Huai Kho Reservoir

Huai Kho Reservoir is an earthen-dam reservoir in Na Chueak district, Maha Sarakham province — one of the larger earthen dams in northeast Thailand, built to irrigate surrounding farmland. Entry is free, daily 08:00-17:00, and it draws mostly local anglers and day-trippers rather than international tourists.

What’s actually here

The reservoir was built for irrigation and still serves that purpose for farms around Maha Sarakham — the water itself is the attraction, not any built infrastructure. A dam roughly 2,400 metres long holds back the reservoir near Nong Saeng village, and the shoreline gives space for fishing, a walking path along parts of the bank, and birdwatching. Local anglers fish for freshwater catfish along the banks; there’s no rental-boat operation or organised activities booth, so what you get is largely self-directed — bring your own gear if fishing is the goal.

Atmosphere and timing

Early morning (roughly 08:00-10:00) and late afternoon are the best windows, when wildlife activity along the shoreline is highest and the light is softer for photos across the water. Midday sun flattens the view and pushes birds into cover. Weekdays are close to empty; weekends see a modest number of local families out for picnics on the bank, but nothing that could be called crowded.

Insider Tip: Bring your own fishing gear if that’s the draw — there’s no tackle-rental stand at the reservoir, and the nearest shop is back in Na Chueak town.

Watch out: Public transport doesn’t reach the reservoir. If you’re relying on buses or songthaews to get around Maha Sarakham province, this is a hard one to add to the itinerary without a car or motorbike.

Practical details

There’s no admission gate, ticket booth, or facilities beyond a basic access road — pack water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for the shoreline path. The reservoir sits roughly 60km from Maha Sarakham town; a car or motorbike is the only realistic way to reach it, since public transport options in this rural stretch of the northeast are thin. View on Google Maps.