Hill temples and hot springs in one long day. This Chiang Mai tour strings together Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng, then winds you into Chae Son National Park for waterfall time and the onsen ponds. I love the quiet, striking feeling of the Buddha footprint here—simple, physical proof of faith carved into stone.

I also like the practical value: round-trip transfer, a Thai food lunch, cold bottled water, all entrance fees, and traveling insurance listed at 1 million THB. For a single price of $156.25, you can stop thinking about the logistics and focus on the day.

One possible drawback: you should respect the stairs. The hill-walk at the temple stops is a real workout, and you will likely feel it by the time you reach the viewpoints.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Hill temples with a Buddha footprint at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, also known by local names tied to Doi Pu Yak and Doi Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng
• A hilltop prayer walk at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng, with a calmer, respectful pace at the top
• Chae Son Hot Spring ponds with different water temperatures, plus the chance to enjoy the classic hot-spring food setup like boiling eggs
• Chae Son Waterfall trail time in the national park, including the chance to cool off near the falls
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 15 travelers
• Included costs that typically make budgeting easier: transfer, Thai lunch, bottled water, entrance fees, and 1 million THB insurance

A long Chiang Mai outing with a clear 7:30am start

This is an 11-hour day trip that begins at 7:30am. The schedule is built for full mornings and slow afternoons rather than quick photo stops, so you’ll spend real time at each place instead of rushing in and out.

The group size is capped at 15. That matters because you get more room to move, and the timing feels more flexible when you’re walking stair-heavy temple grounds and then transitioning into nature.

You’ll also get pickup offered and a mobile ticket. In plain terms: you show up at the start time, get into the van, and the day rolls from stop to stop with less mental load on your end.

Price and logistics: what $156.25 really buys you

At $156.25 per person, the big question is whether this feels like a bargain or a splurge. Here’s why it can feel fair: your round-trip transfer is included, you get a Thai food lunch, and you’re not paying entrance fees one-by-one across multiple stops.

The tour also lists traveling insurance of 1 million THB. That’s not the kind of detail you notice during the day, but it’s the sort of included protection that helps you relax while you’re on trails and steps.

Timing-wise, the tour gives enough hours at the temple and national park to actually experience them. For many day trips in Northern Thailand, you’ll get a glimpse and then move on. This one is longer, so you’re more likely to get the “oh wow” moments without feeling like you missed everything.

My main value-check for you: if you know you want temples plus nature and you don’t want to manage tickets, rides, and meal planning yourself, this bundled day makes sense.

Stop 1 at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat: the Buddha footprint on stone

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is the first stop, with about 3 hours 30 minutes on the clock. The full name also shows up as Wat Phra Phutthabat Sutthawat, and villagers call it Doi Pu Yak or Doi Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng.

The standout feature is the footprint of Lord Buddha inscribed on a large stone slab. It’s a powerful kind of site for a simple reason: you don’t need a story lesson to get it. You stand there, you see the mark, and the place makes faith feel tangible.

This is also the kind of temple stop where you’ll likely want a little quiet time. The longer duration helps, because you can slow down, look around, and avoid the rush that comes with short visits.

What to consider: as the day goes on, your energy is limited. Treat this first temple stop as your slow-start moment. If you sprint through here, you might run out of steam for the hilltop stairs later.

Stop 2 at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng: prayer at the top, steps on the way

Stop 2 is Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng, with about 2 hours 30 minutes. This part of the day is more focused on walking up to pay respects and pray for prosperity.

You’ll climb to the hilltop. The route includes stairs that have been improved so the path is more comfortable than it might have been before—still, it remains a climb. This is the section that can turn into a leg test, especially if you’re not used to steeper outdoor walking.

For the best temple experience, pace yourself like you’re walking in a comfortable workout. Stop a few times if you need to, and don’t try to match the speed of people power-walking past you.

Also, keep expectations balanced: the site is spiritual and meaningful, but it’s still a physical hike. The best “miracle of faith” feeling comes from being present, not from rushing to reach the viewpoint.

