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In this article we are going to tell you everything that you need to know to plan a trip to the unique and beautiful Sai Ngam hot spring near Pai in 2026.
The Sai Ngam hot spring has changed a lot over the years. Therefore, we’re excited to update you with the latest information and some TOP TIPS. Please read this guide carefully because it could affect the planning of your whole trip around Pai. Read on to see what we mean.
We will include detailed information on how to get to the Sai Ngam hot spring, ticket prices, how to buy tickets, tours and what to expect when you get there. This is genuinely one of our favorite hot springs in the world. We love the natural and wild character of this location and we have visited many times over the years.
Don’t miss our EPIC guide to the best waterfalls in Pai
What is the Sai Ngam hot spring?
North Thailand has a lot of geothermal activity and it is well known for its array of hot springs. The Sai Ngam hot spring is a beautiful, wild and unique hot spring near Pai in north Thailand. This hot spring is actually a warm river which has an artificial dam to create a warm pool for bathing. The water at this hot spring is particularly clear and beautiful because it is constantly flowing.
Water cascades over the top of the dam wall creating a small warm waterfall. The Sai Ngam hot spring is located in a jungle valley. As you relax in the warm geothermal water you can look up at the jungle canopy and enjoy watching wildlife.
How much do entrance tickets cost for the Sai Ngam hot spring?
The entrance fees for the The Sai Ngam hot spring have changed in recent years. In order to visit this beautiful hot spring you now need to purchase a ONE DAY ticket for the Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary. This national park permit costs 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children and includes entry to a range of other attractions in the Pai district.
You can purchase your pass at the entrance to any of these places and then this ticket can be used to access each attraction:
- Sai Ngam Hot Spring
- Pam Bok Waterfall
- Tham Lod Cave
TOP TIP: The Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary is a ONE DAY pass. Therefore we recommend that you plan your Pai itinerary carefully. You will need to visit any of these attractions in the SAME DAY otherwise you will need to pay for a second permit.
You also need to pay a 30 baht entrance fee for a car and 20 baht for a motorcycle.
Where is the Sai Ngam hot spring located?
The Sai Ngam Hot Spring is located to the northwest of Pai along route 1095. The journey is around 16km by road and is likely to take around 20 – 30 minutes by road. The final part of the journey follows a small hilly jungle road.
How do you get to Sai Ngam hot spring?
There are several different ways to get to the hot spring. The best way depends on your budget and desire for comfort and convenience.
1 Rent a motorbike and ride
The cheapest way to get to the Sai Ngam Hot Spring is to rent a motorbike and drive. There are plenty of places in Pai offering cheap motorbike rental. For example, Aya Services on Pai walking street (night market street) offers bike rental starting around 100 baht per day. The motorbike ride to the hot springs starts along a main road (the route 1095).
We recommend riding with caution and always make sure you wear a helmet. As you drive along the route 1095 keep an eye out for a right turn. On the turning you will see a ticket office where you can purchase your day pass for 200 baht and a small bike fee of 20 baht. From here you need to ride a few more kilometers along a small jungle Road. be aware that there are some very steep sections along here. If you are sharing a motorbike you may find it challenging to get up some of the hills.
2 Take a taxi
At present the grab taxi app is not used in the Pai area. Therefore, you will need to go old school and find a taxi driver in town who is willing to take you and negotiate a price for the return trip. Taxi drivers are likely to charge quite a lot for this trip. This is partly due to the lack of options and availability of taxis in the area. You will probably need to pay 300 – 500 baht. If taxi drivers are charging a lot for this journey, consider taking a tour that includes the hot spring and some other attractions around Pai. We will say more about these tours soon.
3 Rent a car and drive
The most comfortable and convenient way to get to Sai Ngam is to rent a car and drive. You can rent cars in Pai. However, be aware that car rental in this area is very expensive. expect to pay around 1,500 baht or more to rent a car for a day in Pai. A cheaper way to rent a car is to find a rental shop in Chiang Mai where there is more competition. Car rental deals in Chiang Mai start at around 700 – 1,000 baht per day (depending on the season and availability).
What are the best tours that include the Sai Ngam hot spring?
If you’re struggling to find an affordable and convenient way to get to the hot spring why not join at or. There are plenty of tour operators located in Pai two can arrange package tours that include a visit to the Sai Ngam and a range of other attractions in the Pai District.
The advantage of joining a tour to visit the hot spring is that you will be able to meet new people and enjoy the vibe of traveling with a group. On the other hand, a disadvantage of taking a tour is that you will have to share locations with more people and you wont be able to go at your own pace.
Tours range from 400 – 1,000 baht. Aya Service (the bike rental and bus company) also organizes a range of tours in the Pai area.
What facilities are there at Sai Ngam?
These hot springs are now quite developed. There is a small car park, toilet block and showers located at Sai Ngam.
What is the best time to visit the Sai Ngam hot spring?
These hot springs can get quite busy, particularly during High season and at peak times of the day. We recommend visiting early if possible. The opening hours at the hot springs are 8am – 5pm. If you visit early in the morning, it is likely that you will have the hot spring to yourself at least for a little while. If you arrive later in the day you will find that tour groups arrive and more visitors arrive at the hot springs and you are likely to be sharing it with lots of other people.
What should you bring to the Sai Ngam hot spring?
When you’re visiting the hot spring we recommend bringing a water bottle, snacks, swimming kit, towel and dry clothes. It is worth bringing a camera, bring a waterproof camera if possible. If you do not have a car, you may need to leave your valuables in a bag on the bank next to the hot spring. Consider what valuables you bring and the risk of doing this. The hot springs are located underneath the jungle canopy. This provides valuable shade and therefore you don’t need to worry about sun protection (unless you need it for the journey or for other destinations).
What other things are there to do in the area?
There are lots of other things to do in the Pai. It is particularly important that you plan to visit all of the attractions for the Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary on the same day. So if you are planning to visit Pam Bok waterfall or the Tham Lod cave, Try to do this on the same day as the hot spring. The ideal itinerary would be to start with the hot spring at night and early in the morning and then travel to Tham Lod cave. Later in the day you could visit the Pam Bok waterfall. If you love the Sai Ngam hot spring you will also love the Pai land split and the Pai canyon.
What are the best places to stay in Pai?
Here are our top pick places to stay in Pai:
The Oia Pai Kayaking hotel
This is a novelty Kayaking hotel built on an artificial lake. Perfect for a fun and unique stay and pretty luxurious too. This hotel has a Grecian theme with large comfortable suites. If you want to be on the lake side make sure you book a suite with lake access (don’t worry there is also a back door if you don’t fancy paddling!)
The Reverie Siam
This is our TOP PICK luxury hotel in pai. It enjoys breathtaking views and stunning colonial interiors. This is an amazing hotel if you’re planning to splash out.
Family House Zen Boutique
Beautiful, comfortable and stylish hotel offering amazing value for money in a great location. This lovely hotel is very comfortable bungalows, an outdoor swimming pool and an offers very tasty breakfast.
Golden Hut Chill Bungalows
This is the best budget option in Pai. Excellently located a short walk from the night market and right by the river. This property offers budget wooden bungalows. They aren’t comfortable or luxurious but they are very beautiful!
