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TL;DR: Huai Soem Reservoir is located at Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, Thailand, open Daily, hours 08.00 – 17.00.
Huai Soem Reservoir

Open Days: Daily
Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00
Soem Reservoir, also known as Huai Soem Reservoir, is a medium-sized reservoir in Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province. The reservoir is known for its calm water scenery, local restaurants, rafting activities, nearby resorts and homestays, and a relaxed rural atmosphere. It is suitable for families, slow nature travel, photography, short relaxation, local food stops, and half-day trips around Wang Saphung.
Soem Reservoir in Loei Province, also called Huai Soem Reservoir, is a medium-sized water attraction in Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District. The reservoir is located around Huai Soem, a local area with rural roads, communities, restaurants, temples, agricultural land, and nearby natural attractions. It is not a heavily commercial destination, but it offers a comfortable combination of water views, local food, rafting, and accommodation options in the wider Wang Saphung area.
The appeal of Soem Reservoir comes from its simple and restful landscape. The open water gives visitors a sense of space, while the surrounding rural scenery creates a calm atmosphere. Unlike large dams or national-park destinations, this reservoir is easier to approach and more suitable for short relaxation. Visitors can stop by for scenery, take photographs, enjoy food nearby, use rafting services, or include the reservoir as part of a local travel route in Wang Saphung District.
The reservoir is located at Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei 42130. This location makes it a useful stop for travelers who want to explore the quieter side of Loei, away from the more famous routes such as Chiang Khan, Phu Ruea, or Phu Kradueng. The atmosphere around the reservoir reflects everyday local life: local roads, community food shops, temples, village areas, and the natural water landscape that supports recreation and local identity.
The main character of Soem Reservoir is relaxation by the water. Visitors do not need special equipment or a complicated itinerary. The reservoir is suitable for sitting by the water, enjoying the breeze, taking photographs, having a local meal, and spending time with family or friends. Its medium size gives enough open scenery to feel refreshing while still keeping a local and approachable atmosphere.
Rafting is one of the activities that makes the reservoir more lively. A raft experience allows visitors to see the water from a different angle rather than only looking from the shore. Sitting on a raft, feeling the breeze, and watching the landscape around the reservoir creates a slow and pleasant experience. Visitors should always follow the instructions of local operators, especially when boarding, moving around, or traveling with children.
Food is another important part of visiting the reservoir. Around Sai Khao and Wang Saphung, visitors can find local restaurants, Isan food, noodle shops, cafés, and casual food stalls. This makes a visit to Soem Reservoir more convenient because travelers can combine natural scenery with local meals. Some visitors may stop for food before entering the reservoir area, while others may visit the reservoir first and continue to Wang Saphung town for a fuller meal afterward.
Nearby accommodation makes the reservoir suitable for both short visits and overnight trips. Homestays, small hotels, and resorts are available in Wang Saphung District and nearby town areas. Travelers who want a quieter local base may stay in Wang Saphung, while those who need broader hotel choices and transport convenience may stay in Loei town and visit the reservoir as a half-day trip. This flexibility makes Soem Reservoir easy to include in different travel plans.
Morning is a pleasant time to visit Soem Reservoir. The weather is cooler, the light is soft, and the water surface often looks calmer than later in the day. Photographers can capture water reflections, rural scenery, and the soft atmosphere of Sai Khao Subdistrict. Morning visits are also suitable for families and older travelers because the heat is usually more comfortable.
Midday visits are best combined with food and a short rest. If the weather is hot, visitors should choose shaded areas or local restaurants before spending time by the water. Those planning to use rafting services should check the weather and wind conditions on the day of travel. Safety should always come first, particularly when traveling with children or elderly family members.
Late afternoon gives the reservoir one of its best moods. Warm light reflects on the water and makes the rural landscape more atmospheric. This is a good time for sunset photography, quiet sitting, and relaxed conversation. Visitors should arrive before the light fades and leave the area within the operating period for a safe and comfortable trip.
Getting There is most convenient by private car or motorcycle. From Wang Saphung District, travel toward Sai Khao Subdistrict and use the destination name “Huai Soem Reservoir” or “Soem Reservoir, Sai Khao, Wang Saphung, Loei” in online maps. The route uses local roads that connect villages and community areas, so careful driving is recommended, especially during rain or in the evening.
