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Chainat Travel Guide :
Chao Phraya Dam
| The Province of Chai Nat was established during the Ayutthaya era. During that time it was an important town as it was a military base from where the Thai forces fought the Burmese army. The town of Chai Nat is located on the east bank of Chao Phraya River. |
It is believed that the community from the old location of Sankhaburi shifted there during the reign of King Rama IV to establish the town. The town covers an area of 2,469 square kilometers. Today Chai Nat is administratively divided into 6 districts.
The name Chai Nat means a Place of Victory. The name comes from the fact that each time the Thai forces from the base fought the Burmese, they were defeated.
When you visit Chai Nat, it is a must to visit Chao Praya Dam. This is the first dam in Thailand which was constructed in 1956 to serve the agricultural community. The total length of the dam is 238 meters while the height is 16.5 meters. The dam is built from reinforced concrete and it has 16 spillways. Watergate of the dam has a width of 14 meters which can easily allow a marine craft to pass through it. The dam ends up forming a reservoir which is home to a large number of waterfowls during the month of February.
Chao Praya Dam is built at the bend of the Bang Krabian River. On February 7, 1957, the opening ceremony of the dam was held and it was presided by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
The best time to visit Chao Praya Dam is during the months of January and February. The dam has made arrangements for accommodation and you can stay there by paying around 600 Baht.
The water from the dam is used for agriculture, conservation of marine life and for generating hydroelectric power for Chai Nat Province.
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