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Lam Takhong Dam
Wind Turbines, Views & Cool Air

Lam Takhong Dam is a wide reservoir right along the Mittraphap Highway between Sikhio and Pak Chong — the kind of place plenty of people drive past every time they head up to Khao Yai but never actually stop at. Which is a shame, because this is where you'll find the Khao Yai Thiang wind farm, mountain views over water that stretches to the horizon, and a breeze that blows all day long. We've picked the viewpoints that people who've actually been say are worth it, along with opening hours, fees, and how to slot it in as a smooth stop along the way.

💨 Khao Yai Thiang wind farm🌊 Wide reservoir views🚗 A stop on the way to Khao Yai
Lam Takhong Dam Wind Turbines, Views & Cool Air

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Lam Takhong Dam is an earth dam across the Lam Takhong River in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The reservoir runs parallel to the Mittraphap Highway, reading as a broad sheet of water with a ridgeline behind it. What's pulled more people in lately is the wind farm on Khao Yai Thiang, run by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), with turbines lined up along the ridge that you can spot from far away — now one of Korat's most popular check-in spots. You don't need to plan much here. For most people it's a stop to take photos, catch the breeze, and move on.

Lam Takhong viewpoints worth stopping at

There are several spots to stop around Lam Takhong, each with a different feel. Some are wind farms up on the ridge, others are relaxed lakeside viewpoints where you can sit and chill. We've ordered them by how often people bring them up — pick whatever lines up with the route you're driving. Opening hours and fees here are rough estimates, so double-check before you go, as they can change.

1

Khao Yai Thiang Wind Farm (EGAT Upper Reservoir)

Upper reservoir, Khlong Phai, Sikhio district · drive up from the Mittraphap Highway

The highlight of the area — giant wind turbines lined up along the ridge, with photo spots right up close and a panorama looking down over the Lam Takhong reservoir and the winding Mittraphap Highway. The wind blows hard all day, and you can rent a bike to ride around. If you come to Lam Takhong, this is the one not to miss.

Wind turbinesViewsCheck-in
Free entry · parking/restrooms available · bike rental ~40 THB/hr
2

Lam Takhong Reservoir Viewpoint (roadside, Mittraphap Highway)

Roadside on the Mittraphap Highway, before Pak Chong · stop in anytime

A roadside rest stop on the Sikhio–Pak Chong stretch, looking out over the wide reservoir with mountains behind it. Good for pulling over to stretch your legs, take photos, and catch a cool breeze on a long drive. Some sections have coffee shops and made-to-order eateries where you can sit and rest.

Water viewsRest stopRoadside
Free to park and look · food/coffee priced per shop
3

Khao Khuean Lan (Khlong Phai)

Khlong Phai, Sikhio district · open daily ~09:00–16:30

A hilltop viewpoint with another lovely angle down over the Lam Takhong reservoir. The mood is quieter than the wind-farm side, and there's a community-run training cafe in Khlong Phai where you can sit and take in the view. Good for anyone after a calm, uncrowded corner.

ViewsQuiet cornerCafe
Free entry · coffee priced per shop
4

Dam Crest Viewing Deck (Lam Takhong dam crest)

Lam Takhong dam area, Sikhio district · walkable anytime

The dam crest and the lakeside deck make for an easy walk in the breeze, looking out over the wide water and the dam's spillway. It's a laid-back spot where locals come to exercise and take photos in the evening — the atmosphere is great just before sunset.

Water viewsCatch the breezeCool evenings
Free to walk and look

Timing tips

The Khao Yai Thiang turbines look their best at two times: early morning and around sunset. In the cool season (roughly November–February) there's a chance of a sea of mist in the morning and pleasantly cool air, while midday brings strong, hot sun. If you're coming to shoot the turbines, skip the noon hours and bring a hat and water.

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What's at the Khao Yai Thiang wind farm

The turbines you see along the ridge belong to EGAT's Lam Takhong wind power project, set on the upper reservoir of the Lam Takhong Chonlaphawat power plant on Khao Yai Thiang in Khlong Phai subdistrict. The spot is open to the public for free, with a parking lot and photo spots right next to the turbines. The view below takes in the Lam Takhong reservoir and the long line of the Mittraphap Highway.

Check-in

Photos with the turbines

You can walk right up to shoot beside the giant turbines. The favorite angle is the row of turbines along the ridge against the sky — morning and evening light is best.

Activity

Cycle the viewpoints

There are bikes for rent to ride around the upper reservoir, around 40 THB per hour. Pedal at an easy pace and take in the turbines and water views all the way around.

