Lam Nam Nan National Park

Lam Nam Nan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติลำน้ำน่าน) is a large protected area covering 999 km² (624,468 rai) in southern Uttaradit Province, established to conserve the forests and watershed of the lower Nan River basin. The park encompasses a complex mountain range with diverse forest types — mixed deciduous, dry evergreen, hill evergreen, and deciduous dipterocarp — where the foliage transforms into rich autumn colours during the cool season.

The park's centrepiece is Sirikit Dam (เขื่อนสิริกิติ์), Thailand's largest earthen dam, completed in 1974 on the Nan River in Tha Pla district. Named after Queen Sirikit, the embankment dam stands 113.6 m high and 800 m long with a base width of 630 m. It impounds a reservoir of 9.5 billion m³ covering 259 km², providing irrigation for 1.2 million hectares of farmland, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation (500 MW from four Francis turbines). The surrounding forests are home to barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, bears, and more than 200 bird species. The climate follows the northern Thai pattern: cool and dry November–February, hot and dry March–May, and rainy June–October. The cool-season foliage colours (Dec–Jan) are a major draw.

By Plane

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is about 100 km south-west, roughly 1.5 hours by car. From the airport, a taxi to the park costs around 800–1,000 baht. Sukhothai Airport (THS) is about 130 km west.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Phichai Railway Station on the Northern Line, about 40 km south-west of the park. Uttaradit Railway Station is about 50 km north-west. From either station, a songthaew or taxi can reach the park (300–500 baht).

By Car / Road

From Uttaradit town, head south on Highway 11 for about 30 km, then follow signs east to the dam and park (about 50 km total, 45 min–1 hr). From Phitsanulok, head north on Highway 11 for about 70 km, then turn east at the signed junction.

The park is large and spread out. A private vehicle is essential for exploring beyond the dam area. Songthaews can be hired from Uttaradit or Phichai for a day trip (1,000–1,500 baht). Boat trips on the reservoir can be arranged at the dam.

• Sirikit Dam – The country's largest earthen dam, 800 m long and 60 m high. The viewpoint at the dam crest offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding forested hills. An educational centre at the dam explains the construction and purpose.

• Reservoir – The vast artificial lake stretches for many kilometres through forested valleys, with turquoise water and scattered islands. Boat trips (1–3 hours) are available from the pier near the dam.

• Forest Foliage – During December and January, the deciduous dipterocarp forests put on a display of red, orange, and yellow leaves, earning the park comparisons with northern mountain destinations.

• Wildlife Viewing – The park's diverse habitats support barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, Asian black bear, and over 200 bird species. Early morning or late afternoon drives along the park roads offer the best sightings.

• Boat Trip on the Reservoir – Hire a long-tail boat (600–1,200 baht depending on duration) to explore the reservoir, passing through flooded forest and stopping at isolated beaches and viewpoints.

• Wildlife & Birdwatching – The park is one of the best places in lower northern Thailand for birding, with hornbills, broadbills, and leafbirds among the highlights. Dawn and dusk are the prime times.

• Picnicking – Several designated picnic areas with shelters offer pleasant spots along the reservoir shoreline. Bring your own food and drink.

• Photography – The combination of the vast dam, the turquoise reservoir, forest colours, and wildlife make this a productive destination for nature photographers.

A few simple restaurants near the dam serve basic Thai dishes — noodles, fried rice, grilled chicken, som tam. They are open during daylight hours. Most day-trippers bring a picnic, which can be enjoyed at the designated areas along the reservoir.

Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer are available at the small shops near the dam. Coffee and tea are sometimes available at the restaurants. Bottled water is the safe drinking option.

• Budget: Camping is permitted at designated sites near the dam (tent rental ~150–300 baht/night at the park office). Basic toilet and shower facilities are available.
• Mid-range: Sirikit Dam has a few simple bungalows operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) — book in advance through the EGAT tourism office. Rates around 800–1,200 baht/night for a basic room.
• Upscale / heritage: > TODO: no upscale accommodation exists within the park. The nearest full-service hotels are in Uttaradit town or Phitsanulok.

The area near the dam has a handful of small stalls selling snacks, drinks, basic toiletries, and some local snack foods. Nothing in the way of souvenirs or crafts. For a proper market or any substantial shopping, head to Uttaradit town (50 km north) or Phitsanulok (100 km south-west).

• Uttaradit (50 km north, 45 min) — Provincial capital with temples, the broken-sword memorial, and good dining.
• Phichai (40 km south-west, 40 min) — Historic district with the Phraya Phichai Dap Hak shrine and old fort ramparts.
• Phitsanulok (100 km south-west, 1.5 hr) — Major city with Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, night market, and extensive onward transport.
• Sukhothai (130 km west, 2 hr) — UNESCO-listed ruins of the first Siamese kingdom.
• Khlong Tron National Park (60 km north) — A smaller park with waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails.