Bang Phra Reservoir - Chonburi
May 12-13 and 20-21, 2016
Bang Phra Reservoir is a popular tourist destination, especially known for its Salao flowers that bloom in pink and purple along the reservoir's roads in early March each year. During the blooming season, the reservoir is filled with tourists, making it almost impossible to take a photo without capturing someone in the background. However, once the Salao flowers fade, the number of tourists dwindles significantly. Despite this, the reservoir remains a popular spot for cyclists of all types, who gather to ride and socialize.

This trip's objective is to take photos for my younger sister's women's clothing store. She is also creating a page about tourist attractions by taking photos of people wearing large bear heads and creating accompanying stories (sometimes). The page is called 'บันทึกนานา' (https://www.facebook.com/Diarynana/).

In my usual travels, I capture scenic views to sell or review, or even connect with magazines. For this particular trip, my sister covered all accommodation costs, allowing for a comfortable stay. However, I had to visit twice: the first time with my sister and her model friends, and the second time solo to capture additional shots.

Old review threads about tourist attractions

Giant water lilies, sunrise over the sea, buffaloes in the water, migratory birds, and Lamphu trees - Thale Noi - Phatthalung (http://pantip.com/topic/34977668)

A serene wooden bridge, reflecting the Mon way of life - Mon Bridge - Sangkhla Buri - Kanchanaburi (http://pantip.com/topic/34907371))

Admire the sea of mist and experience the kindness at Khao Pha Nen Thung - Khao Pha Nen Thung - Kaeng Krachan National Park - Phetchaburi (http://pantip.com/topic/34582338))

Link to Pantip topic 34582338

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Link to Pantip Topic 34582338

Seeking travel companions for photography trips, primarily using personal vehicles. I travel by motorcycle, but carpooling is also welcome. Budget is a top priority, aiming for the most economical options whenever possible. Accommodation will mainly be in tents, with occasional homestays for convenience. Hostels are also being considered for their affordability and practicality compared to constant tent stays.

My travels are often spontaneous and adventurous, sometimes even challenging. While I enjoy the thrill of the unknown, it can be tiring. I once embarked on a two-week journey with strangers I met online, but it's rare for people to join me on these expeditions due to my flexible return dates.

Those who share the same interests are welcome to chat with me. My Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/fasndee.

Introduction

Main viewpoint of Bang Phra Reservoir

Due to its proximity to Bangkok and its status as a developed province, Chonburi attracts a steady stream of tourists seeking relaxation and recreation. Notably, a significant portion of these visitors are avid cyclists. Throughout the day, from early morning to late evening, hundreds of cyclists can be observed traversing the area's roads and trails.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride, a group cycling session, a marathon around the reservoir, or even hill training, there's something for everyone. The roads are mostly shaded by large trees, and in some sections, dedicated bike lanes have been constructed.

Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a leisurely ride and take in the fresh air. Runners and sightseers can also stretch their legs and admire the views. The viewpoint on the map above is located on a two-lane road, with one lane on a high embankment. Cars and motorcycles are prohibited, making it a popular spot for cyclists, runners, and walkers. There is a nearby parking lot that can accommodate about 10 cars, and another parking lot a little further away. This makes it convenient for many people to load their bikes onto their cars and drive to the viewpoint to enjoy a ride.

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In the evenings, external security personnel hired by the authorities to maintain security are present on a daily basis.

The hilltop is protected by a barrier that allows pedestrians and cyclists to pass through, preventing unauthorized motorcycles from entering and causing accidents. As a result, many people living nearby drive to the area to exercise. In the morning, there is one group, while in the evening, the crowd is even larger, although not to the point of being overcrowded.

Accessing the Reservoir in the Early Morning or Late Night

If you plan to arrive at the reservoir very early in the morning or late at night, please use the front gate, which is open 24 hours a day. However, be prepared for additional questioning from the security guard during these off-peak hours. The other gate opens at 7:00 AM only.

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The main entrance is guarded 24 hours a day. Anyone who wants to come in the early morning or at night must enter through this gate only. However, if you come late at night, the guards will be extra vigilant.

In the mornings, the park is mainly frequented by cyclists enjoying a leisurely ride. As the sky brightens, more people arrive to jog and walk for exercise. Some take leisurely strolls, admiring the diverse birdlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The tranquil dawn awaits, welcoming tourists and cyclists embarking on their journey.

Within moments, the first cyclist's car entered the area.

A refreshing morning with clear skies, the sun yet to rise above the horizon.

Local residents often come here to exercise.

