Huai Nam Man Ton Bon Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir in Loei Province, widely known as Huai Krathing, is a medium-sized irrigation reservoir managed under Thailand’s irrigation system. Surrounded by mountains, bamboo groves, and calm natural scenery, it is one of the most relaxing places near Loei town for floating raft trips, local food on rafts, swimming in designated areas, sunset views, and slow nature travel. The main rafting area is at Ban Huai Krathing in Kok Thong Subdistrict, Mueang Loei District.

 

Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir in Loei Province is better known locally as Huai Krathing. It is a medium-sized earthen reservoir built for irrigation and water management, but its beautiful mountain setting has also made it one of the most popular nature-rest stops near Loei town. The reservoir is surrounded by hills, bamboo forest, local communities, and calm water, creating a peaceful environment for travelers who want to sit on floating rafts, enjoy local food, and spend time away from the busier parts of the city.

 

The appeal of Huai Krathing comes from the way it combines an irrigation reservoir with a local leisure culture. The water body itself serves an important practical role for the province, while the same reservoir has become a scenic destination for families, groups of friends, local residents, and travelers heading between Loei town and Phu Ruea. Wooden rafts floating on the water, forested hills in the background, and cool wind blowing across the surface make the place feel calm and naturally refreshing.

 

The reservoir area is connected with Ban Huai Krathing, Moo 1, Kok Thong Subdistrict, and Ban Pong Bia, Moo 3, Nam Man Subdistrict, both in Mueang Loei District. Visitors can access raft services from more than one side, but Ban Huai Krathing is the most popular area because it has more floating raft operators, food services, and visitor facilities. This side is suitable for first-time visitors who want a simple and convenient raft experience with food and scenic views.

 

The landscape around the reservoir is also part of the charm. Huai Krathing lies within a mountain-and-forest setting associated with Harirak Forest Park. The surrounding hills are not overwhelmingly high, but they form a natural frame around the water. Bamboo groves and forest patches add softness to the scenery, while the wide reservoir surface reflects the sky and mountain lines. This combination makes the area good for slow travel, photography, lunch on a raft, and sunset viewing.

 

The main activity at Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir is floating raft relaxation. Visitors can choose to sit on a raft near the shore like an open-air floating restaurant, or they can ask the operator to tow the raft farther out into the reservoir for a more private and scenic atmosphere. Once the raft is positioned on the water, travelers can eat, talk, rest, take photos, or simply lie back and enjoy the wind and mountain view.

 

Raft services are available in several sizes. Small rafts are suitable for couples or small groups. Medium rafts are good for families and groups of friends. Larger rafts are available for bigger groups. Some operators also provide food, drinks, life jackets, and inner tubes for visitors who want to swim in designated safe areas. Choosing the right raft depends on group size, budget, and whether the visitors want a short meal stop or a longer floating experience.

 

Food is a major reason people come to Huai Krathing. Most raft restaurants serve Thai and Isan-style dishes such as som tam, larb, spicy salads, fried chicken with herbs, grilled chicken, grilled tilapia, fish soup, and freshwater fish dishes. Eating on a raft gives the meal a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local flavors while looking at the water and mountains, which makes the experience feel different from an ordinary restaurant meal.

 

Morning at Huai Krathing has a quiet character. The air above the water is cooler, and during the cool season or the late rainy season, light mist may appear above the reservoir surface. Soft morning light reflecting on the water and mountains creates a peaceful scene that is ideal for photography. This time of day is best for travelers who enjoy calm landscapes before the raft restaurants become busier from late morning onward.

 

Midday and afternoon are the most popular times for raft activities. The breeze across the reservoir helps make the weather more comfortable, even on sunny days. Many visitors choose lunchtime or early afternoon because they can combine food, raft relaxation, swimming, and sightseeing in one visit. Late afternoon is also attractive because the warm light gives the hills and water a softer tone, making it a good time for sunset photography.

