Ban Pak Nai Fisherman Village

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Restaurants and floating raft services are available throughout the day

 

Pak Nai Fishing Village in Na Tha Nung Subdistrict, Nan Province, is a lakeside fishing community located above Sirikit Dam Reservoir. Once a riverside settlement along the Nan River, the village transformed into part of the massive reservoir after the construction of Sirikit Dam. Today, the area is known for its beautiful lake scenery, floating raft restaurants, freshwater fish cuisine, and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by green mountains.

 

Pak Nai has become one of Nan Province’s most distinctive natural tourism destinations for travelers who want to experience local fishing culture together with the scenery of northern Thailand’s reservoir landscapes. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, with fishing boats, floating restaurants, mountain views, and wide stretches of water creating scenery that resembles a freshwater inland sea.

 

The local community continues to depend on freshwater fishing as its primary occupation. Fishermen catch species such as pla kot, pla kang, pla boo, giant gourami, and red tilapia from the reservoir. Fresh fish from the lake is then served at floating restaurants throughout the village, making Pak Nai especially popular among visitors looking for authentic local seafood-style freshwater cuisine.

 

One of the main highlights of Pak Nai Fishing Village is the floating raft restaurants spread across the reservoir area. Visitors can enjoy meals directly on the water while admiring panoramic lake and mountain scenery. Many raft restaurants also provide boat tours and overnight accommodation, allowing travelers to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the reservoir more closely.

 

Boat trips around the upper Sirikit Dam Reservoir are among the most popular activities in Pak Nai. Travelers can cruise through the lake while observing mountains, forests, fishing communities, floating houses, and quiet natural scenery. The route provides a unique perspective of the reservoir landscape and reflects the lifestyle of communities living around the water.

 

Another important role of Pak Nai is its connection to Nam Pad District in Uttaradit Province via ferry and vehicle transport boats. The round-trip journey usually takes around 6 hours, and many visitors choose to stay overnight to fully experience the atmosphere of the reservoir, especially during the cool season when mist often appears above the water in the early morning.

 

The best time to visit Pak Nai Fishing Village is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and the scenery around the reservoir is especially beautiful. Morning visits offer misty lake views, while evenings are ideal for watching sunsets reflected across the water.

 

Unlike many modern tourist destinations, Pak Nai still preserves the atmosphere of a traditional fishing village. Visitors can observe fishermen returning with their catch, boats moving across the reservoir, and the simple rhythm of local life connected to the water. This authentic atmosphere gives Pak Nai a distinctive charm that appeals to travelers looking for peaceful nature and local culture.

 

Several floating raft restaurants also provide accommodation for overnight guests. Staying overnight on the reservoir allows visitors to experience sunrise over the lake, quiet nighttime scenery, and the natural atmosphere of the surrounding mountains, making Pak Nai a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation away from busy cities.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car or rental vehicle. Travelers can drive to Na Tha Nung Subdistrict and continue to Pak Nai Pier, where boat tours and floating raft restaurants are located. Visitors planning overnight stays or lake tours should contact raft operators in advance, especially during the peak tourism season.

 

 

A: The village is famous for its floating raft restaurants, freshwater fish cuisine, and lake scenery above Sirikit Dam Reservoir.

 

A: Yes. Boat tours are available for sightseeing around the upper Sirikit Dam Reservoir.

 

A: Freshwater fish dishes such as pla kot, pla kang, giant gourami, and red tilapia are local specialties.

 

A: The best period is from October to March when the weather is cooler and the scenery is especially beautiful.

 

A: Yes. Several floating raft restaurants provide overnight accommodation for visitors.

 

A: A typical dining and sightseeing boat trip takes around 2 hours.