Rating: 3.1/5 (20 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (this is an irrigation and conservation area; please visit in a way that does not disrupt community use)

Opening Hours: Recommended 06:00 – 18:00 (mornings and late afternoons are cooler and ideal for strolling and photography)

 

Huai Bon Reservoir is located in Huai Bon Village, Wiang Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. Developed under the principles of Royal Project and royal-initiative development, this reservoir was established to address water scarcity in mountainous areas and to strengthen long-term water security for agricultural communities in Fang.

 

Royal Initiative Background Huai Bon Reservoir reflects the royal-initiative approach to water resource management in highland areas, advanced in a period when Northern Thailand faced recurring cycles of drought and flash floods. The project’s core goal was to create a community-appropriate water storage source to support agriculture, household use, and watershed balance, while preserving the original mountain ecosystem. The outcome has been year-round community access to water, reduced drought risk, more stable cultivation, and stronger confidence for farmers to plan production more reliably.

 

The reservoir’s role in Fang goes far beyond water storage. It functions as a critical piece of infrastructure that directly links water management to local agricultural life. Water from the reservoir supports orchards, field crops, and community farmland—the backbone of Fang’s rural economy at both household and local-market levels.

 

During the dry season, the reservoir serves as a dependable backup water source, reducing the risk of water shortages that can impact yields and farm income. In the rainy season, it helps slow and regulate water volume, reducing the force of runoff that could damage farmland downstream. This makes Huai Bon Reservoir a real part of Fang’s agricultural risk-management system.

 

Beyond agriculture, the reservoir also helps sustain the local ecosystem within the sub-watershed. Storing and releasing water in an appropriate rhythm supports streams, forests, and surrounding wetlands, keeping the landscape greener and supporting long-term natural resource resilience.

 

In terms of scenery, Huai Bon Reservoir feels like a mountain-valley lake. The broad water surface reflects ridgelines and sky, and the overall atmosphere stays quiet and uncluttered by commercial development. It is well-suited for gentle walks, taking photos, or using as a restful stop while exploring Fang.

 

Many travelers use Huai Bon Reservoir as a connector point between Royal Project learning sites, the Royal Factory Museum in Fang, Fang Hot Springs, and routes up to Ang Khang. Traveling in this style helps visitors see the relationship between water, agriculture, and community life in Fang more clearly.

 

As this is an irrigation area and a community water source, visitors should avoid entering the water, never leave trash, keep noise down, and respect local farmland and working areas. Visiting with care helps ensure the reservoir can continue serving the community sustainably.

 

Getting There Huai Bon Reservoir is about 10 km from Fang town. Private transportation or a rental car is recommended. Pin “Huai Bon Reservoir” on your navigation app. The final stretch includes community roads, so drive carefully—especially during the rainy season.

 

 

A: It’s best for calm, nature-focused visits—relaxing, taking photos, and understanding how water resources support agriculture and community life in Fang.

 

A: It strengthens water security by reducing drought risk and helping farmers plan cultivation more consistently throughout the year.

 

A: It is not recommended, as the reservoir is an irrigation and community water source. Visitors should respect the area’s primary function.