Huay Tung Tao Reservoir Chiang Mai
A serene man-made lake offering bamboo huts, local dining, and scenic loops for relaxation and recreation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir Chiang Mai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene man-made lake offering bamboo huts, local dining, and scenic loops for relaxation and recreation.
"Rent a cozy bamboo hut for a relaxing day by the water, complete with food and drink service."
🚗 Grab Return Strategy
Pre-book your return Grab or use InDriver, as drivers may not wait at the park entrance after closing.
💰 Entry Fee
Foreigners pay 50 baht entry, while locals pay 20 baht. Plan accordingly for your group.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bamboo Huts Overlooking the Lake
Lakeside
Rent a cozy bamboo hut for a relaxing day by the water, complete with food and drink service.

Giant Animal Sculptures
Northwestern area
Discover whimsical, large-scale animal sculptures made from recycled materials, offering fun photo opportunities.

Scenic Reservoir Loop
Around the lake
Enjoy a leisurely 10km loop perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging with beautiful lake views.

Local Thai Cuisine
Lakeside restaurants
Savor delicious local dishes, including fresh fish and spicy Som Tam, served directly to your hut.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Escape
Getting There & Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Grab Return Strategy
Pre-book your return Grab or use InDriver, as drivers may not wait at the park entrance after closing.
💰 Entry Fee
Foreigners pay 50 baht entry, while locals pay 20 baht. Plan accordingly for your group.
🚲 Cycle the Loop
Rent a bicycle for 10 baht and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute ride around the lake.
🏞️ Nature Walk
Explore walking trails and enjoy the natural scenery, but be aware of wild dogs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Grab Return Strategy
Pre-book your return Grab or use InDriver, as drivers may not wait at the park entrance after closing.
💰 Entry Fee
Foreigners pay 50 baht entry, while locals pay 20 baht. Plan accordingly for your group.
🚲 Cycle the Loop
Rent a bicycle for 10 baht and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute ride around the lake.
🏞️ Nature Walk
Explore walking trails and enjoy the natural scenery, but be aware of wild dogs.
💧 Water Quality
The lake water is generally considered murky and not suitable for swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is praised for its relaxing atmosphere, delicious local food served in charming bamboo huts, and scenic lake views. Visitors enjoy cycling the loop and the unique animal sculptures. However, some find the water quality poor for swimming and the attractions a bit dated, with mixed opinions on value for money.
"Very cool place... literally too. Food was awesome (many places to choose from.) Had my first Dancing Shrimp salad here. (Drank a pint of liquor that night to suppress any gut issues. Yes, that works. ) Chill vibe here. Watch the kiddos around the wild dogs. Definitely I'll come again."
Chef Rich
"We spent the afternoon relaxing in one of the cozy bamboo huts built over the water, enjoying the gentle breeze and stunning views. 🛖✨ The food? Absolutely delicious! Fresh fish, spicy Som Tam, and all the Thai flavors you could dream of. Everything was served right to our hut – such a unique and laid-back experience!
If you're looking for a place to unwind, enjoy great food, and soak up nature, this is it. 🌞 Don't forget to take a stroll around the reservoir or just sit back and let the calm vibes take over. 💚"
Hopi_Traveler
"This lake is a beautiful place to spend the day.
Easy drive from Chiang Mai, with a 50 baht per person entry fee.
Plenty of public toilets, restaurants and activities to do, including ATV, ziplining, water bike and hiking.
After arriving by scooter, we rented bicycles with the anywheel app and cycled around the lake. It took about 30 minutes (without stops, leisurely pace), to go around the whole lake and cost 10 baht per person. I would highly recommend this as a way to enjoy the views! There are quite a few stations around so if you want to stop and eat, or take photos, you don’t have to go all the way around."
Melissa Liu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is located about 10-15 km northwest of Chiang Mai city. You can reach it by taxi, Grab, or a private driver. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
Getting a Grab or Bolt back can be challenging as drivers may not be readily available at the reservoir, especially after park hours. It's advisable to pre-book your return ride or use services like InDriver.
Yes, you can hire a red truck taxi for the day, which can be a good option if you're traveling with a group or older individuals. The cost might be around 1000-2000 baht, and it's worth negotiating for the driver to wait for you.
Once inside, you can rent bicycles for a small fee (around 10 baht) to explore the 10km loop around the lake. Walking is also a great option for enjoying the scenery.
While the main paths around the lake are relatively flat, some areas might be uneven. Traveling with an older parent, it's good to have a plan for rest stops and consider a private driver who can wait for you.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 50 baht per person for foreigners and 20 baht for Thai nationals.
The reservoir is generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or later, with some restaurants staying open later.
No, tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's not usually necessary to book in advance.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the local entry fee is lower. It's always worth inquiring at the entrance.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. However, many visitors enjoy ordering from the lakeside restaurants to experience the local cuisine.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include renting bamboo huts for relaxation, cycling around the lake, walking, jogging, and visiting the giant animal sculptures. Some sources mention ATV and ziplining, though these might be seasonal or less prominent.
The water in Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is generally considered murky and not suitable for swimming. Visitors are advised against swimming in the lake.
Absolutely! The bamboo huts, the lake views, the giant animal sculptures, and the surrounding nature offer numerous picturesque spots for photos.
Children can enjoy running around and interacting with the straw animal models. However, swimming is not recommended due to water quality.
The atmosphere is generally described as chill, peaceful, and relaxing, especially on weekdays. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can enjoy a variety of local Thai dishes, with a focus on fresh fish, spicy Som Tam, and other regional specialties. Many restaurants serve food directly to the bamboo huts.
Yes, numerous restaurants are located around the lake, and many offer seating in or near the bamboo huts, providing a unique dining experience overlooking the water.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially when sharing dishes among a group. Some reviews suggest it's good value for the experience.
Yes, a key feature of the bamboo hut experience is that food and drinks are served directly to your hut.
While not explicitly detailed in all reviews, Thai cuisine often includes vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries and curries. It's best to inquire with the specific restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
The bamboo huts by the water, the giant animal sculptures, the lake itself, and the surrounding natural landscapes offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, the unique setting with the huts, sculptures, and lake provides a visually appealing backdrop for memorable photos.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, can offer beautiful lighting for photography. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
The giant King Kong and other animal sculptures are popular landmarks for photos. The bamboo huts themselves also make for iconic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming in the lake is not recommended due to water quality, kids can enjoy running around the open spaces. Consider bringing snacks or ordering from the lakeside restaurants. The cycling path is also a good activity for older children who can ride bikes.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The opportunity to cycle or walk around the reservoir at your own pace is ideal for those who appreciate nature and quiet contemplation. Enjoying a delicious local meal served directly to your hut adds to the relaxed and intimate experience.
📸 Photographers
Visiting on a weekday can ensure fewer crowds, allowing for more creative freedom in capturing shots without obstructions. The interplay of light on the water and the unique man-made attractions make for a diverse photographic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bamboo Hut Experience
These huts are perfect for spending an afternoon unwinding, reading a book, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. While some huts are more basic, others might offer slightly more amenities. The experience is highly recommended for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Exploring the Reservoir Loop
Cycling the loop typically takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to stop for photos, enjoy the views, or pause at one of the many lakeside restaurants. The path is relatively flat and offers a pleasant way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Unique Sculptures and Attractions
These attractions, along with the general layout of the park, are sometimes described as a bit dated or lacking in upkeep by some visitors. However, for families, the straw animal models can provide entertainment for children who enjoy running around them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit