The nation’s first large dam is located at the bend
of the Bang Krabian River, Mu 3, Tambon Bang Luang. With a total length
of 237.5 metres and a height of 16.5 metres, this reinforced concrete
dam is built across flowing water and consists of 16 spillways. There
is a 14-metre-wide watergate, where small or big marine craft can pass
through. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit presided over the opening ceremony on 7 February 1957. Chao
Phraya Dam is beautiful and during January - February, the reservoir
over the dam site is the habitat to thousands of waterfowl. Water is
released from the Northern region to the Central lower basin and the
Gulf of Thailand for the purposes of irrigation, agriculture,
conservation of marine animals, and generating hydroelectric power for
the province.
Chao Phraya Dam provides accommodation of 19 rooms at a rate of 600
Baht. More details are available at Tel. 0 56411559 ext. 210.
To get there: From Amphoe Mueang, travel along Highway No. 304. Turn
left for Amphoe Sapphaya and proceed another 6 kilometres. It is also
accessible via the Bangkok - Amphoe Wat Sing bus, which passes the Chao
Phraya Dam, bus No. 1061 Chai Nat - Pho Nang Tam, and bus No. 110 Sing
Buri - Chai Nat.
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