Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao Hot Springs: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
6h 15mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
North of Chiang Mai, the landscape rises quickly into the mountains of the Thai-Myanmar border range ā Chiang Dao's limestone massif dominates the valley, its sacred cave system drawing Buddhist pilgrims while the hot springs below offer a natural thermal soak in a jungle river setting. A day that moves from ancient sacred geography to pure physical relaxation.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Chiang Mai whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverās local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youāll love sharing later. This isnāt a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Your driver handles the 70km journey north from Chiang Mai through the Ping River valley and connects both sites, managing timings so the cave is visited in the cooler morning hours.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Chiang Dao Hot Springs should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From ā¬21
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalā¬64
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Chiang Mai
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Chiang Dao Hot Springs
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Monday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Main attractions
- Natural thermal springs emerging from the base of the Chiang Dao mountains at approximately 60Ā°C ā channeled into a series of public and private soaking pools set within a riverside park of bamboo and jungle vegetation
- The onsen-style private pools allow temperature-controlled soaking in a setting of complete natural immersion ā the combination of thermal water, jungle canopy, and mountain air at this elevation is markedly different from the lowland heat of Chiang Mai
What to eat
- Vendors at the springs sell eggs boiled directly in the thermal water ā a simple, traditional hot spring snack; the market near the cave entrance has excellent northern Thai food, including khao soi (curried noodle soup) and sai oua (northern Thai herb sausage)
Back to Chiang Mai
Weāll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
The springs are generally safe and well-managed, with private pools allowing visitors to mix in cooler water for a comfortable temperature. The natural source is very hot, so direct contact at the source should be avoided. Limit soaking sessions to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, hydrate frequently, and step out if you feel light-headed. The setting is peaceful and ideal for relaxation.
Yes, this is a beloved local tradition. Vendors at the springs sell fresh eggs that you can boil directly in the thermal water using baskets provided at the boiling pool. The eggs cook in a few minutes and make for a fun, simple snack. It's a popular activity for families and travelers wanting to experience a low-key Thai tradition tied to the natural geothermal setting.
The Chiang Dao Hot Springs sit about 43 miles (70 km) north of Chiang Mai, in the Ping River valley near the Thai-Myanmar border range. The drive takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes each way, with the landscape rising steadily into the mountains. The journey itself is scenic, passing rice paddies, small villages, and the dramatic limestone massif of Chiang Dao.
The Chiang Dao Hot Springs are natural thermal pools emerging from the base of the Chiang Dao mountains. The water is naturally hot at the source and is channeled into a series of public and private soaking pools set within a riverside park of bamboo and jungle vegetation. The onsen-style private pools allow temperature-controlled soaking in a beautiful natural setting.
The Chiang Dao region offers excellent northern Thai food. The market near the cave entrance has stalls and restaurants serving khao soi (curried noodle soup), sai oua (northern Thai herb sausage), and nam prik (chili dips with vegetables). Sticky rice and grilled meats are everywhere. The food is fresh, affordable, and reflects the distinct Lanna culinary traditions of northern Thailand, with strong influences from neighboring Myanmar.
The Chiang Dao area is dominated by Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Thailand's third-highest mountain, a dramatic limestone massif sacred to Buddhists and home to rare bird species.
Bring swimwear, a quick-dry towel, a change of clothes and waterproof sandals or flip-flops. A waterproof bag protects valuables, and a refillable water bottle is essential since the warm water can be dehydrating. Sunscreen and insect repellent are useful, especially in the jungle setting. Cash is helpful for entry fees, food vendors and any spa treatments you might want to add on-site.
The cool season from November through February offers the most comfortable weather, with mild days and pleasantly cool evenings ideal for hot spring soaking. March through May is hot and dry, while the rainy season from June through October brings lush greenery but occasional downpours. The jungle setting feels especially magical in the cooler months when steam rises visibly from the springs.
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