive from Chiang Mai, taking Route 1252 for a scenic journey.
Alternatively, consider renting a scooter or hiring local transport. The drive can be steep in parts, so be prepared.Yes, you can arrange transport from Chiang Mai or nearby towns. Renting a scooter is also an option if you're comfortable with local roads.
Route 1252 is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and less challenging terrain compared to routes through villages like Mae Kampong.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, offering hot springs and waterfalls. However, an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience.
Some roads leading to the park can be steep and winding, especially if you take less common routes. Drive cautiously and be aware of your vehicle's capabilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 200 THB for foreigners and 100 THB for Thais.
This fee typically includes access to the hot springs and waterfall areas.Yes, foreigners pay 200 THB, while Thai nationals pay 100 THB for park entry.
Tickets are usually purchased at the park entrance upon arrival. It's advisable to check the park's official website or contact them for any specific booking requirements, especially during peak seasons.
The entrance fee generally grants access to the main attractions, including the hot springs (foot baths, outdoor pools, stream), and the Chae Son Waterfall.
Yes, private hot spring baths are available for a small fee (around 50 THB), and massages are also offered at an additional cost.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park's highlights include the natural hot springs, where you can soak your feet or enjoy private baths, and the Chae Son Waterfall.
There are also camping facilities and walking paths.Swimming directly under the Chae Son Waterfall is generally not recommended or permitted.
The hot springs offer a more suitable and enjoyable bathing experience.You can soak your feet in the mineral waters, boil eggs in the hot springs, enjoy private onsen-style baths, or simply relax by the stream.
Yes, the park is great for kids! They can enjoy exploring the hot springs and the waterfall area. The facilities are generally clean and well-maintained.
While there's a short path to the waterfall, extensive hiking trails are limited. Some longer trails may exist but are not well-marked or maintained, and might require a guide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant within the park that offers a selection of dishes. You can also find food and drinks available for purchase at the hot springs area.
The restaurant typically serves local Thai dishes. The choice of dishes might be average, but it provides convenient dining options within the park.
Picnicking is a popular activity at Chae Son National Park, especially around the hot springs area.
Bringing your own food is a great way to enjoy the scenery.While not explicitly stated, most Thai restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about available options.
For more diverse dining experiences, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Mae On or Lampang, which offer a wider range of restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the steam rising from the hot springs, the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall, and the unique landscape where Lampang meets Chiang Mai.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, creating a more serene atmosphere for your photos.
The areas around the hot springs and the base of the waterfall provide excellent vantage points. Don't forget to capture the unique texture of the sticky waterfalls if you visit nearby areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for the misty areas around the waterfalls and hot springs.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with local rules and to avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a private hot spring bath for a more controlled and enjoyable experience for younger children. The relatively short walking paths are also manageable for little legs. An overnight stay in the campsite can be an exciting adventure for kids, offering a chance to connect with nature.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
The park's location straddling Lampang and Chiang Mai makes it a convenient point to experience two provinces in one visit. It's an ideal place to break up a longer journey, offering relaxation at the hot springs and a chance to explore natural beauty before continuing your travels.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
Complement your hot spring experience with an affordable Thai massage at the park's pavilion. The serene natural environment, combined with the therapeutic waters and massage services, makes Chae Son an ideal destination for unwinding and rejuvenating.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Chae Son's Hot Springs
The unique aspect of Chae Son's hot springs is the ability to boil eggs in the naturally heated water, a fun and popular activity for all ages. The steam rising from the springs creates a mystical atmosphere, especially in the cooler parts of the day. The park also offers a massage pavilion, providing an additional layer of relaxation after a soak.
For those seeking a more private experience, private hot spring baths are available for a small fee. These offer a secluded and tranquil environment to unwind. Remember to bring your swimwear or be prepared to rent one, as the rooms are fully private.
Exploring the Waterfalls and Trails
Beyond the main waterfall, the park offers walking paths along the river, providing a pleasant way to experience the natural surroundings. These paths are ideal for a leisurely stroll and offer glimpses of the park's flora and fauna. For more adventurous hikers, there are mentions of longer, less-marked trails to other waterfalls like Mae Mon and Mae Khun, though these may require a guide.
The park also provides spacious camping grounds with clean, well-designed toilets and picnic areas. This makes it an excellent destination for those who wish to spend more time immersed in nature, enjoying the tranquility of the park overnight.
Bridging Provinces: Lampang and Chiang Mai
This unique location also influences the travel experience. As noted by visitors, the routes leading to the park can vary significantly. While some roads offer smooth, scenic drives, others, particularly those passing through charming villages like Mae Kampong, can be steep and challenging, especially for smaller vehicles. Understanding these route differences is key to planning a comfortable journey.
For travelers, this dual-province location means that Chae Son can serve as a convenient stopover or a destination in itself when traveling between Chiang Mai and Lampang, or exploring the broader Northern Thai landscape.
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