chiew larn lake tour

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Khao Sok Lake: National Park Tours & Floating Bungalows

The only local tour operator on Cheow Lan Lake!

Have a look at some of our most popular tours at Khao Sok Lake!

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WHO  IS KHAO SOK LAKE?

We are khao sok lake (not koh sak) offering overnight tours on cheow lan lake in khao sok national park, thailand. for over 10 years we have been the only local tour operator in the area; proud to share this unique destination with the world. when you book with us you can be sure that you are helping to keep this amazing destination preserved for future generations. learn more about our mission, our tours , and the khao sok lake  floating bungalows that make this a once in a lifetime experience, khao sok lake.

Though we now operate independently, Khao Sok Lake owes our success to the efforts of our home office in Kuraburi.  Andaman Discoveries  has been a leader in  Sustainable Tourism  for over 14 years and continues to work in this important field everyday. With the cooperation of our partners in  Ban Ta Khun  near  Cheow Lan Lake   we can offer you the opportunity to support the local economy by traveling responsibly. Join us in our efforts and discover these charming  floating bungalows  of Southern Thailand. Check out what unique   Lake Tours  await you at this once in a lifetime destination!

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

No visit to Southern Thailand is complete without a stop off in Khao Sok National Park. We are conveniently positioned between the travel destinations of Phuket, Krabi, Pang Nga and Koh Samui. A visit to  Cheow Lan Lake  is a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring towering limestone cliffs, breathtaking hiking, ancient jungle, wild elephants and ancient cave explorations at thi unique travel destination!

Stay on Khao Sok Lake

© 2016 Khao Sok Lake Co.,LTD. 20/18, Moo 3, Khao wong, Ban Ta-Khun, Surathani, Thailand 84230, TAT license no. 34/01518

• Full Day Lake tour
• Overnight Bamboo Group Tour
• Overnight Superior Lake Tour
• Bamboo Bliss
• Modern Comforts
• Lake Superior
• Khao Sok Luxury on the Lake Tour
• Khao Sok Wildlife Explorer
• Fishing On Khao Sok Lake
• Elephant Experience
• Khao Sok Lake & Local Life
• Khao Sok Classic Tour
• Bamboo Raft Houses
• Modern Raft Houses
• Superior Floating Bungalows
• Luxury Floating Villas
• Getting Here
• About Khao Sok National Park
• Make a Reservation

KHAO SOK TRAVEL

DAY TRIP CHEOWLARN LAKE

Check out the magic of Cheow Larn Lake in Khao Sok National Park on this Private group day tour from Khao Lak, Phuket or Krabi .   You’ll see limestone mountains, Emerald Pool, Diamond Cave, and take a long-tailed boat ride, too. All the details will be arranged for you, including round-trip transport, lunch, your guide, and entrance fees, so you don’t need to hassle over any logistics.

Fascinating is the true beauty of Cheow-Lan lake on this full-day tour from both Phuket and Cheow-Lan lake. It is a great way to discover Cheow-Lan in 1 day with premium service.

Day Trip Khao Sok Lake  Cheow Lan Lake Explorer. 

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off long-tail boat tour around Chiew Larn Lake in Khao Sok National Park on a scenic boat ride. . Experience the tranquility of the emerald lake and lush rainforest. Explore the rainforest and Coral Cave Khao Sok National Park is one of the best well-known tourist attractions in Thailand and worldwide tourist destination for its oldest rainforest, amazing limestone mountain, fantastic waterfall, large mangrove, giant trees, and flowers together with various kinds of wildlife can be found in here.   Meet your guide at your hotel traveling on the air-conditioned van then upon arrival Khaosok, the guide will lead you to hop on the Longtail Boat to fascinating the turquois water of CheowlarnLake . Short juggle trekking for bamboo rafting. You can meet enchanting plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, reptiles, etc. awaited for your discovery, then getting on the bamboo raft to cross the 500 rai lake to an amazing cave (Easy access for children but be careful with the slippery wet floor). Spend 30 minutes of cave exploring (a small cave but great formations).   Relaxing lunch on the floating restaurant, a chance to self-paddle canoe before heading back to main land to finish the great day of Cheowlarn Lake Discovery Arrive safe and sound to your hotel.

Khao Sok Lake Expedition

Khao Sok Lake Tour –

Example  itinerary.

• Meet your experienced guide at your hotel in Khao Lak in the early morning.

• Stop at the Khao Sok Viewpoint. Marvel at the breathtaking sight of morning mist blanketing the lush jungle below.

• Arrive at the Cheow Lan Lake pier and board our traditional longtail boat. Cruise along the lake, soaking in the panoramic views from the boat. Glide past bustling wildlife habitats and navigate to the quieter, secluded corners of the lake for a truly immersive experience.

• Embark on a short trek into the heart of the jungle. Led by our knowledgeable guide, venture through dense rainforest trails teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

• Savor a freshly prepared meal amidst the serene surroundings of the lake at the floating raft house.

• Cool off in the inviting emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake. Take a refreshing dip or simply unwind on the boat, soaking up the tranquility.

• Resume our boat journey in search of wildlife encounters. Keep your camera ready as we scan the shoreline for playful monkeys, graceful birds, and perhaps even elusive wild elephants roaming in their natural habitat.