As the sky brightens but the morning is still young, we begin to see groups of cyclists enjoying a leisurely ride at this spot. Some groups are large, with nearly 10 people, while others are smaller, with 3 or even just 1 cyclist. However, in the early morning hours, we are more likely to see people exercising by walking or running.

If you're looking for a relaxed group to cycle and chat with, now is the time to join them. Around 7:00 AM, many people have just arrived and haven't started running or cycling yet. This gives you ample time to greet them, chat, and get to know them, making it easy to find a group to join.

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In the early morning hours, security personnel are not present at the viewpoint. However, there are usually tourist vehicles and cars parked nearby, belonging to people who come here to exercise. The parking area can accommodate approximately 5-8 cars, as it is located on the shoulder of the road. There are additional parking spaces further down the road, but they are a bit further away. Motorcycles can be parked in this area, with a capacity of several dozen vehicles.

Many tourists may have come a long way, as they often bring their bicycles in their cars to ride here specifically, or for safety reasons, as cycling on the main road to enter the reservoir area may be somewhat dangerous. However, I found that there are also quite a few cyclists who ride straight from their homes to the reservoir.

Cycling: A test of your physical limits
Whether you're cycling up small hills or riding around the reservoir, the road that runs parallel to the reservoir's edge at the viewpoint is a popular spot for cyclists, runners, and walkers. However, at the point where the two parallel roads connect, there is a steep hill that is nearly 100 meters long. Some cyclists enjoy this challenge, as it allows them to test their endurance before embarking on longer cycling trips up mountains.

The contrast between the relaxed atmosphere of the hilltop road, where people leisurely chat, run, and cycle, and the starkly different environment of the road below, where the connecting slope creates a sense of tension and urgency.

However, it is important to be cautious of cars, as this road is frequently used by motorists. While this may not seem alarming, drivers in this area are aware that it is a popular cycling route and therefore exercise extra caution.

Although the lower road is open to traffic, many cyclists prefer to ride there because it is much less crowded.

The road at the bottom of the hill is accessible to vehicles. The viewpoint marked on the map above is located on a steep slope approximately 100 meters long. Cyclists who want to practice hill climbing often come here to test their leg strength.

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Some cyclists prefer long-distance rides, such as cycling around the Bang Phra Reservoir. The road around the reservoir is approximately 22 kilometers long, offering a satisfying cycling experience.

When cycling around the reservoir, it is recommended to ride in a single file and use hand signals, as there may be trucks in some areas.

Cycling around the reservoir is not too hot, but it is advisable to wear sunscreen sleeves. Although the trees provide shade, they do not completely cover the road.

Notably, certain sections of the road offer access to the motorway, which may result in encountering trucks occasionally. However, I observed a consistent presence of cyclists around the reservoir, except during the midday hours.

Fear not, for sustenance and hydration are readily available along the reservoir's perimeter road, where local vendors occasionally set up shop. Nevertheless, carrying a water bottle is highly recommended.

This open-air market, featuring shops selling and repairing bicycles, serves as a gathering spot for many cyclists who frequent the lakeside loop. The convenient parking lot, though unpaved, can become muddy during the rainy season.

Another popular spot for cyclists to gather and chat is the open-air market located near the entrance gate that opens at 7:00 AM. The coordinates for this location are shown on the map below. From here, you can find a path leading down to the edge of the reservoir, offering stunning views of the morning scenery. You might even spot locals fishing in the water.

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The location of the car boot sale is another gathering point for cyclists around Bang Reservoir who like to sit and chat. There is parking for over 10 cars. This is also the location of the other gate, which only opens at 7:00 AM.

This area is so beautiful that pre-wedding photography teams often come here, almost every day. For example, on the day I went, there were two teams in the same spot.

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In the pre-wedding photo, if you look closely, you can see another couple in the distance on the left side of the image.

This is another pre-wedding photoshoot team.

While camping is permitted in this area, it is not a common practice due to the lack of amenities. There are no restrooms, toilets, or nearby restaurants, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient. This不便 discourages many from camping in this location.

The scenery around Bang Phra Reservoir
It's not just runners and cyclists who come here to enjoy the beautiful views. Tourists also visit every day.

Beneath the main viewpoint, there is a path leading down to the water's edge. During periods of low water levels, it is possible to walk to the old earthen embankment that was used to create the reservoir. (The sloped road at the viewpoint is a new construction added to expand the reservoir.)

The old earthen mound. I talked to the local children, and they told me that we don't usually see this old earthen mound because it is usually submerged in water. However, this year, the water level is much lower, revealing the mound. The mound is located not far from the main viewpoint.