Overnight

Camp & stargaze

Khao Yai Thiang has campgrounds, resorts, and homestays. People like staying the night for the atmosphere, the stargazing, and the chance of morning mist.

Views

Catch the breeze & the sun

The wind blows all day, and you can sit in it for both sunrise and sunset. That breeze is the main reason people drive all the way up to the ridge.

Getting there and parking

Lam Takhong Dam sits along the Mittraphap Highway on the Sikhio–Pak Chong stretch — about 1 hour from Korat city and around 2.5–3 hours from Bangkok, all on the one highway. Coming from Bangkok, it falls right along the way before Pak Chong and Khao Yai, so it's easy to stop and carry on. Public transport isn't convenient here, so driving yourself or renting a car is the way to go.

  • From Korat city — take the Mittraphap Highway toward Sikhio–Pak Chong, about 1 hr.
  • From Bangkok — the Mittraphap Highway, around 2.5–3 hrs; it's before Pak Chong, good for a rest stop.
  • Up to the wind farm — turn off the Mittraphap Highway up Khao Yai Thiang; the climb is steep in places — sedans can make it but drive carefully.
  • Parking — the wind farm and viewpoints have free lots, and restrooms are available.

Straight talk before you go

Lam Takhong Dam isn't an all-day destination. For most people it's a 1–2 hour stop before moving on. The climb up Khao Yai Thiang is fairly steep and winding, so if you're driving yourself, brace for that. On long weekends and in the cool season it gets very crowded and traffic can back up on the hill. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go on a weekday or head up early.

Slotting Lam Takhong into your trip

Lam Takhong Dam pairs nicely with a Khao Yai trip since it's right along the way. We've laid out two sample plans: one stopping by on the way up to Khao Yai in a single day, and one staying overnight on Khao Yai Thiang to catch both sunset and the morning mist. Adjust the timing to suit reality.

Day 1

Stop at Lam Takhong, on to Khao Yai

08:00
Leave Bangkok or Korat city, take the Mittraphap HighwayLeave early to dodge traffic and harsh sun
10:30
Stop at the roadside Lam Takhong reservoir viewpoint, stretch and take photosThere are roadside coffee shops to rest at
11:00
Head up to the Khao Yai Thiang wind farm, take photos, ride a bikeFree entry; the climb is steep, drive carefully
12:30
Lunch in the Pak Chong area
14:00
Head into Khao Yai, or on to the Pak Chong wineries and cafes for the afternoon
Day 2

Stay on Khao Yai Thiang, catch the morning mist

16:00
Check in at a campground or resort on Khao Yai ThiangBook ahead in the cool season — it gets busy
17:30
Catch the sunset at the wind farm, enjoy the cool breeze
19:00
Dinner and stargazing out among the turbinesThe cool season gets chilly — bring a warm layer
06:00
Wake early for the chance of morning mist and sunriseMist is most likely from November to February
09:00
Pack up, head down the hill, and carry on to Khao Yai or home

Want to plan out a full Korat trip day by day

See the Korat travel guide →

FAQ

Is Lam Takhong Dam free, and what are the opening hours?

The dam viewpoints and the Khao Yai Thiang wind farm are free — no entry fee — with parking and restrooms available. Most spots are open roughly 06:00–18:00, while a few like Khao Khuean Lan open around 09:00–16:30. Hours can change, so check before you go, especially if you're planning to catch sunrise.

Where is the Khao Yai Thiang wind farm, and is it hard to get up there?

It's on the upper reservoir of the Lam Takhong Chonlaphawat power plant (EGAT) in Khlong Phai subdistrict, Sikhio district. You turn off the Mittraphap Highway and head up Khao Yai Thiang; the climb is steep and winding in places, so sedans can make it but you'll need to drive carefully. Driving yourself or renting a car is best, since public transport isn't convenient.

When is the best time to visit Lam Takhong Dam?

Late rainy into cool season, around November–February, is best — comfortably cool air, strong wind, and a chance of morning mist on Khao Yai Thiang. Midday brings harsh, hot sun, so go in the morning or evening to catch the nicest light on the turbines.

Can I stop at Lam Takhong Dam on the way up to Khao Yai?

Easily. Lam Takhong Dam is right along the Mittraphap Highway on the Sikhio–Pak Chong stretch, just before Pak Chong and Khao Yai — a neat place to rest the car, take photos, and catch the breeze. Spend about 1–2 hours, then carry on to Khao Yai.

Can I camp or stay overnight on Khao Yai Thiang?

Yes. Khao Yai Thiang has several campgrounds, resorts, and homestays. People like staying the night to catch the sunset, the stargazing, and the morning mist. It gets busy in the cool season, so book ahead and bring a warm layer.

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