Visiting Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's answer to beaches, with raft dining, gorilla sculptures, and sheep farms.
During our recent trip to Chiang Mai, we stumbled upon a hidden gem: Huay Thung Thao Reservoir. It was my Dad's friend, a foreigner who's been living in Chiang Mai for many years, who brought us here, and I couldn't have been more grateful.
Located just outside the city, Huay Thung Thao is Chiang Mai’s answer to coastal attractions. With its expansive reservoir, raft restaurants, a charming sheep farm, cool sculptures, and a variety of activities, it's easy to lose track of time here.
2. How to Get There
Getting to Huay Thung Thao Lake is a breeze, as it's located just 10–15 km from Chiang Mai’s city center.
- Drive: We opted for the self-drive option, which took us about 30 minutes in our rented car. If you don't have your own transport, there are other convenient options available.
- Public Transport: You can catch a Grab or a Songthaew—a red truck taxi that the locals frequently use.
- These vehicles can fit 8-10 adults, and you can easily flag them down like a bus.
- Just a word of caution: Songthaews lack seat belts and other safety equipment, but they are budget-friendly, with fares ranging from 20-100 THB.
3. Entrance Fees and Operating Hours
- Entrance Fee: Huay Thung Thao Reservoir has a low entrance fee, typically around 50 THB for foreigners. I'm not sure about the price for locals.
- Opening Hours: From 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and I recommend visiting in the early hours to beat the heat and enjoy the fresh morning air.
4. Activities at Huay Thung Thao Reservoir
4.1. Relaxing by the Lakeside
One of the most delightful experiences at Huay Thung Thao Lake is dining at the lakeside bamboo raft restaurants. You simply choose a raft, settle in, and order delicious Thai food from the nearby restaurants, which is then served to your hut.
Although we didn't have a chance to eat there since we had lunch prior, I can't help but think that if we had known, we would have chosen to dine on the water!
4.2. Exploring the Art and Sculptures
A standout feature of Huay Thung Thao Reservoir is its impressive straw art sculptures scattered throughout a wide-open field.
The gigantic animal sculptures, including the famous gorilla, offer a unique photo opportunity.
You can even climb up to the gorilla's hand for a fun shot that makes it look like it’s about to eat you!
There’s also a giant gorilla head sculpture that guarantees a good laugh.
4.3. Sheep Farm
Adjacent to the gorilla sculptures is a charming sheep farm where visitors can feed the sheep.
For 50 THB, you can buy fresh grass to offer these adorable creatures. This activity is not just for kids; I found joy in feeding them, too.
4.4. The Windmill
While not an activity per se, the old-style windmill standing alone in the field adds a refreshing touch to the landscape. Although it may no longer function, it serves as a nice backdrop for photos.
There are benches nearby where you can sit back, relax, and soak in the ambiance, evoking a delightful European countryside vibe.
4.5. Walking, Running, or Cycling
The reservoir features wide, clean roads, making it an inviting place for a leisurely walk, run, or bike ride. You can rent bikes and cycle along the perimeter, but we opted out due to the heat during our afternoon visit. Still, it’s an activity I’d recommend for cooler times of the day.
5. Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Huay Thung Thao Lake is during the dry season, from November to February.
If you can, aim to arrive in the morning when the weather is cool. We visited in the afternoon, and it was scorching hot in the open fields, with little shade provided by trees.
6. Nearby Attractions to Explore
Since Huay Thung Thao Reservoir is slightly north of the city, consider combining your visit with nearby attractions.
- Mon Jam: A short drive northwest will take you to Mon Jam, a beautiful hillside glamping area that I highly recommend. I’ve shared my 2D1N experience of Mon Jam here.
JJ Huang
- Mae Kampong: Another fantastic option is Mae Kampong, a mountain valley village surrounded by waterfalls and streams, offering a completely different vibe worth exploring.
Mae Kampong
7. Final Thoughts
In summary, Huay Thung Thao Lake is a must-visit destination in Chiang Mai, with its stunning natural beauty, unique activities, and local charm. I encourage you to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments below.
For me, this trip was especially meaningful. It was a chance to reconnect with my Dad's friend, who has known me since I was a child. After a decade apart, we spent quality time together at this reservoir, creating a core memory I’ll cherish.
