Kaeng Krachan Dam

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Kaeng Krachan Dam (Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi) is an earthen dam built across the Phetchaburi River. Completed in 1966, it created a large freshwater reservoir covering approximately 46.5 sq. km with a storage capacity of about 710 million cubic meters. The reservoir contains around 30–40 small islands, creating scenery that feels like an archipelago in a mountain lake. It is ideal for long-tail boat rides, fishing, photography, and relaxed nature-based trips, with convenient access from Bangkok via Phetchaburi–Tha Yang and Highway 3499 to Kaeng Krachan.

 

Kaeng Krachan Dam is located in Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province. As an earthen dam on the Phetchaburi River, it plays a major role in irrigation, water resource management, and nature tourism. The dam crest is approximately 760 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a height of about 58 meters. The widest section of the base reaches roughly 250 meters. The reservoir covers about 46.5 square kilometers with a capacity of around 710 million cubic meters. Since its completion in 1966, the dam has become one of the most impressive large freshwater lakes in Thailand’s western region.

 

The dam’s core purpose is to store water for agriculture and domestic use across Phetchaburi and nearby areas. At the same time, its setting—surrounded by the Tenasserim mountain range and close to Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage natural site—adds exceptional ecological value. Dense forests, wildlife habitats, and wide-open views of mountains and water combine to create a destination where engineering and natural beauty meet in a very balanced way.

 

What makes Kaeng Krachan Dam truly memorable is not only the dam structure itself but also the reservoir’s distinctive landscape. Around 30–40 small islands rise from the water when levels are high, forming an island-dotted panorama that feels rare for a lake in Thailand. The atmosphere is calm and spacious, making it especially suitable for slow travel—watching light move across the hills, taking landscape photos, and enjoying a boat ride without rushing.

 

Popular activities at Kaeng Krachan Dam include hiring a long-tail boat to cruise the reservoir. Boat prices vary depending on distance and duration, and visitors can negotiate directly with local boat operators. Many travelers also come for fishing, kayaking, sunrise and sunset photography, and camping in designated areas when permitted.

 

During the cool season and early rainy season, morning mist often drifts across the water, creating a soft, cinematic reflection of the mountains and sky. In the rainy season, if water is released through the spillway, the flowing water becomes another attractive photo moment, adding movement and energy to the scenery.

 

In terms of historical significance, Kaeng Krachan Dam reflects Thailand’s nationwide development of large-scale water infrastructure during the 1960s. It was part of a broader push to stabilize irrigation systems, raise agricultural productivity, and improve living standards along major river basins. Over time, it has continued to support local communities while also becoming a well-known natural getaway.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take Highway 35 (Rama 2 Road) toward Pak Tho District in Ratchaburi, then continue on Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) past the junction to Phetchaburi town. At the Tha Yang intersection, turn right into Tha Yang District and follow Highway 3499 for about 30 kilometers to Kaeng Krachan District. From the national park entrance area, continue roughly 4 kilometers to the dam zone. By public transport, take a Bangkok–Tha Yang bus and get off at Tha Yang Market, then take a shared songthaew to Kaeng Krachan Market, followed by a local taxi/motorbike taxi for the final 4 kilometers to the dam area.

 

 

A: The dam was completed in 1966.

 

A: Yes. Long-tail boats are commonly available, and prices depend on the route and duration agreed with local operators.

 

A: The reservoir has around 30–40 islands, creating a rare island-dotted lake panorama, especially beautiful in morning and evening light.

 

A: Early morning and late afternoon are best for comfortable weather and more dramatic light for photos.

 

A: Yes. You can stay at private accommodations around the reservoir, or camp/stay within designated areas under national park regulations.