Huay Tung Tao Lake – A Quiet Getaway Where Chiang Mai Locals Unwind

I still remember the first time I heard about Huay Tung Tao. I was sitting in a small café in Chiang Mai’s old city, camera in hand, reviewing shots from the morning’s temple visits. My coffee had gone cold because I’d been so absorbed in adjusting exposure settings. The barista noticed my camera and asked what I’d been photographing.

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“Just the usual spots,” I replied. “Doi Suthep, some temples in the old city.”

She smiled knowingly. “Nice pictures. But if you want something different for your lens, go to Huay Tung Tao. That’s where we go on weekends.”

This wasn’t in my guidebook. It wasn’t on my carefully curated photography itinerary. But sometimes the best shots come from unplanned detours, right?

Discovering Huay Tung Tao – First Impressions Through My Lens

The journey to Huay Tung Tao became an unexpected highlight of my Chiang Mai stay. Located about 12 kilometers northwest of the city, it’s close enough for convenience but far enough to escape the tourist crowds. I decided to rent a scooter for the day – partly for the freedom, partly for the photo opportunities along the way.

The drive itself offered some beautiful scenes – rural landscapes with mountains framing the background, perfect for wide-angle shots. I nearly missed the turn, actually. The entrance is understated, with just a small sign that I almost rode past while distracted by a gorgeous cloud formation above the mountains. There’s a military checkpoint (the lake sits on Royal Thai Army land), where I paid the 50 baht entrance fee. Foreigners used to pay more, but now everyone pays the same, which was a pleasant surprise.

Getting There – Chasing the Light

If you’re a fellow photographer, I’d recommend heading out early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. Midday creates harsh shadows and reflections on the water that are difficult to work with. I arrived around 3 pm, giving myself a few hours before the magical sunset light I was hoping to capture.

You have several options to reach the lake:

• By scooter (my preference): Rent one in Chiang Mai for about 200-250 baht per day. Take Highway 107 north, then follow signs for the 121 toward Mae Rim. After about 10-15 minutes, watch for a small sign to Huay Tung Tao on your right. The road winds through some villages before reaching the entrance.

• By songthaew: These red trucks can take you there, but you’ll need to negotiate a price (probably 300-400 baht round trip) and arrange a pickup time. Not ideal if you want to stay for sunset, as I discovered later.

• By Grab: Costs about 200-250 baht one way, but – and this is important – getting back can be tricky since there aren’t many drivers in the area. I met a couple who had this problem and ended up sharing my scooter ride back with one of them while the other rode with someone else. Not the most comfortable solution!

The road conditions were decent, though there were a few potholes that had me clutching my camera bag protectively. I’d recommend bringing a good padded bag if you’re carrying photography equipment.

The Photographer’s Paradise I Wasn’t Expecting

When I first glimpsed the lake through my viewfinder, I actually gasped. The scene was postcard-perfect: a large reservoir nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountain range, its surface reflecting the clouds and surrounding greenery. Small bamboo huts dotted the shoreline, and the late afternoon light was beginning to cast a warm glow over everything.

What struck me immediately was how un-touristy it felt. There were people around, certainly, but they were predominantly Thai families and groups of friends. Some were fishing from the banks, others lounging in the bamboo huts that line the shore. Kids splashed in the shallows while parents chatted and prepared food on small grills.

I’m usually drawn to more dramatic landscapes – steep mountains, crashing waves, that sort of thing. This place had a subtle beauty that doesn’t scream for attention but reveals itself gradually through the viewfinder. I found myself switching to my 50mm lens to capture the intimate moments unfolding around me rather than just the sweeping vistas.

Capturing Local Life

The best photographs tell stories, and Huay Tung Tao is full of them. I spent about an hour just walking along the shoreline, capturing candid moments:

• A grandfather teaching his grandson to fish, their silhouettes perfect against the glimmering water
• A group of teenagers taking selfies on a dock, laughing as one nearly fell in
• An elderly couple sharing a meal in one of the bamboo huts, so absorbed in conversation they didn’t notice me (I took the shot quickly and moved on, not wanting to intrude)

What I loved most was that nobody seemed to be performing for social media. There was an authenticity to the scene that’s increasingly rare in our Instagram-obsessed world. As a photographer who’s grown tired of seeing people pose unnaturally at famous landmarks, this felt refreshingly real.

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I did ask a few people for permission before taking their photos, using my limited Thai and a lot of gesturing. Most smiled and agreed – some even invited me to join them for a drink, though my shyness got the better of me and I politely declined. Looking back, I wish I’d been braver and accepted. Those connections often lead to the most meaningful images.

