Angkaew Reservoir: Guide For Chiang Mai Walkers And Runners

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Angkaew Reservoir (also spelled Ang Kaew) is one of my favorite places in Chiang Mai to get my steps in! It’s an artificial lake on the campus of Chiang Mai University, with a lovely paved path around it.

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As a New Yorker, I’m used to walking everywhere, and if I’m being honest, I really missed that when I was living in Chiang Mai. It’s hard to walk in Chiang Mai – it’s hot, the sidewalks are either non-existent or falling apart, and crossing the street is one of the most dangerous things you can do.

But luckily, I found Ang Kaew Reservoir, the perfect spot to get my steps in.

Ang Kaew Reservoir is easy to get to from most neighborhoods in Chiang Mai, and it’s incredibly peaceful. The path around the reservoir is popular with morning runners or walkers, with many trees providing shade from the sun. I even see some picnickers there from time to time.

If you’re looking for somewhere in Chiang Mai to pop in your headphones and get some exercise without the risk of becoming roadkill, Ang Kaew Reservoir is it!

🤩 My favorite way to get to know a new city is by taking a food tour. This Northern Thai Food Tour will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

The green-water of the Angkaew Reservoir, surrounded by beautiful trees and greenery, and a wooden footbridge crossing the reservoir.

Ang Kaew Reservoir Essential Information

Hours: 5AM-10PM

Trail Length: The Ang Kaeo Reservoir Running Track is about 1km, but there are a lot of pathways around the Chiang Mai University campus worth exploring if you’re looking for a longer route.

Location: Sukhothai 5 Alley, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Getting to Angkaew Reservoir:

Motorbike: If you’re comfortable with a motorbike, this is my preferred way to get to Ang Kaew Reservoir. There’s scooter parking right next to the entrance to the reservoir’s walking path.

Grab Taxi: You can use the GrabTaxi app (this is equivalent to Uber in Southeast Asia) to book a ride from anywhere in Chiang Mai and it will take you right to the reservoir.

Songthaew: Songthaews are local shared taxis (they’re the big red trucks you see everywhere) that are very inexpensive and quite reliable. Just flag one down on the side of the road and ask the driver to drop you off near Ang Kaew Reservoir.

Dogs Allowed? – Technically, no.

There are signs indicating that dogs are not allowed at the Ang Kaew Reservoir. But I saw lots of well-behaved dogs on the trail, including a couple that were off-leash.

Bicycles Allowed? – No, bikes are not allowed on the reservoir trail but there are a lot of other pathways around Chiang Mai University where bikes are allowed.

Seating – There are plenty of benches surrounding the reservoir.

Cell Signal – I had a cell signal everywhere I walked near the reservoir, which is something we solo female travelers always have to think about!

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai. See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

A walker bends down to give pets to an off-leash dog on the walking path around the Ang Kaew Reservoir at Chiang Mai University.

Best Time to Go to Angkaew Reservoir

The best time to go to Angkaew Reservoir is either in the early morning or late afternoon/evening when it’s not as hot.

I went around 7:30AM when it was still cool, and I was surprised at how many people were already there! It wasn’t crowded, and as a solo female, I really appreciate the balance of not being the only one on a trail, but also not feeling like it’s overcrowded.

Two young male picnickers with their dogs sitting next to the CMU lake under a tree.

A white sign points the way to toilets and the cafe.

Angkaew Reservoir Tips for Runners and Walkers

This is a very safe trail for solo females. There are plenty of walkers and runners on campus, and my cell phone had a signal the whole time.

Bring water! Even in the cool mornings, it can get hot.

Make sure you also bring bug spray, especially if you’re running at night when mosquitoes are more active.

There’s a cafe just behind the reservoir where you can refuel with coffee or snacks before continuing your journey.

The path around the reservoir is well-paved, but it’s relatively short. You can either turn around when you get to the end and backtrack, or you can explore the pathways around the campus like most runners do. There are even a couple of hills!

Don’t forget sun protection – wear sunscreen or a baseball cap if you’re worried about getting too much sun!

There is an unwritten rule about noise at the reservoir – you’ll notice when you’re there that even groups keep their conversations at a quiet volume. One of my favorite things about Thailand! It helps keep the reservoir a peaceful place.

