Water as far as the eye can see, framed by layer upon layer of blue mountains: behind the Vachiralongkorn Dam, the Kwai Noi becomes a vast lake that stretches deep into the hills towards the Myanmar border.
Background
The dam, formerly known as the Khao Laem Dam, was completed in 1984 and renamed in 2001 in honour of the then Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. It is 92 metres high and supplies a 300-megawatt hydropower station. The reservoir behind it covers around 388 square kilometres. Parts of the former railway route towards the Three Pagodas Pass now lie beneath its waters.
What you will experience
From the dam you enjoy wide views over the reservoir and the surrounding hills. Afterwards you visit Thong Pha Phum, a small market town overlooked by a chedi on a steep rock, where the local market offers a colourful glimpse of everyday life in western Thailand.
Good to know
- The drive from the river takes about an hour each way.
- On the downstream golf cruise, the visit takes place if time allows.
On these cruises
You visit the Vachiralongkorn Dam on the following RV River Kwai cruises:
- 7D/6N River Kwai Heritage Cruise – Day 4 (Thursday)
- 4D/3N River Kwai Golf Cruise (downstream) – Day 1 (Thursday)
Compare all River Kwai cruises
Also along the way
Hin Dat Hot Spring · Pha Tad Waterfall · Lawa Cave (Kaeng Lava)
