Huai Ta Mai Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 – 18.00

 

Huai Ta Mai Reservoir in Si Sa Ket is a large and peaceful reservoir in Kantharalak District, ideal for scenic views, quiet relaxation, photography, local fishing scenes, and a direct glimpse of rural life in northeastern Thailand. Located around Moo 2, Ban Tum Noi, Phu Ngoen Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, the reservoir is surrounded by open water, rural landscapes, and community life connected to freshwater resources. For foreign travelers looking for a calm nature-based stop in Si Sa Ket, Huai Ta Mai Reservoir offers an easy, authentic, and low-key destination that can be visited throughout the year, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

 

Huai Ta Mai Reservoir lies in the Kantharalak area, with important connections to Phu Ngoen and Krachaeng subdistricts. It is under the responsibility of the Si Sa Ket Irrigation Project, Regional Irrigation Office 8, Royal Irrigation Department. The site plays an important role not only as a scenic reservoir, but also as a working water resource for agriculture, freshwater fisheries, and local livelihoods. This makes the reservoir more meaningful than a simple viewpoint. It reflects the relationship between water, farming, fishing, and everyday rural life in the lower northeastern region of Thailand.

 

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a wide expanse of water stretching across the local landscape. Around the reservoir, some areas are open and suitable for taking photos, enjoying the view, or stopping during a road trip. In several spots, visitors can see local fishing boats on the water. These scenes give the reservoir a living character, combining natural scenery with the daily routines of people who depend on the water. Small boats, fishing gear, and local fishermen are part of the reservoir’s identity and help create an atmosphere that feels genuine rather than staged for tourism.

 

The area around Ban Tum Noi in Phu Ngoen Subdistrict is one of the key spots for enjoying the reservoir’s scenery. The broad water surface, open sky, surrounding trees, and rural atmosphere create a relaxing setting for travelers who want a break from crowded attractions. On clear days, the water reflects clouds and soft light beautifully. Early morning and late afternoon are especially pleasant because the temperature is lower and the light is gentle. Visitors can walk, take wide-angle landscape photos, or simply pause to enjoy the calmness of the reservoir.

 

One of the most distinctive features of Huai Ta Mai Reservoir is that it is a living water source. It is not just a quiet body of water for sightseeing. Local people continue to use the reservoir for traditional freshwater fishing. Boats, nets, fishing rods, and local fishing tools can often be seen around the area. Fish found in the reservoir vary by season, and the presence of fishing activity shows how the reservoir supports food, income, and community life. For travelers interested in local culture, these everyday scenes are among the most memorable aspects of the visit.

 

The landscape of Huai Ta Mai Reservoir is also interesting because roads pass through parts of the reservoir area, allowing travelers to see water on both sides in some sections. This makes the journey itself part of the experience. Driving through the area can feel open and refreshing, especially when passing over bridges or along stretches where the view expands across the water. For travelers exploring Kantharalak by car, the reservoir works well as a scenic stop between local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.

 

Huai Ta Mai Reservoir was constructed during the period from 1969 to 1973 and has a normal storage capacity of approximately 37.29 million cubic meters. Its importance goes far beyond tourism. It is part of the water management system of Si Sa Ket Province, supporting agriculture, helping regulate seasonal water supply, and serving as a freshwater resource for nearby communities. Understanding this role adds depth to the visit, especially for travelers who want to see how irrigation, rural settlement, and local livelihoods are connected in Thailand’s northeastern provinces.

 

For photographers, Huai Ta Mai Reservoir offers several appealing perspectives: the wide water surface, local fishing boats, roads and bridges crossing the reservoir area, grassland near the water, and warm evening light reflected on the surface. The images here are simple, natural, and grounded in real rural life. Travelers who enjoy landscape photography, slow travel, and documentary-style local scenes will find the reservoir more rewarding than a quick roadside stop.

 

The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon. In the morning, the air is fresher and local fishing activity may be visible. In the late afternoon, the light becomes warmer and the reservoir takes on a softer appearance, especially when the sky is clear. Travelers planning to sit and relax should bring drinking water, a hat, sun protection, and a small folding chair or mat if needed. Since this is a natural and community-used area, visitors should take all rubbish away and help keep the reservoir clean.

