Introducing Mae Ngat Dam, situated less than one hour's drive north of the city - a little slice of paradise where the silence echoes off the mountains and the daily worries of life in the city are forgotten.
The commissioning of a hydroelectric dam in 1985 meant the relocation of villages built in the valley along the Ngat River. The resulting lake is up to 50 metres deep, with high green mountains rising to the sky off each bank and the occasional treetop jabbing above the lake's surface.
The dam is the prefect spot for fishing, swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Incorporated into the Sri Lanna National Park, the local authorities permitted a certain number of houseboats to be moored on the lake as fish farms Abundant in freshwater fish, the fish farms soon started receiving requests from tourists and fishermen to stay overnight and most began catering to the demand.
Nowadays there are about 20 houseboats where you can stay. All offer a limited menu and drinks. Many have basic accommodation for just 100 baht per night. Thai families usually arrive with picnics and beers and while away the day Thai-style, with a guitar and a singsong.