Travel to the Remains of Doi Tao Lake

Travel to the Remains of Doi Tao Lake: A Story from mr.hotsia in Chiang Mai

"When I, mr.hotsia, traveled to Doi Tao in October 2010, the first feeling I sensed was the ever-changing nature that never stands still." This is my true experience visiting the “Remains of Doi Tao Lake” in Chiang Mai province, which was once a long lake formed by the construction of the Bhumibol Dam in 1964. Today, however, the scene shows astonishing dryness and change.

Doi Tao Lake was part of the Bhumibol Dam, also known as Yanhee Dam, which originally flooded the old Hod area and Doi Tao continuously. But today, when I arrived at “Old Hod Town,” I found almost no water left. Only the ancient pagoda that was once submerged has been revealed and turned into corn and bean fields for locals. At Doi Tao itself, the lake's water level has been decreasing every year until it almost became dry land.

When I arrived at Doi Tao in mid-October, there was almost no water left in the lake. I could only see traces of the slow-flowing Ping River running through the lake. The surrounding atmosphere had turned into lush cornfields. Floating rafts were stranded on land, and several boats were beached alone. Looking at this, I couldn’t help but feel saddened that the nature which was once a large water source has dried up, while many other provinces in other regions are experiencing severe flooding.

Boating in Doi Tao in the Past and Changes Today

I asked locals and raft service providers at Doi Tao and learned that in 2009, the lake had enough water for boating only three months a year, from November to January, and the water level has been continuously decreasing every year. This detail reflects the ecological changes and water volume from the Bhumibol Dam that directly affect the Doi Tao community.

"If the water from Bhumibol Dam arrives early, the lake will be full, and tourists can enjoy beautiful boat rides. But if the water is late, we have to wait," said a raft vendor at Doi Tao whom I spoke with. When I arrived, the lake was not full, so the trip changed from boating to a “remains of the lake” tour, which has its own charm and unique interest.

High View at Phra That Doi Koeng: A View That Impressed me, mr.hotsia

To get a wide view of Doi Tao Lake, I traveled up to Phra That Doi Koeng, located opposite the Doi Tao boat launch point. In the past, tourists would boat across and then hike up the mountain to pay respects at Phra That Doi Koeng. But now, with no water, you have to drive around through Hod district and ascend by road instead.

Phra That Doi Koeng sits atop a mountain with a clear view of Doi Tao Lake and the Ping River. The dryness of the lake is clearly visible from this high vantage point. The water in the Ping River flowing through remains only in small amounts. This spot reminded me of the story ofWat Phra Borom That Doi Koengwhich I have written about regarding its beauty and the difficulty of the journey to pay respects at this pagoda.

Old Hod Town and Remaining Memories

The story of Doi Tao Lake and Hod Town are deeply connected because Old Hod Town was once flooded due to the construction of the Bhumibol Dam. In the past, the flooding was so severe that residents had to relocate. The original site became a large freshwater lake. Today, the remains of pagodas and ancient sites that were once submerged have re-emerged, reflecting the natural changes I described in my article.Old Hod Town Flooded Has Returned

I want everyone to understand that nature does not stand still, and as travelers, we should be aware of preserving natural resources sustainably.

Advice for Tourists Who Want to Raft at Doi Tao

For those planning to raft at Doi Tao, it is advisable to check water levels and seasonal information in advance because the lake’s water fluctuates according to the season and water volume from the Bhumibol Dam. Normally, rafting is possible from October to March, but some years may have delayed or unusually low water levels.

I, mr.hotsia, recommend the following raft service phone numbers I have collected for the convenience of fellow travelers:

• Paeng Noi: 081-9611854, 087-1739200
• Paeng Luk Mae Ping: 081-9934162, 081-7245470
• Paeng Anan: 089-8387045

Additionally, if anyone has more information about Doi Tao raft services, please share it on my Facebook page to help spread useful information.

What I, mr.hotsia, Learned from Doi Tao

This trip made me realize that the beautiful images we see of tourist spots are not always permanent. Nature is constantly changing, and many things we love may disappear if we do not help take care of them. I believe the people of Doi Tao and Hod are doing their best to care for their environment, but cooperation from all sectors is necessary.

If anyone wants to visit Chiang Mai, I recommend experiencing the local lifestyle around Doi Tao. And if you have time, don’t forget to pay respects atWat Saen Thong Omkoior trythe mineral salt-preserved eggs of Muang Onwhich are specialties of Chiang Mai as well.

Finally, my journey to Doi Tao is not just about nature tourism but also a life lesson about the relationship between humans and nature that we must learn and preserve for a long time to come.