Ubol Ratana Dam (Phong Nip Dam)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07.00 – 20.00

 

Ubol Ratana Dam in Khon Kaen Province is one of the most important multipurpose dams in northeastern Thailand. Built across the Phong River where the river passes through the mountain gap between the Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham ranges, the dam combines engineering, water management, hydropower, agriculture, fisheries, local livelihoods, and leisure tourism in one destination. For foreign travelers, it is one of the best places near Khon Kaen city to experience a wide reservoir landscape, relaxed lakeside dining, panoramic viewpoints, and a meaningful piece of Thailand’s modern development history.

 

Construction of Ubol Ratana Dam began in 1964 and was completed in 1966. The dam was officially opened on 14 March 1966 by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by Princess Ubol Ratana. This royal opening ceremony gave the dam a significant place in the modern history of northeastern Thailand. It represents a period when the country was expanding infrastructure for electricity generation, irrigation, water storage, and regional development, especially in the Northeast, where water resources are closely connected to farming, communities, and daily life.

 

In simple terms, Ubol Ratana Dam is a large multipurpose dam and reservoir in Khon Kaen Province. It is suitable for sightseeing, walking along the dam area, taking photos of the reservoir, enjoying local food, paying respect to Phra Phuttha Sirisattarat or Luang Pho Chet Kasat, and continuing the trip to nearby attractions such as Bang Saen 2, Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and other natural sites around Ubolratana District. It is a convenient day-trip destination from Khon Kaen city and works well for families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers who prefer a calm nature-based experience.

 

The main appeal of Ubol Ratana Dam is not only its large reservoir but also its broad role in the region. The dam helps generate hydropower, supports agricultural water use, contributes to freshwater fisheries, helps regulate water in certain seasons, and provides a recreational area for residents and visitors. This makes the site more than a scenic viewpoint. It is a living example of how water, engineering, and local communities are connected in northeastern Thailand.

 

The dam crest and reservoir viewpoint are the most popular areas for visitors. From here, travelers can see the broad water surface stretching toward the surrounding hills. On clear days, the combination of sky, water, and mountain ridges creates a peaceful open landscape. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to visit, while the evening is especially popular for photography because the light becomes softer and the reservoir often reflects the sky beautifully.

 

Inside the dam area, visitors will find several facilities and leisure zones, including Ruean Phan Kham Restaurant, Khun Saichol Villa, a golf course, garden areas, resting spots, and viewpoints. Ruean Phan Kham is one of the best-known restaurants in the dam area and is suitable for travelers who want to enjoy a meal while staying close to the reservoir atmosphere. Khun Saichol Villa offers accommodation within the dam area for those who prefer to spend more time near the water and enjoy a slower, quieter stay.

 

The dam area also includes a literary plant garden, dinosaur sculpture garden, fish-feeding area known as Wang Matcha, and local food spots. These zones make Ubol Ratana Dam more family-friendly because visitors can do more than simply stop for a photo. They can walk around, rest, take pictures, bring children to enjoy open spaces, and learn about the relationship between the reservoir and the surrounding local environment.

 

At the far end of the dam area stands Phra Phuttha Sirisattarat, also widely known as Luang Pho Chet Kasat. Many Thai visitors stop here to pay respect before or after enjoying the viewpoint. This sacred image adds a spiritual dimension to the destination, making Ubol Ratana Dam a place where scenic nature, engineering, public infrastructure, and Buddhist faith coexist in one setting.

 

Geographically, Ubol Ratana Dam is located in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, in an area associated with the Phu Kao and Phu Phan Kham mountain ranges. The surrounding terrain gives the reservoir its distinctive scenery: wide water, low mountains, local communities, and quiet rural roads. As travelers leave Khon Kaen city and drive toward the dam, the atmosphere gradually changes from urban surroundings to a more open countryside landscape, making the journey itself part of the experience.

 

The name Ubol Ratana Dam is connected to Princess Ubol Ratana, who accompanied Their Majesties during the official opening ceremony in 1966. For this reason, the dam carries both technical and historical meaning. It is not only an infrastructure project but also a landmark associated with a period of national development and regional transformation in Thailand.

 

For practical travel planning, Ubol Ratana Dam can be visited as a half-day or full-day trip from Khon Kaen city. Visitors with limited time can drive from the city, walk around the dam area, pay respect to Luang Pho Chet Kasat, have lunch near the reservoir, and return to town within the same day. Travelers who prefer a slower trip can stay overnight near the dam or around Bang Saen 2, then enjoy the reservoir atmosphere in the evening and early morning.

