Bhumibol Dam

Dam Major hydroelectric dam on Thailand's Ping River

Bhumibol Dam on the Ping River in northern Thailand is a major hydroelectric project with a large reservoir; visitors stop for dam viewpoints, boat launches and local markets in nearby towns.

Main image

Bhumibol Dam is a large hydroelectric dam in northern Thailand on the Ping River, named for King Bhumibol Adulyadej and recognised as an important infrastructure project for power generation and water management in the region.

The site includes the dam structure, a substantial reservoir and associated infrastructure; visitors may view the structure from designated viewpoints and a visitor area that explains the dam’s purpose. The reservoir and surrounding landscape are used for limited recreation and sightseeing.

Constructed in the mid-20th century as part of national efforts to expand hydroelectric power and regulate river flows, the dam has played a long-term role in regional development, irrigation and energy supply. It remains a notable example of large-scale hydraulic engineering in Thailand.

Located in Tak Province in northern Thailand, the dam sits on the Ping River and is reached by road from nearby towns in the province.

  • Significance: Named after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the dam is a major hydroelectric and water-management structure for northern Thailand and is visible from public viewpoints and a visitor area.
Bhumibol Dam
Bhumibol Dam, Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, Thailand
17.2428, 98.9722

How to Get to Bhumibol Dam #

Bhumibol Dam is in Tak Province in northwestern Thailand, reachable by road from Tak town (about 50-70 km depending on route). The nearest major city is Chiang Mai (approx. 4-5 hours by car). Local buses and private taxis can make the trip; private car is the most practical option.

Tips for Visiting Bhumibol Dam #

  • If planning to view the dam and reservoir, coordinate with local tourism offices-some viewpoints require permits.
  • Combine a visit with nearby attractions in Tak or Lampang provinces if traveling from Bangkok; the dam is remote from major tourist routes.
  • Avoid attempting to drive across the main dam without local guidance; restricted zones are enforced for safety.

Best Time to Visit Bhumibol Dam #

Visiting is best in Thailand's cool season (Nov-Feb) for clearer views and more comfortable weather.

Cool Season
November-February · 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for visiting viewpoints.
Wet Season
June-October · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Reservoirs are full and landscapes are lush, but heavy rains can affect access.

Weather & Climate near Bhumibol Dam #

Climate

Bhumibol Dam's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (1000 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 78 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
16° 30°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
0.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
18° 33°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
21° 36°
58%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
24° 36°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
24° 34°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.9h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.6h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

206 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

89 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 29°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
0.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

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