Huay Tung Tao Reservoir
Huay Tung Tao Reservoir
Today Nik and I took a short 30 minute drive to Huay Tung Tao Reservoir. The Thai’s call it “Chiang Mai’s Freshwater Lake”, which is a more accurate description because I don’t think the water is directly pumped into the city water system.
The lake and its surrounding land was donated by the Royal Family as a tourist destination and boasts activities such as paintball, paddle boats, fishing, ATV rentals, camping, picnic areas and a swimming area. There are also several small concession stand/restaurants on the eastern edge of the lake. Each restaurant has 20-30 small dining huts along the water which will accommodate 2-4 people as well as larger dining areas for bigger groups. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back, especially today because the lake was mostly abandoned, except for a few fishermen and a handful of groups dining.
I have read that they are planning on “sprucing up” the area, which I think is a mistake. There are plans to build a spa, an up-scale restaurant and even an internet cafe. They don’t have enough parks in Chiang Mai, please don’t ruin this one with over develpment.
Map & Road
The beautiful lake....and they have toilets!! They also rent innertubes to float on.
Dining Hut #1 comes with entertainment.
The food was decent when paired with cold beer. (yes, we drank beer with ice...Nik assured me that that's what the Thai's do)
Umbrellas
Sprite Bottle Bouy and the Toilet built around a tree
If you ever visit Chiang Mai, I definitely recommend a day at the Reservoir. The admission is 20Baht/person, and is completely worth it. In fact, I think we are going to go back this weekend. Hopefully it will be busier and we will enjoy some quality people watching!!
The suburbs where they install the shower head before the ceiling.
On the road to the Reservoir, we passed by a new suburban development. Nik and I are always sad to see these new homes because they are so similar to the American suburbs. But it is also sad because there are so many abandoned buildings in Thailand. In fact, many neighborhoods like this one never get completed because the money runs out. I hope this one succeeds, but I am doubtful.