“Natural hot spring 99°C, mineral bathing, foot soaking, egg boiling, and relaxing in nature”
Thepphanom Hot Spring is a natural hot spring located in Thepsadet Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. It is characterized as a mineral spring emerging from underground.
Thepphanom Hot Spring (Thepphanom Hot Spring) is located within Ob Luang National Park, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a natural hot spring formed by geothermal heat flowing through fault lines beneath the Earth's crust, then rising to the surface to create a large hot spring with a temperature of approximately 99 degrees Celsius. It is considered one of the highest-temperature hot springs in the North, with white steam visible rising from the water surface throughout the day, accompanied by a faint sulfur smell, which is characteristic of natural mineral water.
The hot spring area has been developed as a health tourism destination, coupled with nature conservation. There are wooden boardwalks and viewpoints around the hot spring, allowing tourists to safely observe the geological phenomenon. Informative signs provide knowledge about the origin of hot springs, geothermal systems, and the properties of minerals found in the area.
A popular activity is boiling eggs in the hot spring, which takes only a few minutes to be ready to eat. Additionally, there are public foot-soaking pools at a suitable temperature, helping to relax muscles and reduce travel fatigue. Health-focused mineral bath services are also available, both in private rooms and communal pools, suitable for those who wish to unwind after exploring Ob Luang National Park.
Within the area, there are also national park accommodations, a camping ground, restrooms, a welfare shop, and relaxing areas amidst lush forests, allowing visitors to stay overnight to experience the morning atmosphere filled with mist and fresh air. It's also convenient to plan further trips to Ob Luang National Park, nature trails, Pha Chang, Mae Tia Waterfall, or other important attractions in Mae Chaem District.
The best time to visit is during the winter season, from November to February, as the cool weather makes mineral bathing and observing the steam from the hot spring particularly beautiful. However, the place can be visited year-round. Visitors should strictly follow warning signs and staff instructions, as the main hot spring has a very high temperature, and direct contact with the water should be avoided.
How to Get There
- From Chiang Mai city, take Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai–Hot) through Chom Thong District to Hot District. Then, take the Hot–Mae Sariang route, passing Ob Luang National Park, and turn onto Highway No. 1088 towards Mae Chaem District. Drive for approximately 14 kilometers, and you will find the entrance sign to Thepphanom Hot Spring on your right. The road is paved all the way, making it easily accessible for all types of vehicles.
Travel Tips
- A popular activity is boiling eggs. You should prepare chicken or quail eggs and a small basket yourself, or you can buy them from the welfare shop near the entrance.
- If you wish to take a mineral bath, you should bring spare clothes and a towel, even though the facility provides bathrooms and changing rooms.
- Do not soak in hot water for more than 15–20 minutes at a time. Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or pregnant women should consult a doctor or follow staff advice.
- Early morning and winter are the best times to observe the steam rising above the hot spring, perfect for photography.
- For safety, do not enter the main hot spring or cross barrier lines, as the water temperature is nearly 100 degrees Celsius.
Admission Fee:
- Entrance fee for Ob Luang National Park (Thai nationals: Adults 20 Baht, Children 10 Baht / Foreigners: Adults 200 Baht, Children 100 Baht). Additional fees apply for mineral bath rooms and wellness soaks as determined by the National Park.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00–16:30.