🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Bueng Si Fai is a natural lake that has been part of Phichit since the Ayutthaya era. Today it covers roughly 5,000 rai, making it Thailand's third-largest after Bueng Boraphet and Nong Han. Over the years the lake fell into decline from drought and grass fires, until a major dredging and landscaping project restored it, opening officially in March 2024. Now the shoreline has a public park, a cycling lane, a pavilion out over the water, and fish-feeding spots — an easy place to wander in both the morning and the evening.
What a lot of people like is that it sits right in the middle of Phichit town — no long drive needed. You can stop here before heading into the old town, or right after paying respects to Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Luang. Everything is within a few kilometres.
The Phaya Chalawan Statue — The City's Symbol
The first thing everyone photographs is the Phaya Chalawan statue, a giant crocodile said to be the largest in the world — about 38 metres long, 6 metres wide, and 5 metres tall, sitting at the front of the lake. The unusual part is that the inside of the crocodile is a small hall that holds around 25–30 people. The statue was built around the legend of Krai Thong, a Phichit folk tale about the crocodile lord Chalawan and the young man named Krai Thong who came to slay him.
Good to know
The Krai Thong–Chalawan legend is where Phichit's nickname 'Chalawan City' comes from. If you want to understand the statue, read the legend before you go — it makes the walk around a lot more fun.
Want more out of Phichit? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Things to Do Around the Lake
Bueng Si Fai isn't just a snap-a-photo-and-leave spot. It's a living public park that Phichit locals actually use every day, and you can pick activities to match whatever pace you're after.
- Cycle around the lake — the 'Saran Chit Mongkhon Suk' cycling route runs 10.28 km on a smooth lane that loops the whole lake, good for both a workout and a slow ride with a view. No bike? There's a rental point on site.
- Feed the fish — the popular spots are around the bridge and the over-water pavilion. There are loads of fish in the lake, and tossing in food brings them swarming in a pack — kids love it. Vendors nearby sell fish food.
- Walk and exercise — the shaded path around the lake fills up with runners and walkers in the morning and evening, and the waterside breeze keeps it cool.
- See the freshwater aquarium (the Nine-Sided Pavilion) — a nine-pointed-star building jutting out into the lake, with tanks displaying over 20 species of freshwater fish inside. A nice, easy stop.
- Picnic or bring your pets — the park grounds are open and roomy, so you can lay down a mat for a picnic or bring the dog along for a walk.
Sunset Viewpoint
Bueng Si Fai is at its best in the evening as the sun goes down — the water catches the golden-orange light and a cool breeze rolls through. The spot people like to wait at is Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, a lakeside park of around 170 rai with a bridge that reaches out to a pavilion in the middle of the lake. Sitting on the pavilion or along the bridge looking out over the water is a sunset photo angle plenty of people come back for.
Timing tip
For the best light, arrive about 30–40 minutes before sunset so you catch both the golden hour and the afterglow once the sun is down. It gets busier around then, so if you want a quieter angle, pick a side away from the main activity area.
Opening Hours, Getting There, and Admission
- Opening hours — the park around the lake opens early, around 5:00 a.m., for people coming to exercise. The crocodile pond area and the aquarium open around 9:00 a.m. until the evening (roughly 6:00–7:00 p.m., depending on the day). It's worth double-checking with staff on site.
- Admission — walking around the lake and seeing the Chalawan statue is free. Bike rental and fish food cost a little extra.
- Getting there — it's in the centre of Phichit, only a few kilometres from Phichit train station and the town centre. Easy to reach by car or hired car, and there's parking.
- Best time to go — it's good year-round, though the cool season (Nov–Feb) has the nicest weather, with mornings and evenings best for a stroll. In the hot season, skip the midday hours.
Where to Go Next Near Bueng Si Fai
The upside of Bueng Si Fai is that it's right in town, so it's easy to carry on anywhere from here. It works nicely as a half-day or full-day trip.
Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet)
An old temple on the Nan River, home to Luang Pho Phet, Phichit's most revered Buddha image. Just a few kilometres from the lake — easy to stop in and pay your respects.
HistoryPhichit Old Town Park
The old-town site from the Sukhothai–Ayutthaya era, with a moat, ancient ruins, and shaded grounds to wander. A good follow-on from Bueng Si Fai.
Local loreThe Krai Thong–Chalawan Legend
Want to dig deeper into where Phaya Chalawan comes from? Read Phichit's folk legend before or after your visit to the lake.
Plan a full day in Phichit — where to stay, eat, and explore
See the Phichit travel guide →