Thawatchai Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Thawatchai Reservoir in Roi Et Province is a large irrigation reservoir and local nature destination in Thawat Buri District. Located around Ban Niwet, Niwet Subdistrict, and the adjoining area of Maeu Subdistrict, the reservoir is known for its broad water surface, calm atmosphere, and especially beautiful evening scenery. It holds water throughout the year and serves both practical water-management purposes and community recreation. For visitors, Thawatchai Reservoir is one of the easiest places near Roi Et city to enjoy water views, sunset light, birds, fresh air, and a quiet local atmosphere.

 

The reservoir was formerly known as Nong Chok Chia, a natural pond used collectively by local communities. In 1952, the Royal Irrigation Department approved a budget for the Roi Et Irrigation Project to develop the area into a reservoir by constructing an embankment and overflow weir to block and manage the watercourse. From that point, Nong Chok Chia became Thawatchai Reservoir, a medium-sized irrigation reservoir designed to support agriculture, household use, local water management, and the surrounding communities.

 

Thawatchai Reservoir covers approximately 2.9 square kilometers, or about 1,812 rai. Its size gives the landscape a wide and open feeling. Visitors standing near the water can see the sky reflected across the reservoir surface, especially in the late afternoon when the sun begins to drop toward the horizon. The golden and orange light over the water creates one of the most memorable views in Thawat Buri District, making the reservoir a popular place for sunset photography and relaxed evening visits.

 

The beauty of Thawatchai Reservoir comes from its simplicity and natural rhythm. It is not a heavily commercial tourist site. Instead, its character is shaped by water, sky, wind, local roads, communities, birds, and the daily use of the reservoir by people living nearby. This makes the place feel authentic. Travelers who want to experience Roi Et beyond city landmarks, temples, and markets will find the reservoir a meaningful stop.

 

The reservoir also has ecological value. Because it holds water throughout the year, it provides habitat for fish, aquatic life, and water birds. Duck-like water birds can be seen flying over the reservoir or resting near shallow muddy areas during certain periods. These birds add life and movement to the landscape. For nature observers, the reservoir is not only a scenic body of water but also a small wetland ecosystem near the city.

 

For local residents, Thawatchai Reservoir is part of everyday life. Communities around the reservoir use the water area and surrounding land in different ways, including agriculture, fishing, recreation, travel, and local livelihoods. This connection between people and water gives the reservoir deeper meaning. It is not simply a place to look at; it is a working landscape that has supported people in Thawat Buri for many decades.

 

As an irrigation reservoir, Thawatchai plays an important role in water storage and agricultural support. Water from the reservoir contributes to farming, household use, and local water balance. In northeastern Thailand, where rainfall varies seasonally, reservoirs like this are essential for community resilience. They help provide water during drier periods, support cultivation, and reduce dependence on rainfall alone.

 

For travelers, the reservoir is best experienced slowly. Visitors can walk near the edge of the water, sit quietly, take landscape photographs, watch birds, or enjoy the sunset. The place does not require a complicated itinerary. A short visit in the late afternoon is enough to understand its charm. The open water, soft wind, and evening light make the reservoir suitable for people seeking a calm local nature stop.

 

The best time to visit is late afternoon to early evening, when the weather is more comfortable and the light is beautiful. The sun shining across the water creates warm reflections and long shadows. Morning is also a good time for walking and enjoying a peaceful atmosphere before the day becomes hot. Midday visits are possible, but visitors should prepare sun protection because parts of the reservoir edge are open and exposed.

 

Thawatchai Reservoir is located near Highway 2044, the Roi Et – Roi Et Airport – Mukdahan route. This makes it convenient for travelers driving between Roi Et city, Thawat Buri District, Roi Et Airport, Phon Thong, and the eastern part of the province. The reservoir can also serve as a calm stop during a road trip. Instead of stopping only at a roadside shop, visitors can pause here for a real water view and a quiet local atmosphere.

 

Getting There from Roi Et city is straightforward. Travel toward Thawat Buri District along Chaeng Sanit Road or Highway 2044, then continue toward Niwet and Maeu subdistricts. The route is suitable for private cars, motorcycles, and local hired vehicles. The reservoir is close enough to Roi Et city for a half-day or short evening visit, making it easy to combine with other attractions in the city and Thawat Buri area.

 

Several small zones around the reservoir are suitable for visitors, including the waterside viewing area, embankment area, sunset viewpoint, local road edges, and natural bird-viewing spots. Travelers who enjoy photography should arrive before sunset to choose a safe and suitable angle. The light changes quickly during the evening, and the reservoir surface can produce beautiful reflections of the sky.

 

Recommended activities include viewing the water, walking along the reservoir edge, watching sunset, photographing the landscape, observing water birds, resting quietly, and using the reservoir as a peaceful stop on a Thawat Buri route. The site is not primarily a commercial water-activity destination. It is better suited to calm, low-impact visits than loud or disruptive activities.

 

Thawatchai Reservoir is suitable for many types of visitors. Local people can use it as a relaxation space close to home. Travelers can use it as a scenic stop near Roi Et city. Photographers can capture sunset, water reflections, and bird life. Families can bring children to learn about reservoirs and wetland ecosystems. Road travelers can rest here while passing through the Roi Et – Mukdahan route.

