Sridphong Dam, also known as King Phra Ruang Weir, is located to the west of Sukhothai city, with the Prathak Mountains stretching majestically in the background. This area not only holds historical significance but also offers stunning natural scenery. The dam reflects the ingenuity of the people of Sukhothai in the past, who were skilled in water management. The surrounding region is rich in diverse vegetation, including fruit trees, hardwoods, and medicinal plants, making it a biodiverse area that naturally captures rainwater efficiently.

 

Historical evidence shows that the people of Sukhothai constructed a large earthen embankment between the foot of Kiew Ai Ma Mountain and Phra Bat Yai Mountain to collect and control water coming from various channels, as well as rainwater flowing down the hills. The dam was designed to redirect water through canals into the ancient city and the royal palace. Water from the dam was channeled into Satrang Ngoen and Satrang Thong ponds for city use and royal activities. This sophisticated water management system allowed the city to sustain its agricultural and daily needs effectively.

 

In Inscription No. 1, Sridphong is mentioned: “At the head of Sukhothai city, there are monasteries and shrines of the masters. There is Sridphong, palm forests, mangrove forests, ebony forests, water channels, sacred spirits in the mountains who are greater than all spirits in this city.” This highlights the importance of the dam and surrounding area as both a water management hub and a sacred site for the Sukhothai community.

 

Today, the Royal Irrigation Department, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department, has restored and reinforced Sridphong Dam to make it stronger and more durable. The dam now stands approximately 10 meters high and can hold up to 400,000 cubic meters of water. These improvements not only preserve the original structure but also allow the dam to continue serving its role in water retention and management efficiently.

 

Sridphong Dam exemplifies the ancient Thai wisdom in engineering. The design of earthen dams and canals demonstrates a deep understanding of the local geography and natural environment. Water was diverted strategically to connect with ponds within the city, ensuring a reliable supply for the population and urban activities. Preserving and restoring the dam today maintains this ancestral wisdom while creating new value for tourism and educational purposes.

 

Besides its historical and engineering significance, the area around Sridphong Dam is naturally beautiful. Visitors can enjoy views of the Prathak Mountains and serene canals flowing through the landscape. The dam is not only a water reservoir but also a learning site for history and local wisdom. Tourists can appreciate the shade, greenery, and biodiversity nearby, making Sridphong Dam an ideal destination for both cultural and nature-based tourism.

 

The restoration of Sridphong Dam represents the integration of heritage conservation and sustainable water resource management. It demonstrates the intelligence of the Sukhothai people in designing efficient and aesthetically pleasing hydraulic structures. Today, the dam serves as a symbol of historical grandeur, engineering skill, and a valuable site for learning and tourism.