Rating: 3/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Mae Prachan Dam in Nong Ya Plong, Phetchaburi is a royal initiative water-reservoir project developed by the Royal Irrigation Department to strengthen drought resilience and reduce flood risk in the upper Phetchaburi basin. The project has been implemented since 2003; the dam crest is about 2,105–2,100 m long and 8 m wide, and the reservoir capacity is about 42.20 million m³. Today it also functions as a calm nature spot where visitors enjoy panoramic views along the dam crest and a lakeside atmosphere.

 

Mae Prachan Dam (Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi) is a key water infrastructure project linked to a royal development initiative aimed at improving long-term water security for local communities and agriculture in the upper Phetchaburi watershed. The reservoir serves as a strategic buffer for seasonal variability—storing water for dry periods while helping moderate runoff during intense rainfall—which is especially relevant for farming areas that have historically faced alternating drought stress and flood impacts.

 

The project has been implemented since 2003 under the Royal Irrigation Department’s planning and operation framework, supporting irrigation and water management across a broad agricultural footprint. One of the most practical indicators of its regional role is the scale of agricultural benefit commonly referenced for the system: roughly 35,000 rai of farmland in Phetchaburi and nearby areas. Beyond agriculture, the reservoir also strengthens local livelihoods and ecosystems by creating a large freshwater habitat that supports fish breeding and nature-based recreation.

 

From an engineering perspective, Mae Prachan is an earthfill dam (commonly described in technical documents as a zone-type earth dam). The crest is approximately 2,105–2,100 meters long and 8 meters wide, forming a long, walkable line that doubles as a viewpoint corridor. A widely cited reservoir storage figure for the project is about 42.20 million cubic meters, which helps explain why the dam is considered a major mid-scale water project in this part of Phetchaburi.

 

What makes Mae Prachan appealing for travelers is the sense of space and quiet. The reservoir opens a wide horizon where the sky, hills, and waterline meet cleanly, and the dam crest offers a simple but satisfying experience: a long straight path, consistent wind, and an unobstructed view that changes character across the day. In the morning, the light is softer and reflections are clearer; near late afternoon, the tones warm up and the water surface often becomes more cinematic, especially when the surrounding hills are backlit.

 

Mae Prachan also fits well into a one-day nature loop that connects rural Nong Ya Plong with the broader Kaeng Krachan zone. Many visitors treat it as a quiet stop between more activity-heavy destinations. Because the setting is not a commercial attraction, the best experience usually comes from keeping the pace slow: walking the crest for views, taking photos, and enjoying the reservoir atmosphere without rushing.

 

Getting There The dam is located in Ban Cha Prong, Nong Ya Plong Subdistrict, Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi. Access is generally convenient from several directions, including Mueang Phetchaburi, Khao Yoi, Kaeng Krachan, and even Pak Tho (Ratchaburi), depending on your starting point. Driving is the most practical option; once you leave the main highway network, expect local roads and plan extra time for rural segments.

 

 

A: It is located at Ban Cha Prong, Nong Ya Plong Subdistrict, Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi, Thailand.

 

A: Yes. The reservoir is widely presented as part of a royal initiative-oriented water development approach focused on long-term water security, drought mitigation, and flood risk reduction for the upper Phetchaburi basin.

 

A: The project has been implemented since 2003.

 

A: The reservoir capacity is about 42.20 million cubic meters (m³).

 

A: Most visitors come for the calm reservoir views, photography, and a scenic walk along the dam crest, especially during morning and late afternoon light.