The Sankampaeng Hot Springs, about 36 kilometers from Chiang Mai, Thailand, are where the Thai families traditionally go to spend time together. They soak their feet while picnicking on snacks of quail, duck, and chicken eggs that they cook in pools of the boiling hot water that flows from the springs.

So, when my tuk tuk driver, Auddy, asked if I wanted to go, I knew I couldn’t refuse. Besides, he had only mentioned these eggs to me about 5 times already, so I knew it was as much a treat for him as it would be for me.

The drive there was spectacular with gorgeous views of rice fields and scenes that were worlds apart from Chiang Mai. The funny thing is that I seemed to be in the only tuk tuk headed that way. The road there is a busy one, and we couldn’t go very fast, so we made the journey headed down the side of the highway!

There are lots of handicraft stalls along the way, and we stopped at the village of Bo Sang where they make umbrellas.

When we arrived at Sankampaeng, there were people eating eggs everywhere. Families lined the spring banks eating the eggs they had just cooked in the hot water basins a few steps away.

To Boil Your Own Eggs At Sankampaeng Hot Springs:

 

1. Buy a basket of eggs (3 eggs in a basket) from one of the vendors. You can choose between chicken, duck, or quail eggs. Ask for a straw if you like soft-boiled eggs.

2.  Head over to the area where you see the water gushing out of the ground. The pool in the middle is where you will boil your eggs. Get ready for the smell of sulphur to hit you.

3.  Hang your basket on one of the hooks surrounding the edges of the hot pool, and go soak your feet in the cooler pools while you wait!

4. Set the timer on your watch according to the guidance on the sign. Yes, your eggs are happily bubbling away in 105 degree Celsius waters!

 

5. Take the eggs out. Rinse them in the cool water they have from the faucets. Crack them open and enjoy! Don’t forget to douse them in the spicy sauce they give you with the eggs.

 

After you have enjoyed your eggs, you can go swim in the mineral pools or rent your own room, and take a hot bath. I opted for the bath and felt like a brand new person when I came out. The bathing areas are separated by women and men, and groups of people can also use the bathing rooms together.

The prices were affordable at less than $2 USD to use the swimming pool or to take a private bath.

Getting There From Chiang Mai:

If you are renting a car or motorbike, the address to use on Google maps is: 1 Moo 7, Tumbon Baansahakorn, Amphoe Mae On,, Chiang Mai, 50130, Thailand (Sankhampang Hot Springs).

To get to the hot springs, you will take Route 11. From here, follow the signs for San Kamphaeng and Route 1317. After about 45 minutes, you’ll see the turn off for the springs on your left. 

My tuk tuk driver gave me a very reasonable price of 500 baht R/T (about $15 USD). His name is Auddy (pronounced Odie) and you can reach him at 090-471-9769.

Agoda has the best deals if you want to stay overnight in the town of Sankampaeng.