Discover Chiang Mai’s Huay Tung Tao Lake and Waterfall Hike

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Visiting Huay Tung Tao Reservoir: What You Need to Know

There are plenty of things to do around the reservoir (also called Huay Tung Tao Lake, same thing). It’s a medium-sized reservoir that brings water to nearby villages.

Since it’s a protected area, the entrance fee is 20 baht ($0.55 USD) for locals and 50 baht ($1.40 USD) for foreigners. 

Most services start at 10 AM, and the huts close at 5 PM. It’s a good idea to bring cash in small bills. 

I visited mid-week during the rainy season after doing the waterfall hike (more on that below), so the reservoir was pretty quiet. I’ve heard it gets busy during the dry season, especially on the weekends, with even more to do! 

We bought lunch from a local vendor and ate in the overwater huts and then did a quick zipline for 200 baht ($5.50 USD) across the lake and back. 

The lake has roped-off sections where you can swim in shallow, sandy areas. For a bit of fun, you can rent an inner tube for 40 baht (small) or 80 baht (large), or even ATVs or paddling swan boats. The lake’s color might be brown, but it’s safe to swim. Fishing is also allowed in the reservoir.

You can rent a bike to ride around the lake, too. 

One unique place to check out is the Huai Tueng Thao Sculpture Park, where you can see and even climb sculptures made of straw, including elephants, bulls, peacocks, wild boars, and gorillas. It’s a silly spot, great for some fun photos.

If you love animals, you can visit the Sheep Farm and feed the sheep.

The Huay Tung Tao Lake Loop Hiking Trail

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a 6.3-mile loop trail around the lake. 

The hike takes about 2.5 hours and consists of both paved and dirt paths. It offers views along the reservoir and through the forest. 

Note that it’s not recommended to visit the trail from March to May due to the smoky season. Most of the trail is easy but long, with only about 15% going through the forest. You can park behind the temple next to where the trail starts.

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Food and Facilities at Huay Tung Tao Lake

About a dozen or so restaurants surround the reservoir, offering traditional Thai food. Most menus have pictures, so you can easily order by pointing. Don’t expect the vendors here to speak English!

The food is cheap and delicious – we had rice and pork with a fried egg on top and watermelon for dessert. Some restaurants are sunnier, while others are closer to the bathrooms, so maybe take a little walk around before deciding. 

Locals enjoy eating frogs from the lake, which might be an adventurous choice for some. I tried frogs in France once, and like they say, they taste like chicken!

Huai Tueng Thao Waterfall Hike

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, I recommend starting your day with a hike to the Huai Tueng Thao Waterfall (also spelled Huay Tung Thao Waterfall). 

Here’s the trail starting point.

If you’re taking a Grab, make sure you’ve arranged for transportation back since you will have trouble calling one when you’re ready to leave.

The trail is about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) each way, and it’s best to go in the morning when it’s cooler, although most of the trail is in the shade of the jungle. The hike to the waterfall is moderate, taking about 30-45 minutes each way. 

While it’s not very long, it’s not exactly easy, either, at least not during the rainy season when the trails get muddy. 

I’m not much of a hiker, and I found it manageable but challenging at a few points. The trail isn’t steep, except for a few spots, and you’ll need to hop over a few small streams. It was especially slippery during the rainy season, so I found a walking stick helpful. During the dry season, it should be much easier!

There are two trails to and from the waterfall. We took the easier one, so I’m not exactly sure how difficult the other trail is. The path isn’t well-marked, and the blue ribbon markers might need redoing. 

We passed a handful of other small groups hiking on a Saturday morning, all locals.

There are multiple routes to the waterfall, but they aren’t visible on Google Maps, so having a GPS is useful if you don’t know the route. Maybe they will fix the markers before the busy season starts so that they are easier to follow.

The hike is mostly shaded, but remember to wear bug spray as you’ll be in the jungle. The waterfall itself is a lovely spot to cool off and take photos. Bring your bathing suit and plenty of drinking water.

After your hike, you can relax and have lunch at the reservoir!

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How to Get to Huay Tung Tao Reservoir and Waterfall

Getting to Huay Tung Tao Reservoir and Waterfall is quite straightforward. 

You can rent a scooter in town for 200-300 baht per day or rent a car if you prefer more comfort. 

It takes about 25 minutes to get to the lake from town and another few minutes to drive to the waterfall trail. 

Driving around the lake is fun, too. It only takes 10-15 minutes and covers an approximate 4 kilometers.

Taking a Grab from Chiang Mai is another easy option. However, ensure you have a plan for getting back, as it can be tricky to find a ride from the reservoir. 

Because we were a group, we hired a rod daeng to take us there, to the reservoir, and back to Chiang Mai. This is a convenient option if you’re traveling with friends. Be sure to negotiate a good price before you set off. You can also order a rod daeng through Grab or even use the app to get an idea of a fair price.

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