Huai Luang Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Huai Luang Reservoir, also known as Huai Luang Dam, is one of the most important large reservoirs in Udon Thani Province. Located in Khok Sa-at Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, it is a major earth-fill dam that supports irrigation, agriculture, freshwater fisheries, raw-water supply for tap-water production, and local recreation. The reservoir is known for its broad open-water scenery, long dam crest, peaceful atmosphere, raft services, fishing, boat rides, and relaxing views close to Udon Thani city. It is a meaningful destination for travelers who want to see how water, agriculture, local livelihoods, and leisure are connected in northeastern Thailand.

 

The importance of Huai Luang Reservoir extends far beyond tourism. It is a working water-management structure under the Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The reservoir stores water for agricultural use, supports freshwater fishing, and provides raw water for tap-water production in Udon Thani, Nong Wua So, and Kut Chap areas. This makes the reservoir part of daily life for many people in the province. The water seen by visitors as a scenic landscape is also connected with farms, households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and local communities.

 

The scale of Huai Luang Reservoir is one of its strongest features. The dam is an earth-fill structure about 12.50 meters high, with a dam crest about 4.9 kilometers long. The reservoir covers approximately 20,000 rai and can store about 113 million cubic meters of water. From the dam crest, visitors can see a wide water surface stretching into the distance, with open sky, shoreline, green areas, and local landscapes around the reservoir. This broad and calm scenery makes Huai Luang a popular place for scenic drives, photography, evening relaxation, and sunset viewing.

 

The history of Huai Luang Reservoir is closely linked with the development of irrigation in Udon Thani. Construction began in 1970. The main dam was completed in 1979, and the water distribution system was completed in 1984. The project was built mainly for irrigation, agricultural support, fisheries, and raw-water supply. For local farmers, the reservoir helps reduce dependence on irregular rainfall and supports cultivation planning in both the rainy and dry seasons. It is therefore one of the key water resources supporting agricultural stability in the province.

 

In terms of irrigation, Huai Luang Reservoir supports large agricultural areas. It can supply water to approximately 94,830 rai of irrigated land in the rainy season and around 30,000 rai in the dry season. This role makes the reservoir important for rice fields, crops, household agriculture, and local food production. Water stored in the reservoir helps farmers manage seasonal uncertainty and reduces the risk of water shortage. Huai Luang is therefore not only a reservoir but also part of the agricultural foundation of Udon Thani.

 

As a raw-water source, Huai Luang Reservoir is vital for tap-water production in Udon Thani and nearby districts. The water stored here supports urban and community water-supply systems, including areas in Nong Wua So and Kut Chap. This gives the reservoir a direct connection with everyday public utilities. Maintaining clean water and protecting the reservoir environment are therefore important not only for tourism but also for the quality of life of people who rely on the water-supply system.

 

The reservoir is also an important freshwater fish habitat. Local communities around the reservoir benefit from fishing, fish-based food culture, raft services, and waterside restaurants. Visitors may see fishing activity, small boats, rafts, and people enjoying the water. These scenes show that Huai Luang Reservoir is a living landscape. It is not simply an engineering structure; it is a place where fish, birds, water plants, local fishermen, restaurant operators, and visitors all share the same environment.

 

The dam crest is the main viewpoint of Huai Luang Reservoir. Visitors can drive along the crest, stop at suitable areas, enjoy the breeze, take photographs, and look over the vast water surface. One side of the road faces the reservoir, while the other side shows the dam slope and surrounding land. Morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to visit. In the evening, the water reflects the sky and creates a spacious, peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for photography and relaxation.

 

The scenery changes by season. During the rainy season and shortly after, the reservoir becomes fuller, surrounding greenery is more vivid, and the sky often creates dramatic reflections on the water. During the cool season, the weather is comfortable for scenic driving, walking, rafting, dining, and resting by the reservoir. During the hot season, the open water still gives a sense of space and relief, but morning and late afternoon visits are more comfortable than midday visits.

 

Activities at Huai Luang Reservoir can be simple or more involved. Visitors with limited time can drive up to the dam crest, enjoy the view, take photographs, and leave within a short period. Visitors who want a longer visit can dine near the water, use raft services, take a boat ride, fish, or wait for sunset. This flexibility makes Huai Luang suitable for families, groups of friends, photographers, couples, local residents, and travelers who prefer a relaxed nature trip close to the city.

 

Rafting is one of the best ways to experience the reservoir from the water. It allows visitors to feel the breeze, see the wide water surface from a lower angle, and enjoy the surrounding scenery more slowly. Visitors who want to use raft services should contact local operators in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Safety should always come first. Life jackets should be used when appropriate, alcohol should be avoided during water activities, and rubbish must never be thrown into the reservoir.

 

Fishing is another popular activity because Huai Luang Reservoir is known as a freshwater fish habitat. Visitors who fish should respect local rules, avoid restricted areas, and leave no hooks, lines, plastic, food waste, or other litter behind. Responsible fishing helps protect the fish population, water quality, and shared use of the reservoir. The reservoir supports local livelihoods, so considerate behavior benefits both nature and nearby communities.

 

Inside the reservoir area is a royal residence associated with Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, who visited and stayed in the area in the past. This adds a historical and memorial dimension to the site. The reservoir is therefore not only a water-management structure and recreation area, but also a place connected with local memory and royal history. Visitors who wish to see this area should contact the staff in advance and follow site regulations respectfully.

 

Huai Luang Reservoir is important throughout the year because water levels must be managed carefully. In years with heavy rainfall, water levels and release operations must be monitored to reduce downstream impacts. In drier periods, stored water becomes essential for agriculture and tap-water production. This dual role makes the reservoir a key part of regional water management. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, but the deeper value of the reservoir lies in how it supports water security for people, farms, and communities.

 

Nearby communities such as Khok Sa-at, Nikhom Song Khro, and areas connected toward Nong Wua So are closely related to the reservoir. Local people use and benefit from the reservoir through agriculture, fisheries, restaurants, raft services, recreation, and tourism. The site is shared by many groups, including local residents, farmers, fishermen, restaurant operators, service providers, cyclists, photographers, and tourists. Visitors should use the area politely, avoid blocking local roads, keep noise under control, and respect community space.

 

For photography, Huai Luang Reservoir offers many strong visual compositions. These include the long dam-crest road, the open reservoir, the skyline, sunset light, rafts on the water, fishing scenes, grass along the embankment, and reflections on the water surface. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography because the light is soft and the scenery feels more atmospheric. Visitors should avoid standing in unsafe road positions or parking in a way that obstructs traffic.

 

For families, Huai Luang Reservoir is a useful place for children to learn about dams, irrigation, fish, water supply, and the importance of water to a province. Children can see how a large reservoir supports both city and countryside life. Adults should supervise children closely near the water, on the dam crest, and during any boat or raft activity. The site is best enjoyed through viewing, learning, and safe recreation rather than unsupervised water play.

 

For older visitors, the reservoir is easier to visit than waterfalls or mountain trails because it can be reached by car and does not require difficult walking. A short morning or evening visit can be enough to enjoy the view, the breeze, and the open-water scenery. This makes Huai Luang Reservoir suitable for family trips with different age groups, as each visitor can choose activities according to comfort and ability.

 

Environmental care is essential because Huai Luang Reservoir is a raw-water source, an irrigation reservoir, a fish habitat, and a public recreation area. Plastic waste, food scraps, polluted water, oil, and discarded materials can damage water quality and the ecosystem. Visitors should take rubbish back or use proper disposal points, avoid throwing anything into the water, avoid releasing non-native aquatic animals, and avoid damaging shoreline plants. Keeping the reservoir clean protects both the attraction and the water resource of Udon Thani.

 

Getting There from Udon Thani city is convenient by private car, motorcycle, rental car, or hired vehicle. Take the Udon Thani–Nong Bua Lam Phu route and turn toward Khok Sa-at Subdistrict and the reservoir area. The distance from Udon Thani city is about 20 to 25 kilometers depending on the starting point and route, and the journey usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car. Local access roads should be used carefully, especially during weekends, holidays, and evening visiting hours.

 

Visitors driving themselves should park only in safe areas that do not block traffic. Extra care is needed on the dam crest because it functions both as a scenic viewpoint and a road used by local vehicles. Those planning to use raft, boat, or dining services should check operating times in advance. Visitors from outside Udon Thani can stay in the city or nearby areas and include Huai Luang Reservoir as a convenient half-day trip.

 

Huai Luang Reservoir can be combined with several nearby places. Nature and photography routes may include the raft area, flower gardens around Huai Samran or Khok Sa-at, and local fishing points. City routes may continue to Nong Prajak Public Park, Udon Thani City Museum, Chao Pu-Ya Shrine, and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center. This allows travelers to experience both a major water landscape and the cultural side of Udon Thani in one itinerary.

 

The advantage of Huai Luang Reservoir is flexibility. A short visit can take 30 minutes to 1 hour for scenic viewing and photography. A longer visit can include waterside dining, rafting, fishing, or boat riding. Families can choose safe resting areas, photographers can wait for the evening light, and travelers interested in local systems can understand how a reservoir supports irrigation, tap-water production, fisheries, and daily life.

 

For Thai visitors, Huai Luang Reservoir shows Udon Thani as a province supported by a major water resource, not only by temples, markets, archaeological sites, or spiritual landmarks. For international visitors, it provides a clear example of an earth-fill dam and large reservoir in northeastern Thailand that has a real role in agriculture, fisheries, tap-water production, and local recreation. It helps travelers understand the practical relationship between water, land, and community life in the region.

 

Overall, Huai Luang Reservoir is one of Udon Thani’s most meaningful water landscapes. It is scenic, functional, easy to reach, free to visit, and suitable for both short and longer visits. With its wide water surface, long dam crest, irrigation role, tap-water importance, fisheries, raft services, royal association, and community connections, Huai Luang Reservoir is a destination that helps visitors understand Udon Thani through water, landscape, agriculture, and everyday life.

 

 

A: Huai Luang Reservoir is located in Khok Sa-at Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province, accessible from the Udon Thani–Nong Bua Lam Phu route.

 

A: Huai Luang Reservoir is open daily from 08.30 to 16.30.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee. Expenses depend on transport, food, drinks, raft services, boat rides, or other optional services.

 

A: It is a large reservoir used for irrigation, agriculture, freshwater fisheries, and raw-water supply for tap-water production in Udon Thani, Nong Wua So, and Kut Chap areas.

 

A: Suitable activities include scenic driving, walking on the dam crest, photography, enjoying the breeze, sunset viewing, rafting, boat rides, fishing, and waterside dining.

 

A: Yes. The reservoir area contains a royal residence associated with Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother. Visitors who wish to see this area should contact the staff in advance.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is cooler, the light is softer, and the reservoir scenery is more suitable for relaxation and photography.

 

A: Take the Udon Thani–Nong Bua Lam Phu route and turn toward Khok Sa-at Subdistrict and the reservoir area. The drive from Udon Thani city usually takes about 30–45 minutes.