Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally every day (recommended to check Huai Nam Dang National Park updates before visiting, especially during heavy rain)

Opening Hours: Suggested 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may change depending on local announcements/season; please check before visiting)

 

Pong Dueat Pa Pae (Pong Dueat Hot Spring) is one of Chiang Mai’s nature highlights where you can literally watch the underground energy at work—no imagination required. This is a geyser-type hot spring that releases hot water and steam in pulses, set inside a lush, humid forest. Even before you reach the vents, the sulfur scent hits you in the most unmistakable way, making it clear from the first step that this isn’t an ordinary warm pool. It’s a high-temperature, high-pressure natural system that’s still actively breathing through the ground.

 

The signature image of Pong Dueat is bubbling, boiling water and a ribbon of white steam rising into the air. In some moments it clings to the walkway like a thin veil of mist. As you move closer, you’ll notice it’s not a single dramatic vent but several eruption points across the area, and the rhythm isn’t identical every time—sometimes it feels like the ground is simply exhaling heat, and sometimes it pushes harder, strong enough to make people pause at the same time without meaning to.

 

In simple terms, Pong Dueat behaves like a geyser because the underground system has 3 ingredients constantly cycling together: water, heat, and pressure. When heat turns part of the water into steam and pressure builds, it forces hot water and vapor upward, so you see steam and spurts in repeating pulses. The eruption height can vary depending on subsurface conditions and timing (official descriptions note the current spout height is around 1 meter, and there are multiple vents within the same area). That’s why every visit feels slightly different—the charm here is that nature refuses to perform exactly on command.

 

A typical visit begins by walking along the designated route that guides you past the key vents section by section. Along the way you can catch details that make the place even more interesting, such as mineral deposits along the ground and vent edges, subtle shifts in soil and rock color in zones affected by heat, and the way the air becomes “warmer in pockets” wherever steam drifts. If you enjoy photography, this is a fun place to chase timing, because the steam changes shape constantly—like photographing living fog.

 

Because the water is truly boiling, safety matters here more than at many other nature sites. Don’t cross barriers or lean too close to vents, don’t try to touch the water or steam, and watch for slippery footing caused by humidity—especially in the rainy season or early morning when dew still sits on surfaces. If you’re visiting with children or elderly family members, keep a close hold and stay on the designated path. Enjoying the place without pushing your luck is what keeps the trip both memorable and calm.

 

Most visitors love coming from late rainy season into the cool season, when the air is crisp and the steam looks even more dramatic in photos. In the rainy season the forest turns intensely green, but you need extra caution for slippery paths and weather-related closures. If you want a slower, quieter experience, morning is the best window—fewer people, softer light, and plenty of time afterward to continue exploring other spots around Mae Taeng and Kuet Chang.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, head toward Mae Taeng District and continue into the Kuet Chang route toward Huai Nam Dang National Park. Before entering the Pong Dueat Pa Pae area, it’s wise to check weather conditions and the park’s latest announcements, especially during heavy rain. Drive carefully on curves and local community roads, and plan to return before dark for safety.

 

 

A: It is generally open for visits, but actual access may change due to weather and park announcements, especially during heavy rain. Checking ahead is recommended.

 

A: The spout height can vary with subsurface conditions and timing. Official descriptions note the current spout height is around 1 meter, and eruptions occur in pulses.

 

A: Not recommended. The water and steam are extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Stay within designated routes and behind safety barriers.

 

A: Yes, but close supervision is important. Surfaces can be slippery due to humidity, and steam can reduce visibility in some spots. Walk slowly and stay on the designated path.

 

A: Late rainy season through the cool season is often the most photogenic because the cooler air makes the steam stand out. In the rainy season, the forest is very green, but extra caution is needed for slippery conditions and possible temporary closures.

 

A: Morning is usually best—fewer visitors, softer light for photos, and more time afterward to explore Mae Taeng and Kuet Chang.