Chiang Mai: Hot In Spring

THE temperature doesn't seem to fall much this time of year. We're experiencing varying degrees of hot and sweaty.

So why would we even contemplate heading east 40km out of town to the Hot Springs of Sankampaeng? The last thing I want to do is get hotter and sweat more.

But, much to my surprise, it's a pleasant place to visit and the mineral springs are so good for you.

Although the kids can take the heat for short periods only, they loved it. The main pool is large and has a type of waterfall which you sit under and feel like you are having a massage. The water is so full of minerals you can't even see clearly to the bottom, which makes it a bit awkward when trying to locate steps.

And the showers, nice and cool, are so refreshing afterwards.

Following the hot pool experience, you are bound to feel thirsty. Bring your own liquids and plenty of them. There are shops and restaurants selling food and beverages, but we found most of the juices to be heavily treated with sugar, which was a shame.

The Hot Springs has nice walking and picnic areas. It makes for a relaxing day out. You can get a foot or full body massage, too. There are streams with hot mineral water. Monks come and sit by it, soaking their feet. 

We found a children's play area also, but, because of the heat, even the most enthusiastic and energetic child would be challenged to play too long.

Instead we headed to where the water was really hot and you could buy eggs to boil and eat.

I'm the only one who has eggs - albeit very infrequently - but this seemed like a good time to try.

It was inexpensive. I gave Zenchai some money and he took the eggs (in a small basket) and hung them in the pool. We waited, taking in whiffs of sulphur in the air, until they were boiled.

Sankampaeng also has housing for those who want to be located nearby. There are lots of trees and pretty gardens.

The Springs were originally an energy source during a fuel crisis 40 years ago, but the government discovered it to be a more expensive alternative. 

Instead, though, they decided to convert Sankampaeng into a tourist location (since 1984).

It costs 40 baht (just under £1) per person to enter the complex and the same price to go into the pool, which is a real bargain for the experience and treatment. 

 

Comments

[Propylene Glycol]

Hii,, you have written this article so nicely, I could actually imagine what you were doing there. Your kids are really cute and wife is beautiful. Keep writing about your trips.