Saritphong Dam

The Saritphong Dam was built in the 14th century to provide water to the capital of the ancient kingdom Sukhothai.

[1] The ancient capital had no dependable source of water during the dry season, so a dam was constructed between the mountains of Khao Kieo Ai Ma and Khao Phra Bat Yai some three kilometers west of the city.

Here, the water of mountain streams and rainy season precipitation was captured.

The water was then conveyed to the city by the Sao-Ho Canal, using a natural slope, where it was divided into four reservoirs: Ngoen (silver), Thong (gold), So (lemon pond), and Tra Kua (water spinach) inside the city walls.

[1] In the mid-20th century, the dam was refurbished and expanded by the Royal Irrigation Department and the Fine Arts Department, while preserving its historic character.