XC Trail in Chiang Mai

Description Details
Trail Name: Huay Lan Lake
Trail Location: Chiang Mai
Trail Type: XC, undulating terrain
Trail Difficulty: Easy

To: Huay Lan Lake

Close to the border of Chiang Mai and Lamphun is Huay Lan lake (also known as Huai Lan reservoir), a picturesque area surrounded by wooded rolling hills with 3 artificial reservoirs surrounded by trails suitable for cycling or jogging and impressive views of the imposing 890m high Doi Ton to the South. Huay Lan is the largest of the reservoirs and also the starting point for a fun XC trail in Chiang Mai.

You can essentially start anywhere on the lake, the mapmyride route below starts on the reservoir wall and goes in a clockwise direction past Huay Lan and up to the most Southerly reservoir, which is also the highest altitude on the route at 455m. From here, continue clockwise and start heading back North to Huay Lan, this is the best section as there is a slight decline most of the way along smooth single track.

The trail combines some paved sections, single track and a few technical sections have been made for past races just to add interest along the way. It is generally quite flat, there are a few short steep sections but a high level of fitness is not required to complete the 9km route. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore too, with trails leading off into the hills intermittently.

Getting to Huay Lan Lake

The area is around 40 minutes South East of Chiang Mai so depending on where you are located, get onto highway 1317 heading away from Chiang Mai, until the mountains come into view. You can take the smaller 1147 road for a few minutes and follow signs for Baanpong lodge which is just a couple of kilometers from the lake.

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