 

Environmentally, the reservoir should be treated with care. Water quality affects fish, birds, aquatic plants, and local communities. Visitors should not litter, throw food into the water, disturb birds, or do anything that harms the reservoir environment. A clean reservoir remains useful for both people and wildlife. Responsible travel is especially important in places that are both natural areas and working water systems.

 

Safety around the reservoir is also important. Visitors should not swim, walk too close to steep water edges, allow children to stay near the water unattended, or enter irrigation structures without permission. Embankments, spillways, and water-control areas are part of an active irrigation system and should be respected. Safe use of the area helps protect visitors and the reservoir itself.

 

Historically, Thawatchai Reservoir shows how a local community water body became part of a modern irrigation system. The transformation from Nong Chok Chia to Thawatchai Reservoir reflects the development of water infrastructure in Roi Et. A pond once used by villagers became a reservoir that supports agriculture, household use, local fishery, and public recreation. This history adds cultural value to the landscape.

 

The reservoir is also interesting as a wetland landscape near an urban area. Visitors do not have to travel far into a national park or large forest to see water birds and open natural scenery. The presence of birds, fish, shallow muddy areas, and year-round water creates a small but meaningful ecological environment. Observing birds near the reservoir is a simple way to understand the relationship between water, wildlife, and community land use.

 

For families, Thawatchai Reservoir can become an outdoor learning site. Children can learn that a reservoir is not only a beautiful place for photographs. It stores water, supports farming, provides fishery resources, creates habitat for birds, and gives people a place to rest. This direct experience helps young visitors understand how water is connected with everyday life in northeastern Thailand.

 

For international travelers, Thawatchai Reservoir can be understood as a community reservoir landscape near Roi Et city. It shows how water infrastructure, agriculture, local recreation, and wetland ecology coexist in a small Thai province. Unlike a large tourist lake, this reservoir is part of real local life. Its quiet beauty, especially in the evening, makes it a meaningful stop for travelers who want to see Roi Et beyond major landmarks.

 

Food and drink options can be found in Niwet Subdistrict, Thawat Buri Market, Erawan Square Market, and along the main roads connecting to Roi Et city. Visitors can stop at cafes, noodle shops, local restaurants, and coffee shops before or after visiting the reservoir. Those who want more choices can continue into Roi Et city, where there are many restaurants, markets, hotels, and services.

 

Accommodation options are available both near the reservoir and in Roi Et city. Visitors who want to stay close to the water can consider accommodation around the reservoir area, while travelers who prefer restaurants, transport convenience, and full city services can stay in Roi Et city and visit the reservoir as a short trip. The distance is manageable, so both options are practical.

 

Thawatchai Reservoir can be combined with several nearby attractions, including Phaya Si Suttho Nakarat, Laem Phayom, Roi Et Science and Cultural Centre for Education, Prang Ku or Prasat Nong Ku, Roi Et Airport, Bueng Phalan Chai, Roi Et Tower 101, Wat Burapha Phiram, and Roi Et National Museum. This route combines water scenery, local faith, learning, ancient remains, airport access, and city landmarks in one flexible itinerary.

 

Visitors should prepare for an outdoor setting. Comfortable shoes, drinking water, sun protection, and a camera are useful. Those who want to photograph the sunset should arrive 30 to 45 minutes earlier to choose a safe viewing point and watch the light change gradually. Evening visitors should also plan the return route and drive carefully through community areas.

 

In summary, Thawatchai Reservoir in Roi Et Province is a large and important reservoir in Thawat Buri District, located around Ban Niwet, Niwet Subdistrict, and the adjoining Maeu area. Formerly known as Nong Chok Chia, it was developed into a medium-sized irrigation reservoir in 1952. Covering about 1,812 rai, it holds water throughout the year and is valued for irrigation, local livelihoods, wetland ecology, sunset views, and community relaxation. Open daily from 08.00 to 17.00 with no admission fee, it is a worthwhile destination for visitors who want to experience Roi Et through water, light, birds, and local life.

 

 

A: Thawatchai Reservoir is located around Ban Niwet, Niwet Subdistrict, and the adjoining area of Maeu Subdistrict in Thawat Buri District, Roi Et Province. It is a medium-sized irrigation reservoir and a local recreation area.

 

A: Thawatchai Reservoir is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the reservoir area, enjoy the view, rest, and take photographs without an admission fee during opening hours.

 

A: The main highlight is its large year-round water body, beautiful evening atmosphere, sunset reflections, and water birds that can be seen during certain periods.

 

A: The reservoir was formerly known as Nong Chok Chia, a community pond later developed into a medium-sized irrigation reservoir in 1952.

 

A: From Roi Et city, travel toward Thawat Buri District via Chaeng Sanit Road or Highway 2044, then continue toward Niwet and Maeu subdistricts. A private car, motorcycle, or local hired vehicle is recommended.

 

A: Late afternoon is the best time for sunset and water-reflection photography, while morning is suitable for walking and enjoying a peaceful reservoir atmosphere.

 

A: Nearby and connected places include Phaya Si Suttho Nakarat, Laem Phayom, Roi Et Science and Cultural Centre for Education, Prang Ku, Roi Et Airport, Bueng Phalan Chai, Roi Et Tower 101, and Wat Burapha Phiram.