Cheow Lan Lake, enjoy with floating bungalow and great view

Cheow Lan Lake or Cheow Lan Dam or Ratchaprapha Dam is the same place located in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province. It is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Surat Thani town (78 kilometers) and is a popular tourist destination that can travel all year round because each season is beautiful and charming.

There are many activities that the accommodation has arranged for tourists to have fun and be close to nature throughout the trip. Even though it's a floating accommodation, it has all the amenities with great views overlooking the clear emerald water surrounded by mountains. The highlight of this place is the many activities inside the dam, besides playing in the water, there are also nature trails for you to try.

How to get to Cheow Lan Lak

Surat Thani to Khao Sok National

First of all, you need to know how to get to Cheow Lan Lake. You have to find a route to get to Khao Sok National Park because Cheow Lan Lake is part of Khao Sok National Park.

By car
From Surat Thani town, take road number 401 to Ban Ta Khun District. The entrance will be between km 57-58 before reaching Ban Ta Khun Hospital. When you turn in and drive straight for another 12 kilometers you will reach Ratchaprapha Dam (New name of Cheow Lan Dam).

By bus
From the city of Surat Thani, there are many buses running through Cheow Lan Dam. You will need to find a bus that goes to Ban Ta Khun District and let you get off the bus at the entrance to the dam.
Then take a taxi to the dam.

By van
You can take a van from Surat Thani town to Khao Sok National Park.Departs every hour from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which is the most convenient way. Van operator contact number 089-725-5517, 077-206-217.
The fare is about 120 baht.

*When arriving at Khao Sok National Park, you need to take a boat to the accommodation in Cheow Lan Lake by the park's boat.

Cheow Lan Lake history

"Ratchaprapha Dam" or formerly known as “Cheow Lan Dam” construction began on February 9, 1982 and was completed in September 1987. After building On Wednesday, September 30, 1987, Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) gave it a new name "Ratchaprapha Dam" that means "Light of the Kingdom"

Ratchaprapha Dam is the second multipurpose dam in the south and is a clay core filled dam with a height of 94 meters and a ridge length of 761 meters. There are also five dams blocking the valley with a capacity of 5,638.8 million cubic meters. It has a reservoir area of 185 square kilometers.

It was built to block the Khlong Saeng canal at Ban Chiew Lan, Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani. At present, it is part of Khao Sok National Park.

The beauty of the limestone mountains and the crystal clear waters of the lake has earned it the title of "Guilin of Thailand"

Things to do in Cheow Lan Lake

Take a boat trip to explore the lake and see the view of Khao Sam Kler.

Khao Sam Kler

This area has limestone mountains that are the main stars of the dam, which is "Khao Sam Kler". The 3 small peaks that emerge from the water show off their strange appearance until becoming the symbol of this Ratchaprapha Dam. It is said that anyone who visits Ratchaprapha Dam, if they have not come to see Khao Sam Kler, it seems that they have not yet arrived

Take a boat to see hornbills in the early morning

Watching hornbills

In the early morning when the boat leaves the raft, we have a high chance to experience the beauty of the beautiful mist. If anyone is lucky (with a chance of more than 70%) they will find a hornbill flying to show off its beauty. Flying solo, in pairs, or in a flock, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful birds in these worlds.

Swimming and kayaking

Kayaking in Cheow lan lake

It is a leisurely activity for those who come to stay overnight in various accommodation rafts to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Cheow Lan Lake. You can get the most of your time in nature as most of the time there is no phone signal.

Explore the cave

Prakai Phet Cave

Within the Ratchaprapha Dam area, there are interesting caves to visit, including Tham Nam Thalu, and Tham Prakai Phet. Traveling to the cave will be a little obstacle. Inside the cave you will be thrilled with the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites.

Take a boat trip to explore the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Bull in Ratchapapha Dam

Khlong Saeng is the headwater of Ratchaprapha Dam. You will experience the way of life of wild animals that are hard to find. You can see that this forest is still fertile as well.

Kraisorn Viewpoint

Kraisorn Viewpoint

Kraisorn Viewpoint is a trekking route up the hill for approximately 2 kilometers. The journey is quite difficult, especially during the climb of sharp limestone rocks. But when you go up to the viewpoint, it's worth because you can see the panoramic view of the delightful nature, the forest, the mountains and the river of Cheow Lan Lake.

Visit Phat Sian Waterfall

Phat Sian Waterfall in Ratchapapha Dam

It is a limestone waterfall in a lake area hidden amongst the shady green forest. The water season is suitable for tourism around September to October. There are many corners to take beautiful photos and 4 pools for you to soak in the water.

Floating bungalow in Cheow Lan Lake

500 Rai Khao Sok Floating Resort

500 Rai Khao Sok Floating Resort with swiming pool

500 Rai Khao Sok Floating Resort meassage

500 Rai Khao Sok Floating Resort view

The raft is known as the most beautiful view in Cheow Lan Dam. It has all the facilities of a 4-5 star hotel. Surrounded by tourist attractions such as caves, waterfalls, mountains, along with many other activities. Whether it's boating, bird watching, mist watching, trekking through caves, visiting waterfalls, etc. Booking here.

Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort

Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort

Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort foods

Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort room

Raft with a clear view of the dam, close to the 500 Rai Khao Sok Floating Resort, colorful accommodation rafts The thatched roof has a natural feel with a lunch highlighting local food. There are also tour packages to choose from according to your interests ranging from one day trip to 4 days 3 nights. Booking here.

Praiwan Raft House

Praiwan Raft House Room

Praiwan Raft House house

Praiwan Raft House

Located in the midst of nature in the heart of the verdant forest on the edge. It is a very private and peaceful place to stay in the midst of nature. At night the weather was cool. Contact here.

Cheow Lan Lake Gallery