Sirikit Dam

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Contact Sirikit Dam Before Traveling

 

Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Province is one of Thailand’s most important dams and one of the most scenic travel destinations in Tha Pla District. Located at Ban Pha Som, Pha Lueat Subdistrict, Tha Pla District, the dam was built across the Nan River and plays a major role in irrigation, hydropower generation, flood mitigation, freshwater fisheries, and nature tourism. It is a large earth-fill dam with a clay core, surrounded by mountains, forest, and a vast reservoir. For travelers, Sirikit Dam offers a complete experience that combines engineering, water management, mountain scenery, local food, accommodation, and peaceful reservoir views.

 

Sirikit Dam was developed as part of the Nan River basin development project. The site was formerly known as Pha Som Dam before receiving the royal name “Sirikit Dam” in honour of Queen Sirikit. The dam is an impressive earth-fill structure, about 810 metres long along the crest, about 12 metres wide, and approximately 113.60 metres high. Its size and function make it one of the most significant water and energy infrastructures in northern Thailand, while its natural setting has also made it one of Uttaradit’s most attractive destinations.

 

Above the dam lies a large reservoir formed by the impounded waters of the Nan River. The reservoir stretches across a broad mountain landscape, with forested slopes and peaceful communities around the water. Visitors can enjoy wide views of the reservoir from the dam area, viewpoints, restaurants, and accommodation zones. In the morning and late afternoon, sunlight reflects beautifully on the water, creating excellent conditions for photography and relaxation.

 

The appeal of Sirikit Dam lies in the balance between nature and engineering. Visitors can see a large dam structure set within a scenic mountain environment, while also understanding the relationship between river systems, forests, communities, agriculture, hydropower, and tourism. A visit here is therefore not only about seeing a dam; it is also a chance to understand how water shapes life in northern Thailand.

 

Sirikit Dam is important for water management in the Nan River basin. Stored water supports agriculture during the dry season, helps reduce flood impacts during the rainy season, and generates hydropower for the national electricity system. This makes the dam suitable for travelers interested in nature, agriculture, energy, engineering, and sustainable water management.

 

From a tourism perspective, the reservoir above Sirikit Dam is the main highlight. Travelers can enjoy the wide freshwater lake, layered mountains, cool breezes, and calm atmosphere. Boat or raft trips allow visitors to experience the scenery from the water, while viewpoints and restaurants offer easy access to the landscape. The reservoir is especially beautiful in the early morning and late afternoon when the light becomes softer.

 

The reservoir also supports freshwater fisheries and local food culture. Communities around the reservoir catch and farm freshwater fish such as tilapia, red tilapia, carp, and other river species. As a result, restaurants around the dam often feature fish dishes such as steamed fish, grilled fish, spicy fish soup, fried fish, and Thai-style freshwater fish menus. Eating local fish while looking over the reservoir is one of the best ways to experience Sirikit Dam.

 

Rabiang Nan Restaurant is one of the well-known dining spots inside the Sirikit Dam area. It is connected to the atmosphere of the reservoir and is known for Thai food and freshwater fish dishes. Travelers visiting with family or friends can use the restaurant as a lunch stop before walking around the dam, taking photographs, or continuing to nearby attractions such as Lam Nam Nan National Park and Nang Phaya Rapids.

 

Sirikit Dam also offers accommodation, including Khun Saichon Villa and dam guesthouse facilities. Staying overnight inside or near the dam area allows visitors to experience the atmosphere more fully. Morning views over the reservoir are peaceful and refreshing, while evenings are ideal for quiet walks, dinner, and watching the light over the water. This makes the dam suitable for slow travel, family trips, and short nature retreats.

 

The viewpoint areas around the dam should not be missed. Visitors can see the dam structure, reservoir, and surrounding mountains from several angles. On clear days, the broad water surface and forested hills create a spacious and memorable landscape. Morning provides fresh air and soft light, while late afternoon creates warm tones that are especially good for photography.

 

Beyond sightseeing and dining, Sirikit Dam is also an educational destination. It shows how a large dam can serve multiple functions: water storage, electricity generation, flood control, irrigation support, fisheries, and tourism. Students, families, and travelers interested in engineering or environmental management can learn a great deal from observing the dam and its surrounding landscape.

