A mini-trip to Ubolratana Dam: A father, his daughter, and their Danbo doll took a quick trip to Ubolratana Dam while running errands. They stopped by the dam's crest and enjoyed refreshments at the Little Box Hotel, located about 53 kilometers from Khon Kaen city. The drive from Khon Kaen takes approximately 45 minutes via Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road). After about 30 kilometers, before reaching Nam Phong District, follow the signs and turn left onto Route 2109 towards Ubolratana Dam within Nam Phong National Park. Continue for another 20 kilometers to reach the dam. Let's visit the dam crest first before heading to Little Box.

It seems to be a custom that when you travel somewhere, you have to take a picture with a sign to confirm that you have actually been there.

Basic Information about the Ubol Ratana Dam (Information from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand)

The Ubol Ratana Dam is a multipurpose dam in Thailand, the second of its kind in the country. It was built next to the Bhumibol Dam and is the first hydroelectric power plant in the Northeast region. Located in Ubol Ratana Subdistrict, Ubol Ratana District, Khon Kaen Province, the dam blocks the Phong River, a tributary of the Chi River. The dam is a rockfill dam with a clay core, 885 meters long and 32 meters high. The crest of the dam is 6 meters wide, and the reservoir has a capacity of 2,263 million cubic meters. The dam generates 55 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The construction of the dam, initially known as the Nam Phong Project, began in 1960 with the support of the United Nations Special Fund. The cornerstone laying ceremony took place on May 10, 1964. Construction was completed in 1965. Due to the dam's location in a narrow gorge where the Phong River flows, resembling a pinched river, locals named it the Phong Ngeep Dam, after the original name of the area.

On March 14, 1966, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Varnavadi (then Princess Ubolratana), presided over the opening ceremony of a dam. This dam was named Ubol Ratana Dam.

During my visit, the water level in the reservoir was still quite low, but the scenery remained beautiful. The area on the left side of the picture with the row of trees is a scenic viewpoint and a restaurant that welcomes tourists. You can enjoy a meal, fresh air, and the view.

Feeling hungry, we decided to head to Little Box. (My daughter started complaining about the heat.) We exited the dam's front gate and drove a short distance until we reached a left turn onto Highway 2109 (Ubolratana Dam - Nong Bua Lamphu route). We drove for no more than 2-3 km until we reached Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organization. We noticed the Little Box hotel, built from shipping containers, on the left side of the road. The hotel's striking colors stood out amidst the rice fields. A coffee shop awaited us.

You have arrived. Look for the Ban Dong Subdistrict Administrative Organization on the opposite side and the Little Box Hotel on the left. The signs are clear, so you won't get lost.

After parking the car, I decided to take a walk around the area. There were many cozy coffee stalls, soft grassy fields, and a plethora of trendy and stylish photo spots.

Casual seating area for relaxation.

The accommodation zone has 2 floors with a total of 19 rooms. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/littleboxkhonkaen

Today, the father and son came to visit and take pictures outside the property. They did not enter the accommodation area to avoid disturbing the guests.

The store boasts a charming collection of vintage-style decorations, including an impressive array of adorable Danbo dolls.

Danbo in red, wearing a woven hat and a white loincloth around his belly.

Stylish and trendy Danbo in a loincloth with an Isan pattern.

I only captured a few shots. There are still beautiful angles to discover, but I'm hungry now. Let's head inside the air-conditioned room and order some food first.

The counter is truly beautiful, and the atmosphere inside is cool and refreshing with the air conditioning.

Let's go and order some food and drinks, one for each person, and a Banoffee for my daughter.

After ordering, you will receive a sign to wait for your turn.

This angle is also beautiful. The wall is made of wire mesh with stones inserted. Oh! It works!

A refreshing drink and a delightful Banoffee pie, shared between a father and his child, a moment of bonding and frugality.

On this trip, my daughter Rocky suggested that I try Banoffee. To be honest, it was my first time trying it. My daughter said she had tried it before and it was delicious, so she wanted me to give it a try. In the end, it was delicious, with a good taste and a smooth texture. Chocolate + banana + cream, how can they go so well together? I'm starting to get hooked on Banoffee.

To enjoy the picturesque view of lush green rice fields surrounding the hotel, it is recommended to visit after the rice planting season. During this period, the rice plants are fully grown, creating a vibrant green expanse across the fields.

A simple father-son trip with Danbo. If we have the chance to travel and find interesting places along the way, we will stop by for a taste.

Hello.