If you like your days to mix faith and scenery, this one fits. You’ll visit two hilltop Buddha temples, soak in Chae Son hot springs, then walk out to a waterfall in Chae Son National Park. I especially like the temple setting with that distinctive Buddha footprint, and the day ends in nature with the kind of cooling trail you remember. One thing to plan for: expect a lot of stairs on the temple hills.

This is a 11-hour Chiang Mai excursion starting at 7:30am, built for a small group (up to 15) with round-trip transfer. You’ll be fed a Thai lunch, get a cold bottle of water, and have entrance fees handled, which makes the day feel smoother than piecing it together yourself. The balance of culture plus a real outdoor reset is what makes it work.

If you’re sensitive to long walks or steep climbs, take that seriously and pack smart shoes and patience. And if weather turns, the tour may need a change since this experience requires good conditions.

Quick hits worth planning around

• Hilltop temple views at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, including a Buddha footprint on a large stone slab
• A second prayer climb at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng, where you can pay respects and pray for prosperity
• Chae Son hot springs in multiple ponds with different temperatures to choose from
• Chae Son Waterfall in Chae Son National Park, part of the Phi Pan Nam western ridge
• Small-group pacing (max 15) with round-trip transfer and a Thai lunch included
• Guide/driver Ms. Kat gets praise for being thoughtful and professional

Temple start: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat and the Buddha footprint on Doi Pu Yak

Your day kicks off with Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat (also known as Wat Phra Phutthabat Sutthawat). This isn’t a cookie-cutter temple stop. It sits on a hill, and the villagers’ nickname for the area—Doi Pu Yak or Doi Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng—already hints you’re in a more local, grounded place than a generic tourist site.

The standout detail here is the Buddha footprint inscribed on a large stone slab. It’s the kind of feature that makes you slow down. When you see it up close, it feels like the temple’s purpose is still visible: devotion in stone, placed where people come to connect with something bigger than the day’s schedule.

What I like about starting with this temple is the rhythm. You’re not immediately slammed with a long climb right away; you get time to take in the temple and its setting first (the stop runs about 3 hours 30 minutes). It’s a good choice for photos too, but also for breathing—this is a hilltop environment where you can feel the air change as you move.

Possible drawback: if you’re only planning for “light walking,” remember this whole day is built around hills and trails. Even if this stop is less stair-heavy than the next one, it’s still a temple visit in a hilly spot.

Tip for you: dress for temple respect and comfort. Light layers help because morning can feel cooler and you’ll warm up once you start moving.

Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng: prosperity prayers and the climb that matters

After Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, you head to Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng. This is the stop where the walk becomes part of the experience, not just the way to get there.

Here, the theme is paying respects and praying—specifically for prosperity. That matters because it changes how you move through the site. You’re not just viewing. You’re doing. Even if you don’t speak Thai, you can follow the flow: pause, show respect, and let the hilltop path shape your pace.

Then there’s the climb. You’ll walk up to the top of the hill. The temple has an improved path and more comfortable stairs, but comfort doesn’t mean it’s short. If you’ve got even mild knee issues, you’ll want to plan for slow steps and a steady rhythm.

This is one of the best places to anchor your expectations. There’s a reason the feedback is so consistent here: people love the views and the spiritual atmosphere, but they also warn (in plain terms) that there are a significant number of stairs. If you know your limits, you’ll have a better day.

Tip for you: if you get winded easily, take your time on the steps. The goal is to enjoy the climb, not “finish it.” Bring a little water awareness too—you’ll get cold water on the tour, but don’t treat it as a full-day plan for hydration.

Chae Son Hot Spring Onsen: multiple ponds and the real reset

After temple time, the day shifts from spiritual calm to physical comfort with Chae Son Hot Spring Onsen. This is one of the stops that feels almost like a reward, because the hot water changes your whole mood.

What makes Chae Son special is that it has several ponds with different temperatures. That’s great for you because it means you can pick what you need. Want gentle warmth? Choose the pond that’s not as hot. Want deeper relief? Step into the hotter one. It’s not just one “soak and hope” pool.

The tour overview also mentions eating boiling eggs, and since the hot spring area is where that kind of food is commonly tied in, it’s likely part of the vibe of the stop. Even if you skip it, the overall idea is a classic Thai countryside pause: simple, local, and unhurried.

Admission for this stop is listed as free in the tour details, which is a nice value perk. More importantly, it keeps the day from feeling like everything is just another ticket line.

A practical note: this part of the day is outdoors. If the weather is hot or humid, you’ll want to manage comfort—shower time, towel time, and a change of clothes matter.

Tip for you: bring a small towel and something quick to change into afterward. Flip-flops or easy sandals are useful too, if the hot spring grounds are wet or slippery.

