Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, Chiang Mai - white floating gazebu on calm water
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Huay Tung Tao Reservoir Chiang Mai

A serene man-made lake offering bamboo huts, local dining, and scenic loops for relaxation and recreation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

CrowdLow
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Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, Chiang Mai - white floating gazebu on calm water

Huay Tung Tao Reservoir Chiang Mai

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene man-made lake offering bamboo huts, local dining, and scenic loops for relaxation and recreation.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"Rent a cozy bamboo hut for a relaxing day by the water, complete with food and drink service."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bamboo Huts Overlooking the Lake

Bamboo Huts Overlooking the Lake

Lakeside

Rent a cozy bamboo hut for a relaxing day by the water, complete with food and drink service.

Instagram
Giant Animal Sculptures

Giant Animal Sculptures

Northwestern area

Discover whimsical, large-scale animal sculptures made from recycled materials, offering fun photo opportunities.

Reddit
Scenic Reservoir Loop

Scenic Reservoir Loop

Around the lake

Enjoy a leisurely 10km loop perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging with beautiful lake views.

Reddit
Local Thai Cuisine

Local Thai Cuisine

Lakeside restaurants

Savor delicious local dishes, including fresh fish and spicy Som Tam, served directly to your hut.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Escape

Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy the serene atmosphere and secure a prime spot at the bamboo huts before they fill up. Instagram+1

Getting There & Back

While getting to Huay Tung Tao is manageable with Grab or a private driver, returning can be tricky as drivers may not wait. Pre-booking or using apps like InDriver is recommended, especially after park closing hours. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Enjoy sunset views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early morning
Why
Catch the sunrise before crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

คืนลองไฟ "มนต์เสน่ห์เชียงใหม่ เมืองดอกไม้งาม CHARMING Chiang Mai Flower Festival" เปิดให้เที่ยวชมอย่างเต็มรูปแบบ ระหว่างวันที่ 29 พฤศจิกายน 2567 ถึงวันที่ 5 มกราคม 2568 ตั้งแต่เวลา 08.30 – 23.00 น. ณ ศูนย์ราชการจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ (สวนองค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดเชียงใหม่) . #เชียงใหม่นิวส์ #chiangmainews #เที่ยวเชียงใหม่ #chiangmai #เชียงใหม่ #fyeシ #เทรนวันนี้ #chiangmaiguide #ขึ้นฟีดเถอะ #tiktokเ...
@chiangmai.guide
170.6K likes • 2M views

🚗 Grab Return Strategy

Pre-book your return Grab or use InDriver, as drivers may not wait at the park entrance after closing. Reddit

💰 Entry Fee

Foreigners pay 50 baht entry, while locals pay 20 baht. Plan accordingly for your group. Reddit

รีวิวที่พัก Stay Doi อำเภอแม่แตง จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ เที่ยวช่วงหน้าฝนราคาประหยัด,บรรยากาศน่านอนสุดๆ🚗📷((ระวังเพจปลอมด้วยนะคะ))*เพจปลอมระบาดเยอะมาก ก่อนจองตรวจสอบให้ดีๆค่ะ #เชียงใหม่ #Vlog #เที่ยว #เที่ยวไทย #onedaytrip #chiangmai #ที่พัก #ที่พักติดเขาวิวสวยๆ #รีว #รีวิว #ทริป #ทริคดีๆ #ราคาถูก #แม่แตง #แม่ริม
@yujintravel
127K likes • 2.9M views
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir a beautiful place to sit and have lunch! You can rent out these little wooden bungalows and order food and drinks overlooking the reservoir ☀️ Perfect for a calm day out! #Chiangmai #Chiangmaithailand #whattodoinchiangmai #thingstodochiangmai #huaytungtaolake #thailand #chiangmaicitylife #citylifechiangmai
chiangmaicitylife
120 likes • 5.4K views

🚲 Cycle the Loop

Rent a bicycle for 10 baht and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute ride around the lake. Reddit

