San Kamphaeng Travel Guide
City City in Thailand known for its hot springs
Chiang Mai’s San Kamphaeng is a cluster of craft workshops and roadside kilns; visitors tour silk and pottery studios, dip in hot springs, and buy hand-dyed scarves along the craft road.
Why Visit San Kamphaeng? #
Famed for its craft heritage and hot springs, this Chiang Mai district draws visitors seeking artisan workshops and relaxed rural escapes. San Kamphaeng’s Handicraft Village and Sankampaeng hot springs are easy-to-reach draws, and northern Thai food such as khao soi anchors the culinary scene. The area blends pottery and silk workshops with occasional temple fairs, making it appealing to those interested in handmade goods and thermal baths outside Chiang Mai city.
Top Things to Do in San Kamphaeng
All Attractions ›
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- San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village - Row of artisan workshops selling silk, umbrellas, woodcarving and silverware.
- San Kamphaeng Hot Springs - Thermal pools and foot-soaking areas set among shaded parkland for relaxation.
- Local weekend market - Market showcasing handicrafts, snacks and textiles produced by San Kamphaeng artisans.
- Baan Tawai woodcarving village - Nearby village famed for woodcarving studios and custom furniture makers.
- Small silk studios - Family-run workshops demonstrating traditional spinning, dyeing and hand-weaving techniques.
- Tea and coffee cafés - Independent cafés serving locally grown brews and light northern-Thai pastries.
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park - Short drive to mountain trails, viewpoints and the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
- Chiang Mai Old City - Walkable historic centre with temples, markets and a lively café scene.
Best Time to Visit San Kamphaeng #
San Kamphaeng is best from November through February when cool, dry weather makes outdoor exploring and artisan village visits comfortable. Expect smoky haze or heat in late spring and heavy rains in the monsoon.
Best Time to Visit San Kamphaeng #
San Kamphaeng's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1057 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (195 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to San Kamphaeng
San Kamphaeng (Chiang Mai province) lies east of Chiang Mai city and is best reached via Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) or Chiang Mai city by road. Local red songthaews and minibuses are the most common and practical ways to get to the district from the city.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): CNX is the nearest airport to San Kamphaeng. From the airport or Chiang Mai city centre you can take a red songthaew to San Kamphaeng for about 40-60 THB; the trip takes around 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis/private cars from CNX to San Kamphaeng take about 20-30 minutes and cost roughly 300-450 THB.
Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi (BKK): From Bangkok you can fly to Chiang Mai (about 1 hour, fares typically 1,000-2,000 THB) and then use the short road transfer into San Kamphaeng, or travel by overnight bus/train to Chiang Mai and continue by local transport.
Train: Chiang Mai Railway Station (the terminus of the northern line) is in the city; trains from Bangkok arrive here (journey ~11-14 hours). From Chiang Mai station take a songthaew or taxi to San Kamphaeng (25-40 minutes).
Bus: The Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai operates local buses and minibuses to San Kamphaeng and nearby attractions (handicraft village, hot springs). A local bus/minivan typically takes 20-35 minutes and costs about 20-50 THB.
How to Get Around San Kamphaeng #
San Kamphaeng is easy to navigate by motorbike or car and has local songthaews and tuk‑tuks for short trips; it’s about 20-30 minutes from Chiang Mai city by road. Songthaew trips or short hires typically cost a few dozen THB; motorbike rentals commonly run about 200-300 THB per day. Traffic along San Kamphaeng Road can be busy; carry cash at small workshops and expect basic English at craft shops but better Thai will help.
Where to Stay in San Kamphaeng #
Where to Eat in San Kamphaeng #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across San Kamphaeng's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in San Kamphaeng #
Evenings are relaxed: small cafés, local restaurants and guesthouse bars rather than a vibrant nightlife. Most visitors come for daytime craft visits; for lively bars and live music, return to Chiang Mai city.
Shopping in San Kamphaeng #
This district is known for handicrafts - especially Bo Sang’s painted umbrellas - and a line of workshops and showrooms along San Kamphaeng Road. You’ll find pottery, textiles, lacquerware and small studios selling locally made souvenirs. Buy directly from makers when possible, but be prepared to bargain and pay cash at smaller stalls.
- Bo Sang (Bo Sang Umbrella Village) - Traditional hand-painted umbrellas and artisan workshops, great for souvenirs.
- San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village - Cluster of craft shops selling textiles, ceramics, lacquerware and wares.
