Rating: 2.1/5 (12 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Pong Pao Reservoir is located in Village No. 2, San Pa Yang Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. It is a small community reservoir that functions like a “blue lung” for the surrounding area. Rather than being a place to stop briefly for photos, it serves as an important water storage source that supports local livelihoods—both for agriculture and partial household water use—while also acting as a genuine recreational space used by local residents in everyday life. If you enjoy dam or lake destinations without heavy tourism production, this place offers a rare “simple but comforting” atmosphere amid Chiang Mai’s increasingly busy travel scene.

 

The charm of a reservoir like this lies in its simplicity, which quickly pulls you out of a rushed mindset. Just arriving, seeing the wide expanse of water, feeling the breeze, slowing your steps, and letting your eyes follow the embankment and shoreline can be enough to reset your pace. You may find that this place is better suited for “clearing your head” rather than “creating content.” Nature does its job fully here—the morning air feels especially gentle, reflections on the water are naturally beautiful without any need for embellishment, while late afternoon brings a warmer, softer mood that suits quiet conversations or relaxed family walks.

 

From the perspective of “dams, lakes, and conservation areas,” Pong Pao Reservoir may not have the grand structures of large dams, but its true value lies in being a buffer zone between the community and nature. It clearly illustrates the relationship between people and water. During the rainy season or shortly after rainfall, the water level feels lively and the greenery becomes more vivid. In the dry season, the scenery shifts to reflect the natural “water cycle” just as clearly. This is one of the advantages of visiting a community reservoir: it does not try to look the same all year round, but instead changes honestly with the seasons.

 

Activities that suit this place are simple yet genuinely rewarding—such as walking along the reservoir edge, having a picnic while taking all trash back with you, photographing the water and sky, birdwatching, or quietly observing changes in the surrounding environment, especially in the morning. If local residents are fishing or carrying out community activities, the best approach is to “observe respectfully” and not interfere. The charm of a community water source lies in the fact that it remains a real space for local life.

 

If you want to add more depth to your trip, think of Pong Pao Reservoir as a “starting point” and then continue exploring Mae Taeng in a nature-focused way. Options include rafting or river activities along the Mae Taeng River, rural cafés, hillside resorts, or—if you wish to go a bit farther—the forest and reservoir areas of Sri Lanna National Park or Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam. Mae Taeng is a district with many different natural moods within relatively short driving distances. With thoughtful timing, you can enjoy a trip that feels neither rushed nor empty.

 

Getting There Pong Pao Reservoir is located in Village No. 2, San Pa Yang Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai. Traveling by private car or rental vehicle is recommended. Use a navigation app and search for “Pong Pao Reservoir” to reach the correct location, as there are several local roads within the subdistrict depending on your starting point. From Chiang Mai city, the general route heads toward Mae Taeng before turning into San Pa Yang along the suggested navigation route. Drive with caution on curves and after rainfall, especially if visiting early in the morning or near dusk when light is limited.

 

A few short but important reminders: natural or semi-irrigation reservoirs are not swimming pools. Avoid entering the water in areas without safety management, keep children and elderly visitors away from the water’s edge, do not leave food waste or feed aquatic animals, and help maintain a quiet atmosphere—especially if local residents are already using the area. When everyone treats a place like this gently, a small reservoir can remain a shared refuge for both the community and travelers for many years.

 

 

A: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for cooler weather, gentle breezes, and beautiful reflections on the water.

 

A: Yes, especially for relaxed walks and light picnics. Children and elderly visitors should be supervised closely near the water, and slippery areas after rain should be avoided.

 

A: Swimming is not recommended, as community reservoirs generally do not have formal water safety management. Enjoying the scenery from the shore is safer.

 

A: For a nature-focused continuation, consider Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam or elephant-related activities in Mae Taeng. For a longer trip, Pong Dueat Hot Springs is another option.

 

A: Take all trash back with you, keep noise levels low, do not feed wildlife, and respect the space used by local residents.