 

The atmosphere at Sirikit Dam changes by season. During the rainy and post-rainy seasons, the surrounding forest is green and fresh. The cool season is ideal for overnight stays, walking, photography, and relaxing by the reservoir. The hot season can still be enjoyable because the large body of water and mountain breezes help soften the heat, although morning and late afternoon visits are more comfortable than midday.

 

Sirikit Dam is suitable for many kinds of travelers. Families can enjoy viewpoints, restaurants, and accommodation. Couples can visit in the evening for reservoir scenery and a quiet meal. Groups of friends can plan boat trips, food stops, and nearby nature routes. Photographers will find good subjects in the dam structure, mountain reflections, water, local boats, and changing light.

 

Nearby attractions can easily be combined with a visit to Sirikit Dam. Lam Nam Nan National Park is connected to the reservoir landscape and offers nature trails, waterfalls, forest scenery, and Nang Phaya Rapids. Tha Pla District also has local communities, restaurants, and routes leading deeper into Uttaradit’s mountain areas. This makes Sirikit Dam suitable for half-day, full-day, or 2-day travel plans.

 

For a half-day trip, travelers can drive from Uttaradit city to Sirikit Dam, enjoy the viewpoint, have lunch at a restaurant in the dam area, and return. For a full-day trip, they can add a boat ride or visit Lam Nam Nan National Park. For a 2-day 1-night trip, staying at Khun Saichon Villa or nearby accommodation allows travelers to enjoy both morning and evening reservoir views.

 

Food is an important part of the Sirikit Dam experience. Freshwater fish dishes reflect the local reservoir environment and the fisheries of nearby communities. A meal of Thai fish dishes by the water adds depth to the trip because it connects the landscape with local livelihoods and food culture.

 

Travelers should prepare their vehicles before driving to Sirikit Dam. Although the route from Uttaradit city is convenient, some sections are hilly or less urban. It is best to check fuel, brakes, tires, and travel time, especially for those planning to arrive early in the morning or return after dark.

 

Getting There from Uttaradit city, take Highway 1045 toward Tha Pla District and Pha Lueat Subdistrict for about 58 kilometres to reach Sirikit Dam. Private car travel is the most convenient option. Travelers from nearby provinces such as Phrae, Phitsanulok, or Nan should plan routes in advance and allow extra time for mountain-road sections.

 

Once inside the dam area, visitors should begin with the dam and reservoir viewpoints, then continue to a restaurant or café. Those staying overnight can check in at Khun Saichol Villa or dam accommodation and spend the evening walking, eating, and enjoying the water view. A slower pace makes the visit more rewarding.

 

Responsible travel is important at Sirikit Dam. Visitors should keep the area clean, avoid throwing rubbish into the reservoir or public areas, stay away from restricted operating zones, and follow all posted instructions. The site is both a tourist attraction and an important national infrastructure, so orderly travel helps preserve safety and scenery for everyone.

 

For travelers looking for a destination in Uttaradit that combines nature, water views, local food, accommodation, and the story of hydropower and water management, Sirikit Dam is one of the best choices. It offers more than beautiful photographs; it helps visitors understand the role of the Nan River and a major dam in supporting life across northern Thailand.

 

 

A: Sirikit Dam is located at Ban Pha Som, Pha Lueat Subdistrict, Tha Pla District, Uttaradit Province, about 58 km from Uttaradit city.

 

A: Sirikit Dam supports irrigation, hydropower generation, flood mitigation, freshwater fisheries, and tourism in the Nan River basin.

 

A: It is a large earth-fill dam with a clay core, about 810 metres long, 113.60 metres high, and 12 metres wide along the crest.

 

A: Visitors can enjoy reservoir views, viewpoints, boat or raft sightseeing, local freshwater fish dishes, Rabiang Nan Restaurant, Khun Saichon Villa, and nearby nature attractions.

 

A: Yes. Khun Saichon Villa and Sirikit Dam guesthouse facilities are available. Visitors can contact 089-961-6573 or 055-461-134 for accommodation information.

 

A: Rabiang Nan Restaurant and Khun Saichon Café are located in the Sirikit Dam area and serve Thai food, freshwater fish dishes, and drinks.

 

A: From Uttaradit city, take Highway 1045 toward Tha Pla District and Pha Lueat Subdistrict for about 58 km to reach Sirikit Dam.

 

A: The dam can be visited year-round. Morning and late afternoon are best for views and photography, while the cool season and post-rainy season are ideal for overnight stays and nature scenery.