Rating: 3.1/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Generally daily (it’s best to check Mae Takhrai National Park announcements before you go, especially during the rainy season)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 16:30 (morning to afternoon is ideal for nature walks and the lakeside trail)

 

Mae Takhrai Reservoir is a key nature-and-conservation destination in Chiang Mai, located inside Mae Takhrai National Park. Surrounded by mixed deciduous forest and bamboo groves, the area works on multiple levels at once: it supports water storage, protects a living forest ecosystem, and serves as an outdoor classroom for visitors and young learners who want to experience the park in a calm, low-impact way.

 

The atmosphere around the reservoir is quiet and genuinely natural rather than commercial. The main charm is the cool shade from the forest line and the water surface reflecting green tones from the trees, making it a good place for anyone who wants a simple reset: slow walking, deep breathing, and a little time where nature sets the pace.

 

Because the park headquarters is in this area, conservation management is continuous and visible. Along the way, you may notice native plant species and small forest wildlife typical of mixed deciduous woodland and bamboo habitats, especially if you keep your voice low and move gently.

 

One of the most popular activities here is the nature-study walking trail around the reservoir, roughly 3 kilometers in total. It’s not difficult and suits beginners and families who want a relaxed walk. The route offers alternating scenes of bamboo forest, mixed deciduous woodland, and different viewpoints of the reservoir as the path curves along the shore.

 

A visit to Mae Takhrai Reservoir is best for people who enjoy peace over high-adrenaline activities. Come prepared with good-grip walking shoes, drinking water, and a hat; during the rainy season, a rain jacket helps a lot. Most importantly, help keep the area pristine: take all trash out, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow park rules so the ecosystem stays healthy long-term.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 1006 toward Mae On. At the junction in front of Wat Pao Sam Kha School, turn right onto Highway 1229 and drive about 4 km to Checkpoint 1. Continue for about 10 km, then turn left toward Ban Huai Kaeo for roughly 800 meters to reach the Mae Takhrai Reservoir area.

 

 

A: It’s best for quiet nature travel, an easy forest walk, and relaxing by the water rather than heavy adventure activities.

 

A: The loop is about 3 km and generally easy, suitable for beginners and families who want a relaxed nature-study walk.

 

A: Cool season through early hot season is usually most comfortable; trails also tend to be safer and less slippery than in peak rainy months.

 

A: Bring drinking water, grippy walking shoes, and follow park rules closely; in the rainy season, add a rain jacket and move carefully on wet ground.