Nong Bua Reservoir

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Nong Bua Reservoir in Phayao Province is a small community reservoir located at Moo 5, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District. It is a quiet local nature spot with a total area of about 60 rai, consisting of 2 reservoir basins with a combined water area of about 30 rai. The entrance to the reservoir is about 900 meters from the Phayao – Chiang Kham Road, making it an accessible stop for travelers driving through the northern part of Mueang Phayao and for local residents looking for a peaceful place to rest.

 

Nong Bua Reservoir offers a different atmosphere from the more famous tourist landmarks in Phayao. While Kwan Phayao is the major lakeside symbol of the province, Nong Bua Reservoir represents a quieter community water landscape. Its appeal comes from simplicity: calm water, open space, local surroundings, and a natural setting connected with the foothill landscape of Ban Mai Subdistrict. Visitors who enjoy small, low-key destinations will find this reservoir suitable for short breaks, photography, and peaceful outdoor relaxation.

 

Ban Mai Subdistrict is a landscape of plains near mountains, with Doi Luang and several natural water sources forming part of the local environment. Nong Bua Reservoir fits naturally into this setting. It is not only a place to look at water but also a community landscape that reflects the relationship between local people, water resources, and rural surroundings. The 2 reservoir basins create a gentle waterside environment where visitors can enjoy views of the water, sky, trees, and nearby natural scenery.

 

The main advantage of Nong Bua Reservoir is its accessibility. From the main Phayao – Chiang Kham Road, visitors only need to drive about 900 meters into the reservoir area. This makes it a convenient stop for those traveling between Mueang Phayao and areas toward Chiang Kham, Chun, or the northern and eastern parts of Phayao Province. The reservoir is suitable for a quick rest, a quiet photo stop, or a short visit during a half-day local trip.

 

For photography, Nong Bua Reservoir offers simple but pleasant views. The water surface, sky reflections, trees, rural paths, and surrounding natural atmosphere create soft compositions, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Morning light gives the area a fresh and calm feeling, while the late afternoon is good for warmer tones and softer shadows. Because the place is not usually crowded, visitors can take time to observe and photograph the scenery without feeling rushed.

 

Nong Bua Reservoir is best enjoyed slowly. Visitors can walk around the waterside area, sit quietly, rest during a road trip, take nature photos, or simply enjoy a pause from daily routines. It is not a destination designed around large facilities or commercial activities. Instead, it is a local open space where the water and landscape are the main experience. This makes it suitable for travelers who prefer authentic local places rather than heavily developed tourist sites.

 

The reservoir also has environmental value as a small water body within the community. Places like this help maintain a sense of openness, moisture, and green space in rural landscapes. Even when they are not large-scale irrigation structures, local reservoirs can still support community recreation and contribute to the overall environmental character of the area. Visitors should therefore use the site responsibly, avoid littering, and respect the quiet atmosphere of the community.

 

The best times to visit Nong Bua Reservoir are early morning and late afternoon. These periods are cooler and more pleasant for walking and photography. During the rainy season, the surrounding area becomes greener and the water scenery feels more alive, but travelers should be careful of wet or slippery paths. During the cool season, the morning and evening atmosphere is especially suitable for outdoor relaxation.

 

Visitors should prepare basic items such as drinking water, a hat, a camera, and a small bag for carrying waste out. If bringing food or snacks, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid leaving food waste behind. Since the reservoir is a community nature area, responsible behavior helps preserve the peaceful environment for local residents and future visitors.

 

Safety is also important when visiting a waterside area. Visitors should avoid entering the water in unsafe areas, stay away from steep or slippery edges, and supervise children closely. Fishing or other waterside activities should follow local rules and should not disturb the ecosystem or other visitors. If there are signs or instructions from local authorities, they should be followed carefully.

 

Nong Bua Reservoir can be included in a short local route around northern Mueang Phayao. Travelers may combine it with Mae Yian Reservoir, Mae Yian Waterfall, Wat Si Khom Kham, Kwan Phayao, Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Monument, and Wat Analayo Thipphayaram. This makes the reservoir a useful stop for travelers who want to see quieter community landscapes before returning to the main lakeside area of Phayao.

 

Getting There is straightforward by private car or motorcycle. From central Phayao, take the Phayao – Chiang Kham Road toward Ban Mai Subdistrict. From the main road, continue about 900 meters into the reservoir area. The distance from central Phayao is about 15–20 kilometers depending on the starting point, and the drive usually takes about 20–30 minutes. Private transport is the most convenient option because the reservoir is a community nature site without regular public transport directly into the area.

 

As travelers leave the main road and enter the reservoir area, the atmosphere changes from roadside movement to a quieter community landscape. The sound of traffic becomes softer, and the view of water, trees, and open space begins to dominate. This short transition is part of the charm of Nong Bua Reservoir. It allows visitors to slow down, rest, and experience a small but meaningful natural corner of Phayao.

 

For travelers who enjoy small reservoirs and peaceful local scenery, Nong Bua Reservoir is a worthwhile stop. It does not try to compete with large attractions, and that is exactly its strength. Its value lies in accessibility, simplicity, and the natural atmosphere of Ban Mai Subdistrict. Visitors who appreciate quiet places will find that this reservoir offers a calm pause during a journey through Phayao.

 

In summary, Nong Bua Reservoir is a small community water attraction in Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District. With an area of about 60 rai, 2 reservoir basins, and an entrance only about 900 meters from the Phayao – Chiang Kham Road, it is easy to visit and suitable for short nature breaks. Its calm water, local surroundings, and quiet atmosphere make it a good destination for travelers seeking a simple, authentic, and peaceful side of Phayao.

 

 

A: Nong Bua Reservoir is located at Moo 5, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province. The entrance is about 900 meters from the Phayao – Chiang Kham Road.

 

A: It is a small community reservoir with about 60 rai of total area, 2 reservoir basins, a quiet atmosphere, and natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and photography.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the reservoir area for relaxation, sightseeing, and photography without an admission fee.

 

A: Nong Bua Reservoir is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: From central Phayao, take the Phayao – Chiang Kham Road toward Ban Mai Subdistrict, then drive about 900 meters from the main road to the reservoir. Private car or motorcycle is the most convenient option.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are the best times because the weather is cooler, the light is softer, and the reservoir atmosphere is calm and pleasant.

 

A: Travelers can combine the reservoir with Mae Yian Reservoir, Mae Yian Waterfall, Wat Si Khom Kham, Kwan Phayao, Pho Khun Ngam Mueang Monument, and Wat Analayo Thipphayaram.