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.
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.
You 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.