Currently this trip is operated as a private tour only. 

Prices vairy depending on group size.

Tour Details

Pick Up Time: 07:00-08:00

Tour Duration: Average 9-10 hours

Tour Includes

• Round-Trip Transfers • Local style lunch • Drinks • Entrance Fees • Insurance

Things to Bring

• Sunblock • Sun Hats & Sunglasses • Towel & Swimwear • Camera • Personal Spending Money

Unforgettable experience with a wonderful company-highly recommend it!

We were in Thailand for 2 weeks and decided on only one excursion….and did we get lucky choosing this company! First class all the way; super responsive and friendly and well- run.

Shoreline Cruise & Secluded Beach , Feb 2023

Ultimate Khao Sok Lake Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of southern Thailand’s natural wonders with our Khao Sok Lake Expedition. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and pristine landscapes, discover unforgettable experience amidst the region’s untouched beauty.

Begin your day with a warm welcome from our experienced guide at your Khao Lak hotel. Together, we embark on a scenic drive in our comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Don’t forget, most hotels will provide a breakfast box on request. So there is no need to go hungry.

Our first stop takes us to the mesmerizing Khao Sok Viewpoint, where the early morning mist creates a mystical ambiance over the lush jungle below.  Feel the anticipation build for the wonders that lie ahead as you soak in the breathtaking panoramas,

Next, we arrive at the Cheow Lan Lake pier, where a traditional longtail boat awaits to transport us into the serene waters of the lake. Cruise past towering limestone cliffs and verdant forests, marveling at the natural beauty that surrounds us.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, our expert guide will share insights into the region’s diverse ecosystems and point out potential habitats along the way. Keep your senses sharp as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle, with the hope of catching glimpses of the local wildlife in their natural environment.

From playful monkeys swinging through the trees to majestic wild elephants roaming in their habitat, each sighting offers a moment of wonder and connection with nature. Keep your camera ready for potential encounters with wild buffalos, tapirs, kites, eagles, and the occasional sighting of wild elephants, adding to the excitement of your adventure.

After a morning of exploration, we’ll pause for a delicious lunch at a floating raft house, offering a unique dining experience amidst the tranquility of the lake. Refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the emerald waters or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings.

As we journey back to the pier, reflect on the day’s adventures and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Though wildlife sightings are subject to nature’s whims, your experience will be enriched by the breathtaking landscapes, immersive jungle treks, and the occasional encounter with the fascinating wildlife that calls Khao Sok National Park home.

Conclude your Khao Sok lake discovery tour with a scenic drive back to your hotel, filled with memories of a day spent in harmony with nature.

Book your adventure today and embark on a journey to remember in southern Thailand’s stunning wilderness!

Cheow Lan Lake

Nestled amidst the verdant expanse of Khao Sok National Park lies Cheow Lan Lake, a picturesque reservoir renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Spanning 165 square kilometers, this tranquil oasis, also known as Chiew Lan Lake, captivates visitors with its crystal-clear emerald waters, dramatic limestone karst formations, and vibrant ecosystems.

Cheow Lan Lake’s creation is a testament to both nature’s resilience and human engineering. Formed in the late 1970s as a result of the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam, the lake’s vast valleys were submerged, giving rise to a breathtaking reservoir within the heart of the national park. This transformation had significant impacts on the surrounding landscape. The flooding resulted in the creation of submerged forests, where trees still stand tall beneath the lake’s surface, creating a surreal and captivating underwater world. These submerged forests have become a unique habitat, providing shelter and food sources for a variety of aquatic species.

Local guides within Khao Sok National Park have reported an exciting development – the wild elephant population is on the rise. As the park’s protected status ensures the preservation of vital habitats, including those around Cheow Lan Lake, elephants have found sanctuary in these undisturbed landscapes. The increase in elephant sightings is a testament to the success of conservation efforts, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

While the creation of Cheow Lan Lake has brought ecological changes, it has also presented challenges. The flooding caused by the Ratchaprapha Dam had significant impacts on the surrounding ecosystems, including the displacement of wildlife and the alteration of natural habitats. However, through careful management and conservation efforts, Khao Sok National Park continues to thrive, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonders of untouched wilderness.

Cheow Lan Lake is more than just a destination; it’s a sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories amidst southern Thailand’s pristine landscapes. Whether cruising on its tranquil waters, trekking through ancient rainforests, or simply soaking in the serene ambiance, Cheow Lan Lake offers an unparalleled escape into the heart of nature’s beauty.

FAQ’s

Is it safe to swim in khao sok lake.

Swimming in Khao Sok Lake, also known as Chiew Lan Lake or Cheow Lan Lake, is generally considered safe, but there are a few factors to consider. The lake’s water quality is generally good, and many visitors enjoy swimming in its crystal-clear waters. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow any safety guidelines.

Here are some factors to consider before swimming in Khao Sok Lake:

Wildlife: While the lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish and reptiles, encounters with dangerous animals are rare. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid swimming near vegetation or areas where wildlife may be present.

Water depth: Khao Sok Lake is quite deep in some areas, so it’s essential to be cautious, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Stick to designated swimming areas and avoid diving or jumping into unknown waters.