Chae Son Hot Spring onsen ponds: different temperatures, same calm

Then comes a breather: Chae Son Hot Spring Onsen. The stop runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the hot spring entrance is listed as free.

This onsen area is described as a miracle of nature because the hot spring rises from the ground. What’s especially cool (and practical for your planning) is that there are ponds with different water temperatures. That means you can choose how gentle you want to go that day.

Around hot springs like this, you’ll often see a family-friendly, outdoor “hangout” vibe. The tour description also mentions a relaxing outdoor onsen setup, which fits the idea that this isn’t only about soaking—it’s also about unwinding.

One more detail that matters for the experience: the tour overview says you can eat boiling eggs. That’s a classic hot-spring treat, and it gives you a simple, Thai-style snack that matches the onsen theme without needing extra planning.

Timing note: 1.5 hours goes fast if you try to do everything at once. If your goal is real relaxation, keep your soaking time as the priority and treat food and photos as bonus moments.

Chae Son Waterfall in the national park: your nature reset

Stop 4 is Chae Son Waterfall, and you’ll spend about 3 hours 30 minutes there. This is set inside Chae Son National Park, with the area described as high mountains interspersed with one another and part of the Phi Pan Nam western ridge.

The tour frames it as a “nature shower” moment. In real terms: you’re going to a waterfall setting where you can cool off, listen to water, and feel like the day changed from temple stone to living greenery.

The long duration is one of the best parts of the itinerary. Waterfall stops often get cut short to fit a bus schedule. Here, you get time to walk a trail, adjust your pace, and enjoy the views rather than treating it like a quick detour.

My advice: wear shoes that handle wet ground comfortably. You’ll be in a park environment where surfaces can get slick, and you’ll enjoy the walk more if your feet feel stable.

How the whole day fits together (faith, then water)

What makes this tour work is the sequence. You start with a temple centered on physical symbols of faith (the Buddha footprint). You move to a hilltop prayer climb where respect and patience matter. Then you shift to hot springs for a slow reset, and finally you finish with a waterfall hike.

That pattern is smart for your body. Temples bring a steady climb and some stair time. Onsen time lowers your stress level and gives your legs a chance to recover. The waterfall is active again, but you’ll feel better going into it after the soak.

It also means your day doesn’t feel one-note. If you love scenery, this tour offers views from the hilltop areas and then the natural setting in the park. If you love quiet moments, the temple duration gives you space to pause and reflect. If you just want a great day without overthinking planning, the bundled inclusions help.

Who should book this tour—and who should think twice

You’ll likely love this if you want:

• Temple sites with real walking and a meaningful atmosphere
• Hot spring relaxation without needing to plan your own route
• A national park waterfall trail day that actually includes enough time to enjoy it
• A small group (up to 15 people) and fewer ticket decisions

You should think twice if:

• Stairs feel hard for you. The hilltop walking at the temple stops is a clear factor, and you’ll be better off if your fitness is solid.
• You prefer fully flat, minimal-walking days. This is not that kind of itinerary.

Based on the day’s structure, this is a great pick for active couples, solo travelers who enjoy variety, and anyone who likes mixing faith sites with nature without turning it into a sprint.

Should you book Chiang Mai Exotic Excursion to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and Chae Son?

If your ideal day is temples plus nature—and you’re comfortable with stairs—this is a strong value package. For one price, you’re covered on transport, lunch, bottled water, entrance fees, and insurance, and the time at each stop is long enough to feel like you experienced more than just a photo moment.

My deciding question for you: will you handle a hilltop climb without needing to rush? If yes, book it and treat the steps as part of the journey, not a problem to power through. If not, look for an itinerary with less stair time.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The meeting start time is 7:30am.

How long is the Chiang Mai Exotic Excursion day trip?

It runs for about 11 hours (approx.).

What’s included in the $156.25 price?

Round-trip transfer, Thai food lunch, a cold bottle of water, all entrance fees, and traveling insurance listed as 1 million THB.

Is the hot spring stop included, and do I pay an entrance fee there?

The Chae Son Hot Spring onsen stop lists an admission ticket as free.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I get a mobile ticket and pickup?

Yes—pickup is offered, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.