Huay Tung Tao Lake
A serene local escape north of Chiang Mai, featuring unique overwater huts and scenic lake views perfect for relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene local escape north of Chiang Mai, featuring unique overwater huts and scenic lake views perfect for relaxation.
"Beautiful place. Would love to come back here to hike the trails."
🚗 Getting There & Back
Grab is easy to get here, but book your return ride in advance or find a taxi nearby. :car:
💰 Entrance & Hut Fees
Expect a small entrance fee (around 50 BHT) and a fee for hut rentals (around 20 BHT). :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Overwater Bamboo Huts
Around the lake
Dine in charming bamboo huts floating on the water, offering stunning mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Scenic Lake Views
Throughout the lake area
Enjoy picturesque landscapes, perfect for leisurely walks, bike rides, and capturing beautiful nature photos.
Hidden Waterfall Hike
Within the lake's vicinity
Embark on a refreshing hike to discover a serene waterfall, offering a tranquil escape and a rewarding experience.
Local Animal Encounters
Designated park areas
Visit areas where you can see and interact with friendly local animals, including water buffaloes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Water Quality Advisory
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Getting There & Back
Grab is easy to get here, but book your return ride in advance or find a taxi nearby. :car:
💰 Entrance & Hut Fees
Expect a small entrance fee (around 50 BHT) and a fee for hut rentals (around 20 BHT). :moneybag:
💧 Water Caution
Avoid water contact, especially for children, due to reported water quality issues. :warning:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, and exploring the scenic trails around the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Getting There & Back
Grab is easy to get here, but book your return ride in advance or find a taxi nearby. :car:
💰 Entrance & Hut Fees
Expect a small entrance fee (around 50 BHT) and a fee for hut rentals (around 20 BHT). :moneybag:
💧 Water Caution
Avoid water contact, especially for children, due to reported water quality issues. :warning:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, and exploring the scenic trails around the lake. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The lake offers numerous beautiful spots for photos, especially from the overwater huts. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huay Tung Tao Lake is praised for its beautiful natural scenery, unique overwater dining huts, and a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to locals. Visitors enjoy the peaceful escape and photo opportunities. However, significant concerns have been raised about the lake's water quality, making it unsuitable for water activities, especially for children.
"Our family recently visited in March, hoping for a pleasant day out. While the floating bamboo huts offer a nice view of the mountains for lunch. The experience was disappointed by the appalling water quality.
Despite noticing the murky appearance of the water, we allowed our child to briefly play in the shallow area, dipping their feet. To our horror, tiny white worm-like creatures immediately started clinging to their legs. It was quite unsettling to see them stuck to their skin.
To make matters worse, there were no proper facilities to wash off. We couldn't find any soap for sale, nor were there dedicated shower areas. We used drinking water to rinse our child's legs.
If you have children, I strongly advise against letting them even dip a toe in the water. This completely unsuitable for kids. Save yourself the worry and avoid the water entirely.
Honestly, if it weren't for the terrible water quality, this place would have been incredibly enjoyable. The beautiful natural surroundings and numerous photo opportunities truly make it a delightful spot to explore."
Phyo Thu Mg
"Beautiful place. Would love to come back here to hike the trails."
Loretta K.
"The great place for hiking, walking, and relaxing. One of the easiest place to visit 😄"
Poung Kham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huay Tung Tao Lake is located just north of Chiang Mai city center. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rental car, taking about 20 minutes from the city. Grab is also a convenient option for getting to the lake. 
Public transportation options directly to Huay Tung Tao Lake are limited. It's best to use ride-sharing services like Grab, hire a taxi, or rent a car for the most convenient access.
The journey from the heart of Chiang Mai to Huay Tung Tao Lake typically takes around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, renting a motorbike is a popular option for exploring Huay Tung Tao Lake and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Ensure you have the necessary permits and are comfortable riding in Thailand.
Absolutely! Huay Tung Tao Lake is a perfect destination for a day trip from Chiang Mai, offering a refreshing escape from the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee to access Huay Tung Tao Lake, typically around 50 Thai Baht per person.
Renting a bamboo hut on the water for dining or relaxing usually costs around 20 Thai Baht.
Besides the entrance fee and hut rental, there are no other mandatory fees for general access. However, any activities like zip-lining or ATV riding would incur separate charges.
Huay Tung Tao Lake is generally open daily from morning until evening. It's a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends.
No, tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the entrance. Booking in advance is not usually necessary for general entry.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a relaxing meal in the overwater huts, take scenic walks or bike rides around the lake, hike to a hidden waterfall, and interact with local animals like water buffaloes. +1
While the natural surroundings are beautiful, recent reviews strongly advise against letting children play in the water due to concerns about its quality and the presence of small creatures. However, the animal park and general exploration can still be enjoyable.
Yes, there are hiking trails around Huay Tung Tao Lake, including a path leading to a hidden waterfall.
Swimming in Huay Tung Tao Lake is not recommended due to concerns about water quality. Visitors have reported unsettling experiences with the water.
The overwater huts offer a variety of local Thai dishes. Fried rice and other traditional meals are popular choices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining experience at Huay Tung Tao Lake is in the numerous bamboo huts situated over the water. You can order a range of local Thai dishes and drinks from these huts.
Expect to find popular Thai dishes, including delicious fried rice, and other local specialties. The focus is on traditional Thai cuisine.
While specific vegetarian or vegan options are not widely advertised, many Thai dishes can be adapted. It's best to inquire with the hut staff about available choices.
Generally, bringing your own food is not the typical way to dine at Huay Tung Tao Lake, as the main attraction is eating at the lakeside restaurants. However, for picnics in designated areas, it might be permissible, but it's best to confirm on-site.
Food prices are generally reasonable, reflecting local dining costs. You can enjoy a meal with a view without breaking the bank.
📸 📸 Photography
The overwater bamboo huts offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the lake and mountain scenery. The surrounding natural landscapes and any animal encounters also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, Huay Tung Tao Lake is very photogenic, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The unique huts and the natural beauty make it a visually appealing destination.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing ambiance.
The iconic bamboo huts on the water are a must-capture. Additionally, the natural landscapes and any visible wildlife, like water buffaloes, make for memorable shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in national park areas or near water bodies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
+1 It's a great place to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. For transportation, consider renting a motorbike if you're comfortable riding, as it offers flexibility and can be cost-effective for exploring the area. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 Explore the walking trails to find different perspectives and capture the natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as animal encounters can offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Relaxing by the Water: The Bamboo Huts
+1 It's a popular spot for locals to unwind, especially on weekends, making it a great place to experience local life. The rental fee for these huts is quite nominal, making it an affordable way to enhance your visit. When you rent a hut, you can order a variety of local Thai dishes and drinks directly to your spot. Many visitors rave about the delicious fried rice and other traditional flavors.
This setup provides a unique and relaxed dining experience, allowing you to truly disconnect and soak in the natural beauty of the area. It’s an ideal way to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening. Exploring the Natural Surroundings
For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails that lead to a hidden waterfall within the vicinity of the lake.
The combination of relaxation and gentle exploration makes Huay Tung Tao a well-rounded destination. Important Considerations for Visitors
Regarding transportation, while getting to the lake via ride-sharing apps like Grab is generally easy, arranging a return trip can be more challenging as availability might be limited.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit