Eakachai Boathouse in Mae Ngat Dam Place guide

For those looking for a unique camping or nature experience out in the northern areas of Thailand, spend a day or more relaxing on the waters of the Mae Ngat Dam floating houses. Set on a 15km freshwater lake, around 20 or so houseboats can be rented featuring various types of accommodations – from bare bones to the most luxurious of amenities. 

The floating boats are connected side-by-side and are located all across the lake’s placid surface. Some of them even have wide open wooden decks that interlock with one another to create a communal area – perfect for gathering and socializing. Most visitors find the atmosphere calming, as being so close to the water lends a relaxing ambiance and feel to any stay.

Eat: Travelers won’t go hungry, as several floating bungalows house Thai restaurants or kitchens that willingly cook and serve a variety of tasty and local dishes.

Do: Many of the companies renting out boathouses supply travelers with various amenities they can use to enjoy their stay even more. Think rental for inner tubes, life vests, kayaks, fishing rods and tackles. And while electricity in the area is limited and only powered during certain times of the day (usually in the evening), this encourages travelers to disconnect from the world and enjoy the simplicity of life on a boathouse.

Our pick: The Eakachai Boathouse in particular provides a rustic charm for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Staying the night is recommended since it encourages people to do a variety of activities while in the area.

How to get there

These wonderful floating houses are located around 60km north of Chiang Mai at the Sri Lanna National Park. Since the roads are well-maintained, it’s quite accessible by car or motorbike. 

• To get there, head east down Thapae Road after exiting Thapae Gate out of Chiang Mai. After crossing the bridge across the Ping River, the road should merge with Charaen Muang Road (Route 1006). 
  
  
• Turn left into the Inner Ring Road, going in a counter-clockwise direction until you can turn right down Route 1001. After driving straight for around 50km, there will be visible signs pointing towards Mae Ngat Dam, which will lead you to Route 1323. 
  
  
• Eventually, travelers will be able to see the intersection where they should turn right to reach the dam. The path leads down to Sri Lanna National Park, with signs pointing in the appropriate direction until you reach the entrance. 

How to get there

These wonderful floating houses are located around 60km north of Chiang Mai at the Sri Lanna National Park. Since the roads are well-maintained, it’s quite accessible by car or motorbike. 

• To get there, head east down Thapae Road after exiting Thapae Gate out of Chiang Mai. After crossing the bridge across the Ping River, the road should merge with Charaen Muang Road (Route 1006). 
  
  
• Turn left into the Inner Ring Road, going in a counter-clockwise direction until you can turn right down Route 1001. After driving straight for around 50km, there will be visible signs pointing towards Mae Ngat Dam, which will lead you to Route 1323. 
  
  
• Eventually, travelers will be able to see the intersection where they should turn right to reach the dam. The path leads down to Sri Lanna National Park, with signs pointing in the appropriate direction until you reach the entrance.