[2024 Ban Ta Khun Attraction] Travel Guide for Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapa Dam) (Updated Nov)

Cheow lan dam in Thailand

It's located 2-hours drive north of Phuket, Khao Sok is a breathtaking national park that offers a wide range of activities, from jungle trekking to canoeing and boat riding on the stunning Cheow Lan Lake. Some people say that Cheow Lan lake (dam) is the last pristine gem of Thailand... true or not, what we can tell you is that this experience was one of the most beautiful we've had around the world, of those that you will think about it forever. Remember that time you slept in a tiny floating hut surrounded by huge limestone rocks emerging from the water, hundreds of meters high and completely covered by the rain forest. No internet, no phone, just nature, the perfect place to make peace with yourself. #bangkoktrip

Paradise

Located in the Khao Sok National park, an overnight trip to the Cheow Lan Lake is a must. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush tropical vegetation, the sounds and sights of the jungle are fascinating . We saw monkeys and a herd of elephants had been spotted a few days earlier….. the tracks they left in the mud were still visible 🐾 There are choices of several accommodations on the lake, ranging from very basic to high end, so do your research , as the difference in comfort is huge. The cost of the tour was 2600 baht pp, from Khao Sok village ( approx €72) and included basic accommodation, lunch, dinner and breakfast, pick up/ drop off, guided jungle hike, cave exploration, morning sunrise safari , free use of kayaks and life jackets ( national park fees not included in this price) #2023travelwish #nationalpark #wintergetaway #getawayfromcitylife #heavenonearth #paradise #thailand

Suspension Bridge

Suspension of Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is another famous tourist destination in Surat Thani province. Located behind Wat Khao Phang close to the entrance of Ratchaprapha Dam (Chiao Lan Dam). The bridge uses a large wire rope stretched to a concrete pole. The floor is covered with wooden planks on a steel frame. It is surrounded with natural scenery which is beautiful. Behind the bridge is a heart-shaped mountain. If taking pictures in the middle of the bridge will get the most beautiful heart shape, that’s why this bridge became famous tourist attraction in this province. #passionpassport #touristattractions #bridge #mountainview #urbanexplorer #

Spectacular Cheow Lan

The gorgeous Cheow Larn Lake, located in the middle of Khao Sok National Park, is one of Thailand's most picturesque sites. It's a wonderful spot to visit, surrounded by jungle-clad mountains and with vertiginous limestone karsts and submerged trees breaking the surface of the water. Rare species like the gigantic parasitic Rafflesia flower, hornbill birds, gibbons, and tigers call it home. Elephant-back safaris, hiking trails, and rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Sok River are all options for exploring the park. #scenicspotphotoguide#choicehomestay#hiking#nationalpark#naturalwonders#summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Cheow Lan Lake - Khao Sok The artificial dam was created in 1982. When the dam established a few months later in 1982 the Ratchaprapa Dam was built which created the Cheow Lan Lake. It is 165sqkm. The purpose of this dam was to provide electricity in Southern Part of Thailand. BACKPACKING TIPS 1. Rent a motorbike - from Khao Sok National Park it is 60 kms away. I drove almost 2 hours with the help of Mars (Google Map) from my guesthouse. I rented the motorbike for 250 Baht / 24hrs. 2.Join the group tour at Ratchaprapha Pier - I highly recommend this to reduce your expenses. There are a lot of packages that suit your budget. I supposed to rent the whole small boat for myself, but being friendly and budget-conscious I joined the family (4 adults and 1 kid). Instead of paying 1,700 Baht for 2 hrs lake tour I only paid 340 baht + 300 baht National Park Fee. TOTAL DAMAGE FOR THIS LAKE TOUR 250 - Motorbike rental 340 - share for boat rental 300 - National Park fee for an adult foreigner 40 - Gas refill ==== 930 - Total Usually if you book a tour package at your guesthouse they will ask 1,700 baht per head + 300 baht for the national park fee (inclusive of transfers). #seasidephotoguide#bestislandtraveltowns#nationalpark

Relaxing in the Rainy Season: Khlong Ka Raft House, Cheow Lan Dam

During the rainy season, the lush green scenery makes for a refreshing travel experience. One recommended destination is the Cheow Lan Dam. With just 2 days and 1 night, you can enjoy a trip here. Due to our limited time, my friends and I planned an overnight stay at the Cheow Lan Dam and chose to stay at the 'Khlong Ka Raft House,' one of the raft houses in the Cheow Lan Dam National Park. Located in Khlong Ka Bay, it is the farthest from the other raft houses, taking about 1 hour by boat to reach. There were 5 of us, so we rented a boat for the entire trip (the boat stays with you until the day you return; you can check the boat rates onshore). During the 1-hour boat ride, we enjoyed the scenic views, even with occasional rain, which was quite refreshing. Upon arrival at the 'Khlong Ka Raft House,' we found the accommodation to be simple bamboo raft houses with thatched roofs. It's not luxurious but very affordable. We chose a large house for 6 people, with mattresses and bedding, and an en-suite bathroom, costing only 1800 baht (very cheap). Activities are limited to swimming, diving, canoeing, and simply relaxing. It's very chill with friends, and the raft house offers food, so no need to worry about going hungry—just bring money. Waking up in the morning after the rain, the view was stunning with mist floating over the limestone mountains. It was totally worth it. We left the accommodation at 9 AM, stopping to take photos at the 'Three Friends' rock formation on the way back, and enjoyed the views until we reached the shore. ...End of the Cheow Lan Dam trip. 🏠Accommodation: Khlong Ka Raft House (we booked through the national park's accommodation booking website)

The most beautiful dam in Thailand with Unseen hidden within.

The beauty is truly deserving of the title 'Thailand's Guilin'. Traveling from Surat Thani airport, you can rent a motorcycle and drive about 60 kilometers or 1.5 hours to reach the Ratchaprapha Dam. There is an entrance fee of 50 baht per person and a flat rate of 1800 baht for a boat trip to various places within the dam. It might be cheaper if you join a tour group, with each person possibly paying around 250 baht. After that, driving up to the entrance of the dam is just as beautiful, with the history of the dam's construction and views of the dam's ridge that are truly amazing. Thailand also has many other beautiful dams, you know ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥

Reunited with my friends at Surat

Wonderful city. Full of gorgeous scenery, mountain, and nature. #nationalpark