 

Recommended activities include walking around the dam area, taking landscape photographs, watching the sunset, dining near the reservoir, visiting the fish-feeding area, exploring garden zones, and combining the trip with Bang Saen 2. Bang Saen 2 is a popular lakeside leisure area near the dam where visitors can find floating restaurants and relaxed waterfront spots. It is especially suitable for families and groups who want to spend more time by the water.

 

Several nearby viewpoints can be included in the same itinerary. Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint offers a broader perspective of the reservoir and surrounding mountains, while Hin Chang Si Viewpoint in Nam Phong National Park is known for rock formations, forest scenery, and panoramic views over Ubol Ratana Dam. These viewpoints are excellent options for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and wide-angle landscapes.

 

The best time of day to visit depends on the type of experience you want. Morning is comfortable for walking and photography, while late afternoon is ideal for soft light and sunset views. Midday can be hot because several parts of the dam area are open and exposed to the sun, so visitors should bring drinking water, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection, especially when traveling with children or older adults.

 

Seasonally, the period after the rainy season and into the cool season usually offers refreshing scenery, clearer skies, and more pleasant weather. The hot season is still suitable for lakeside dining and short sightseeing stops, but visitors should avoid long walks under strong sun. The reservoir atmosphere changes throughout the year, which is part of the charm of visiting a large water landscape in northeastern Thailand.

 

Food is an important part of the Ubol Ratana Dam experience. Travelers can find restaurants in and around the dam area, including Ruean Phan Kham, restaurants near Bang Saen 2, local Thai food shops, seafood-style freshwater fish menus, and casual cafes. Many restaurants focus on Thai dishes, Isan flavors, fish dishes, and family-style meals. During weekends and long holidays, it is best to check opening hours or call in advance where a phone number is available.

 

Accommodation options near the dam range from the official-style Khun Saichol Villa in the dam area to small hotels, resorts, and pool villas around Ubolratana District. Travelers who want to stay close to the reservoir should choose accommodation near the dam or Bang Saen 2. Those who prefer more urban convenience can stay in Khon Kaen city and visit the dam as a day trip.

 

Because the dam is both a public tourism site and an operational water and energy infrastructure area, visitors should follow posted instructions, avoid restricted zones, avoid climbing barriers, keep children close when near the water or slopes, and keep the area clean. Responsible travel helps protect the reservoir environment and preserves the peaceful atmosphere for both local communities and future visitors.

 

Getting There from Khon Kaen city is straightforward by private car or rental car. Take Highway 2 on the Khon Kaen – Udon Thani route for about 26 km, then turn left toward Ubol Ratana Dam for another 25 km. The total distance from Khon Kaen city is about 50 km. A private vehicle is the most convenient option because it allows visitors to combine the dam with nearby attractions such as Bang Saen 2, Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and local restaurants.

 

A simple itinerary can begin in Khon Kaen city in the morning. Drive to the dam, walk around the viewpoint area, pay respect to Luang Pho Chet Kasat, have lunch at a restaurant near the dam, continue to Bang Saen 2 or Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint in the afternoon, and finish the day with sunset views before returning to the city. This route is relaxed, practical, and suitable for travelers who want to experience the dam from several angles without rushing.

 

Ubol Ratana Dam remains one of Khon Kaen’s most meaningful attractions because it brings together scenic beauty, regional history, hydropower, water management, local food, and community life. For foreign travelers exploring northeastern Thailand, it offers a clear and accessible way to understand how a major reservoir can shape landscapes, livelihoods, and tourism in the Isan region.

 

 

A: Ubol Ratana Dam is located in Khuean Ubolratana Subdistrict, Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, about 50 km from Khon Kaen city.

 

A: It is known as a major multipurpose dam in northeastern Thailand, with reservoir views, dam crest scenery, restaurants, accommodation, and Phra Phuttha Sirisattarat or Luang Pho Chet Kasat.

 

A: The dam area is open daily from 07.00 to 20.00. Morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times for sightseeing and photography.

 

A: Drive along Highway 2 toward Udon Thani for about 26 km, then turn left toward the dam for about 25 km. The total distance from Khon Kaen city is about 50 km.

 

A: Visitors can enjoy reservoir views, walk around the dam area, take photos, dine near the water, visit garden zones, see the fish-feeding area, and pay respect to Luang Pho Chet Kasat.

 

A: Yes. It is a convenient day-trip destination from Khon Kaen city and is suitable for families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers who enjoy calm natural scenery.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Bang Saen 2, Chong Khao Khat Viewpoint, Wat Phra Bat Phu Phan Kham, Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, and Phu Wiang National Park.

 

A: Yes. There are restaurants in and around the dam area, including Ruean Phan Kham, as well as nearby accommodations such as Khun Saichol Villa, Little Box Hotel, Pomelo Park Resorts, Baan Chom Dao Resort, and T Four Pool Villa.