Boat traffic: The lake is a popular destination for boat tours and activities, so be mindful of boat traffic when swimming. Stay visible to boat operators and avoid swimming in areas with heavy boat traffic.

Weather conditions: Be aware of weather conditions and water currents, especially during the rainy season (May to October), when water levels can rise rapidly. Avoid swimming during thunderstorms or in rough waters.

Personal safety: Always swim with a buddy, follow any posted safety guidelines, and avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

By taking these precautions and using common sense, swimming in Khao Sok Lake can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Where is the Khao Sok Lake?

From Khao Lak, the Khao Sok Lake is located on the far side of the Khao Sok National Park, in Surat Thani Province. The drive takes approximately 2 hours from Khao Lak.

Is Khao Sok Lake manmade?

How deep is the lake at khao sok.

The depth of Khao Sok Lake, also known as Chiew Lan Lake or Cheow Lan Lake, varies throughout its expanse. In some areas, the lake can reach depths of over 100 meters (approximately 330 feet). However, the average depth of the lake is around 50 meters (approximately 164 feet). These depths contribute to the lake’s stunning clarity and create a diverse aquatic habitat for fish and other wildlife.

How do I book?

Booking a tour in Khao Lak is easy. Just follow these simple steps;

1. Choose the tour you want to book from the list and fill in the booking form.

2. We will then check availability and get back to you ASAP. If the date you chose is not available, we will offer you some alternative dates. We will also confirm the total cost and send you information on how to pay.

3. Follow the link we send you to make your payment. We have found that Wise is the easiest, most reliable and cheapest method of making international payments into Thailand.

4. Once we have received your payment we will send you and e-ticket as confirmation of your booking. All the details you will need will be printed on the ticket, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.

How do I pay?

Making international payments can be tricky and expensive. This is why we recommend using Wise. Unlike PayPal, Wise offers international transfers using the current exchange rates, with no additional mark-ups or hidden fees. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Simply follow these easy steps;

1. Click Here or follow the link we send you to create an account, or log in if you already have one.

2. Select “Send Money”.

3. Select “International” and choose the relivent currencies. (Our tours are priced in THB). All the relivent fees and exchange rates are automatically shown for you. Then click “Continue”

4. On the “Who are you sending Money to?” page, select “Buisness/Charity” and type in our email address. Our information is then filled in for you automatically. If you have any difficulty or require extra information just let us know.

5. Next you will need to fill in your account information.

6. The final step is to approve the payment.

More help can be found HERE .

You can also visit our office to make a payment.

Can all trips be made private?

YES! Each trip can be made private and personal for you. Simple click the “Private Tour” option when making your booking, and we will get back to you with a quote.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our full cancelation policy.

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Discovery Travel - Khao Lak

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Cheow Lan Lake Khao Sok Full Day Tour

Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park is a land before time, with over 100 islands on the lake bounded by the majestic limestone cliffs. Let our expert guides take you on a full-day adventure experience onto Cheow Lan Lake, enjoy swimming, and relaxing on the floating bungalows in this tranquil environment, you may even catch a glimpse of the wildlife like gibbons and hornbills.

Khao Sok – Cheow Lan Lake Full-Day Join-In Tour Itinerary

Information

• Departure: 8:30am
• Duration: Full Day
• National Park Entrance Fees of 540THB - 290THB per Adult - Child are not included.
• Taxes: Additional 7% government VAT tax will be added.

What's Included

• Drinking water
• Local guide
• Accident Insurance

What To Bring

• Change of clothes
• Sturdy shoes
• Waterproof bag

Special Notes

Per Person - Based on minimum of 1 Person

This trip joins with other lake goers, we recommend a private arrangement for families with younger children and guests who would like to explore Cheow Lan Lake at their own pace.

A Jungle Activity can be part of the program but is depending on the guide, group and weather conditions. if Coral Cave is the activity of the day an additional Sanctuary Fee of 200/100 THB per Adult/Child applies.

All Our Jungle Resorts Cheow Lan Lake Tours include mandatory activity and travel insurance for the duration of the tour.

Private Tours

Our Jungle Camp - Khao Sok can arrange Private Full Day, adventure-, special interest- or family-oriented lake trips for small to large scale groups 2-24 guests to all floating raft houses on the lake, please inquire for an individual price quotation.

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National Park Travel

CHIEW LARN LAKE BOAT TOUR

Fascinating is the true beauty of Cheow-Lan lake on this full-day tour from both Phuket and Cheow-Lan lake. It is a great way to discover Cheow-Lan in 1 day with premium service.

Join Group  2,500 THB / person Private Group: 3,800 THB /person(minimum4persons)

Day Trip Khao Sok Lake  Cheow Lan Lake Explorer. 

