Nong Bua Phra Chao Luang

Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally accessible all day (recommended 06:00 – 20:00 for walking and photos)

 

Nong Bua Phra Chao Luang is a natural pond in Moo 12, Choeng Doi Subdistrict, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai. Many people stop by to “rest their eyes” and slow their pace without needing a heavy itinerary. The feeling here is open, airy, and breezy, with a lived-in community atmosphere around the water, which makes it more than a photo spot—it’s a real public space locals use in everyday life.

 

From a landscape perspective, the pond helps receive rainwater and water that flows through the local irrigation canal system. It supports water balance for communities around Choeng Doi – Doi Saket and clearly reflects the relationship between “an expanding town” and “natural water-retention areas.” Locals recall that the pond used to be wider than it is today, with water used for rice fields, and that it once drew many water birds in certain seasons. That’s why the place has long been remembered as a community wetland, not something that only became “touristy” in recent years.

 

What makes Nong Bua Phra Chao Luang worth visiting is a kind of simplicity that works both in the morning and in the evening. In the morning, the air is cooler and the light is soft—great for an easy walk, light exercise, or minimal, reflective water shots. In the late afternoon, the breeze turns gentler and the tones get warmer until early night, which suits visitors who want a calm, local atmosphere rather than anything flashy.

 

Another layer that gives this place meaning beyond “a pretty pond” is its historical significance. There is a record of a royal visit on 20 January 1962 for a relaxed outing, which became an important memory for people in Doi Saket. It’s one reason the pond is often spoken of as a place with shared community stories—not only natural scenery.

 

The pond is also used as a venue for local events and traditions, especially during Pi Mai Muang and Yi Peng seasons, when the atmosphere becomes noticeably more lively. If you plan to visit during festival days, it’s wise to allow extra time for parking and traffic because the crowd will be denser than usual. If you want the quietest experience, weekday mornings or early evenings before peak hours are the best bet.

 

To visit in a way that’s kind to the community, please help keep the area clean: don’t litter, don’t throw food scraps into the water, avoid randomly feeding animals, and keep noise levels respectful. Homes and daily life surround the pond, and the long-term beauty of the place also depends on small, everyday manners from visitors.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, you can drive along the Chiang Mai – Doi Saket route and enter Choeng Doi Subdistrict easily. The pond sits in the community zone, so a private car is the most convenient. If you visit in the evening or during festival periods, allow time for parking. If you use hired transport or ride-hailing apps, it’s a good idea to plan your return trip in advance for a smoother evening.

 

 

A: Morning or late afternoon is best because the air is cooler and the light is more photo-friendly.

 

A: Yes. It’s open and easy to walk around, but keep an eye on young children near the water and avoid peak festival crowds if you prefer a quieter visit.

 

A: Community events are often associated with Pi Mai Muang and Yi Peng seasons. Dates can vary year by year, so check announcements with Choeng Doi Subdistrict Municipality before you go.

 

A: You can continue to Wat Phra That Doi Saket, then head to the Mae Kuang Dam area. If you want more nature time, Doi Saket Hot Springs is another option.

 

A: Don’t litter, don’t throw food into the water, keep noise respectful, and treat the area as a shared public space used daily by local residents.