Travelers coming from Loei town can drive toward Wang Saphung District and continue into Sai Khao Subdistrict. The reservoir can be combined with nearby attractions such as Wat Phutthamon, Wat Si Chai Mat, Huai I Loet Reservoir, Tham Pha Bing, Wat Tham Pha Bing, Sirindhorn Art Center, Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho, and Phu Hin Kong. This makes the reservoir a useful stop in a route that combines water scenery, temples, caves, art, and local food.
The reservoir landscape reflects the character of Sai Khao Subdistrict. It is surrounded by community life rather than separated from it. Local food shops, temples, markets, farmland, and residential areas all form part of the travel experience. For visitors who want to understand Loei beyond its famous landmarks, a place like Soem Reservoir offers a grounded and local perspective.
As a local water landscape, Soem Reservoir also has value beyond tourism. Reservoirs create open water space, add a cooling effect to the surrounding area, support community recreation, and provide a natural gathering point for local activities. The water, roads, food shops, rafts, and resorts around the reservoir all show how a local reservoir can become part of both daily life and travel.
Useful items to bring include drinking water, a hat, insect repellent, a camera, a light jacket for the evening, and a bag for carrying trash back out. Visitors planning to use rafting services should wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip. Families with children should keep children close at all times because water areas and raft zones require extra attention.
Responsible behavior is essential at any reservoir. Visitors should not throw waste into the water, leave food scraps behind, enter unsafe swimming areas, stand too close to water edges, or disturb other visitors. When using rafts, visitors should sit safely, avoid unnecessary movement on raft edges, and follow operator instructions. This helps keep the destination safe and pleasant for everyone.
For photographers, Soem Reservoir offers water views, soft reflections, rural roads, raft scenes, local restaurants, and surrounding community life. Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the light is gentler. Visitors should choose safe viewpoints and avoid blocking local access routes or service areas.
Families will find Soem Reservoir suitable for a short and relaxed outing. It offers enough scenery and local activity to make the visit enjoyable without requiring heavy physical effort. Children can see the water, rafts, and local food environment, but they should always be supervised near the shore and raft areas. The safest family visit focuses on sitting, eating, photography, and gentle sightseeing.
International travelers may find the reservoir interesting because it shows a local form of Thai countryside leisure. Instead of a major landmark created for foreign tourism, Soem Reservoir presents ordinary local travel: water scenery, food stops, rafts, small resorts, village roads, and community life. This kind of stop helps foreign visitors understand Loei at a more local level.
A half-day route can begin with a morning visit to Soem Reservoir, followed by lunch in Sai Khao or Wang Saphung. A fuller day can include Huai I Loet Reservoir, Wat Phutthamon, Tham Pha Bing, Sirindhorn Art Center, and Phu Hin Kong. This creates a balanced route with nature, water, temples, caves, art, and food.
Soem Reservoir is valuable because it is accessible, peaceful, and connected with local services. It offers water views, rafting, restaurants, and nearby stays without the pressure of a crowded tourist site. For travelers who enjoy slow local destinations, it is a worthwhile stop in Wang Saphung District.
A good visit should end with clean and respectful behavior. Take all trash back out, use raft services safely, support local food shops politely, and respect the surrounding community. With responsible use, Soem Reservoir can remain a pleasant water attraction, a local recreation area, and a scenic stop in Loei Province for future visitors.
