About fifteen kilometers north of Chiang Mai, Huay Tung Tao Lake is an artificial reservoir nestled against the slopes of Doi Suthep. Locals come here to walk, picnic in floating bungalows, or enjoy outdoor activities in a mountain setting.

Why visit Huay Tung Tao Lake

The site combines several activities rarely found on the same shore: local dining in floating pavilions, a sports circuit around the water, swimming in calm waters, and wildlife observation. It's one of the few open spaces near Chiang Mai where you can spend half a day without stepping foot in a museum or temple, making it an ideal spot to unwind between cultural visits.

History of the reservoir

Huay Tung Tao is an artificial lake created in the 1970s to improve irrigation for agricultural lands in the Mae Rim valley and support local farming. Over the decades, the reservoir has become a leisure destination for Chiang Mai residents while retaining its hydraulic function. The shoreline has gradually filled with bamboo bungalows built on the water, run by families serving Northern Thai cuisine.

What to see and do

Dining in floating bungalows

The shoreline is dotted with pavilions set on the water, where you sit barefoot on mats. The menu blends Thai classics—fried rice, spicy salads, tom yum soup, grilled fish—with local specialties: live freshwater shrimp and catfish curry with orange. Roaming vendors add to the selection.

Water and land activities

Several designated swimming zones are marked by buoys, with shallow waters. You can rent pedal boats and canoes from the beaches. On land, the site offers paintball, quad circuits, a zip line, play areas, and a camping zone with tent rentals. Giant straw sculptures, including a King Kong, serve as photo backdrops.

Observable wildlife

The lake and surrounding woods are home to varied bird species. Depending on the season, you may spot:

• herons and white egrets
• kingfishers
• wild ducks
• stilts
• falcons

For fishing, the reservoir holds tilapia, catfish, carp, and Nile perch. Fishing is regulated—ask on-site about current permits before casting a line.

Walking or cycling the loop

A 4 km two-lane jogging path circles the entire lake, also accessible by bike. The trailhead is near Canal Road. The route is flat and shaded in places, making it a comfortable loop at dawn or late afternoon.

Practical information

• Duration: from 2 hours for a meal and stroll to half a day if you combine swimming, cycling, and dining
• Admission: paid entry at a modest rate, with discounts for Thai residents; activities (paintball, quads, canoe rentals) are charged separately on-site
• Hours: opens early morning and closes at day's end; restaurants stay open later into the evening
• What to bring: swimwear, insect repellent, cash (limited card payments on-site)

When to visit

The dry season, November to February, offers the best conditions: clear skies, moderate temperatures, and water levels still high after monsoon rains. March and April are hot and marked by pollution episodes from agricultural burning in the North. The rainy season (June to October) greens the shores and fills the reservoir, but late-afternoon showers are frequent.

Crowds vary greatly: weekends and Thai holidays see the lake packed with Chiang Mai residents. For a quieter experience, choose weekdays, early morning, or late afternoon to catch sunset over Doi Suthep.

How to get there from Chiang Mai

The lake is about 15 km from the city center, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

By car or scooter: from the old city, follow Huay Kaew Road (Route 1004) for about 2 km, then turn right onto Canal Road. You'll pass the Sports Complex (Stadium), continue straight for 2 km until you see the blue lake sign. Cross the bridge, check in at the gate to pay entry, then drive around the reservoir to the parking area.

By songthaew: negotiate the price and waiting time before departing from Chiang Mai. Ride-hailing apps work too, though arranging a return can be tricky.

What to combine nearby

The lake fits easily into a day on Chiang Mai's northwest side:

• the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on the mountain overlooking the lake
• the Wat Pha Lat, a forest temple accessible via the Monk's Trail
• the Mae Rim valley, further north, for farms and plantations
• the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

To include Huay Tung Tao Lake in a full itinerary of northern Thailand, explore our Thailand travel packages.