Mae Kachan Hot Spring
Treat this as a rest stop, not a destination. It sits on the road between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and almost everyone who ends up here is on a full-day temple tour that needed a leg-stretch. That's the right way to use it. I wouldn't hire a car just to come.
What you get: a steaming, genuinely boiling spring right by the entrance where you buy a basket of eggs and lower them in, a free foot spa near the shops, and a strip of souvenir stalls, food vendors, coffee shops and a 7-Eleven. Reviewers mention a disused mineral bath area at the back that's odd and a bit eerie to wander through. Twenty to forty minutes covers it. If you're picturing bathing pools or anything spa-like, adjust down now.
The water in the foot buckets comes out scalding, so fill yours and give it a good fifteen minutes before you put a toe in. Early morning is the calmest window, before the tour vans stack up.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mae Kachan Hot Spring, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This a great location for a quick stop between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Get your feets inside the boiling waters of the hot springs and relax for a minute. There are plenty of toilets, local handcrafted shops, restaurants and a 7Eleven for your convenience.
Right off the road leading to Chiang Rai temples, there’s a cute little hot spring. Steaming in the front right by the sign and there’s a foot spa available by the shops (can dip in your feet for free!) There’s also a deserted mineral bath spa in the back - creepy but cool to walk through!
I wouldn’t rent a car or vehicle to specifically visit this place. It’s really a rest stop for a lot of the full-day Chiang Rai tours, an easy stop to make for the tour’s itinerary. Came here early in the morning to grab breakfast and coffee for the road. The nearby restaurant has a feet-soaking area where you can experience the hot spring. It’s difficult to spend more than 15 minutes here unless you are doing some window shopping for souvenirs or visiting the local coffee shops to take in the sights.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 11,322 reviews on Google.
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Mae Kachan Hot Spring: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Kachan Hot Spring worth visiting?
Mae Kachan Hot Spring holds a 4.0★ rating from 11,322 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Kachan Hot Spring?
Mae Kachan Hot Spring is typically open 06:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Mae Kachan Hot Spring?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Mae Kachan Hot Spring located?
Mae Kachan Hot Spring is at Moo 6 Pha Soet Phatthana Village Doi Hang Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57260, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Moo 6 Pha Soet Phatthana Village Doi Hang Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57260, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Mae Kachan Hot Spring
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Mae Kachan Hot Spring
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)