Chae Son Waterfall hike: nature shower in Chae Son National Park

Next comes the big outdoors payoff: Chae Son Waterfall in Chae Son National Park. This isn’t framed as a quick look-and-leave stop. The visit runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, which suggests real time on the trail.

The waterfall is described as a natural shower, and you’ll be walking through a mountainous setting. The park is part of the Phi Pan Nam western ridge, so the terrain is dramatic—high mountains broken up by ridges and valleys. Even when you’re not directly at the falls, the walk itself tends to feel like you’re in the park, not just at it.

What I like here is the emotional balance. After hilltop temples, you get a reset by water. That’s when a long day starts to feel worth it, not just busy.

What to consider: this stop is still active. You’ll want good footwear. If the ground is damp (which can happen around waterfalls and in rain), grip matters.

Tip for you: plan to spend your “energy” wisely. If you rush to the falls, you lose the best part: the slower nature moments in between.

Food, water, entrance fees, and insurance: what’s actually included

This tour is priced at $156.25 per person, and the value is in how much is rolled in.

Included items:

• round-trip transfer
• Thai food lunch
• a cold bottle of water
• all entrance fees
• traveling insurance with 1 million THB coverage
• mobile ticket

For you, the practical benefit is time and mental load. On a day with temples, hot springs, and a waterfall, the real cost isn’t just money—it’s effort spent figuring out transport and tickets. Having entrances handled means fewer stops, fewer lines, and fewer decisions while you’re tired.

The day is also set up for a small group (max 15). Smaller groups usually mean less waiting around, especially when stairs and trails can slow down the pace.

One more small detail: the tour includes a mobile ticket. That may not sound exciting, but it reduces “where’s my paper ticket?” stress early in the morning.

Price and logistics: who this Chiang Mai day trip suits best

At $156.25, this tour feels best for you if you want a guided route that strings together very different experiences without you managing the transfers and ticketing. It’s also a good fit if you want a full day that still ends with nature.

Who it suits well:

• People who can handle steep stairs on temple hills
• Folks who enjoy a mix of Buddhist sites + hot springs + a park waterfall
• Travelers who prefer pickup and a set schedule over “DIY driving”

Who should think twice:

• Anyone with serious mobility limits or knee pain. Even with improved stairs, the second temple climb is a major part of the day.
• People who want a very relaxed, minimal walking day. This day includes temples and a national park trail.

A note on service quality: one of the strong impressions from reviews is the guide/driver—Ms. Kat—being thoughtful and professional, and going above and beyond to keep the day memorable. That kind of care matters on a long day because it can help with timing, comfort, and pacing.

Tips to make the day smoother (and more enjoyable)

This is the kind of itinerary where small planning choices add up fast.

• Wear footwear with grip. You’ll be on temple paths and around waterfall areas.
• Use sun protection early. You start at 7:30am, but Chiang Mai sun can still hit once you’re out.
• Bring a spare layer. Morning can feel different from midday in hilly areas.
• Respect temple pace. You’ll be walking and praying (prosperity prayers at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng). Move calmly.
• Plan for “pause time.” Each major stop runs long enough that rushing usually backfires.

If you’re deciding what to prioritize, here’s my practical order of importance: comfortable shoes first, stair stamina second, then letting the natural moments do their job.

Should you book this Chiang Mai Exotic Excursion?

I’d book it if you want a single-day package that covers real variety: hilltop temples with meaningful details (including that Buddha footprint), hot spring ponds with different temperatures, and a national park waterfall walk.

I’d skip or think hard if stairs are a deal-breaker for you. The day has exactly what you’d expect from two hill temples plus a park trail, so it won’t feel like a light stroll day.

If your group size and timing work, this is strong value for an organized route with pickup, Thai lunch, entrance fees, and insurance bundled in. And if you get a guide/driver like Ms. Kat, you’ll likely feel looked after throughout the long day.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Chiang Mai tour?

The tour runs about 11 hours.

What time does the tour start?

Start time is 7:30am.

How many stops are included?

The day includes four main stops: a hilltop temple visit at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, a second hilltop temple at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng, Chae Son Hot Spring Onsen, and Chae Son Waterfall in Chae Son National Park.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered, with round-trip transfer included.

What’s included in the price besides transport?

You get Thai food lunch, a cold bottle of water, all entrance fees, and traveling insurance with 1 million THB coverage.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Is the hot spring entry fee free?

The hot spring stop is listed as free for admission.

Is there a lot of walking and stairs?

Yes. The temple hill climbs involve walking up to the top, and there are stairs at Wat Phra Bat Pupha Daeng. Comfortable stairs exist, but you should still expect significant stair climbing.

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.