| Name | Soem Reservoir / Huai Soem Reservoir |
| Location | Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, Thailand |
| Address | Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei 42130, Thailand |
| Coordinates | Search Google Maps For: Huai Soem Reservoir Sai Khao Wang Saphung Loei or อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยเซิม ตำบลทรายขาว อำเภอวังสะพุง จังหวัดเลย |
| Highlights | Medium-sized reservoir, calm water scenery, local restaurants, rafting, nearby resorts and homestays, and a peaceful rural atmosphere |
| Distinctive Features | Suitable for waterfront relaxation, photography, local meals, rafting activities, family visits, and slow travel around Wang Saphung District |
| Travel Information | From Wang Saphung District, travel toward Sai Khao Subdistrict and use Huai Soem Reservoir or Soem Reservoir as the navigation point. Private cars and motorcycles are convenient. |
| Current Status | Open as a natural reservoir attraction and waterfront recreation area in Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province |
| Open Days | Daily |
| Opening Hours | 08.00 – 17.00 |
| Local Service Fees | Restaurants, rafting services, resorts, and homestays charge according to each operator’s service type |
| Facilities | Restaurants, raft services, waterfront rest areas, photo spots, road access from the local community, and nearby resorts and homestays in Wang Saphung District |
| Main Areas / Zones | 1. Reservoir-Side Area 2. Water View Area 3. Rafting Area 4. Nearby Restaurant And Local Shop Area 5. Nature Photography Area 6. Entrance And Local Road Area 7. Nearby Resort And Homestay Area 8. Sai Khao Community Linkage Area |
| Caretaker | Local agencies in Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, together with local operators and surrounding communities |
| Main Contact Number | Sai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organization Tel. 042-076-122 |
| Visitor Guidelines | Keep the area clean, do not throw waste into the reservoir, avoid unsafe swimming areas, use raft services carefully, supervise children closely, and follow local operator instructions |
| Nearby Tourist Attractions | 1. Wat Phutthamon, Sai Khao Subdistrict, about 5 km 2. Wat Si Chai Mat, Sai Khao Subdistrict, about 6 km 3. Huai I Loet Reservoir, Wang Saphung District, about 8 km 4. Tham Pha Bing, Pha Bing Subdistrict, about 18 km 5. Wat Tham Pha Bing, Pha Bing Subdistrict, about 18 km 6. Sirindhorn Art Center, Si Songkhram Subdistrict, about 20 km 7. Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho, Si Songkhram Subdistrict, about 22 km 8. Phu Hin Kong, Nong Ngio Subdistrict, about 25 km |
| Nearby Restaurants | 1. Jungle Cafe Sai Khao Loei, about 4 km, Tel. 098-592-8178 2. Yai Thep Khanom Chin Sai Khao, about 5 km 3. Yai Chalong Khao Piak Sen, Ban Non Sai Khao, about 5 km 4. Krua Nong Im, Sai Khao Subdistrict, about 6 km 5. Zab Sud Soi 66, Sai Khao Subdistrict, about 6 km 6. Na Wang Restaurant, Wang Saphung District, about 16 km, Tel. 042-241-418 7. A Tee Shabu Wang Saphung, about 16 km, Tel. 097-320-2878, 092-249-7588 |
| Nearby Accommodations | 1. Hug Wang Homestay, Wang Saphung, about 14 km, Tel. 095-664-8203 2. Rim Loei Homestay, Wang Saphung, about 15 km, Tel. 098-923-9808, 081-234-9859 3. Wang Saphung In View Hotel, about 16 km, Tel. 081-505-1569 4. Plus Hotel Loei, about 16 km, Tel. 062-639-0382 5. Tonsak Loei Resort, about 17 km 6. Smile Resort Wang Saphung, about 17 km 7. Waraphon Grand Mountain Hotel, about 18 km |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Soem Reservoir located?
A: Soem Reservoir, also known as Huai Soem Reservoir, is located at Huai Soem, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Wang Saphung District, Loei Province 42130, Thailand.
Q: What are the opening hours of Soem Reservoir?
A: Soem Reservoir opens daily from 08.00 to 17.00. Morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times for scenery, photography, and waterfront relaxation.
Q: What is Soem Reservoir known for?
A: It is known as a medium-sized reservoir with calm water views, local restaurants, rafting, nearby resorts and homestays, and a relaxed rural atmosphere in Wang Saphung District.
Q: Is rafting available at Soem Reservoir?
A: Yes, rafting is part of the local visitor experience. Travelers should check availability, weather, and safety instructions with local operators on the day of travel.
Q: Is Soem Reservoir suitable for families?
A: Yes, it is suitable for families who want a relaxing waterfront visit, local food, photography, and easy nature travel. Children should always be supervised near the water and raft areas.
Q: What should visitors bring?
A: Bring drinking water, a hat, insect repellent, a camera, a light jacket for the evening, a trash bag, and comfortable shoes. Visitors using raft services should follow local operator instructions.
Q: What nearby places can be visited on the same trip?
A: Nearby places include Wat Phutthamon, Wat Si Chai Mat, Huai I Loet Reservoir, Tham Pha Bing, Wat Tham Pha Bing, Sirindhorn Art Center, Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho, and Phu Hin Kong.
Q: What type of trip is best for Soem Reservoir?
A: Soem Reservoir is best for a short relaxation trip, a half-day route, rafting, local food stops, nature photography, and slow travel around Wang Saphung District in Loei Province.
Category: ●Nature and Wildlife
Group: ●Dam, Reservoir, Lake
Last Update : 1 MonthAgo



