About Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam
Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam is a multipurpose dam and reservoir in Chae Chang, Mae Taeng District, about 50 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city within Si Lanna National Park. Completed in 1986 on the Mae Ngat River, it provides irrigation and hydroelectric power. The large reservoir surrounded by forested mountains is known for scenic boat trips, floating raft houses, and tranquil natural scenery, making it a popular day-trip destination from Chiang Mai.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large reservoir set among forested hills inside Si Lanna National Park with a concrete dam, viewpoint, and boat pier. The main experience is a long-tail boat ride across the reservoir to floating raft houses, with views of forested shoreline, calm water, and distant mountains. Areas to explore include the dam crest and viewpoint, the pier area with restaurants and shops, and the reservoir itself by boat. Accommodation is available on floating houses for overnight stays.
Key highlights
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Large reservoir within Si Lanna National Park surrounded by forested mountains
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Scenic long-tail boat trips across the reservoir to floating raft houses
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Dam viewpoint and crest with panoramic views of the reservoir
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Overnight stays on floating raft houses on the water
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Hydroelectric and irrigation dam completed in 1986 on the Mae Ngat River
History of Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam
Constructed by the Royal Irrigation Department between 1977 and 1985 and inaugurated in 1986, the dam was built on the Mae Ngat River as a multipurpose project for irrigation, water storage and hydroelectric power generation with an installed capacity of 9 MW. It was named Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam and forms the main water body within Si Lanna National Park.
Route
| By air | Via Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), then road transfer to Mae Taeng |
|---|---|
| By train |