🌸 Family Adventures at Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir, Chiang Mai | Smiths on Tour

From Speedos to Serenity: A Surprise Day at the Reservoir

When Plan A Involves Speedos…

So this adventure didn’t exactly start as planned. We originally headed to an Olympic-style swimming pool—Tilly was excited, I was ready, and Joe… well, Joe took one look at the “Speedos only” rule and bolted. 😂 In his defense, it’s not everyone’s idea of a relaxing dip.

With that plan out the window, we pulled up Google Maps and looked for the next nearby spot. Enter: a hidden gem of a reservoir park—and what a find it turned out to be!

Entry Fee? Just 50 Baht!

For just 50 baht each (around £1), we gained access to a peaceful nature park that you could drive around at your own pace. There were multiple parking spots where you could hop out and explore different areas—no crowds, no pressure, just relaxed wandering.

A Bit of Everything for Everyone

The park itself was lovely—laid-back and family-friendly, with random quirky touches like animal statues, a windmill, and even a zipline (for a little extra). Tilly loved spotting the sheep and other wildlife scattered around the grounds, and we all appreciated the slower pace.

Lunch with a View (and Fried Shrimp!)

By far the best part? Lunch in a traditional bamboo hut perched over the lake, complete with a thatched roof and floor seating. It was one of those simple, authentic experiences that you just can't plan for.

• I ordered the fried shrimp—crispy, fresh, and delicious.

• Tilly went for her usual favorite: fried chicken wings.

• Joe chose the crispy pork (and then proceeded to fall asleep right there in the hut, he was that chilled out).

But the food, as tasty as it was, couldn’t beat the view—glistening water, greenery, and total peace.

Wild Buffalo, Stray Dogs & Mountain Views

A surprise highlight of the day? Watching a small herd of wild water buffalo wade into the lake to cool off. It was genuinely magical seeing them roam free in their natural habitat.

On our drive back around the lake, we stopped at several gorgeous photo spots—mountains in the background, reflections on the water, and peaceful, quiet surroundings. We also spotted a herd of stray dogs (from a respectful distance) and visited a large Buddha temple perched at the top of the lake.

Final Thoughts: Peaceful, Unexpected & Under a Tenner

This spontaneous detour turned into one of our most peaceful days. Nature, great food, good walking chats, and all for less than a tenner. The presence of monks quietly walking through the park added this beautiful sense of serenity and authenticity to the experience—it really felt like we’d stepped into a slower, more mindful world. bargain. Sometimes, it’s the plans that don’t work out that lead to the best memories!