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off long-tail boat tour around chiew larn lake in khao sok national park on a scenic boat ride. . experience the tranquility of the emerald lake and lush rainforest. explore the rainforest and coral cave khao sok national park is one of the best well-known tourist attractions in thailand and worldwide tourist destination for its oldest rainforest, amazing limestone mountain, fantastic waterfall, large mangrove, giant trees, and flowers together with various kinds of wildlife can be found in here.   meet your guide at your hotel traveling on the air-conditioned van then upon arrival khaosok, the guide will lead you to hop on the longtail boat to fascinating the turquois water of cheowlarnlake . short juggle trekking for bamboo rafting. you can meet enchanting plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, reptiles, etc. awaited for your discovery, then getting on the bamboo raft to cross the 500 rai lake to an amazing cave (easy access for children but be careful with the slippery wet floor). spend 30 minutes of cave exploring (a small cave but great formations).   relaxing lunch on the floating restaurant, a chance to self-paddle canoe before heading back to main land to finish the great day of cheowlarn lake discovery arrive safe and sound to your hotel..

Khao Sok: Full-Day Chiew Larn Lake Tour: from Khao Lak area

• Thai Set Buffet
• Seasonal Fruits
• Bottled water
• Self-Padle Kayak
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Activity mentioned from the itinerary
• Experienced - License English Speaking Guide
• USE of Sun deck & infinity pool at 500Rai Floating Resort
• Complimentary pick up and drop off at Khaolak area
• Entry/Admission - Khao Sok National Park
• Alcoholic Beverages
• National Park & Municipality Fee
• - Pick up and drop off at the resort/hotel lobby. - Our guide will be looking for you at the resort/hotel lobby. - Kindly please show your voucher when approach by our guide. - Other Resort / Guest House around Khaolak - To avoid delay on the day pf the trip, kindly please send us your passport (s) copy, this is regarding the National Park requirement for all guests.
• Baan Nam Kiem Pier
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travellers should have a strong physical fitness level
• Some area has either poor or out of phone and internet coverage
• Prepare a good trekking shoes - shoes will be wet
• Prepare extra cloths - first set of cloths will be wet
• Prepare dry/waterprof bags
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Khao Lak Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 2 Ratchaprapha Dam Scenic Viewpoint Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Cheow Lan Pier (Ratchaprapha Pier) Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapa Dam)
• 4 Khao Sam Kloe Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 5 Cheow Lan Lake Stop: 3 hours See details
• 6 500Rai Floating Resort Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 500Rai Floating Resort Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details Pass by Cheow Lan Pier (Ratchaprapha Pier)
• You'll return to the starting point

• wontaec2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Magical place by nature. Breath taking formations of mountain and rocks. The coral cave tour was great too. Friendly staffs helped the day to go easy and lovely. Read more Written 2 March 2020
• juperss 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful day full of impressions! We had a great day with guide Nim, who was very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and speaks good English. We had a long-tail ride over the lake for ca 1 hour, taking pictures of “three best friends” - the postcard landmark. Then we walked through a jungle forest to take a ride by a float to the Corral cave - amazingly beautiful stalactites. After 40 more minutes ride to the floating resort, nice lunch and kayaking. Great day! Read more Written 3 January 2020

More to explore in Khuk Khak

Khao Sok: Full-Day Chiew Larn Lake Tour: from Khao Lak area provided by 500 Rai Resorts & Tours

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• Grand Jungle & Lake Packaage – 4 days
• Riverside & Rafthouse Package – 3 days
• Rainforest & Lake Package – 3 days
• Khao Sok Delight Package – 3 days
• Spirit of Khao Sok Package – 2 days
• Accommodation
• Map & Directions
• Khao Sok Lake Tours
• Khao Sok Trekking
• Local Adventures
• Experience Thai Culture
• General, Lake & History
• Wildlife and Plants

Khao Sok Lake Cheow Lan Tours

Khao Sok Lake, also known as Cheow Lan Lake, is the highlight of Khao Sok National Park, and consequently, one of the most scenic places to visit in Thailand. Riverside Cottages arranges several Khao Sok lake tours. For example, a day trip with a visit to a cave, some trekking, time for a swim and lunch at a raft house. On the other hand, you can opt for an overnight Cheow Lan lake tour on which you will sleep in a floating bungalow. Riverside Cottages has selected the best Koh Sok National Park floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake for you. Overnight trips have a better chance of spotting wildlife in the early morning in addition to the late afternoon. We are also experts at arranging “wildlife explorer” safaris with private guides and, further, traditional Thai fishing tours.

Due to physical and movement requirements, some activities on the lake may not be appropriate for every guest.  We recommend guests with smaller children, and guests with difficulty moving contact us prior to booking a lake trip.

Full Day Khao Sok Lake Tour

With fairy-tale scenery of towering limestone cliffs and over 100 islands jutting skyward, Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most striking places on earth. Start the day with a drive from Khao Sok to a colorful local market, then cruise the lake in a traditional longtail boat. Swim in emerald green water. Choose between kayaking, hiking with a guide, or hanging at the Koh Sok National Park floating bungalows to relax and swim.

For those looking for unique animal watching opportunities, you can see leaf monkeys  and hornbills with greater ease than anywhere else in Thailand. You can book a 3 day tour that includes a visit to the lake – please see our Rainforest Adventure package.

This is the most family-friendly of the Khao Sok lake tours, especially if you sit out the hike. You’ll want your camera to record the scenery, along with money for entrance to the National Park.

Duration: 8:30am to about 6:00pm, with lunch and optional 2 hour trek.

Full Day Tour You can find more information on the day trip to Cheow Lan see on our blog page !

