Kiw Ko Ma Dam

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: No fixed building-style opening hours; morning and late afternoon are recommended

 

Kiew Kho Ma Dam in Lampang Province is a major water-storage dam in the Wang River basin. It is located in Pong Don Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, and was developed to store excess water during the rainy season, reduce flood risk, and keep water for use during the dry season. The dam blocks the Wang River and plays an important role in irrigation, water management, agriculture, and the overall water security of Lampang Province.

 

Kiew Kho Ma Dam began storing water in 2008 and has become an important part of the irrigation system connected with the Wang River basin. The reservoir above the dam is surrounded by hills, forested landscapes, and quiet rural scenery. For travelers, the area offers peaceful views, a calm atmosphere, and a good opportunity to appreciate both natural beauty and the practical role of water-resource infrastructure in northern Thailand.

 

The dam is important because the Wang River basin experiences seasonal differences in water availability. During the rainy season, the river can carry more water than farmers need at that moment. Kiew Kho Ma Dam helps store this water, reduce the impact of flooding, and release water for agricultural use during the dry season. This makes the dam valuable not only for engineering and irrigation but also for the livelihoods of people living downstream and in agricultural communities.

 

The scenery at Kiew Kho Ma Dam is simple, spacious, and peaceful. From the dam area, visitors can see the reservoir stretching between surrounding hills. The view changes with the season: after the rainy season, the landscape is greener and the air feels fresher; during the cool season, the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing; in the dry season, the structure and form of the reservoir become more visible. This makes the dam suitable for landscape photography, quiet walks, and nature observation.

 

Unlike highly developed tourist attractions, Kiew Kho Ma Dam is best appreciated as a quiet viewpoint and nature-learning site. Visitors can stop to rest, take photos, enjoy the reservoir view, and learn how a dam contributes to flood mitigation and dry-season water supply. It is also suitable as a stop on a broader travel route through Chae Hom, Mueang Pan, and Chae Son National Park.

 

Getting There by car is the most convenient option. Take Highway 1035 on the Lampang – Chae Hom route, continue toward the access road to Pong Don Subdistrict in Chae Hom District, and then drive to the dam area. The dam is about 12 km from the village area of Pong Don Subdistrict. Daytime travel is recommended, especially for visitors who are unfamiliar with rural and hilly roads in this part of Lampang.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. Morning offers fresh air and soft light, while late afternoon is suitable for photography and relaxed viewing of the reservoir. Travelers visiting after the rainy season or during the cool season will usually find the surrounding hills greener and the weather more pleasant. During the hot season, visitors should bring drinking water, sun protection, and suitable clothing.

 

Visitors should remember that Kiew Kho Ma Dam is an active irrigation facility. Responsible behavior is important. Do not enter restricted operational zones, do not climb dam structures, do not litter, do not swim in unsafe areas, and avoid any activity that may affect water quality or the surrounding environment. Families with children should supervise them closely near the water and sloped areas.

 

Kiew Kho Ma Dam can be combined with nearby attractions such as Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Springs, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson, Mueang Pan nature routes, and Kiew Lom Dam. This makes it a useful stop for travelers planning a nature-focused journey through Chae Hom and the northern part of Lampang.

 

Food and accommodation options are available mainly in Chae Hom, Mueang Pan, and the route toward Chae Son. Restaurants and cafes within about 11 – 18 km include local coffee shops, restaurants, and park-area food stops. Accommodation options range from local resorts and homestays to nature-style lodges. Travelers who plan to stay overnight should contact accommodations in advance, especially during weekends and long holidays.

 

Overall, Kiew Kho Ma Dam is a meaningful destination for travelers who want to see a quieter and more functional side of Lampang. It combines reservoir scenery, mountain views, irrigation significance, and a calm northern Thai atmosphere. For visitors interested in nature, water management, photography, or a peaceful stop on the Lampang – Chae Hom route, Kiew Kho Ma Dam is a worthwhile addition to the itinerary.

 

 

A: Kiew Kho Ma Dam is located near Ban Sop Fa in Pong Don Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, Lampang Province, in the upper Wang River basin.

 

A: It was built to store excess rainy-season water, reduce flooding, and keep water for dry-season agricultural use in the Wang River basin.

 

A: Kiew Kho Ma Dam began storing water in 2008 and has since played an important role in Lampang’s water management system.

 

A: It is suitable for quiet sightseeing, photography, nature study, and learning about irrigation and water-resource management.

 

A: Travelers can drive along Highway 1035 on the Lampang – Chae Hom route, enter the route toward Pong Don Subdistrict, and continue about 12 km from the village area to the dam.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is more comfortable, the light is suitable for photography, and the reservoir view is clear and peaceful.

 

A: Yes. Nearby choices include cafes and restaurants in Chae Hom and the route toward Chae Son, such as Ak-ka-ra Coffee, Hug Na Chae Hom, Doimaejam Cafe, Chae Son National Park Food Shop, and Aew Im Restaurant.

 

A: Travelers can combine it with Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Springs, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson, Mueang Pan routes, and Kiew Lom Dam.