🏞️ Nature Walk

Explore walking trails and enjoy the natural scenery, but be aware of wild dogs. Reddit

A super easy hour bike ride will get you out of the city center of Chiang Mai. Huay Tung Tao reservoir has straw huts that line the coast of the lake. It's free to sit as long as you want as long as you order some food from one of the restaurants that waits on you from your hut. Wonderful little lunch spot during the week when it's not too busy.
spacemanspiff412
25 likes • 422 views

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. Reddit

💰 Entry Fee

Foreigners pay 50 baht entry, while locals pay 20 baht. Plan accordingly for your group. Reddit

🚲 Cycle the Loop

Rent a bicycle for 10 baht and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute ride around the lake. Reddit

🏞️ Nature Walk

Explore walking trails and enjoy the natural scenery, but be aware of wild dogs. Reddit

💧 Water Quality

The lake water is generally considered murky and not suitable for swimming. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

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

Relaxing bamboo huts
Delicious local food
Scenic lake views

What People Dislike

Murky water for swimming
Dated attractions
Return transport challenges

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is 50 baht per person for foreigners and 20 baht for Thai nationals. Reddit+1

The reservoir is generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or later, with some restaurants staying open later. TikTok

No, tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's not usually necessary to book in advance. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the local entry fee is lower. It's always worth inquiring at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. However, many visitors enjoy ordering from the lakeside restaurants to experience the local cuisine. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

The water in Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is generally considered murky and not suitable for swimming. Visitors are advised against swimming in the lake. Reddit

Absolutely! The bamboo huts, the lake views, the giant animal sculptures, and the surrounding nature offer numerous picturesque spots for photos. TikTokInstagram

Children can enjoy running around and interacting with the straw animal models. However, swimming is not recommended due to water quality. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally described as chill, peaceful, and relaxing, especially on weekdays. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy nature. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially when sharing dishes among a group. Some reviews suggest it's good value for the experience. TikTok

Yes, a key feature of the bamboo hut experience is that food and drinks are served directly to your hut. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bamboo huts by the water, the giant animal sculptures, the lake itself, and the surrounding natural landscapes offer excellent photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the unique setting with the huts, sculptures, and lake provides a visually appealing backdrop for memorable photos. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, can offer beautiful lighting for photography. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

The giant King Kong and other animal sculptures are popular landmarks for photos. The bamboo huts themselves also make for iconic shots. TikTokReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Huay Tung Tao Reservoir can be a fun outing for families, especially with the giant animal sculptures providing entertainment and photo opportunities for children. Renting a bamboo hut offers a comfortable base for the family to relax. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers or couples seeking a peaceful retreat, Huay Tung Tao offers a tranquil escape. Renting a bamboo hut for the day provides a private space to relax, read, or simply enjoy the serene lake views. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty of visual interest at Huay Tung Tao, from the iconic bamboo huts set against the lake to the whimsical giant animal sculptures. The natural landscape offers opportunities for scenic shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTokInstagram

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

One of the most iconic aspects of Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is the opportunity to rent bamboo huts that are built over the water. These huts offer a private and serene space to relax, dine, and enjoy the picturesque views of the lake. Visitors can order food and drinks directly to their hut, making it a convenient and laid-back experience. InstagramReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

Exploring the Reservoir Loop

Huay Tung Tao Reservoir features a scenic 10km loop that encircles the entire lake. This path is ideal for various activities, including walking, jogging, and cycling. Renting a bicycle is a popular and affordable way to explore the reservoir, with rental stations conveniently located around the area. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Unique Sculptures and Attractions

Beyond the natural beauty, Huay Tung Tao is known for its quirky and large-scale animal sculptures, primarily made from recycled materials. These whimsical creations, including a giant King Kong and other figures, add a unique artistic element to the reservoir and are a hit with visitors looking for fun photo opportunities. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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