Overnight at Khao Sok Lake Cheow Lan

The best way to really appreciate Khao Sok lake is on the overnight tour. Your first day will include everything in the 1-day trip. Subsequently, go for a boat safari to spot wildlife such as monkeys, giant hornbills, and maybe elephants. Enjoy a fresh Thai dinner, for example, fish from the lake and stir-fried veggies. Spend the night under the stars in your own private Koh Sok National Park floating bungalow.

The next morning, go for a wildlife safari, and subsequently have breakfast and free time for relaxing, swimming, or kayaking. After a delicious lunch, your journey back to Riverside Cottages will be filled with views of towering limestone cliffs.

Duration: The trip starts at 9:00am on Day 1, and ends at 1:30pm on Day 2 at the resort.

Overnight Tour 1 Overnight Tour 2 You can book packages that include one night at the lake and one night at our resort, such as the Riverside & Rafthouse Tour . Likewise, the Grand Jungle Tour stays at the lake but includes a second night at Riverside.

Duration: The trip starts at 9:00am on Day 1, and ends at 3:00pm on Day 2 at the resort.

Private Overnight Lake Trips

If you prefer not to join with a group, we also arrange private tours to Cheow Lan Lake with flexible itineraries and choices among Khao Sok floating bungalows. Options include bamboo raft houses (with shared bathrooms) or deluxe bungalows with private bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Beyond room choice, the program can be adjusted to allow more time for hiking, relaxing, or wildlife viewing. This makes the private overnight lake trip ideal for families or those wanting a bit of luxury.  Tours start at Rajapraba Dam and we can help arrange transport from anywhere in Southern Thailand.

Duration: 1-2 nights, with a private guide and boat to accompany you.

Contact us to book a private Khao Sok lake tour – we’ll send you the price and program.

Custom Khao Sok Lake Tours

For deeper exploration of the lake, please contact us to create a custom tour. Options include extended wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching. For example, our Wildlife Special takes you deep into Cheow Lan Lake, to Klong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary in the heart of the jungle. Keep an eye out for hornbills, gibbons, and wild elephants. This is a good trip for people willing to forego creature comforts for the joy of remote wilderness.

With prime habitat for large fish populations, Khao Sok Lake is home to jungle perch, river catfish, and three types of snakehead fish.

February through May is the best time to see big animals at the Khao Sok National Park lake.

Featured on : Visit Khao Sok Lake

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• Cheow Lan Lake Tour in Khao Sok: what to expect on an overnight tour

This is post 19 of 37 in the series “Thailand”

Thailand is like a rite of passage for everyone. The land of smiles is also the land of cheap and amazing Thai massages, delicious street food, and many national parks and historic monuments.

From temple hopping to trekking to find the largest flower in the world, or snorkeling in pristine water, there’s so much to do in Thailand! And here are my best guides for you:

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• Zip lining: Flying through the jungles in Chiang Mai
• The Ultimate Price Guide to Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai Markets: there is one for every day of the week (2024 update)
• Chiang Mai Temple Run – Top 5 + Tips
• Venture with Impact: living in Chiang Mai for a month
• 5 best Chiang Mai day trips: discover the nature and culture
• Escape to the Chiang Mai countryside: a getaway with Panviman Spa
• Bangkok Itinerary: 4 days of shopping, culture, and seafood
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport guide for those who arrive late or early
• Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok
• Best temples in Bangkok besides Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
• Food to eat in Bangkok: a comprehensive foodie guide
• Zazz Urban Bangkok: a hotel review
• Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market day trip review
• Sakon Nakhon: one day in Northern Thailand’s indigo capital
• Postcards from Thailand – a giveaway with MyPostcard
• Zeavola: unexpected barefoot luxury in Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Phi Phi Island Itinerary: beaches and tour guides + more
• Koh phangan in 36 hours: a first timer stopover guide for non-motorbike riders
• Thailand 2 week itinerary: the best from north to south
• Chatuchak Market guide by a Bangkok market addict (updated 2024)
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• Chiang Mai Massage: best and cheap places to go (updated 2024)
• Sustainable luxury in Phuket: Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay Review
• Best Chiang Mai restaurants, street food, and vegan places
• A first timer’s guide to Khao Sok National Park and its tours
• Hua Hin Itinerary: how to get there from Bangkok and what to do
• Street Food in Chinatown Bangkok: a foodie’s guide
• Dragon Crest Mountain: best hiking in Krabi
• Where in Bangkok to Stay: best areas, first timers, and more!
• Thai Massage in Bangkok: best Bangkok Massage Parlors + where to get deals
• Bangkok Night Markets: where to go and when to go

Cheow Lan Lake, also spelled Cheow Larn Lake, it’s the destination for Khao Sok overnight lake tour and a must-visit spot for those visiting Khao Sok National Park . It’s called the ‘secret garden of Thailand’ and is home to one of the oldest evergreen forests in the world.

The lake was created as a result of the building of Ratchaprapha Dam in the 70s, it is surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains, formations, and hidden caves. There are many tour options that would take you into the jungle, and caves, and staying in an over-water raft house for a Cheow Lan Lake overnight tour is the best choice. Here’s all you need to know about the Khao Sok Lake Tours:

• See the rest of my Thailand series here

Essential information on Cheow Lan Lake

Cheow Lan Lake covers 185 km2 and the access point to it is Ratchaprabha Pier on the southeastern corner of the lake. The many inlets that extends out are called Khlongs, the Thai word for river, with intricate cave systems and hikes – more information on them under attractions. First, here are some essential information.

