Chiang Saen Lake

Chiang Saen Lake
Chiang Saen Lake
Location	Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Coordinates	20°15′38″N 100°02′46″E / 20.26061°N 100.04606°E / 20.26061; 100.04606

Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area
Chiang Saen Lake
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)
Location	Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Nearest city	Chiang Rai
Coordinates	20°15′38.2″N 100°02′45.8″E / 20.260611°N 100.046056°E / 20.260611; 100.046056
Area	22.9914 km2 (8.8770 sq mi)
Established	4 April 1985 Ramsar Site 5 July 2001
Governing body	Royal Forestry Department
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area
Designated	5 July 2001
Reference no.	1100[1]

Chiang Saen Lake (Thai: ทะเลสาบเชียงแสน) is a natural freshwater lake in Thailand, it is located in Yonok Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province, northernmost Thailand.

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 one night. Submerged the entire town in a what is known today as "Wiang Nong Lom" (เวียงหนองหล่ม, "drowned town") an archaeological swamp south of the lake.^[2]

This lake has a total area of 2,711 rais (1,071 acres). 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). On April 4, 1985, it was declared as Nong Bong Kai Non-hunting Area.^[3]

The lake is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls which are most plentiful and can be seen at their best from November through February. Bird species found here are lesser whistling duck, grebe, common pochard, watercock etc.

There is a campsite for visitors. Chiang Saen Lake is regarded as the northernmost lake in Thailand.^[4]