 

Huai Krathing is especially convenient because it is close to Loei town. From the city, travelers drive toward Phu Ruea for about 15 kilometers, then turn into a local road for about 5 kilometers to reach the Ban Huai Krathing raft area. This short distance makes the reservoir suitable for a half-day trip, a lunch stop, or a scenic break before continuing to Phu Ruea, Chiang Khan, or other destinations in Loei Province.

 

For travelers passing through Loei, Huai Krathing works well as a rest point between the city and the mountain route. Families can stop here to let children and older travelers rest from the road. Groups of friends can use a floating raft as a relaxed place to eat and talk. Travelers heading to Phu Ruea can stop for lunch and continue their journey afterward. The location is practical, but the natural setting makes it feel much more rewarding than a normal roadside stop.

 

Getting There from Loei town is straightforward. Take the Loei-Phu Ruea route, commonly referred to as the Loei-Phu Ruea road, for about 15 kilometers. After passing Ban Rai Muang, Ban Ko Rai Yai, and Ban Siao Tai, continue toward Ban Siao Nuea, then turn right into the road leading to Huai Krathing. Drive for about 5 more kilometers to reach the main raft service area at Ban Huai Krathing. Private cars and vans are the most convenient options.

 

Visitors can also access the reservoir through the Ban Pong Bia side in Nam Man Subdistrict. This route has a quieter character and connects with the other side of the reservoir. For convenience and a wider choice of raft operators, the Ban Huai Krathing side is usually the preferred choice. Travelers who want a calmer atmosphere or who are already traveling through Nam Man Subdistrict may choose the Ban Pong Bia side instead.

 

Facilities around the reservoir support a relaxed day trip. Visitors can find parking areas, floating raft restaurants, restrooms, raft services, life jackets, inner tubes, and local food services. Travelers do not need to bring food, as most raft operators offer meals. Useful personal items include a towel, a change of clothes, waterproof bags for phones, drinking water, and a bag for carrying trash back. Cleanliness is important because the reservoir is both a water resource and a tourism site.

 

Water safety should always come first. Visitors who swim should wear life jackets, avoid jumping into unknown water depths, and supervise children closely. Alcohol should be avoided before swimming. While on the raft, visitors should not stand carelessly on the edge, shake the raft, or move in ways that affect balance. Following the raft operator’s instructions helps keep the experience safe and comfortable for everyone.

 

From a natural perspective, Huai Krathing shows the relationship between water, mountains, forest, and local communities. The reservoir creates a large freshwater landscape within a valley, while the surrounding hills and bamboo groves help keep the scenery cool and green. Birds, small animals, and aquatic life are part of this environment. Visitors should avoid littering, feeding animals inappropriately, damaging plants, or disturbing the natural edges of the reservoir.

 

The best season to visit is from the late rainy season through the cool season. During this period, the hills are green, the air is cooler, and mist may appear above the water in the morning. The hot season is still suitable for raft activities because the breeze over the reservoir makes the area feel more comfortable. During the rainy season, the scenery is lush, but visitors should check the weather and avoid going out on rafts during heavy rain or strong wind.

 

Huai Krathing can be combined with several nearby attractions around Mueang Loei and the Phu Ruea route. These include Harirak Forest Park, the Huai Krathing viewpoint, Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, Kut Pong Public Park, Loei Walking Street, the old Loei governor’s residence museum area, and Phu Ruea National Park. A well-planned one-day route can include a morning visit to town or Phu Bo Bit, a raft lunch at Huai Krathing, and an evening stop in Loei town or onward travel to Phu Ruea.

 

One of the strongest qualities of Huai Krathing is accessibility. Visitors do not need to trek, climb a mountain, or spend several hours traveling to reach a scenic natural setting. The reservoir is easy to access, yet it still provides a strong sense of water, mountains, and forest. This makes it suitable for elderly travelers, families with children, and anyone who wants a relaxing nature stop without difficult physical activity.

