Vajiralongkorn Dam

The structure extends for more than one kilometer across the Khwae Noi River and uses three Francis turbines to produce electrical energy. The construction combines a concrete core with rock-fill material, forming a system that provides water for irrigation and power generation.

Construction started in the late 1970s and was finished by the mid-1980s, making it the first project of this type in the country. The structure was part of a plan to regulate water in the Mae Klong basin and generate electricity for the central region.

The facility has carried the name of the former Crown Prince, who later became King, since 2001. Visitors find several viewpoints around the reservoir from which they can observe the technical construction and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Access follows local roads through forested terrain, and visitors should consider day trips during cooler morning hours. The area around the reservoir offers opportunities for walking, with some sections easier to reach than others.

The concrete facing on the water side protects the inner rock fill from erosion while allowing flexible adjustment to ground movements. During dry periods, the stored freshwater prevents saltwater from entering from lower river sections.