Rating: 2.6/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Lat Krathing Reservoir is a nature escape in Lat Krathing Subdistrict, Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao Province. Known for its calm, open water views and peaceful atmosphere, it suits a slow walk, casual photography, and catching the evening breeze. Many visitors also pair the trip with a nearby stop at Wat Phra That Wayo (Wat Huai Nam Sap) for an easy, unhurried one-day itinerary.

 

Lat Krathing Reservoir is a small reservoir in rural Chachoengsao that plays a dual role: it supports agriculture as a local water source and serves as a relaxing public space for residents and travelers who prefer quiet places over crowded hotspots. The appeal here is not grand architecture or elaborate facilities, but the sense of “openness” — the wide water surface and long horizon line that makes daily rush feel far away the moment you drive closer. On a clear day, a soft breeze ripples the water, reflecting the sky in changing tones, from bright blue in the late morning to warm gold and orange in the evening. Sunset time is typically the most popular because the scenery and comfort come together naturally.

 

The reservoir sits in Lat Krathing Subdistrict, Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao Province, and is especially convenient for visitors traveling by private car. The surrounding landscape is a mix of farmland, patches of forest and local vegetation, and the gentle rural character typical of Thailand’s eastern region — simple, understated, yet quietly attractive. This is why Lat Krathing Reservoir often becomes the go-to choice for people who want to “get some fresh air” on a day off, without driving all the way to the sea or navigating the crowds of the province’s most famous attractions.

 

From a water-resource perspective, Lat Krathing Reservoir was developed to address local water shortages and to strengthen agricultural stability, especially by ensuring adequate water allocation during the dry season. When a functioning storage source is available, farmers can plan cultivation more clearly, reduce risk from irregular rainfall, and gradually improve productivity with greater consistency. A reservoir also provides communities with more “flexibility” in daily life management, because water is not only about fields and irrigation — it shapes food security, income, and household stability in broader terms.

 

What makes Lat Krathing Reservoir more meaningful than a typical scenic viewpoint is the relationship between the community and the water source. In many parts of Thailand, a nearby reservoir is both a working landscape and a shared leisure space. This place reflects that pattern well. On some days, it forms the backdrop to local agricultural routines and water management. Yet in the evenings and on weekends, the same space becomes a relaxing open-air area for district residents and short-trip visitors — a place to sit in the breeze, take photos, or spend simple time with family.

 

Another charm of Lat Krathing Reservoir is its proximity to a well-known landmark, especially Wat Phra That Wayo (Wat Huai Nam Sap), a temple recognized for its striking chedi. From certain viewpoints around the temple area, the reservoir landscape can also be appreciated, encouraging many travelers to plan both stops together: begin with a temple visit for merit-making and quiet reflection, then continue to the reservoir for nature and open scenery. This creates a seamless day-trip flow that works for both culture-oriented visitors and nature lovers.

 

As a nature-based outing, Lat Krathing Reservoir suits light activities that do not require large-scale tourism infrastructure. Visitors can walk along areas with clear water views, sit for a simple picnic in a safe spot, capture wide-angle landscape photos that include both water and terrain, or wait for the evening light as the water surface gradually changes color. In general, the most comfortable and photogenic times are early morning with gentle sunlight or late afternoon before sunset, when the breeze tends to be pleasant and the heat is lower.

 

The reservoir’s atmosphere changes noticeably with the seasons. In the late rainy season and early cool season, water levels are often higher, and the surrounding greenery looks especially vivid, which works well for natural-toned photography. In the hot season, more of the embankment and shoreline contours become visible, offering a more open, dry-season look typical of the eastern region. Some visitors prefer this period because the exposed landforms add stronger lines and depth to landscape photos compared with the full-water season.

 

Ecologically, the reservoir area and shoreline grasses can support local fish and bird life. Quiet walking, proper waste disposal, and avoiding sensitive wetland edges help reduce human impact and maintain balance. If fish-feeding occurs at certain times, it should be done responsibly: choose appropriate feed and avoid overfeeding, as excess food can affect long-term water quality. Many people enjoy the feeling that “there are lots of fish” when movement appears near the edge, but the key is moderation so the natural system remains healthy for the future.

 

Getting There For those driving from Chachoengsao city, the practical approach is to plan the route toward Sanam Chai Khet District, then continue into Lat Krathing Subdistrict. This is an area locals know well, and many visitors naturally combine the trip with a stop at Wat Phra That Wayo. Once you reach the temple area, continuing to the reservoir viewpoints is generally straightforward. The distance from the Sanam Chai Khet District Office area to Lat Krathing zone is comfortable for a relaxed drive, making the reservoir suitable for either a half-day outing or an easy full-day plan without rushing.

 

If you aim for sunset photography, it is worth arriving roughly one hour before the best light. This gives you time to explore angles, choose a wide vista over the water, or find a composition with hills and trees to create layered depth. On clear-sky days, late-afternoon light tends to be soft and flattering on the water surface. With thin cloud cover, the sky often gains more texture, producing naturally dimensional photos without heavy editing.

 

For preparation, bring drinking water, a small towel, a hat or umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes. Some areas are open and can feel hot in midday sun. If you plan to sit and relax, choose spots that do not block pathways and avoid slippery edges near the water, especially after rain. If you intend to stay into the early evening, insect repellent is also a sensible item, as mosquitoes can appear around natural water areas at dusk.

 

Overall, Lat Krathing Reservoir offers an experience that feels “simple but rewarding.” You do not need a packed itinerary to enjoy the time here — sitting quietly, listening to the breeze, watching the water shift in color, or stopping for food along the route can already make the day feel complete. Many visitors choose it for an easy one-day drive from Bangkok, and in more recent years, nearby dining options along the broader route have made the trip more convenient. Still, the heart of the place remains its nature and calm atmosphere.

 

To make the day feel more complete without rushing, a fitting plan is to begin with a visit to Wat Phra That Wayo for a peaceful start, then move to the reservoir to enjoy the scenery, walk or photograph in the late morning, take a meal break in the district or along the route, and return again for the evening light by the water. This creates a balanced day with both cultural and natural dimensions, while keeping a relaxed rhythm rather than hopping quickly from one photo spot to another.

 

In the end, Lat Krathing Reservoir is a clear example of a place that reflects the idea of “sustainable water use.” It functions as essential infrastructure for daily life and as a shared public landscape where people can slow down and reconnect with the outdoors. Its appeal does not come from exaggerated development, but from nature continuing to do its work quietly, and from the community valuing the long-term care of the area’s balance.

 

 

A: Early morning and late afternoon before sunset are the best times, as the weather is cooler and the light is ideal for photos.

 

A: Many visitors pair it with Wat Phra That Wayo (Wat Huai Nam Sap), as it is in the same area and creates a balanced culture-and-nature day.

 

A: Yes, it is suitable for relaxed walking and scenic viewing, but children should be supervised closely near the water and seated in safe areas.

 

A: You can enjoy a quiet walk, take landscape photos, relax picnic-style, and stop at nearby food zones around the temple area and the route depending on the time and day.

 

A: Bring drinking water, a hat or umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, and insect repellent if you plan to stay until evening.

 

A: For sunset light, arrive about one hour early so you can choose viewpoints and capture the atmosphere before the sun goes down.