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Visit Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok)
Presentation Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake is located in Khao Sok National Park, in Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand. It offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in Thailand. It's called a lake, but it's actually a huge reservoir created in 1982 during the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam to power a hydroelectric power plant. A process that submerged villages and mountains. The artificial lake thus created gave rise to an enchanting landscape composed of limestone cliffs, green islets, and lush jungle that is sometimes compared to Halong Bay in Vietnam, only more modest.
A Unique and Captivating Landscape
Cheow Lan Lake covers approximately 165 km² and offers panoramic views of turquoise waters, mountains, karst formations, and jungle. Cruising the lake offers unspoiled nature and the chance to observe animals, including wild elephants, which often emerge from the jungle in the late afternoon.
What to See and Do on Cheow Lan Lake?
Three Brothers Rocks
The three Three Brothers rocks, three imposing limestone peaks emerging from the water, have become a symbol of the lake and of the entire Khao Sok National Park. This photogenic spot is often compared to the famous rock formations of Guilin in China.
Boat Tours
The best way to explore the lake is on a longtail boat tour (a must-do to see the Three Brothers). These trips allow you to explore the hidden corners of the lake, get up close to the local wildlife, and admire spectacular scenery. They depart from the Ratchaprapha Dam. You can tour the lake by boat for a few hours, a full day, or take one of a href='/en/accommodation-thailand/khao-sok/chiew-lan-lake-143' title='excursions khao sok thailand'>tours in Khao Sok
that last two or more days with an overnight stay in a floating bungalow on the lake. A must, but not without its price, as the prices of floating hotels in Khao Sok have skyrocketed in recent years.Jungle Trekking and Cave Exploration
Several tours combine boating and trekking through the jungle. Among the must-see caves are the Nam Talu Cave, famous for its stalactite formations and aquatic passages, or the Coral Cave.
4. Wildlife Observation
Khao Sok National Park is home to exceptional biodiversity. It's possible to spot gibbons, hornbills, and even wild elephants. It's important to have a good guide who knows where to go.
Stay in a Floating Bungalow
One of the most memorable experiences at Cheow Lan Lake is spending a night in a floating bungalow. These accommodations range from fairly basic bamboo bungalows with fans, but only a few hours per night, to very luxurious bamboo bungalows. In any case, the prices are high for what they are, due to the exceptional setting and high demand.
Guide to visit Cheow Lan Lake
- National Park entrance fee: 300 THB per adult and 150 THB per child (under 140cm)
- Excursions: It is recommended to book your excursions to Khao Sok in advance and purchase a complete package that includes transportation, a boat ride, meals, and sometimes an overnight stay in a floating bungalow. These are generally more expensive if booked separately. For a simple boat tour on the lake, however, you can go directly to the Ratchaprapha Dam pier and purchase one at the ticket booths inside. In addition to the cost of the boat tour (with just a captain, no guide), you'll also pay the entrance fee to Khao Sok National Park.
- Best time: From November to April, during the dry season, to fully enjoy the scenery and activities.
- Worst time: From September to mid-November, during the end of the rainy season.
To go visit Cheow Lan Lake, you can also book one of the tours below.
How to get to Cheow Lan Lake ?
Cheow Lan Lake is located approximately halfway between Surat Thani town and the land entrance to Khao Sok National Park. The boat departure bridge and Ratchaprapha Pier are about a 1-hour drive from Khao Sok village. If you have a car, you can get there on your own; otherwise, all-inclusive tours are offered by all hotels and agencies in Khao Sok.Some tours going to Cheow Lan Lake
Overnight Khao Sol lakeTour with 1 night on a floating hotel
Offered in English
Discover the superb Khao Sok Lake, its limestone peaks planted in the water, its nature, its jungle, the animals and magnificent landscapes of this exceptional national park. Spend the night in a floating hotel and wake up in this exceptional setting!
3 days and 2 nights tour to explore Khao Sok and its lake
Offered in EnglishImmerse yourself in the natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park with this 3-day/2-night tour. Delve into the jungle with a local guide, sail on Chiew Lan Lake and its limestone peaks, explore the Khlong Saeng Reserve and spot plenty of wildlife including maybe even elephants.
Find Cheow Lan Lake on GoogleMap
