Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is located in the Don Kaeo subdistrict of Mae Rim County, less than 10 km from Chiang Mai city center. It's a lovely place to relax and enjoy a meal in picturesque surroundings. There's a sandy shoreline reminiscent of a beach. Small huts (see photos) line the reservoir's banks, where you can sit and order food and drinks. These are the tables of the twenty restaurants at Huay Tung Tao Lake. And the Thai food is really good and inexpensive! You can enjoy various activities there, such as renting bicycles, pedal boats (80 THB per half hour, 150 THB per hour), kayaks, and quad bikes. There's also a designated swimming area marked by buoys. Swimming is prohibited in the rest of Huay Tung Tao Lake. I haven't tried it myself, but it's possible to camp here (tents are provided). Apparently, you can also get a massage there. In short, there's plenty to do here, although many activities are mainly offered on weekends when many families from Chiang Mai visit. Keep in mind that the water can be a bit murky for swimming during the rainy season, but the surroundings are still very charming. And don't forget to admire the giant King Kongs made of rice straw!

Entrance fee: 50 THB per person (20 THB for Thai citizens)

I don't believe there's public transport from Chiang Mai to Huay Thung Tao Reservoir. So you'll either need to take a taxi or hire a songthaew (red shared taxi). Regardless of the number of passengers, the ride costs around 600–700 THB. The driver will then wait for you for several hours and subsequently take you back to the city.

How to get there

How do you get to Huay Thung Tao Lake? I don't think there's public transport from Chiang Mai to Huay Thung Tao Reservoir. So you have to take a vehicle or hire a songthaew (red shared taxi). Regardless of the number of passengers, the ride costs about 600–700 THB. The driver then waits for several hours and afterwards takes you back to the city.