Looking for a good photo op? There are many, but one of my favorites is the footbridge. You can’t miss it!

You can walk here during the rainy season, too, because the walkways are all paved, so you don’t have to worry about the mud!

If you go in the evening, stop by the University Night Market, one of my favorite night markets, located just across the main road from the reservoir.

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

A female runner jogs across the food bridge at Ang Kaew Reservoir.

Nature at Ang Kaew Reservoir in Chiang Mai

If you’re spending a good amount of time in a city, it’s just a matter of time before you start to miss nature.

That’s another reason why I enjoyed my morning walks at Ang Kaew Reservoir and the Huay Kaew Arboretum – you can pretend you’re not in the city anymore!

If you’re a bird enthusiast, you’re in for a treat – from egret birds flying overhead to doves, waterhens, and bee-eaters – you never know what birds you’ll see here. 2,000 parrots call this place home, too. And if you’re lucky, you may see the campus peacock taking a walk near the cafe.

Some of the trees have scannable QR codes on them so that you can learn more about the tree. During my last visit, I found a rare wood tree that was a staggering 15 meters high!

Huay Tun Tao Reservoir: Another Chiang Mai Reservoir

The Huay Tun Tao Reservoir is a little further away than the Chiang Mai University lake, but it’s still just outside of Chiang Mai.

It’s a man-made lake at the bottom of the Doi Suthep mountains and is a great spot for families and those looking to relax.

You can swim, paddle boat, or even pedal boat here, and take in some breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

A colorful male peacock struts past a white wall on the CMU campus in Chiang Mai.

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

✨ Conquer the Mae Taeng River with thrilling whitewater rafting.
🎈 Soar over stunning jungle landscapes in a hot air balloon ride you won’t forget.
🚚 Hop on a Northern Food Tour by Songthaew Truck for a tasty adventure.
🚣‍♂️ Immerse yourself in nature with kayaking and caving jungle tours.
🌄 Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip-line through majestic mountains.
⛩️ Explore art and culture at the renowned White Temple in Chiang Rai.
🍳 Master your Thai cooking skills with fun cooking classes.
📸 Embark on an Instagram-worthy photo tour.
🥾 Take on the challenge of hiking The Monk’s Trail.
☀️ Witness the enchanting sunrise from the sacred Doi Suthep.

A sign explaining the rules of Angkaew Reservoir, indicating there are no bikes, scooters, dogs, fishing, littering, or food allowed.

Chiang Mai University Lake FAQs

Where is a good place to walk in Chiang Mai?

A good place to walk in Chiang Mai is the Angkaew Reservoir path, located at the Chiang Mai University campus, which is open to the public 5AM-10PM.

How long is the Ang Kaew Reservoir walking path?

The Ang Kaew Reservoir walking path is about 1 kilometer long, but most runners continue running along the other pathways of Chiang Mai University to lengthen their running route.

Can you swim at Angkaew Reservoir?

No, swimming is not allowed at Angkaew Reservoir.

Are dogs allowed at the Angkaew Reservoir?

There are several signs prohibiting dogs at the Angkaew Reservoir, however, there are always walkers with dogs there, and nobody seems to mind.

The water of the reservoir in Chiang Mai reflects the Doi Suthep mountains behind it.

Final Thoughts: Ang Kaew Reservoir

Chiang Mai, like most places in Thailand and Southeast Asia, is not the easiest place to simply go for a walk. Sidewalks, if they exist at all, are an afterthought. And “pedestrians-first” is not a phrase that’s used here.

Ang Kaew Reservoir is one of my favorite places to get my steps in. It’s so nice to feel like you’ve left the city, without needing to go too far. You don’t have to stress about being run over by a scooter here!

When I’m feeling motivated and looking for a challenge, I love hiking the Monk’s Trail Hike up to Wat Pha Lat.

If you’re visiting Ang Kaew Reservoir in the evening, the nearby University Night Market is one of the best night markets in Chiang Mai – the perfect place to refuel!

Maya Mall is located just down the street – another great place to check out for shopping, lunch, or to catch a movie.

Angkaew Reservoir: Guide for Chiang Mai Walkers and Runners