 

For photographers, Huai Krathing offers many simple but attractive compositions: rafts along the shore, wide water surfaces, forested hills, bamboo scenery, food on floating rafts, and sunset light over the reservoir. Morning is best for quiet and misty scenes, midday is good for lively raft activity, and late afternoon gives warm light. Cameras and phones should be protected from water, and drone use should be done respectfully without disturbing other visitors.

 

International travelers will find Huai Krathing interesting because it offers a local form of leisure that is not limited to temples, old towns, or beaches. Sitting on a floating raft, eating Isan food, watching local families relax, and feeling the breeze over the reservoir gives visitors a real glimpse of how people in Loei spend time near nature. The experience is simple, local, and easy to understand even for travelers visiting Thailand for the first time.

 

Accommodation near Huai Krathing is mostly found along the road toward Loei town and within Mueang Loei District. Some resorts are closer to the reservoir, while hotels in Loei town offer more convenience for restaurants, shops, transport, and evening activities. Staying in town makes it easy to plan Huai Krathing as a half-day trip, while staying closer to the reservoir gives a quieter and more natural atmosphere.

 

Restaurants in the Huai Krathing area are mostly raft restaurants. Each operator may have different raft sizes, food menus, service style, and pricing. Visitors should choose according to group size and activity preference. During weekends and holidays, calling ahead is useful because raft seating can fill quickly, especially during lunchtime and early afternoon when most visitors come for food and floating raft relaxation.

 

A half-day route can begin with arrival at Huai Krathing in the late morning, choosing a raft, ordering food, and spending two to three hours relaxing on the water. After that, visitors can return to Loei town or continue toward Phu Ruea. A full-day route can add Harirak Forest Park, Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, Kut Pong Public Park, Loei Walking Street, or other nearby stops depending on time and travel direction.

 

Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir has value in several ways. It is an irrigation reservoir, a local nature destination, a food-and-raft experience, and a community-based service area. Its simplicity is a major strength. Travelers can reach the reservoir easily, enjoy mountain-and-water scenery, support local raft operators, and experience a quiet side of Loei that feels close to local life rather than mass tourism.

 

A good visit should end with responsible behavior. Keep the reservoir clean, do not throw waste into the water, do not damage the natural surroundings, and follow the instructions of raft operators. If visitors help protect the area, Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir will remain a beautiful floating raft destination, a local livelihood source, and an important nature stop in Loei Province for future travelers.

 

 

A: Upper Huai Nam Man Reservoir, also known as Huai Krathing, is located in Mueang Loei District, Loei Province. The main floating raft area is at Ban Huai Krathing, Kok Thong Subdistrict, with another access area at Ban Pong Bia, Nam Man Subdistrict.

 

A: Huai Krathing is known for its mountain-surrounded reservoir, floating raft restaurants, raft trips, local food, swimming areas, bamboo scenery, and calm sunset atmosphere.

 

A: The reservoir area can be visited daily, while most raft and raft-restaurant services operate around 08.00 – 18.00.

 

A: There is no general entrance fee for visiting the reservoir. Raft services have separate fees depending on raft size and whether visitors want the raft to be towed out into the reservoir.

 

A: Yes, visitors can swim in areas provided by raft operators. Wearing a life jacket is recommended, and children should be supervised closely at all times.

 

A: The late rainy season and cool season are the best periods because the hills are green, the air is cooler, and morning mist may appear above the water. Late afternoon is also good for sunset views.

 

A: Yes. From Loei town, drive toward Phu Ruea for about 15 kilometers, then turn into the local road for about 5 more kilometers to reach the Ban Huai Krathing raft area.

 

A: Nearby places include Harirak Forest Park, Huai Krathing Viewpoint, Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, Kut Pong Public Park, Loei Walking Street, Loei City Museum area, and Phu Ruea National Park.