This is a nice little run out from Khon Kaen, takes about an hour to get there. From Khon Kaen take Highway 209 toward Kalasin. After passing Yang Talat the dam is well signposted, you take a left turn about 5kms after Yang Talat and on to the 2416, go along that for about 20kms until you reach the dam. The Google earth screen shot below appears to be of a few years ago, as there is a lot of building work going on now.
There is a fairly large car park there a variety of stalls selling food and from memory a restaurant. There were a number of coaches there the day that we were there, seemingly bringing schools down for a day out or educating them about the dam.
After ascending the banked area from the car park this is the first view of the dam.
Follow the path round for about 100 metres and to the right you see the 'beach' area
Steps lead down to the 'beach' to the right of the photo below.
Choose yourself a nice shady spot, settle down and relax. No doubt a girl from one of the eateries will have followed you and will spread a mat on the sand and give you a menu. Peruse it (if you can read Thai or get the g/f to order) and telephone your order in. Being quick thinking I had ordered a couple of beers when the mat was laid down so did not have to wait around for them. Your meal will then arrive about 1/2 hour later.
The rubber tyres were being rented out, and a few older Thai ladies were selling Isaan delicacies along the beach. From memory we had a very nice barbecued fish, sticky and fried rice, some battered prawns, Isaan salad, couple of beers and an orange juice all for the grand cost of 250 baht.
A view out over the lake, quite a large expanse of water
The food was very good and was quickly demolished, so no picture.
Deck chair hire was 10 baht
The company - priceless
A nice way to spend a leisurely dayand not cost a fortune, and is on my list to visit again along with Pattaya 2 at Ubol Ratana Dam.