Pang Oung

Pang Oung, also known as Pang Tong Reservoir, is a scenic highland reservoir in Mok Champae Subdistrict, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son Province, northern Thailand. Created under the Pang Tong Royal Development Project initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, it lies amid pine forests at about 1,200 meters elevation. Notable for its alpine-like landscape, calm reflective waters, misty mornings, and bamboo rafts, it serves as a popular nature retreat and camping destination near the Myanmar border.

Visitors can expect a tranquil mountain reservoir surrounded by pine forests and grassy banks at high elevation. The calm water reflects pine trees and morning mist, creating a photogenic alpine-like setting. Areas to explore include the lakeside walking paths, viewpoints, bamboo raft pier, and camping grounds. Facilities include simple lakeside accommodation and food stalls. Activities center on sightseeing, photography, bamboo rafting on the reservoir, and overnight camping to experience cool misty mornings.

Pang Oung is part of the Pang Tong Royal Development Project initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in the 1980s. The reservoir was created to restore degraded forest, provide water storage for the surrounding area, and support reforestation and livelihood development. The project transformed former deforested land into pine forest and a water retention area.

The reservoir and surrounding Ban Ruam Thai village reflect highland agricultural communities and royal-initiated forest conservation. The area is known for its Shan and local highland village culture, with lakeside homestays and community-based tourism centered on nature appreciation.