Activities at Huay Tung Tao – Beyond the Viewfinder

While I initially came for the photography, I found myself drawn into the relaxed rhythm of the place. After about two hours of shooting, I set my camera aside (well, not entirely – I can never truly put it down) and decided to experience Huay Tung Tao as the locals do.

Bamboo Hut Relaxation

For just 100 baht (though some huts might be more depending on size), you can rent one of the bamboo platforms that sit right at the water’s edge. These simple structures have mats for sitting and a small table – nothing fancy, but perfectly suited to the laid-back atmosphere.

I rented one and immediately took off my shoes, enjoying the feeling of the bamboo against my feet. The platform gave me a stable base for some low-angle shots across the water, but honestly? I ended up just lying back and listening to the gentle lapping of the water and distant conversations in Thai.

An unexpected bonus for photographers: these huts make excellent foreground elements for landscape shots, especially as the sun begins to set and their bamboo structures create interesting shadows and silhouettes.

Food by the Water – A Feast for the Senses

I’m not usually one to photograph my meals (I know, strange for a photographer), but the food at Huay Tung Tao had me breaking that rule. Along the lake’s edge are several rustic restaurants serving up authentic northern Thai cuisine at prices that made me double-check my conversion math.

I ordered what everyone else seemed to be having – freshly caught fish grilled with lemongrass and served with sticky rice and nam prik (chili dip). The fish cost 250 baht and was easily enough for two people. I also got som tam (spicy papaya salad) for 60 baht that nearly blew my head off – I should’ve specified “pet nit noi” (just a little spicy) instead of nodding enthusiastically when asked if I wanted it spicy.

The visual presentation wasn’t fancy – everything came on simple plates with minimal garnish – but this made for beautifully authentic food photography. The smoke from the grills created atmospheric backlight in some of my shots.

A couple at the next table noticed my camera and struck up a conversation. They were from Bangkok and came to Chiang Mai regularly to escape the capital’s chaos. When I asked why they chose Huay Tung Tao over more famous spots, the woman said something that stuck with me: “This is real Thailand. The Thailand we enjoy, not the Thailand we sell to tourists.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Swimming and Water Activities

Several people were swimming in designated areas of the lake. The water isn’t crystal clear – it has that typical reservoir brownish-green tint – but it looked refreshing in the afternoon heat. I didn’t bring swimming gear (a rookie error I won’t repeat), but I did wade in up to my knees to get some water-level shots.

For better or worse, there aren’t any flashy water sports or activities here. No jet skis disturbing the peace, no paragliding, nothing that would make for “extreme” photography. Just people enjoying the water simply – floating on inner tubes, swimming leisurely, or fishing from the banks.

I noticed some people had rented swan-shaped paddle boats (about 100 baht for 30 minutes), which created whimsical silhouettes against the mountain backdrop during sunset. Mental note: next time, arrive earlier and make time for this – the elevated perspective would offer unique shooting angles.

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The Light and Shadows of Huay Tung Tao

No place is perfect, and as a photographer, I’ve learned to appreciate both the highlights and the shadows of a location. Huay Tung Tao has its imperfections, which honestly add to its character rather than detract from it.

The facilities are basic. The bathrooms… well, let’s just say I’ve seen better and I’ve seen worse. They’re functional but don’t expect luxury. I found myself holding my camera bag a little tighter in there, paranoid about setting it down anywhere.

During my visit (a Friday), the lake wasn’t crowded, but locals told me weekends can get quite busy, especially on Sundays. For photography, this means more people in your shots – which could be good or bad depending on what you’re trying to capture. For authentic local atmosphere, a busy day might be perfect. For serene landscapes, aim for weekdays.

There was some litter in certain areas, particularly where large groups had been picnicking. This was disappointing to see, though I noticed an older man quietly collecting trash into a bag as he walked along the shore. Not staff – just a visitor who cared. That small act of stewardship gave me hope.

The accessibility might be challenging for some. The paths around the lake aren’t paved, and they get muddy after rain. I had to be careful with my equipment, picking my way along uneven ground in some spots. If you’re bringing expensive camera gear, pack accordingly with waterproof bags and good straps.

