Sirikit Dam
Uttaradit's Lake Among the Mountains

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

If you're planning a trip to Uttaradit, Sirikit Dam is usually the first place people point you to, because one stop covers a lot: sweeping reservoir views, a well-kept flower garden, water activities, and lakeside accommodation you can actually book. The real draw is the atmosphere — still water reflecting the mountains, cool breezes, and a quiet you rarely get in town. We've pulled together everything worth knowing before you go on this page.

Getting to Sirikit Dam

The dam sits in Pha Lueat sub-district, Tha Pla, about 58 km east of Uttaradit town. Driving from town takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours along Highway 1045, passing through Tha Pla along the way. The last stretch is a winding mountain road with pretty views on both sides, but drive carefully.

• Private car — the most convenient option, since the dam grounds are large and the viewpoints, garden and accommodation are spread out, so you'll need to drive around inside.
• Rental car — rent in Uttaradit town and drive yourself, ideal if you want to hit several spots around the province in one day.
• Hired car / charter — round-trip charters from town are available; agree on the price before you set off, handy if you're not driving yourself.
• Public transport — very limited. Songthaews don't run all the way to the dam itself, so without your own car, chartering a vehicle is the easier choice.

Opening hours, admission and what to know

Sirikit Dam is open daily with no admission fee — you can drive in to take in the views and stroll the garden for free. The best window is midday to evening, especially before sunset from around 4 to 6 pm. For nice photos in the garden or a cycle along the dam crest, mornings and evenings have the best air; midday sun gets fairly harsh since it's all open ground.

• Admission — no entry fee; the dam area and garden are both free to enter.
• Bike rental — bikes are available to rent and ride inside the dam, around 20 THB per hour.
• Best season — late rainy to early cool season (November–February): cool air, a full reservoir, clear skies and sharp views.
• What to wear — comfortable walking shoes; bring a hat and water, as several spots involve walking in the open sun.

Viewpoints you shouldn't miss

The heart of a visit to Sirikit Dam is the view. Above the dam crest stretches a wide freshwater lake ringed by mountains in tiers, the water so still it mirrors the hills on a clear day. Plenty of people say the view here looks like a painting, and it still sees far fewer crowds than the famous dams in central Thailand.

Sumalai Garden and the flower beds

Sumalai Garden was created at Sirikit Dam in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Inside, it's shaded with many kinds of flowering and ornamental plants, with a lotus pond, a sculpture plaza, and the "Toward the Light" statue that serves as the garden's symbol. It's an easy place for a stroll and photos, and good for bringing both older relatives and kids along.

• Lotus pond and flowers — blooms rotate with the seasons; the cool air at year's end keeps the plants looking their best.
• Sculpture plaza — sculptures and quirky photo corners scattered through the garden.
• Shady and easy to walk — the garden paths are shaded, a good place to escape the afternoon sun before waiting for sunset.

Lakeside activities

If you have more time than just a photo stop, the reservoir is open for plenty of water activities, from an easy scenic raft cruise to serious fishing. People who stay overnight often head out by boat in the morning for the cool air and to see fishing life on the lake.

• Rafting & kayaking — head out onto the lake to see the surrounding mountains up close; some raft operators run tours with food included.
• Fishing — the reservoir is known for snakehead and many other freshwater fish, with fishing rafts available to charter, ideal for anglers who want to stay overnight.
• Cycling — rent a bike to ride along the dam crest and around the garden, around 20 THB per hour.
• Camping — there's a campground within the dam grounds, good for campers who want to wake up to reservoir views in the morning.
• Fresh fish by the dam — local restaurants are known for fresh fish from the lake: grilled fish, tom yum, and garlic-fried, all bold and tasty.

Where to stay at the dam and around Tha Pla

A standout feature of Sirikit Dam is that EGAT has guest houses you can book for an overnight stay on-site, managed by Khun Saichon Villa Sirikit Dam. The setting is close to nature and quiet — good for a relaxing break or a group seminar — and the grounds also have a golf course and meeting rooms.

Making the most of Sirikit Dam in one day

If you're doing a day trip from Uttaradit town, timing your day around sunset gives you the best value. Here's a one-day plan that flows nicely without any rush.

Where to go next after the dam

The dam is in Tha Pla district, a fair way from town, but it's easy to pair with other spots in the province if you plan your route well — for example, a stop in the old town of Laplae, known for its food and fruit orchards, or paying respects at major temples in town before or after heading up to the dam.

• Uttaradit town — the Phraya Phichai Dap Hak monument, temples in town and local eateries — good for a stop before or after the dam.
• Laplae town — a charming old town with famous food and seasonal fruit orchards: langsat, longkong, and Lin-Long durian.
• Ban Nam Phi — the legendary Nam Phi iron source behind Phraya Phichai's sword, good for anyone who likes a historical story.