Giant Rain Tree in the Water

What to Expect

This trip takes you to Phrao, a quiet district about 45 minutes from La Tierra. When you arrive at the local pier, you'll hop into a traditional long-tail boat for a peaceful cruise across the glass-like waters of the Mae Ngad Dam.

The highlight is pulling right up to the giant, 100-year-old rain tree (Chamchuri) emerging gracefully from the deep blue reservoir. The tree is actually a living trace of history—before the dam was built and flooded in 1984, this area was a bustling mountain village called Baan Mae Tong. While the community relocated up the hill, this majestic tree remained.  It’s an incredible, surreal sight—especially in the early morning light when mist drifts off the water or during the golden hour before sunset.

Estimated Pricing & Transport

• Private Van Transport: THB 2,500 – 3,000 per van (Seats up to 9 people; exact cost depends on fuel)
• Local Long-tail Boat: THB 700 per boat (Holds up to 3 guests max; paid directly at the local pier)
  (Park entrance fee: ~THB 30 per person for Thais and ~THB 200 per person for Non-Thais)

Details & Logistics

• Drive Time: ~45 minutes each way from/to La Tierra
• Activity Duration: ~1 to 1.5 hours total (Including the 15–20 min boat ride each way + time at the tree)
• Best Time to Go: Early morning (around 7:30–8:00 AM) or late afternoon for the softest lighting and cooler weather
• Best Season: October through March (When water levels are high and the tree is submerged in the lake)

What to Bring & Wear

• Comfortable clothing and easy slip-on shoes for getting in and out of the boat
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
• Camera or phone for incredible photos