Where is Cheow Lan Lake?

Cheow Lan Lake is located in the south of Thailand, north of Phuket at the end of the narrowest part of the country. It’s in the Surat Thani region about 1 hour drive east of the city and 1 hour from the Khao Sok town to the west. It’s part of the Khao Sok National Park that covers the entire forest around it.

How do I get to Cheow Lan Lake?

Getting directly to Cheow Lan Lake is different to going to Khao Sok, which I’ve covered in the guide here. There are no public transport that goes straight to Cheow Lan Lake, but there is a parking lot.

The best option is to:

• Fly into Surat Thani airport
• Take an overnight train to Surat Thani (possible from Bangkok and Hua Hin)
• Take a bus to Surat Thani

Then arrange a private transfer or pick up from your accommodation or through your tour agency. Khao Sok Lake Tour arranged for me to be picked up after my night bus to Surat Thani so I can start the trip right away.

For the most part, there are shared transfer options to Khao Sok directly – one of my go-to is 12Go Asia which allows me to book the transfer online.

What lives in Cheow Lan Lake?

There are plenty of fishes in Cheow Lan Lake, and the area is home to many different species of birds and other wildlife. The most notable are elephants, hornbills, monkeys, and the more rare tigers, leopards, gaurs,, gibbons, tapir, and even sun bears.

Can you swim in Cheow Lan Lake?

Yes, it’s allowed and safe to swim in Cheow Lan Lake. All tours allow for some time to swim in the lake or kayaking. These are the only two activities you can do in Cheow Lan Lake without a guide accompanying you.

What is there to do in Cheow Lan Lake?

Aside from swimming, there is still plenty to do in Cheow Lan Lake. Aside from the longtail boat ride, there are caves and hikes dotted around the vast expanse – more in the attraction section.

Can I fly my drone in Cheow Lan Lake?

For now, it’s still possible to fly your drone in Cheow Lan Lake. However, the satellite position can be off after heavy rain, so you should fly with caution.

Is everything included in the Cheow Lan Lake Tour?

For both join-in tours and private tours, they should include:

• Round trip transfer to and from your accommodation in Khao Sok
• Longtail boat ride to and from floating lake house and boat safari
• An excursion (or two) around Cheow Lan Lake
• Drinking water – but you should buy extra if you know you need more
• Lunch, dinner, breakfast – drinks are usually charged extra

They don’t include the national park and pier fee, which is 300 baht and 20 baht per person respectively.

When is the best time to visit Cheow Lan Lake?

The lake is open year-around, and there are pros and cons to visiting during the rainy season and dry season.

The water level is higher and the scenery greener in the rainy season between late April and December, although the rain tends to be heaviest between May and October.

However, in the dry season, you’re more guaranteed good weather and sunset sunrise. I visited in March and once in May, and the weather in March was significantly better.

Why you should do a Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Tour

Unless you are pressed for time, otherwise, I would recommend taking the overnight lake tour instead of a day trip. A day trip costs around 1,500 baht, not including the National Park and boat fee, which means for 1,000 more, you can stay on the lake and have extra time to spot wildlife and admire the sceneries.

What is a Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Tour like:

Usually, people stay one night on one of the many floating lake houses on Chiew Larn Lake. Here is what a tour is like:

• Day 1: morning departure to the pier. The transfer from Khao Sok main town to the pier is over an hour, so guests generally leave in the morning.
• A 7-11 or market stop on the way over for a bathroom break and to buy water or snacks to bring
• Longtail boat ride from the pier to the lake house, which takes around 1-2 hours depending on the location of the lake house
• Arrive at the lake house to check in and have lunch
• Free time now or after the excursion to kayak and swim
• Afternoon excursion to one of the many caves and trails around Chiew Larn Lake*
• Evening safari to spot the many animals around the lake
• Dinner at the floating lake house
• Day 2 early morning safari (you can opt-out and sleep in)
• Free time and check out
• Some tours include an extra excursion and lunch on the lake or visit a spot on the way back to Khao Sok

Return to Khao Sok

*the excursion differs depending on the season and the weather, more on it below

Booking Cheow Lan Lake Tour

There isn’t a lot of information online about the overnight lake tour, although you can book various accommodation directly on different booking platforms. However, do note that most of these do not include activities or request additional charges for them.

For a proper tour, there are two ways to do it: book via a tour agency or at your hostel or hotel on arrival. It depends on what kind of experience you want to have. I have done both and here is a quick breakdown:

Chiew Larn Overnight Lake Tour with agency

An agency can arrange a Chiew Larn overnight lake tour plus a visit around Khao Sok National Park that is catered to your preference. Khao Sok Lake Tour arranged my May 2022 trip back to the Khao Sok area with a specific focus on local communities and also making it easier for me to take photos and videos.

I’ll go into more details about the overall itinerary in my Khao Sok post. For the lake tour, they’re able to include a seasonal hike to the coral cave as well as an evening and morning safari. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast are also included, and we stayed at a lake house with air conditioning.

