Driving out of Bangkok, we turned right at Saraburi on to Highway 2 and began the ascent onto the Isan plateau. The old food stalls beside the lake at Lam Takhong seemed dusty and disused and we later heard it said that the area has been closed down. There is a rest area beside the lake further on from the old food stalls. A good effort has been made here to provide beautiful gardens with several shelters from the sun (or rain depending on the season). Native trees and plants have been laid out in the Thao Suranaree Park. Looking out over the water dammed in the lake by the Lam Takhong Dam, several species of waterside birds can be seen around the water's edge. The rest area is good for children - the youngest family member had been fidgeting in the car and enjoyed using the swings with her granny. A statue commemorates Thao Suraranee - who also has a statue in Nakhon Ratchasima city centre (TripAdvisor reviews at “Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo) Monument”). The toilets in Thao Suraranee Park were impressively clean - a noteworthy sight on a trip through Thailand (or anywhere else to be fair). The lake and this whole area in Sikhio exist in their present form because of the construction of the Lam Takhong Dam completed in 1974. It's impressive and worth a look if driving through.

Relaxing time with a swim in safe water Shelters always there to keep out of sun while enjoying a lunch from food available or bring your own Great for family or groups