Huai Mae Than Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

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

 

Huai Mae Than Reservoir, also known as Mae Than Reservoir, is an important royal development water-resource project in Mae Kua Subdistrict, Sop Prap District, Lampang Province. Located at Moo 7, Ban Mae Kua Phatthana, the reservoir was developed to help local residents access water for daily life, agriculture, farming, vegetable cultivation, and household use. It is not only a water-storage structure but also a meaningful example of how irrigation development can support rural livelihoods in northern Thailand.

 

The background of Huai Mae Than Reservoir is closely connected with the royal concern for people living in rural areas, especially farmers and vulnerable communities who faced shortages of land, water, and agricultural knowledge. In many rural areas, the lack of reliable water made it difficult for communities to improve farming productivity and escape poverty. Royal development projects focused on water resources therefore became a practical way to strengthen local livelihoods, support agriculture, and improve quality of life.

 

Huai Mae Than Reservoir began construction in 1984 and has continued to store water for the benefit of the people of Ban Mae Kua Phatthana and nearby communities. The water is used for daily living, field crops, rice farming, vegetable cultivation, and household consumption. For local residents, the reservoir is a foundation for agricultural stability because it helps reduce dependence on rainfall and provides water during important farming periods.

 

According to royal development project data, Mae Than Reservoir has a dam length of about 615 meters, a height of about 19 meters, and a storage capacity of about 11,400,000 cubic meters. Its catchment area is about 88 square kilometers, and the reservoir supports around 12,000 rai of agricultural land. These figures show that the reservoir is not merely a small local pond, but a significant water-resource project for agriculture and community development in Sop Prap District.

 

The value of the reservoir can be understood in several ways. First, it provides water for household use. Second, it supports agriculture, which remains central to rural livelihoods. Third, it helps strengthen food security by enabling local people to grow crops more reliably. Finally, it creates a peaceful natural setting that can be appreciated by visitors who want to learn about water management and rural life in Lampang.

 

The atmosphere around Huai Mae Than Reservoir is calm and simple. The water surface, open sky, surrounding greenery, and rural landscape create a peaceful environment suitable for slow travel, photography, and quiet reflection. Unlike highly commercial attractions, this reservoir is best appreciated as a community water source and a place to understand how water connects with farming, livelihoods, and local development.

 

For travelers, Huai Mae Than Reservoir is suitable as a quiet stop in Sop Prap District. Visitors can enjoy the reservoir view, take photographs, rest in a calm rural setting, and learn about the role of royal development projects in improving water access for local communities. A visit here is especially meaningful for travelers interested in agriculture, irrigation, local communities, and lesser-known destinations in Lampang Province.

 

Sop Prap District offers a combination of rural communities, local temples, natural areas, and agricultural landscapes. Huai Mae Than Reservoir can be combined with nearby places such as Wat Mae Kua, Wat Suttharam, Wat Phra That Duang Diao, Doi Chong National Park, and Khrok I La Waterfall. This allows visitors to create a travel route that includes water-resource learning, local temples, community scenery, and nature in one trip.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car or motorcycle. From Sop Prap District, travel toward Mae Kua Subdistrict and Ban Mae Kua Phatthana, Moo 7. Travelers without a private vehicle can first reach Sop Prap District by public transport and then arrange a local hired vehicle to Mae Kua Subdistrict. It is best to agree on the fare and return time in advance because local transport to community reservoirs may not run frequently throughout the day.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. Morning offers cooler air, soft light, and a quiet atmosphere, while late afternoon is suitable for photography and relaxing by the reservoir. The period after the rainy season and during the cool season usually provides greener surroundings and more comfortable weather. In the hot season, visitors should bring drinking water, sun protection, and suitable clothing.

 

Visitors should prepare basic items such as drinking water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a bag for taking trash back. Because the reservoir is an important community water source, responsible behavior is essential. Do not litter, do not enter restricted irrigation areas, do not swim in unsafe areas, and do not disturb local residents or agricultural activities around the reservoir.

 

Families can visit Huai Mae Than Reservoir, but children should be supervised closely near the water. This is a natural reservoir area, not an urban park with full safety barriers. Visitors should choose safe resting spots and avoid steep or slippery areas. Keeping the visit calm and respectful helps protect the reservoir as both a community resource and a peaceful natural place.

 

Food options are found mainly in Mae Kua Subdistrict and Sop Prap town. Local restaurants and cafes such as Khrua Ban Suan, Khrua Khot Saep, Ouantuy Steak House & Restaurant, and Inthanin Coffee Sop Prap can be visited before or after the reservoir. Travelers should call ahead when planning to visit a specific restaurant because opening hours may vary by day and season.

 

Accommodation is available in Sop Prap District for visitors who want to stay nearby. Options include local resorts and small accommodations such as Somkiat Resort, Huai Fang Resort, Kong Ngoen Resort, and other stays in the district. Travelers who prefer more hotel choices can also stay in Lampang city and visit Huai Mae Than Reservoir as part of a day trip to Sop Prap.

 

Overall, Huai Mae Than Reservoir is a meaningful local destination in Lampang. It combines the practical importance of a royal development water project with the quiet charm of a rural reservoir. For travelers who want to understand the relationship between water, farming, community life, and rural development, this reservoir offers a calm and valuable stop in Sop Prap District.

 

 

A: Huai Mae Than Reservoir is located at Moo 7, Ban Mae Kua Phatthana, Mae Kua Subdistrict, Sop Prap District, Lampang Province.

 

A: Yes. Huai Mae Than Reservoir, or Mae Than Reservoir, is a royal development water-resource project created to help rural communities access water.

 

A: Construction of Huai Mae Than Reservoir began in 1984, and the reservoir continues to serve local communities today.

 

A: The reservoir stores water for daily living, farming, rice cultivation, vegetable production, and household use for people in Mae Kua Subdistrict and nearby areas.

 

A: Travelers can go from Sop Prap District to Mae Kua Subdistrict and Ban Mae Kua Phatthana, Moo 7. A private car or motorcycle is the most convenient option.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is cooler, the light is better for photography, and the atmosphere is quieter.

 

A: Yes. Restaurants and accommodations are available in Sop Prap District, including Khrua Ban Suan, Ouantuy Steak House & Restaurant, Somkiat Resort, Huai Fang Resort, and Kong Ngoen Resort.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Wat Mae Kua, Wat Suttharam, Wat Phra That Duang Diao, Doi Chong National Park, and Khrok I La Waterfall.