Huai Tueng Thao
Set among the hills of Mae Rim District, a short drive north of Chiang Mai city, this reservoir and recreational area draws locals and visitors looking for a genuinely unhurried day out. The centrepiece is a large lake ringed by mountain scenery, with floating bamboo huts extending over the water — a distinctive setting for a long, leisurely meal. Food portions are reported as generous and reasonably priced, making lakeside dining the clear highlight of any visit.
Beyond the water, the surrounding area includes parkland with walking trails and animals, some of which visitors can interact with closely. The overall atmosphere is laid-back and open, well suited to families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a half-day or full-day outdoor escape without strenuous activity. The combination of mountain views, greenery, and easy-going pace makes it a natural counterpoint to the busier parts of Chiang Mai.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Huai Tueng Thao, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Came here yesterday.. we ate on the raft then took a short drive to the large park where the animals were. Some of them allow you to climb on top. Very laid back, relaxing place. Best thing is that there were very few tourists.. it's a fun place to go to if you want to escap the crowds. Lots of friendly dogs in the park also
One of the tourist attraction in Mae Rim District Chiang Mai Province
Our family recently visited in March, hoping for a pleasant day out. While the floating bamboo huts offer a nice view of the mountains for lunch. The experience was disappointed by the appalling water quality. Despite noticing the murky appearance of the water, we allowed our child to briefly play in the shallow area, dipping their feet. To our horror, tiny white worm-like creatures immediately started clinging to their legs. It was quite unsettling to see them stuck to their skin. To make matters worse, there were no proper facilities to wash off. We couldn't find any soap for sale, nor were there dedicated shower areas. We used drinking water to rinse our child's legs. If you have children, I strongly advise against letting them even dip a toe in the water. This completely unsuitable for kids. Save yourself the worry and avoid the water entirely. Honestly, if it weren't for the terrible water quality, this place would have been incredibly enjoyable. The beautiful natural surroundings and numerous photo opportunities truly make it a delightful spot to explore.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,232 reviews on Google.
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Huai Tueng Thao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huai Tueng Thao worth visiting?
Huai Tueng Thao holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,232 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Huai Tueng Thao?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Huai Tueng Thao located?
Huai Tueng Thao is at Huai Tueng Thao, Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Huai Tueng Thao
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Zipline Adventure
Lakeside zipline adventure near Huay Tung Tao Reservoir in Mae Rim, open daily with multiple run options.
Golden Tower Observation Deck
A hilltop observation tower in Mae Rim offering elevated views over the Chiang Mai countryside.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Huai Tueng Thao
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)