SAI NGAM HOT SPRING IN PAI – A COMPLETE GUIDE

The Sai Ngam Hot Spring is one of my favorite locations in Pai to spend a few hours away from the city center. Sai Ngam Hot Spring is surrounded by a lush, green forest inside the national park just 25-minutes north of Pai.

I have put together this complete guide of Sai Ngam Hot Spring including how to get there and what to expect!

 

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WHERE IS SAI NGAM HOT SPRING & HOW TO GET THERE

Sai Ngam Hot Spring is located 17km north of Pai. From the center of town, it is approximately a 25-minute drive.

The best way to get to Sai Ngam Hot Spring is on a scooter.

Scooters can be rented for a little as 150 Baht per day from one of the many rental stores in the center of Pai.

Alternatively, some accommodations offer scooter rentals for around the same price. A money deposit or passport is generally required for insurance purposes.

If you aren’t confident with riding a scooter, you can hail a songthaew (pick-up truck with bench seats) to get from A to B. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver first before jumping in the back.

Must Read → 10 Things To Do In Pai

 

PIN LOCATION OF SAI NGAM HOT SPRING

 

Sai Ngam Hot Spring

SAI NGAM HOT SPRING ENTRANCE FEE

National Park Entrance Fee: 230 Baht per person

Sai Ngam Hot Spring Entrance Fee: 200 Baht per person

Parking Fee: 20 Baht per vehicle

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

ARRIVING AT SAI NGAM HOT SPRING

As you turn off the main road to head down to Sai Ngam Hot Spring, you’ll be stopped at a checkpoint at the beginning of the national park to pay the 230 Baht National Park Fee.

This cost was far more than what I expected to pay to swim at a hot spring but I had just driven 25-minutes to get here, so I reluctantly handed over the money to the gatekeeper.

From this checkpoint, follow the road for another 5-minutes to reach Sai Ngam Hot Spring. The road is very steep and hilly so please use caution.

At the jump-off point, there is a ticket office where you’ll have to pay the 20 Baht fee to go swimming in the natural hot pools.

In total it cost 460 Baht (USD$15) for the two of us… It definitely isn’t the cheapest attraction but I must say that as soon as I jumped into the Sai Ngam Hot Spring there were no complaints!

The entrance to Sai Ngam Hot Spring

Crystal clear water at Sai Ngam Hot Spring

WHAT TO EXPECT AT SAI NGAM HOT SPRING

The Sai Ngam Hot Spring is a 3-tiered cascading natural hot pool, the top one being the hottest at 34-degrees Celsius.

I could have spent hours floating around in this crystal clear hot spring. The water temperature was just perfect!

If you have an underwater GoPro camera, you’re going to want to put it to use! I don’t think I have ever seen a freshwater spring as transparent as the Sai Ngam Hot Spring.

There is a timber seating area off to the side of the springs to hang out and change rooms/toilets are located at the gate entrance.

Also, if you want to buy some snacks and drinks there are some small stall vendors that line the street near the carpark.

Must Read → 3 Week Thailand Itinerary

Small cascading waterfall at Sai Ngam Hot Spring

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PAI

Pai has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Pai to suit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Pai Island Resort

This is one of the best 5-star accommodations in Pai with a dreamy setting in the forests. Featuring a pong, well-kept gardens, restaurant and bar, free wifi and airport shuttle services. Each Suite is fitted with fine beddings and furnishings, gardens, patios, minibar, air conditioning and outdoor bathtub. Recommended for couples, families and friends.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

Mid Range: Rim Pai Cottage

Rim Pai Cottages are 3-star accommodations framed by beautiful mountains and the Pai River. Centrally located on Pai’s famous walking street, this property features a restaurant, infinity pool and free wifi. Choose from a double room, family room, villas or a suite, each fitted with air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, comfortable beds, private bathroom and flat-screen tv. Perfect place to stay in Pai for couples, families and friends!

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

Budget: Spicy Pai Backpackers

Spicy Pai Backpackers is the most popular budget accommodation in Pai. Great place to stay for solo travelers, couples and friends! This property is surrounded by mountains and rice fields, featuring a common area, communal kitchen and free wifi. Choose from either a dorm room, private bungalow or a quadruple king size room with bed linen and towels. A complimentary breakfast is also included for all guests!

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN PAI, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM