Chiang Saen Lake
Lake in Thailand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chiang Saen Lake (Thai: ทะเลสาบเชียงแสน) is a natural freshwater lake in Thailand, it is located in Yonok Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, northern Thailand.
| Chiang Saen Lake | |
|---|---|
  Chiang Saen Lake Location within Thailand | |
| Location | Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand |
| Coordinates | 20.26061°N 100.04606°E |
Surface area | 4.342 km2 (1.676 sq mi) |
| Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area | |
|---|---|
| Chiang Saen Lake | |
 Interactive map of Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area | |
| Location | Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand |
| Nearest city | Chiang Rai |
| Coordinates | 20°15′38.2″N 100°02′45.8″E |
| Area | 22.9914 km2 (8.8770 sq mi) |
| Established | 4 April 1985 Ramsar Site 5 July 2001 |
| Governing body | Royal Forestry Department |
Official name | Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area |
| Designated | 5 July 2001 |
| Reference no. | 1100[1] |
According to the folklore, the legend of Singhanavati (ตำนานสิงหนวัติ), it used to be an ancient kingdom known as Singhanavati or Yonok. The kingdom was destroyed by a sudden flood from earthquake in 545.[2] The town was submerged and is known today as "Wiang Nong Lom" (เวียงหนองหล่ม, lit. 'drowned town') an archaeological swamp south of the lake.[3]
The lake has a total area of 2,711 rais (1,071 acres, 4.342 km2). It was originally just a small swamp, until a dam was built to block the waterway overflow until a large lake was formed known as Nong Bong Kai (หนองบงคาย). In 1985 it was declared as Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area.[4]
The lake is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls from November through February. Bird species found here are lesser whistling duck, grebe, common pochard, watercock. There is a campsite for visitors. Chiang Saen Lake is the northernmost lake in Thailand.[5]