 

The scenery changes with the seasons. During and after the rainy season, the water level is usually higher and the surrounding landscape becomes greener. In the dry season, the water level may decrease, exposing more banks, soil, and rocks. Both conditions offer different impressions of the reservoir. The rainy-season view feels fresh and lush, while the dry-season view reveals more of the reservoir’s landform and shoreline. This seasonal variation makes Huai Ta Mai Reservoir suitable for repeat visits at different times of the year.

 

The reservoir is also a good place to observe community life around Kantharalak District. Seeing local residents launch boats, fish, or spend time near the water helps visitors understand how important reservoirs are to rural communities. A slow visit is more rewarding than a rushed stop. The sound of the wind, water, boats, and local activity gives the place a quiet rhythm that reflects everyday life in Si Sa Ket.

 

Huai Ta Mai Reservoir suits several types of travelers. Families can use it as a peaceful nature stop. Road trippers can pause for photos and fresh air. Photographers can capture water, sky, boats, and local scenes. Travelers interested in irrigation and rural development can appreciate its role as a working water resource. The site is easy to understand, does not require a complicated itinerary, and provides a clear sense of place through its natural setting and community connection.

 

Visitors should remember that this is both a natural area and a working local water resource. Drive carefully near reservoir roads and roadside viewpoints. Avoid standing too close to steep or unstable banks. Do not disturb fishing activity. Swimming is not recommended in areas without supervision because water depth and underwater conditions can change by season. Respecting the place and keeping it clean helps preserve the reservoir for local residents and future travelers.

 

For trip planning, Huai Ta Mai Reservoir can be combined with other attractions in Kantharalak District, such as Kantharalak City Pillar Shrine, Nong Kwang Deet Health Park, Wat Tham Samroeng Phutthasiri, Wang Yai Waterfall, Don Tuan Khmer Ruins, and Pha Mo E Daeng. A one-day itinerary can start with a morning reservoir visit, continue with lunch or coffee in Kantharalak town, and then move on to nearby cultural or natural sites in the afternoon.

 

Most restaurants and cafés near Huai Ta Mai Reservoir are located in Kantharalak town or along main roads nearby. Travelers should plan meals in advance, especially when visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. The town offers Thai restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, and local dining options within a practical driving distance from the reservoir. This makes it easy to combine a nature visit with a meal stop before continuing the journey.

 

For accommodation, staying in Kantharalak town is the most practical choice. The area has small hotels, resorts, and guesthouses within driving distance of the reservoir. Staying in town gives visitors easier access to restaurants, convenience stores, fuel stations, and routes leading to other attractions. This is particularly useful for travelers planning to explore more of Kantharalak District or nearby natural and cultural sites the following day.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car or rental car. Travelers can set the destination to Ban Tum Noi, Phu Ngoen Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, or search for Huai Ta Mai Reservoir in a navigation app. From Si Sa Ket town, drive toward Kantharalak District, then continue toward Phu Ngoen Subdistrict and Ban Tum Noi. Having your own vehicle is strongly recommended because it allows flexible stops for viewpoints, photography, restaurants, and nearby attractions.

 

Huai Ta Mai Reservoir is valuable in several ways. It is a natural viewpoint, a local fishing area, an irrigation reservoir, and a peaceful community space. Its appeal comes from simplicity rather than commercial development. Visitors come here to see water, sky, boats, rural life, and the quiet side of Si Sa Ket. For travelers who want an authentic nature-based stop in Kantharalak District, Huai Ta Mai Reservoir is a worthwhile destination to include in a Si Sa Ket travel route.

 

 

A: Huai Ta Mai Reservoir is located around Moo 2, Ban Tum Noi, Phu Ngoen Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province.

 

A: Yes. It is open daily, with the recommended visiting hours from 06.00 to 18.00.

 

A: No admission fee is required for general sightseeing and relaxation around the reservoir.

 

A: It is known for its wide water views, peaceful natural setting, local fishing boats, freshwater fish, and quiet rural atmosphere.

 

A: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is more comfortable and the light is ideal for photography.

 

A: The easiest way is by private car or rental car. Set your destination to Ban Tum Noi, Phu Ngoen Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province.

 

A: Yes. Several restaurants, cafés, hotels, and resorts are located in Kantharalak town, approximately 16 to 18 km from the reservoir.

 

A: Visitors should be careful near reservoir banks, steep slopes, roadside stops, and unsupervised water areas. They should also avoid littering and respect local fishing activity.