Thailand has been able to preserve many of its cultural and natural treasures. Ancient Buddhist temples even dot the places here, and several are still in use today. Festivals, such as Loy Krathong and Songkran, are also celebrated.
However, the lakes and rivers that provide life to the many cities and communities here are still under threat due to development projects that the country requires. Thankfully, some of these bodies of water are now being preserved. Songkhla Lake, home to the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, is undergoing rehabilitation and conservation. Moreover, the areas around the reservoirs, such as Cheow Lan Lake, are now protected parks.
Visiting and learning about these locations and appreciating their beauty is a way of supporting sustainable tourism. So, work out your itinerary by checking out these top lakes in Thailand.
1. Vajiralongkorn Lake; Kanchanaburi
Vajiralongkorn Lake, formerly Khao Laem Lake, was formed in the 1980s as part of the Khao Laem Dam project. The dam and reservoir were created to collect floodwater for agricultural purposes, provide hydroelectric power, and supply potable water to the region. The forest area surrounding the lake is the protected Khao Laem National Park, which is home to animals such as bears, tigers, and elephants. Besides the lake, hikers can trek to scenic waterfalls such as Kra Teng Jeng Waterfall and Kroeng Kra Wia Waterfall.
Apart from the national park, the massive reservoir is surrounded by communities, campgrounds, and even places of worship. Nong Lu and Mon Village are along the northern parts of the lake, where travelers can find resorts and modern lodgings. Prang Phe is another community where you can witness the stunning Kroeng Kra Wia Waterfall.
Vajiralongkorn Lake
Address: Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Opening hours: Khao Laem National Park: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Khao Laem National Park: 200 BHT (6 USD) (for adults); 100 BHT (3 USD) (for children)
2. Cheow Larn Lake; Surat Thani Province (from USD 71.05)
Take a scenic boat ride through the verdant greenery and turquoise waters of Cheow Larn Lake. This eco tour will have you trekking through the jungles of Khao Sok National Park, sighting along the way native flora and fauna such as rafflesia flowers and clouded leopards.
For the adventure part, you’ll be riding large bamboo rafts while admiring the breathtaking scenery of the lake. The tour will also take you to Pakarang Coral Cave, an ancient limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmite formations.
This tour package includes the guided trek and traditional lunch at the resort. Just note that travelers will need to pay the entrance fee for Khao Sok National Park and a separate fee for the Coral Cave.
Tip from Content Creator
If you want to prolong your visit to this gorgeous lake, choose to stay at Panvaree Resort. It is located in the middle of the water on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. The national park is located north of Pukhet in the Surat Thani Province in Thailand. We were transported to and from the resort via a motorized long-tail Thai fishing boat (that’s the only way you could get there).
From Khao Phang: Chiew Larn Lake Day Trip & Coral Cave Tour
Duration: 6.0 hour
3. Pang Ung Lake; Mae Hong Son
The creation and development of Pang Ung Lake was part of the Royal Initiative Project of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Moreover, the highland lake is now a popular choice for outdoor escapes.
Campers and eco trekkers take advantage of the scheduled bus service that travels twice a day. The bus service fee is 50 THB (1 USD) and was instituted to lessen the presence of private vehicles due to the risk of accidents and environmental damage.
The woodlands surrounding the lake consist mainly of coniferous evergreens, namely Khasi and Sumatran pines. The lake is also home to wildlife, such as swans and rare tree frogs. Campers can pitch their tents at designated areas beside the water. Alternative accommodations are even accessible in nearby villages such as Ban Rak Thai and Na Pa Paek.
Pang Ung Lake
Address: Ban Rak Thai, Mok Cham Pae, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, Mae Hong Son 58000, Thailand
Price: from 100 THB (2.85 USD) (for adults); 50 THB (1.43 USD) (for children)
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4. Bueng Boraphet; Nakhon Sawan
Bueng Boraphet is Thailand’s largest freshwater lake and provides life and livelihood to many of Central Thailand’s people. The lake is also home to nearly 200 species of flora and fauna, such as the Asian openbill and Siamese tigerfish. Its waters are a major stopover for migratory birds, and there is even access to Bueng Boraphet Bird Park, with boat rental services close by. Additionally, Bueng Boraphet Wildlife Research Station is close to the lake and has a crocodile breeding pond dedicated to conservation efforts.
Travelers can head to Visitor Center Bueng Boraphet in Nakhon Sawan for information, toilet facilities, and a place to park vehicles. The center even offers boat rides for touring the lake and marsh.
