With great relief, I had a much better sleep last night and am ready to face the day. Yesterday I didn't say too much about Red Heritage Hotel simply because there was not a lot to say. It could see that it had everything needed for a longer stay. Overnight the bed proved most comfortable, and there was plenty of hot water for a shower. I like the extra counter space and sensibly placed plug sockets. The only restriction I can find is that our room is on the first floor and there is no lift. Now let's see what breakfast is all about.
We find our way to the dining room, but it seems a bit gloomy with no natural light. I see that it is buffet style, which is always a bonus, but as these go, the breakfast here is not that exciting. To start with, as we are late risers, the sausage, ham, and eggs are cold. We eat what we need without overindulging.
With a busy day yesterday, I'm expecting an easy day today. Nothing has yet been planned, but one attraction definitely needs our attention at some point. We decide that point is now and aim for one of Thailand's major reservoirs, which is so huge, it would take most of the day to travel around it. The Queen Sirikit Dam is an embankment dam on the Nan River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya River, built for the purpose of irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power production. It has a surface area of 100 sq miles. With this area to deal with, it's not as simple as saying we will head for it, as there are multiple options to view this massive reservoir. It's logical that we aim for the nearest point, 45 minutes from the city.
Chong Khao Khat Dam Viewpoint is at the southwestern edge of the reservoir, and as at the Ratchaphrapa Dam we were at at the beginning of the month, this area is under the control of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. As with other areas under its control, it is beautifully landscaped, and visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery for free. Although the Chong Khao Khat Dam is impressive, it's a water retention dam, not the one for electricity generation. What it does have, though, is a viewpoint above the dam offering amazing views of the reservoir, and that's not all. Surrounding the car park there is a dining area consisting of bamboo huts where food can be ordered with table service. At around midday we're happy to sample the local food, and this has to be bpla nin, commonly known as tilapia, an abundant freshwater species.
It's a source of personal amusement that when Katoon sees a menu, her eyes light up with excitement, and very soon there is enough food on the table to feed four of us, or am I seeing double? Hah! As well as fried tilapia with local herbs, there is a tom yum soup and fried rice. We're clearly going to need some doggy bags. In terms of location, it's just gorgeous with temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius. I really could stay here all day. These opportunities are so precious but also popular. They need our table, but no worries. Not far from here is another attraction.
From another access road, we arrive at Ban Tha Ruea. In Thai this village translates simply as 'a port.' Well, it's not exactly that, and there's not even a jetty, just a ramp with floating walkways where boats can be loaded. We first witness this in action with a pickup truck backed on the ramp as far as the water's edge. Here, all manner of goods, mostly consumables, are being loaded into a long-tailed boat. We find out that this is destined for a village inaccessible by road, one hour away by boat. This is another indication of the size of the Sirikit.
From the loading ramp, the floating bamboo walkways extend out into the lake. These lead to floating restaurants, which would have been a super alternative to the restaurant we were at earlier. The remarkable thing about this community is the lack of what I would call 'hard-sell.' We are even invited into one restaurant just to take in the view, while at the furthest point, a couple of souls are fishing. The feeling of togetherness and hospitality is overpowering. We spend some time here witnessing the commerce and capturing stunning colourful photos and videos. This is just fantastic. Now, while we have no chance of covering the dam area thoroughly, we've only seen a small section of it. We still haven't seen the dam proper yet. Let's get on the case!
The Sirikit Dam itself, where the power generation takes place, is still a good half-hour away, and I even get a short period of sleep on the way to it.
Arriving at the Sirikit Dam, there is a car park and toilets, but the area doesn't have the same appeal in terms of catering. What facilities there are, remain unsupported. It's a place to grab a cold drink, snacks, or an ice cream. I take what I need in the way of photos, but the main course has already been served today. As we move later into the afternoon, Katoon reacts to another attraction, albeit needing a detour.
Deep in the tropical forest of Ton Sakyai National Park, one of the minor ones, lies an unusual tree that has grabbed the attention of botanists. Identified towards the end of the last century, it was documented for its age and thought to be unique. It soon attracted the attention of royalty, and in 1998, Princess Sirinhorn came to the area and gave the tree her royal blessing in front of forestry officials. Since the tree was discovered, it has been tended to, and the area around it, cordoned off. Measurements of the tree's circumference have been taken each year, and the tree has achieved the accolade of being 'the largest teak tree in the world,' despite being battered by storms during its lifetime of over 1,000 years. It's time to return to Uttaradit.
Today has turned out to be another full day of discovery and was totally unexpected on my part. What is more remarkable is that my resilience has shone through recently, and I'm really grateful for that. As things have worked out, we will arrive back in Uttaradit just as it's getting dark, but tonight we won't need to look for a dinner; the doggy bags are crammed full. It gives me time this evening to write these notes. Tomorrow is another day, and I have just discovered something that will determine its course.

Source: Visit