A boat ride on this gigantic lake is a must. The lake was formed in the 1980s when the Vajiralongkorn Dam (known locally as Khao Laem Dam) was constructed across Mae Nam Khwae Noi near Thong Pha Phum. Two of the many villages submerged under the new lake were moved up to their present location and the bridge was built to connect them. About all that remains now are ruined buildings from three temples.
The nearest temple, just visible from the bridge, is Wat Wang Wiwekaram Gao (gao means old) and this was the site of the Mon village. When the lake rises to its highest point only the very top of the ubosot and bell tower stay dry. Nearby, Wat Si Suwannaram Gao was the temple in the Thai-Karen village. It emerges when the lake is very low, while Wat Somdet Gao sits in the forest high on a hill and stays dry year-round. (The new Wat Somdet is the temple with the many big Buddha images along the road into town.)
Trips from the wooden bridge costs 500B (up to six people) and take one hour for all three temples, or 300B for just Wat Wang Wiwekaram Gao.
The calm of early morning, when grey mist envelopes the surrounding mountains, is the best time to go.