Bueng Boraphet
Address: Mueang Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
5. Huay Tung Tao Lake; Chiang Mai
Huay Tung Tao Lake is a reservoir 30 minutes northwest of Chiang Mai. The lake was created by the order of His Majesty King Bhumibol to solve water supply issues in the region. Due to its proximity to the city of Chiang Mai, the roads to the lake are paved and well-inhabited, although public transportation options may be lacking.
The lake is flanked both east and west by campgrounds with thatched roof huts. Additionally, restaurants and shops are mainly on the east bank, while the west bank has a more rugged terrain due to the mountain foothills. Activities in the area include paddle boating and swimming. More adventurous types can try the zip-lining over the lake, though those who prefer a slower pace can visit the sculpture park instead.
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Address: 283 ม.3 ดอนแก้ว Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 20 BHT (1 USD)
6. Nong Han Lake; Sakon Nakhon
Nong Han Lake and the city of Sakon Nakhon are next to each other, so travelers visiting here can enjoy a rural lakeside holiday. The city and airport are located on the western banks of the lake, so those who’d like to get closer to nature should head for the east banks instead. The lake has many islets to visit, some of which rest areas for picnicking and birdwatching. Another islet even has a well-kept temple.
The northern banks of Nong Han Lake are also the home of several parks, including Kasetsart University’s Lotus and Waterlily Park. The northern banks also connect some of the islets with walkways and biking trails and have viewing points for photography or wildlife watching.
Nong Han Lake
Address: Makkhalai Road, Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
7. Bueng Si Fai Lake; Phichit
Bueng Si Fai Lake can be found in the province of Phichit, surrounded by farming communities that rely on its waters for livelihood. The communities by the lake’s banks have an authentic rural ambiance, though the town proper is modern. Travelers can find restaurants and eateries near the lake so they can enjoy a view.
Apart from wild swimming, the lake also has attractions to visit. Chaloem Phrakiat Aquarium is run by the Ministry of Fisheries for educational purposes. In another building is the crocodile pit, also managed by the government for the purpose of studying, conserving, and protecting the massive reptiles. If you’d like a picnic on the lake, Phichit Lotus Garden is a park on the lake.
Bueng Si Fai Lake
Address: Mueang Phichit, Phichit, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
8. Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake; Udon Thani
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Not to be confused with the Nong Han Lake of Sakon Nakhon, the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is in the province of Udon Thani. The origin of the lake is explained in the folk tale Phadaeng Nang about the tragic love triangle of a human prince and princess and a naga prince.
The lake is an hour-long drive from Udon Thani International Airport, but you can also look for accommodations in the villages surrounding the lake. Because of its scenery of vivid pink lilies covering the water, tourists flock during the blooming months of December until February. Locals offer boat rides for 300 THB (9 USD) for short routes or 500 THB for longer routes (14 USD).
Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake
Address: Kumphawapi, Udon Thani, Thailand
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
9. Songkhla Lake – Thale Sap, Thale Noi, and Thale Luang; Songkhla
Songkhla Lake is the largest of Thailand’s lakes, though it is actually also composed of three interconnected lakes—Thale Sap, Thale Noi, and Thale Luang. Its waters are vital as both a freshwater source and for livelihood via fishing and aquaculture. The precious and protected Irrawaddy dolphins also call Songkhla Lake their home.
Due to its size, eco-travelers can find themselves in a secluded spot away from the bustling cities of Songkhla and Hatyai. Along the way, you can visit the many Buddhist temples built near the banks. Boat rides are available for tours but also for travel. You can also head to Hatyai and walk at Hatyai City Park.
Songkhla Lake – Thale Sap, Thale Noi, and Thale Luang
Address: Mueang Songkhla, Songkhla, Thailand
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Kwan Phayao Lake; Phayao
Kwan Phayao Lake is a natural freshwater lake in the eponymous Phayao province of Thailand. The city of Phayao lies to the east of the lake and is a modernized hub where tourists can find hotels, restaurants, and malls. Those who would rather have an idyllic time along Kwan Phayao Lake should look for lodgings by the west bank instead, as that’s where the smaller farming communities are located.
Don’t miss out on cultural experiences such as the candlelight processions of Maka Bucha Day, Visakah Bucha Day, and Asalha Bucha Day. These events happen every full moon of the 3rd, 6th, and 8th lunar month.
Kwan Phayao Lake
Address: Phayao, Thailand
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Feel the wonderful waters of Thailand's many lakes
Thailand is the perfect destination for a culture-heavy and eco-friendly getaway. Visit temples, participate in festivities, and enjoy an idyllic moment by their lakes and rivers. Make sure to plan your itinerary by looking through this list of the top lakes in Thailand.
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