Huay Teung Tao Reservoir

Huay Teung Tao Reservoir is a man-made reservoir and recreational area west of Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand. It is used for leisure activities such as picnics, informal dining and short walks along the shore.

The site features water, small islets and scattered seating and café-style huts along the banks, and it is frequented by residents rather than being a major tourist attraction. The reservoir offers open views across the water toward surrounding hills on clear days.

Constructed to store water and manage local supplies, the reservoir has also become an informal public recreation space maintained through local and municipal arrangements; it has not been the site of major historical events documented here. Facilities are modest and oriented to day visitors.

Huay Teung Tao Reservoir lies on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, within roughly 10-15 km of the city center depending on route. It is accessible by road from Chiang Mai and neighboring districts.

• Recreation and views: Popular with locals for picnics and small-scale waterside cafés, offering open views toward the Doi Suthep hills on clear days.

The lake is hugely popular at weekends with local Thais, who come to eat and drink in small thatched huts set over the water and equipped with mats and a low table, at one of the many rustic restaurants along the banks. The water is runoff from the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, so it stays quite clean despite the commercial activity along its shores.

Most visitors come for an afternoon picnic, but if you want exercise, a dirt track leads up the back of Doi Pui mountain, ideal for hiking or mountain biking, and where the river enters the lake a single-track trail runs up the riverbed deep into the jungle. You can rent paddle boats or fishing gear, and there is a dedicated swimming area for a refreshing dip. Campsites are available if you want to linger, and there is a small admission fee of 20 baht.

Huay Teung Tao Reservoir (Huay Tueng Tao) lies northwest of Chiang Mai city and is best reached by private car, taxi or motorbike. It is roughly 10-15 km from Chiang Mai city centre and typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.

There is roadside parking at the reservoir; public transport options are limited, so visitors commonly hire a taxi/Grab or rent a motorbike from the city to reach the site.

• Huay Teung Tao (Huai Tueng Tao) reservoir is west of Chiang Mai city and is easiest reached by taxi or motorbike - plan for roughly a 20-40 minute drive from central Chiang Mai depending on traffic.
• Arrive in late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and lakeside cafés; seating on the shore fills up toward sunset, so get there early if you want a prime view.
• Explore the quieter far end of the reservoir rather than staying only at the entrance cafés - there are simple viewpoints and fewer people that many day visitors miss.