🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
When people talk about things to do in Nakhon Nayok, Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam is almost always near the top of the list. It's a royally initiated project and also the longest roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam in the world: the crest runs 2,720 metres, peaks at around 93 metres tall, and holds up to 224 million cubic metres of water. That water flows down into the reservoir from the mountains of Khao Yai National Park. What makes the place fun is that you can actually drive up and stand on the crest — on one side you get the wide reservoir and the line of hills, and on the other you look down over the town of Nakhon Nayok.
Why bother coming to Khun Dan
- Reservoir views against Khao Yai — stand on the crest and the water stretches as far as you can see, with a wall of green hills behind it. In the early morning, mist drifting over the water is genuinely lovely.
- You can drive up to shoot photos — no long walk needed. You can drive up, park, and take photos right on the crest, which makes it easy if you're travelling with older relatives or small kids.
- Free entry, open daily — there's no admission charge, and it's open roughly 8am–5pm. You only pay extra if you want the tram or a boat trip.
- Close to the waterfall route — it's on the same road as Nang Rong and Sarika waterfalls, so a half-day trip comes together easily.
Want more out of Nakhon Nayok? 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.
Drive the crest vs. ride the tram vs. take a boat
Once you're here there are a few ways to do it — from driving yourself and wandering around, to taking a boat out to a waterfall inside the reservoir. Pick whatever fits your time and budget.
Drive the crest yourself
Drive up and park to shoot photos right on the crest — there's parking provided. Good if you're short on time and just want a quick look at the view. No extra cost.
Ride the tram
A guided tram runs you along the crest to take in the views, around 20 minutes. Easy, and you don't have to walk in the sun.
Rent a golf cart
If you'd rather cruise slowly and stop for photos at every angle, rent one by the hour. Good for a group of friends.
Boat to the reservoir waterfall
A boat takes you in to see a waterfall within the reservoir, around 2 hours. Worth it if you've got a full day; priced per boat or per person.
About boat-trip pricing
Boat trips are usually charged per boat for a small group (around 1,000–1,500 THB per boat for 1–5 or 1–7 people), and per head if you're a bigger group (around 150–200 THB/person). Prices shift with the season and the number of passengers, so ask at the boat counter before you get on to be sure.
When the views are best
- Early morning (before 9am) — cool air, the sun isn't harsh yet, and on some days there's a thin mist over the water. Good for photos, and the crowds are still light.
- Late rainy to early cool season (Oct–Jan) — the reservoir is full, the water is a fresh green, and the hills are sharp. This is when the view is at its best for the year.
- Late afternoon before closing — soft light, good for backlit shots, but leave yourself time since it closes around 5pm.
- Skip the midday heat — there's no shade on the crest, so walking it under the noon sun gets very hot. If you come at this time, the tram is the more comfortable choice.
Getting there and parking
The dam is at Ban Tha Dan, Hin Tang subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Nayok district. From the town of Nakhon Nayok it's about a 30–40 minute drive, on the same road that leads to Nang Rong and Sarika waterfalls. Search "Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam" in Google Maps and it'll take you straight there. There's a parking lot at the bottom before you head up the crest, and you can park on the crest itself at the designated spots. Coming from Bangkok, plan for about 2 hours total — it works well as a leave-in-the-morning, back-by-evening trip.
Before you go
Bring a hat and drinking water — the crest is windy and fully exposed to the sun. Most shops and coffee stands are fully open on weekends (Sat–Sun); on a weekday there may be fewer of them, so it's worth grabbing something to eat in town first.
Pairing it with nearby spots in one day
- Nang Rong Waterfall — a waterfall you can swim at, on the same road. Stop before or after the dam.
- Sarika Waterfall — Nakhon Nayok's tall, tiered waterfall that you can hike up to, not far from the dam.
- Ganesh Park (the giant statue) — a photo landmark of Nakhon Nayok where you can stop to pay respects and make a wish on the same trip.
- Riverside restaurants and hill-view cafés — around Hin Tang–Sarika there are several spots along the streams and cafés with hill views, a nice way to end the trip.
Plan a full day in Nakhon Nayok — waterfalls, the dam, and cafés
See the Nakhon Nayok travel guide →