The tour cost depends on the accommodation of your choice, but it would be around 7000 baht as all transfers are private with a private tour guide as well.

Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Lake Tour with Hostel/Hotel

One of the more highly recommended places online is the Smiley Lake House. You can book in advance on their website , which means you don’t have to pay in local currency and cash on arrival.

I booked my tour through my hostel in Khao Sok – the Jungle Hostel, after I found out that it’s too Smiley Raft House as well. The price is the same no matter which one you book. The price is 2,500 Baht and includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and 2 breakfasts along with transfers to and from your hostel.

After the tour – I think the main difference is that the big group, which I assume booked directly with Smiley, has a better guide, but we have a smaller group.

Essential packing list for Cheow Lan Lake

• Padlock (especially useful for budget huts)
• Waterproof bag*
• Smaller waterproof bag for electronics or just your phone*
• Sarong and or towel
• External charger
• Charging cables – there are plugs and USB ports in the dining room the charge things
• Mosquito repellent
• Socks are also useful*
• Any camera gear or GoPro
• 1 set of clothes to change
• Raincoat* or a jacket in case it rains 
• Headtorch is optional as the tour provided too*

Note: I recommend wearing shorts and maybe even a t-shirt over your swimsuit for both cave excursions to minimise the chance of getting cut on rocks.

For the trip I booked with Jungle Hostel, the owner Sunny lend me everything that I didn’t have, which is marked with an *. However, depending on the season you go and which hike they take you on, wet bags and wet shoes might not be necessary.

Cheow Lan Lake Hotels

The Cheow Lan Lake hotels are perhaps better known as Khao Sok floating bungalows and are more rustic because of the remote location. You can’t pick which lake house to stay in if you’re joining in through your hostel. Although you can ask around but that could be time-consuming and logistically difficult. There are 16-19 floating lake house spread across the Cheow Lan Lake and here is a basic overview of the lake house types:

Basic Floating Lake House

Most basic floating lake house are on a share basis, meaning you’d have to share with someone from the tour if you’re a solo traveller. I was lucky and met a girl from my hostel who I got on with and we shared a room on the tour.

They’re usually simple bamboo huts with two mattresses on the floor and a fan. There is no outlet in the room but there should be a charging station at the dining room where you can charge your devices.

Some floating lake houses have shared bathrooms some have private ones, it depends on which one you end up at.

Smiley Raft House

While it’s not luxurious by any means, the Smiley Lake House is well equipped and tidy for an accommodation floating on a remote lake in a national park.

Rooms are basic but it is clean with pillow, blanket, and a very basic bathroom that you can take a shower in. I did rinse off but didn’t wash my hair because it’s too late in the day.

Luxury Floating Lake House

There are quite a few luxury options for floating lake house, and some have air conditioning and some don’t. For the most part, unless you go to the ultra-luxury option, electricity is only available through the night. Here, I’ll cover two that I have personally visited.

Laguna Chiew Larn Lake

One of the few lake houses that offer air-conditioned rooms, Laguna Chiew Larn Lake is popular with Thai tourists as well because of it. The rooms are individual wood villas with storage space, sockets, and an elevated area for the mattress.

Each hut has a private deck with a swim ladder to go into the lake but no railings, and you can see the other decks clearly.

Prai Wan Floating Lake House

Prai Wan Floating Lake House is a beautiful resort with a better equipped bathroom as the showers are actual showers instead of just shower heads. The huts are also decorated better with actual beds and more spacious.

They do not, however, have air conditioning, but the temperature in Cheow Lan Lake tends to be cool in the evening so you shouldn’t need air con.

Attractions and Excursions on Cheow Lan Lake

All Chiew Larn Lake Tour includes at least one hike to a cave and a boat safari. Sitting on a long-tail boat and cruising around the turquoise lake is an experience in itself, which is a good motivation to book a private tour so you can enjoy the experience better.

I haven’t been to every single attractions, caves, or hike on the lake, as there are many places on the west side that is more than two hours ride on longtail boat. The notable attractions that are missing from the list is the Cheow Lan Lake Viewpoint hike and Bang Hoi waterfall.

Note: depending on your experience, it’s nice to tip your long-tail boat driver at the end of the trip. I suggest 100-200 baht if you’re on a private tour. On a group tour, you can put together a pool of tips.

Guilin Viewpoint (The Three Brothers)

The famous Guilin Viewpoint refers to a small cove with a few smaller limestone stacks sandwiched between two higher ones, which is reminiscent of Guilin in China. It’s a popular photo spot and all tours stop by here either on the way in or out.

Nam Talu Cave

The Nam Talu Cave is one of the most popular and more adventurous excursions in Cheow Lan Lake.

It’s on the south side of the lake and involves a one hour hike through the jungle to reach the cave, which is parallel to a river with a waterfall near its entrance. It’s only accessible in the dry season as the caves get flooded with heavy rain. Expect to swim at certain points of the hike inside the cave.

There is a surprising amount of wildlife considering how many tourists visit the cave and forest.

Coral Cave (Pakarang Cave)

Coral Cave is on the north side of the lake not too far from Prai Wan Resort. To get to the cave, it’s a 40 minutes hike into the jungle with the remote possibility of spotting some wild elephants and the more likely chance of seeing some monkeys.