Tourists do not only visit this place during the blooming season of the Lagerstroemia floribunda, but it also attracts tourists throughout the year. Due to its proximity to Bangkok, diverse bird species, peaceful and serene atmosphere, and complete public utilities, it is a highly convenient tourist destination.

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The abundance of birds in this area attracts many birdwatchers to the forests surrounding the reservoir.

The banks of the reservoir are often lined with paths that wind their way down to the water's edge, allowing visitors to get up close and enjoy the cool breeze.

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This viewpoint offers stunning sunrise views. However, for a more direct view of the sunrise, head down to the riverbank near the pop-up market. There, you'll find a path leading down to the water's edge, where you can capture breathtaking photos with the sunrise directly in front of you. The scene is framed by mountains and overlooks a reservoir where you can observe local fishermen at work.

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The riverside view here can be accessed from the area near the weekend market stalls, where the gate opens at 7 am.

At the entrance to the row of shops with open car boots, it is common to see some locals fishing, although not in large numbers.

Besides the aforementioned spot, there are other locations along the edge of the reservoir where you can enjoy the sunset. However, accessing these spots requires traversing a dirt road. The path to these locations is situated near the Shrine of Lord Tiew Hui.

Opposite the shrine, there is a path leading away from the main road into the thicket, which will take us through to an inner road that leads to the bank to enjoy the sunset view.

Exiting the back road opposite the Tiew Hui Shrine, you will pass a dirt path and then a stone slab path. Look for a way out of the stone slab path to run along another dirt path until you reach the edge of the reservoir. It's not difficult to find your way out. Just look for any path that allows cars to exit.

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Access to the waterfront for sunset viewing, located opposite the Tiew Hui Shrine.

During certain seasons, this spot attracts hundreds of waterfowl, as well as fishermen, tourists, and locals who come to fish and relax. However, the area is also plagued by litter, as it is often neglected by authorities and some visitors. Discarded items range from styrofoam cups and plastic bottles to bulky debris like toilet bowls, likely from demolition activities.

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There are many access points to the riverbank, not just at the Teoh Hew Temple.

Sandy soil along the banks surrounding the reservoir

Hundreds of waterfowl can be seen flying around the riverbank in the evening.

The soil along the riverbank has occasional pools of water. If driving a car, proceed with caution to avoid getting stuck.

Shallow and deep puddles formed along the edges of the reservoir.

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Motorcycles should be extra cautious when driving on this path due to the loose sand. Heavy vehicles are more likely to sink and lose control.

The riverbank in this area offers a diverse landscape, encompassing water surfaces, verdant grass, aquatic moss growing on the soil, stagnant pools of water, trees with dry, red leaves, and even clusters of dead trees, creating a unique and picturesque scene. Notably, some music videos have been filmed here for use in movies. However, the area is marred by a shocking amount of garbage. Large black bags, approximately three to four in number, are tightly packed together, and there are numerous piles of unsorted waste. Additionally, scattered debris is found throughout the area.

Abundant accommodation options are available, ranging from private rooms starting at 200 baht to detached houses costing over 600 baht or more. Finding accommodation near the reservoir is not difficult, with a variety of prices and levels to choose from. I stayed at two different places: the charming and private 'De Coco House', which also serves as a restaurant, and the budget-friendly 'Bangalow Bang Phra', offering separate rooms for as low as 200 baht per night.

I have only taken photos of De Coco House, but I will provide the coordinates of both accommodations for your reference.

Upon entering the front door, you will find a long hallway. The bathroom is located at the front, with a storage area in front of it. Opposite the refrigerator is an empty space that can be used to store luggage or other large items, or as a workspace.

From this vantage point, I stand at the luggage drop-off area, gazing towards the desks designated for work.

The De Coco House offers air-conditioned rooms for 650 baht per night and allows pets for an additional 250 baht per pet. Wi-Fi is available but the signal is not strong throughout the property. Guests can work in the restaurant, but it is a small, air-conditioned space with limited seating and a significant number of customers. For longer stays, guests can negotiate a lower rate. Overall, the accommodation is clean, well-maintained, and offers good value for money, considering the air conditioning, hot water, and cleanliness. A map is provided below.

De Coco House Accommodation

Another affordable accommodation option is Bangpra Bungalow, offering private rooms for as low as 200 baht for fan rooms and 300 baht for air-conditioned rooms. The property provides reliable Wi-Fi access around the clock. While not impeccably clean, the accommodations are decent. Notably, it's conveniently located near the reservoir, a mere 5-minute drive away. Additionally, it's situated along the main road, close to the market and 7-Eleven. These factors make it a more favorable choice compared to De Coco House. The coordinates are provided below.

Bungalow Bang Phra Accommodation

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