Huay Tung Tao Reservoir in Chiang Mai, located in the Mae Rim district just 12 kilometers north of the trendy Nimman area (a 20-minute drive along Canal Road Highway 121), is widely celebrated as "Chiang Mai's local beach." Commissioned by King Rama IX as a royal water conservation initiative, this scenic freshwater reservoir is famed for over 20 lakeside bamboo dining huts, the infamous local delicacy Kung Ten ("Dancing Shrimp"), and an agricultural park featuring giant 8-meter-tall King Kong straw sculptures. Open daily from 06:30 to 18:00 (Admission: 20 THB for Thais, 50 THB for foreign visitors).
Royal History & Ecological Purpose
Constructed in 1980 under the initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Huay Tung Tao was designed to alleviate severe water shortages in the agrarian valleys of Mae Rim and provide a vital irrigation reservoir for local communities.
Managed under the stewardship of the Royal Thai Army's 33rd Military Circle, the perimeter was later transformed into an eco-tourism park. The lakeside was parcelled out to military veteran families and local villagers to operate open-air food stalls and water huts. Today, it stands as Chiang Mai's premier day-retreat, offering rural tranquility without requiring a long mountain drive.
4 Must-Experience Highlights at Huay Tung Tao
1. Dine in Over-Water Bamboo Huts & Taste "Dancing Shrimp"
Lining the water's edge are numbered rustic bamboo huts (Stalls 1 to 20+) jutting directly over the lake. Guests sit cross-legged on reed mats, dangle their feet into the water, and order fiery Thai country food. The quintessential dish is Kung Ten (Dancing Shrimp)—live, translucent freshwater shrimp tossed alive with chili flakes, ground toasted rice, lemongrass, shallots, fresh lime juice, and mint leaves, served beneath a closed bowl. Pair this with whole salt-crusted grilled tilapia and spicy green papaya salad (Som Tum).
2. The Giant Straw King Kong Sculpture Park
Located in the rice paddies at the rear of the reservoir, this art installation was created by faculty and students from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. The centerpiece is a family of giant King Kongs fabricated entirely from rice straw, with the massive "Papa Kong" standing over 8 meters high. Internal wooden staircases allow visitors to climb inside the chest of the gorilla for panoramic views across the rice fields framed by the Doi Suthep mountain ridge. Other straw animal sculptures, including elephants, deer, lions, and wild boars, are also on display.
3. Highland Sheep Farm & Bamboo Bridges
Adjoining the King Kong field is a pastoral petting farm where visitors can interact with a grazing herd of sheep. For 10–20 THB, you can purchase grass bundles or milk bottles for feeding. Raised bamboo boardwalks weave through the surrounding paddy fields, providing idyllic rural photo opportunities.
4. Lakeside Exercise Loop & Water Activities
A smooth, paved 3.8-kilometer road encircles the reservoir, making it one of Chiang Mai's most popular circuits for joggers and cyclists in the early morning and late afternoon. Families can rent swan paddle boats (pedalos) or swim in designated sandy zones cordoned off with safety buoys. Looking for more outdoor activities around Chiang Mai? Check our adventure and nature activities guide.
Technical Specifications & Pricing Matrix
- Park Entrance Fee — 20 THB (Thai) / 50 THB (Foreigners), paid at the main gate kiosk
- Bamboo Hut Seating — free use with food/drink order, dishes: 60–250 THB
- Swan Paddle Boats — 50 – 100 THB per boat / 30 mins, available at the main pier
- Sheep Farm Feeding — 10 – 20 THB, grass bundles & milk bottles
- Camping Ground — 50 – 100 THB per tent / night, overnight tent sites by the water with restrooms available
Local Insider Tips
- Choose the Shaded Afternoon Huts: The western bank (Stalls 1 to 10) benefits from the natural afternoon shadow of the Doi Suthep mountain ridge after 13:30, keeping your bamboo hut breezy and glare-free during lunch.
- How to Order Cooked "Dancing Shrimp": If the idea of consuming live shrimp is daunting, simply ask the staff for "Kung Ten Luak Sook" (cooked dancing shrimp). The kitchen will briefly blanch the fresh shrimp in boiling water before tossing them in the same herbs and lime dressing, delivering identical flavor with total peace of mind.
- Optimal Visit Windows: Come between 06:30 and 09:00 AM for cool jogging and cycling weather, or arrive between 15:00 and 18:00 PM for comfortable lakeside dining as the sun dips behind the western peaks.
Huay Tung Tao makes an excellent family day out, with the sheep farm and straw sculptures being particular hits with kids — browse more ideas in our family activities in Chiang Mai guide.
Discover Chiang Mai's Natural Charms with Terra Lanna
Unwind in northern Thailand's scenic countryside with total ease. Reserve your stay at our handpicked boutique resorts in Mae Rim and Nimman or book a tailored private excursion to Huay Tung Tao and Mae Rim's botanical landmarks through Terra Lanna.