Doi Ton

The reservoirs under Doi Ton

Doi Ton is part of San Kamphaeng’s “Lake District”, a string of small reservoirs in the hills that includes Ang Kep Nam Doi Ton. It is 10–15 minutes from Baanpong Lodge by scooter, and after a few days of temples and the city it was the quietest morning I had.

Getting there

Go by scooter or car: the roads are mostly paved, with some bends through the villages and past rice paddies. The lodge can arrange a scooter rental or a driver. Park along the edge of the reservoirs; it is informal, usually free and rarely full. There is no entry fee, as it is a public natural area.

Go early in the morning, when it is cooler and the light is soft, or in the late afternoon.

What is there

Several small reservoirs set into the hills, with forest on the slopes and the mountain behind. On a still day the water reflects the hills and sky almost perfectly, as in the photograph above. Paths run along the shores for easy walks, and there are wooden platforms and rocks to sit on.

There are no crowds and nothing commercial. You are more likely to see local people fishing or having a picnic, and the occasional small boat. I sat on a rock by the water for a while and watched the fish jump; at sunrise the hills and the water were at their best for photographs.

Tips

• Bring water, snacks (the roadside fruit stalls are good), comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and a camera.
• November to February is the most comfortable time. In the rainy months the hills are greener but the paths get slippery.
• Avoid the middle of the day, when it is hottest.
• Watch for local motorbikes on the dirt sections.

Practical information

• Opening hours: open access at any time; go in daylight.
• Entry fee: free.
• Facilities: some shade, but no toilets or shops at the reservoirs, so bring what you need. The nearby villages have small places to eat.
• Food and add-ons: fresh coconut and snacks from the roadside stalls. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is 20–30 minutes away if you want to make a day of it.

Because it is so close to the lodge, Doi Ton works as a half-day trip: a morning at the water, back for the afternoon.