Photography Tips for Huay Tung Tao – Capturing the Magic

For fellow photography enthusiasts, Huay Tung Tao offers diverse shooting opportunities if you know where to look. Here’s what worked for me:

Best spots for landscape shots:
* The northeastern shore gives you the best mountain backdrop with the lake in the foreground
* There’s a small peninsula on the western side that offers a 270-degree view of the lake
* The dam area provides an interesting structural element against the natural setting

Lighting considerations:
* Morning offers misty conditions with the mountains sometimes shrouded in fog
* Midday is challenging due to harsh light, but can work with a polarizing filter to cut glare on the water
* Late afternoon to sunset (my choice) gives warm golden light that makes the bamboo huts glow
* The blue hour after sunset creates moody silhouettes of the fishing platforms

Gear I found useful:
* A wide-angle lens (I used 16-35mm) for landscape shots
* A 50mm prime for candid people photography
* A polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water
* A lightweight tripod for sunset/blue hour shots when light gets low

I wish I’d brought a longer lens for capturing distant details and the birds around the lake. My 70-200mm stayed in my hotel room, a decision I regretted when I spotted some interesting birds I couldn’t properly photograph.

Something I didn’t expect: my smartphone actually came in handy for quick shots when changing lenses wasn’t practical. The latest phones handle high-contrast scenes surprisingly well, so don’t be a camera snob like I sometimes am!

When to Visit – Chasing the Perfect Light

Timing can make or break a photography trip, and Huay Tung Tao is no exception. Based on my experience and conversations with locals:

Seasonal considerations:
* Cool season (November-February) offers the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures
* Hot season (March-May) creates interesting heat haze over the water but can be brutally hot for walking around with equipment
* Rainy season (June-October) is risky but can reward you with dramatic skies and fewer crowds

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I visited in late January, which gave me comfortable temperatures and clear conditions. The water level was good – not too high or too low – which matters for composition.

Time of day:
* Early morning (6-8am) for misty scenes and the lake at its calmest
* Late afternoon (3-6pm) for warm light and active local life
* Avoid 11am-2pm unless you’re specifically after high-contrast shots

If you’re serious about photography, consider visiting twice – once in morning light and once for sunset. The lake transforms completely, offering two distinct shooting experiences.

A practical tip I learned too late: bring insect repellent for evening shoots. The mosquitoes came out in force as the sun began to set, and I ended up cutting my blue hour photography short because I was being eaten alive.

The Images That Stayed With Me

As the day wound down and I reluctantly packed up my gear, I scrolled through what I’d captured. Among hundreds of frames, a few stood out – not necessarily for technical perfection, but for the stories they told:

• An elderly man fishing alone, his weathered face in profile against the setting sun, completely absorbed in his task
• A family of three generations sharing food in a bamboo hut, grandmother feeding the smallest child
• The reflection of Doi Suthep mountain in the still water, broken only by the gentle ripples from a passing paddle boat
• A close-up of hands preparing food – chopping herbs with the kind of confidence that comes from decades of practice

None of these were the spectacular vistas I typically chase for my portfolio. They were quiet, intimate moments that captured the essence of Huay Tung Tao better than any wide shot could.

I’m not usually a sentimental photographer. I typically favor dramatic landscapes over human interest. But something about this place shifted my perspective – reminded me that sometimes the most compelling images are the ones that capture ordinary life unfolding in beautiful settings.

Final Thoughts – Why I’ll Return

As I rode back to Chiang Mai in the fading light (not ideal – bring lights if you plan to leave after sunset), I felt a sense of contentment that’s rare after a day of shooting. Usually, I’m mentally critiquing my work, thinking about what I missed or could have done better. This time, I was simply grateful for the unexpected find.

Huay Tung Tao won’t make it onto lists of Thailand’s most spectacular destinations. It doesn’t have the drama of Railay’s limestone cliffs or the postcard perfection of Phi Phi. What it offers instead is a glimpse of authentic local life – a place where Thais go to relax, connect, and enjoy simple pleasures.

For photographers tired of jostling with crowds at popular spots, it’s a refreshing change. The shots you’ll get here won’t be like everyone else’s Instagram feed. They’ll be uniquely yours – quiet moments of a Thailand that many tourists never see.

I’ve already marked a return visit in my calendar, this time with swimming gear, a longer lens, and enough Thai phrases to perhaps accept that invitation to join locals for a meal. Some places deserve a second look – or in photographer’s terms, a longer exposure.

If you go, remember that the best camera is the one you have with you, but the best photographs come when you’re willing to occasionally put the camera down and simply experience a place. Huay Tung Tao taught me that lesson beautifully.

About the author: Jack is a passionate content creator with years of experience. Follow for more quality content and insights.