Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam is an important multi-purpose earth-fill dam in Chiang Mai Province. It was built to store water for irrigation, mitigate floods, and generate hydroelectric power. The dam is approximately 59 meters high and 1,900 meters long, blocking the Mae Ngat River, a tributary of the Ping River, creating a large reservoir surrounded by mountains of Si Lanna National Park, becoming one of the most popular natural tourist destinations in the North.

The unique feature of Mae Ngat Dam is its floating accommodations (rafts) scattered throughout the reservoir. Tourists must take a long-tail boat from the pier to the rafts, which takes about 15–30 minutes. Along the way, visitors can fully enjoy the views of mountains, forests, and the vast expanse of water. Most rafts offer rooms, restaurants, cafes, drinks, and riverside seating areas. Some are fully equipped and popular among families, couples, and international tourists.

Popular activities here include kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, playing on slides and inflatable attractions, nature boat tours, fishing, as well as watching the sunrise and sunset over the water. During winter mornings, a thin mist often floats above the reservoir, adding special beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.

In addition to staying on the rafts, the dam crest is also a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the reservoir and mountains. There are restaurants, coffee shops, and resting areas for day-trip visitors. It is also a popular photo spot for those visiting Mae Taeng District.

The suitable time for visiting is November–February, when the weather is cool and comfortable, the reservoir water level is high, and the scenery is lush green. During the rainy season, nature is especially fresh, while the summer is suitable for swimming and various water activities.

Mae Ngat Dam also serves as a gateway to tourism within Si Lanna National Park. Day trips or overnight stays can be planned in conjunction with attractions like Pong Dueat Pa Pae Hot Spring Mork Fa Waterfall Wat Ban Den Salee Sri Muang Gan, elephant farms, and other attractions in Mae Taeng District.

• From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang) heading towards Mae Taeng District for approximately 41 kilometers. Then, turn right onto Highway 1323 and continue for about 11 kilometers until you reach the Si Lanna National Park office and Mae Ngat Dam pier. From the pier, you must use a community long-tail boat service or one provided by your raft accommodation to reach your raft. The journey takes approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the location of each raft.

• Book your floating accommodation (raft) in advance, especially during November–February, long holidays, and festivals, as popular rafts tend to fill up quickly.

• Check the raft's boat transfer schedule before traveling, as each raft has different service times, and you should arrive at the pier before your scheduled time.

• Always wear a life jacket when riding a boat or engaging in water activities such as kayaking, swimming, or using inflatable water toys, for safety.

• Prepare essential items and waterproof gear, such as sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent, and waterproof bags for phones or cameras, as you will be on the reservoir for an extended period.

• Help preserve nature by not littering in the water, refraining from loud noises at night, and adhering to the rules of Si Lanna National Park and raft operators, to maintain the environment and peaceful atmosphere of the area.

Admission Fee:

Si Lanna National Park Entrance Fee

• Thai Adults: 20 Baht / Children: 10 Baht
• Foreigners Adults: 100 Baht / Children: 50 Baht
• Car Parking Fee: Approximately 30 Baht
• Long-tail boat transfer to/from rafts: Starting from approximately 600–1,000 Baht/boat (depending on distance and number of passengers)
• Raft accommodation and water activity fees vary by service provider

Note: Service rates may change. Please check with Si Lanna National Park or raft operators before traveling.

Opening Hours:

• Si Lanna National Park is open daily from 06:00–18:00.
• Tourists staying on rafts can stay overnight 24 hours according to each raft's service schedule.
• Boat transfers have different schedules for each operator. Please contact your booked raft in advance to confirm boat timings.