Chiang Rai Hot Springs, commonly known as Mae Kachan Hot Springs, is a roadside geothermal stop on Route 118 between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Steam and very hot pools provide a short break from the mountain-road journey, alongside food stalls, shops and visitor facilities.
Most travellers stop to see the springs, try egg boiling or use a designated foot-soaking area. It is a rest stop rather than an extensive national park walk, so a brief visit can fit into a Chiang Rai day trip without becoming the main destination.
Hot Pools, Egg Boiling and Foot Soaking
Natural spring water here can reach around 90 degrees Celsius. View the outlets from the paths and barriers provided; a pool that looks still may be dangerously hot. Only use a foot-soaking area clearly designated for that purpose and follow the local temperature guidance.
Egg boiling uses the heat of the springs at a designated point. Vendors may provide eggs and a basket, with timing depending on the egg type and the water at that location. Follow their instructions rather than reaching into an outlet or assuming every pool is suitable for cooking.
Foot soaking offers a slower pause if that area is available. Ask locally about any managed mineral-bathing service if you want a longer soak, as this is separate from viewing the roadside pools. Do not plan the stop around unrestricted swimming or bathing in the natural springs.
A Short Break on the Chiang Rai Road
Allow roughly 20 to 40 minutes to look at the springs, stretch your legs and buy refreshments. Add time if you choose a soaking activity or a meal. On an organised tour, the driver or guide will usually set the stop length around the rest of the itinerary.
The developed rest-stop areas include cafés, restaurants and souvenir stalls. Facilities are found on both sides of the highway, but traffic is fast-moving and the two sides should not be treated as one pedestrian courtyard. Use the access and crossing arrangements available rather than taking a shortcut across the road.
Hours and Costs
General admission is normally free. Eggs, meals, purchases and any separately operated bathing services cost extra, and toilet facilities may have a small local charge. Carry small cash for facility charges and refreshments.
The usual published visiting window is around 6am to 10pm. Individual stalls and services may keep shorter hours, so daylight is the most useful time for a sightseeing stop. Check availability locally if a particular bathing activity is important to your plan.
Getting to Mae Kachan Hot Springs
The springs are in Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa Pao District, beside Route 118. The roadside site is identified with Moo 14, Ban Pong Pa Tong, around the kilometre-64 to 65 area of the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai road. Use the specific Mae Kachan hot-springs pin, as Chiang Rai Province has several different hot-spring attractions.
A private driver or Chiang Rai tour can include the stop on the journey between the two cities. Confirm the itinerary rather than assuming every White Temple tour calls here. If driving, turn into the designated rest-stop parking area and allow for vehicles entering or leaving the highway.
An intercity bus passing along Route 118 does not necessarily stop for sightseeing. Confirm any permitted drop-off and onward connection with the operator before using public transport for this visit. A roadside arrival is only useful if you also have a practical way to continue your journey.
Chiang Rai Hot Springs FAQs
Are these the Mae Kachan Hot Springs?
These are the roadside Mae Kachan springs in Mae Chedi Mai on Route 118. Chiang Rai has other springs, so use that name and the correct pin when arranging transport.
Can you swim in the natural pools?
The natural outlets are extremely hot and unsuitable for casual bathing. Use only designated foot-soaking or managed bathing facilities, following local instructions.
Does it cost anything to visit?
General admission is normally free. Egg boiling, food, purchases and any optional bathing service are separate costs; small facility charges may also apply.
How long should you stop?
Around 20 to 40 minutes suits a look at the springs and refreshments. Allow longer for a meal or a managed soaking activity.
Will a Chiang Rai tour stop here?
Many road itineraries include a hot-springs break, but the actual stops depend on the operator. Check your itinerary and the time allowed before booking.
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