Mae Thalai Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open throughout the day

 

Mae Thalai Reservoir, also known as Huai Mae Thalai Reservoir or Wang Matcha, is a small community reservoir located at Ban Mae Thalai, Moo 2, Phra That Khing Kaeng Subdistrict, Chun District, Phayao Province. Set among forest, hills, and quiet rural surroundings, the reservoir is a peaceful local destination for travelers who want to rest by the water, enjoy simple nature, feed fish, go fishing, or stop before continuing toward Pa Yai Takhian Ngam, the nearby natural forest area known in the local community.

 

Mae Thalai Reservoir is not a large commercial attraction. Its charm comes from simplicity, local atmosphere, and the calm relationship between water, forest, mountains, and community life. Visitors who arrive at the reservoir will find a quiet waterside setting rather than a crowded tourist complex. The broad yet modest water surface, shaded natural surroundings, and relaxed pace make the place suitable for short visits, family stops, photography, and peaceful outdoor rest.

 

The reservoir is also known locally as Wang Matcha, a name associated with fish and the fish-feeding area. This gives the place a friendly and lively character, especially for families with children. Visitors can enjoy watching fish, sitting by the water, taking photographs, and spending time in a calm rural environment. The experience is simple, but that simplicity is exactly what makes the reservoir attractive to travelers who prefer local nature over busy landmark attractions.

 

The natural setting around Mae Thalai Reservoir is one of its strongest qualities. The reservoir lies before the route leading into Pa Yai Takhian Ngam, so the area feels connected with forest and mountain landscapes. The scenery is especially pleasant in the morning and late afternoon. In the morning, the air is fresh and the light is soft over the water. In the evening, the sunlight becomes warmer and the reservoir turns into a quiet place to sit, take photos, and enjoy the breeze.

 

Mae Thalai Reservoir is suitable for light fishing and waterside relaxation. Visitors who come for fishing should use the area responsibly, follow local rules, avoid harmful fishing methods, and take all waste back with them. Since the reservoir is also a community recreation space, cleanliness and consideration for others are important. Responsible travel helps keep the reservoir pleasant for local residents and future visitors.

 

The reservoir can also be included in a wider travel route around Chun District. Travelers may combine it with Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng, Pa Yai Takhian Ngam, Wiang Lo Ancient Town, Wat Si Ping Mueang, and other nearby natural and cultural sites. This makes Mae Thalai Reservoir a good stop for travelers who want to explore a quieter side of Phayao, away from the better-known lakeside attractions in Mueang Phayao.

 

For visitors who enjoy photography, Mae Thalai Reservoir offers simple but attractive compositions: the water surface, surrounding hills, fish-feeding area, rural paths, and natural greenery. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for soft light. The rainy season brings lush green scenery, while the cool season gives the area a comfortable outdoor atmosphere. Travelers should be cautious in wet weather because some local routes may become slippery or muddy.

 

The best way to enjoy Mae Thalai Reservoir is to slow down. It is a place for sitting quietly, listening to the wind, watching the water, feeding fish, taking a short walk, or spending time with family and friends. Visitors should bring drinking water, a hat, a camera, insect repellent, and a bag for carrying waste back out. Those who plan to picnic should choose a safe and clean spot, avoid leaving food scraps, and help preserve the natural condition of the area.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car or motorcycle. From central Phayao, drive toward Chun District, then continue into Phra That Khing Kaeng Subdistrict and Ban Mae Thalai, Moo 2. The distance from Mueang Phayao is about 50 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 1 hour depending on the route and traffic. Private transport is recommended because the reservoir is a local nature site without regular public transport services. Travelers using hired transport should arrange the return trip in advance.

 

The route to Mae Thalai Reservoir is part of the experience. As travelers leave the city and move toward Chun District, the scenery gradually changes from town roads to rural communities, farmland, and greener natural surroundings. Near Ban Mae Thalai, the atmosphere becomes quieter, and the landscape feels more local and forested. This makes the journey suitable for travelers who enjoy seeing the everyday countryside of Phayao, not only its main tourist landmarks.

 

Mae Thalai Reservoir is therefore a meaningful stop for visitors seeking a small, quiet, and authentic local destination. It is not designed for fast-paced tourism, but for slow relaxation. Its water, fish, surrounding hills, nearby forest route, and community atmosphere create a calm experience that represents another side of Phayao. For travelers who want to rest before visiting Pa Yai Takhian Ngam or explore the peaceful rural area of Chun District, Mae Thalai Reservoir is a worthwhile place to visit.

 

 

A: Mae Thalai Reservoir, also known as Huai Mae Thalai Reservoir or Wang Matcha, is located at Ban Mae Thalai, Moo 2, Phra That Khing Kaeng Subdistrict, Chun District, Phayao Province.

 

A: Its highlights include a small reservoir surrounded by nature, a fish-feeding area, a quiet waterside atmosphere, fishing spots, and its location before the route to Pa Yai Takhian Ngam.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the area, enjoy the view, feed fish, relax, take photos, and go fishing without an admission fee.

 

A: Visitors can relax by the water, take nature photos, feed fish, fish responsibly, walk around the area, and stop before continuing to Pa Yai Takhian Ngam.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is cooler, the light is softer, and the atmosphere around the reservoir is peaceful.

 

A: From central Phayao, drive toward Chun District, then continue to Phra That Khing Kaeng Subdistrict and Ban Mae Thalai. The distance is about 50 km, and private transport is the most convenient option.

 

A: Travelers can combine the reservoir with Pa Yai Takhian Ngam, Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng, Na Pha Thewada, Wiang Lo Wildlife Sanctuary, Wiang Lo Ancient Town, and Wat Si Ping Mueang.