The dam was built using the roller compressed concrete (RCC) technique. This involves adding lignite fly ash to the cement mix. This improves the fluidity and workability of the mix while reducing the amount of cement needed, so reducing material costs. The mix is then compacted by rollers to create a very strong concrete with excellent long-term resilience.
Great view across Nakon Nayok province.
The benefits of dam at Nakhon Nayok include:
Reduce damage from flooding.
Constant water supply for agricultural irrigation.
Water supply for local community.
Fish stocks in reservoir.
Tourism and natural scenery.
The lives of Nakhon Nayok's people have already improved with the completion of the dam. Tourism and agriculture revenues are up and local land values have jumped sharply as investors look to cash in on the booming tourist industry.
Before and after.
Dams are rarely architecturally beautiful but the sheer scale of these constructions makes them an impressive sight. Visitors can go to the top of the dam and enjoy the spectacular scenery. There is a small park by the top and from there you can walk a few hundred meters along the top of the dam.
You can take a tour bus trip along the top of the dam to fully appreciate the fine views and the scale of the construction. The 15-minute trip costs 20-baht.
There are great views either way. In front of the dam, you have a view along the river and across Nakhon Nayok province. Behind the dam is the reservoir. It is possible to take a boat trip a few kilometers along the reservoir to the stream that feeds it.
boat trip across the reservoir and up the riverYou can also take a boat trip across the lake and up the river behind the dam into Khao Yai. How far you can go depends on how high the water level. When the water level is low you can travel just a few kilometers but if the damm is full you can travel many kilometers up the river and into the jungle. These boat trips also include the chance to do a short trek into the jungle to one of the small waterfalls with drop pools for a refreshing swim in the cool waters.
You will see the boats at the lake edge and the drivers will be waiting in the sala nearest them. The trip costs from 1,000-baht to 1,500-baht.
There is a nice museum at the base of the dam that gives lots more information.
How to get There.
Take the road to the top of Khlong Tha Dan Dam.
The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam is located at Ban Tha Dan, Tambon Hin Tang. From Nakon Nayok town, take route 3049 north towards Nang Rong Waterfall and the foothills of Khao Yai. 12km out of town the road forks and you need to take the right road. It is not long before you get sight of the huge dam. Drive on for another 6km and you reach the right hand turn, signposted towards the dam. When you reach the traffic circle with the elephant fountain in the middle you turn left and climb the hill to the top of the dam.