🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Srinakarin Dam is Thailand's largest earth-and-rockfill dam with a clay core, damming the Khwae Yai River in Si Sawat district to create an enormous reservoir that locals simply call the lake. The blue-green water plays off the limestone ranges all around, and many people say it looks like a sea set in a valley. The places people actually visit split into three zones: the dam crest and the gardens around it, which are free to enter; the floating raft stays out on the water that you reach by boat; and Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, deeper inside Srinakarin Dam National Park.
The lake and the dam-crest viewpoint
You can walk up onto the dam crest for free, roughly 06:00–18:00. From up there the reservoir stretches out as far as you can see, and there's a Chaipattana water turbine and the Suan Wela Ramluek garden to wander around and take photos. Early morning and the hour before sunset give you the best light and the coolest air; midday sun is pretty harsh since there's little shade.
- The dam crest — walk the crest for a panoramic view over the reservoir; this is the main photo spot here, and it's free
- Suan Wela Ramluek garden + Chaipattana turbine — a shaded garden along the crest, good for a rest and a few photos
- Elevated viewpoints around the dam — there are private viewpoints such as cafes and hillside farms that look down over the whole lake, worth a stop on the way in
Tip
There's almost no shade on the dam crest and the sun is strong from late morning through the afternoon. If you want an easy walk, go before 9am or after 3pm, and bring a hat and water.
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Boat trips and water activities
The real draw at Srinakarin Dam is getting out onto the middle of the water. Most raft houses and lakeside resorts run boats to ferry you from the pier out to the rafts, and they usually throw in a boat tour around the reservoir, kayaking, pedal boats, and floating water toys. Some have jump-off points and slides straight into the lake. The water here is fairly deep and clear, so wear a life jacket every time you get in.
Boat tour around the reservoir
Usually booked through your raft or resort, and many places include it in the overnight package. The view is best in the morning when the water is still.
Kayaking & pedal boats
You can use these on your own around the raft, great for paddling along the hills in the morning. Most rafts lend them out or charge a small fee.
Water toys & water park
Bigger rafts like Lake Heaven and Rayaburi have slides, jet skis and floating play structures, ideal for groups and families.
Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, 7 tiers
Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall sits within Srinakarin Dam National Park, in Tha Kradan sub-district, Si Sawat. It's a limestone waterfall with emerald-green water that many people rate as one of the prettiest in Kanchanaburi. There are seven tiers in all, each with its own name: Dong Wan, Man Khamin, Wang Na Pha, Chat Kaeo, Lai Chon Long, Dong Phi Suea and Rom Klao. Tiers 1–4 are an easy 300–750 m walk from the entrance, while tier 5 and up means another kilometre-plus of trail walking.
- Park entry fee — Thai adults 60 THB, Thai children 30 THB · foreigners 300 THB, foreign children 150 THB
- Opening hours — roughly 06:30–17:00; start walking before midday so you have time to reach the upper tiers
- Staying in the park — there are guest bungalows and a camping ground; camping is about 30 THB per person per night, booked in advance through the national parks department
- Most popular tiers — tier 3 (Wang Na Pha) and tier 4 (Chat Kaeo) are the most photogenic and the best for a swim
What to know before the waterfall
The entrance to Huai Mae Khamin is on the opposite side from the dam crest, so it's a long drive around with some uphill mountain sections. The rocks by the water are very slippery, especially after rain, so wear rubber shoes with good grip and check the weather first, because in the rainy season the flow gets strong and some tiers may close.
Rafts and lakeside stays
For a lot of people the highlight of Srinakarin Dam is sleeping on a raft in the middle of the lake and waking up to water and mountains. Options run from small budget rafts up to air-conditioned raft resorts with water activities laid on. Prices swing with the season and whether it's a weekday or weekend, so book ahead, especially in the cool season and over long weekends, because the popular rafts fill up fast.
Lake Heaven Resort & Park
A large raft resort with both air-conditioned rooms and a full water park with water toys, good for groups and families who want the convenience.
Rayaburi Resort
A lakeside raft resort with a romantic feel, with nature boat tours and water activities, suited to couples and small groups who want somewhere quiet.
Phi Ton Raft (Si Sawat raft trips)
A traditional, easy-on-the-wallet raft starting around 1,000 THB per person per night, located in Tha Kradan sub-district. Great for groups of friends who want the full lakeside feel without the frills.
How to book a raft without slip-ups
Raft prices are often charged per boat or per person including meals and the transfer boat, so don't just look at the room rate. Ask clearly whether it covers meals, life jackets and the in-and-out boat fee. Over long weekends some rafts have a minimum number of guests, so call to check before you wire a deposit.
Getting there and the best time to go
From Kanchanaburi town it's about a 1.5–2 hour drive toward Si Sawat district. The last stretch is a winding mountain road, so it's best to drive in daylight and fill up the tank before you reach the hills. If you're not driving yourself, the easiest option is to book a raft stay that includes car-and-boat transfers from Bangkok or from Kanchanaburi town as a package.
- Best time — late rainy season into the cool season (November–February): the reservoir is full, the air is cool and the views are at their best
- Hot season — best for swimming, but the midday sun is strong and the water level in the reservoir can drop
- Rainy season — lush green views and powerful waterfalls, but the climb to the falls gets slippery and some tiers may close, so check the weather first
Keep planning your Kanchanaburi trip, both stays and things to do
See the Kanchanaburi guide →