At the end of the hike, which was mostly flat, a bamboo raft awaits to take you to the cave entrance. The cave is called Coral Cave because some of the stalagmites and stalactites there resemble corals with their texture. 

It’s a short climb from the bamboo raft into the cave, which isn’t very big but with many interestingly shaped formations. In particular, there is one that looks like an elephant!

Pra Kay Petch Cave

The Pra Kay Petch Cave is a dry cave that is a short hike through a dramatic swampy landscape of dead trees, which gets flooded during high water level and is pretty cool. The cave isn’t as exciting as Nam Talu or Coral Cave but there are a lot of spiders and bats inside.

Evening and Morning Safari on Cheow Lan Lake

The evening and morning safari on the lake is the best time for spotting animals because the temperature is cooler and there is still some light. The area is home to hornbills, monkeys, elephants, and plenty of other animals.

While there’s no guarantee in wild animal sightings, depending on the weather, you’ll be sure to see some spectacular sceneries. On my first trip in March 2020, we had beautiful weather for sunset and sunrise, but only saw a few hornbills from afar.

On my second trip in May 2022, the weather was less ideal but we saw a group of elephants playing in the water and mud.

Food on Chew Lan Lake Tour

Some of you might be worried about the food on a floating lake house, but they are surprisingly delicious with a good variety.

While options are more limited, both of my trip serves similar food of curries, but Laguna Chiew Larn Lake had set meals for both lunch and dinner and only buffet for breakfast.

More photos of the food in the experience recount below:

Budget Cheow Lan Lake Tour Experience (March 2020)

Cheow lan lake tour vlog:.

A picture paints a thousand words – here’s a vlog on the Cheow Lan Lake Tour:

Day 1 on Cheow Lan Lake Tour

Breakfast in the morning.

At the Jungle Hostel, Sunny gave me a voucher for breakfast at the Jungle Resort down the road, which has some hot food such as French toast. We were due to leave at 9vam and Sunny lent us all the equipment such as a wet bag, shoes, socks, waterproof phone case, raincoat, and headlamp.

Market stop for any essentials

We first made a stop at a market where we can get equipment and snacks. Since we already had everything, I ended up using the bathroom at a shop (for 10 baht) and getting a thai milk tea for 25 baht.

The stop was around 15-20 minutes and there were many other minivans headed to the pier by Ratchaprapha Dam.

Longtail boat ride to Smiley Lake House

The minivan dropped us off in the carpark and we were shepherded towards the pier. First, however, we needed to pay the fees – 20 for pier and 300 for national park. If you like signs, there’s one for Khao Sok National Park with sculptures of the signature hornbills either side, too.

We watched the longtail boats come and go until our guide Kiki finally called us over to board. We were first asked to show our national park ticket, then the pier ticket, before heading down.

Cheow Lan Lake is huge and the Smiley Lake House is about an hour away. I donned a life jacket and began the journey whizzing past karst mountains.

Pro tip: the engine is quite loud so you might want to try to sit in the front. By the time we arrived, it was around noon.

Free time to kayak and swim

With an hour of free time, I made use of the free kayak rental with my new friend Polina and we set off to a small island in front of the lake house. It’s harder to get around than expected for a lake, with waves from longtail boats often causing us to change direction.

Buffet lunch

We got back just in time for the buffet lunch at 1pm, which consisted of rice, green curry, and vegetables. There are a few dishes separately for vegetarians, too, and free refills for cold water. You can buy other drinks such as soda, beer, and cocktails at the bar. We didn’t linger too long since we had to pack our bags for the cave trip at 2pm.

Trek to Nam Talu Cave

Tip: ONLY bring your essentials as even with a wet bag, you things will get damp. And wear wet shoes!

We gathered at 2pm and boarded the longtail boat again to Nam Talu Cave. It’s only about 20 minutes and we docked by a slippery slope and made our way into the jungle.

The small path then runs parallel to the river for a while until we reach the jungle. A signboard outlines the path to Nam Talu Cave as well as what you might see along the way.

While our guide Kiki wasn’t the most instructive, he was completely in his element in the jungle. He caught a flying chameleon (which we let go), and spotted a snake sleeping atop a tree.

The trek itself isn’t anything out of the ordinary outside of the wildlife spotting. As we near one of the entrances to the cave, the path is riddled with pointy rocks so be careful.

We stop by a small river where those who don’t want to go into the cave can stay. There is a little waterfall hidden in a corner as well. Be careful if you want to climb up as it’s slippery. To my surprise – more than half of the group stayed behind and the rest of us purged on!

I had my reservations about the cave as I had visited some spectacular ones in Phong Nha, Vietnam. I’m happy to report that I was proved wrong. It involved a combination of walking, swimming, and a little bit of climbing with Kiki helping us over particularly difficult parts.

Along the way there were plenty of limestone features like the shiny silicate wall and ripples bedding. There’s even more wildlife – crickets, spiders, frogs, and bats!

It was difficult to recall how much time had passed but when we finally made it out the sun was starting the set.

We were treated to an amazing view as the longtail boat took us back to the Smiley Lake House. Since the lake is surrounded by karst mountains, the sun disappeared earlier than the sunset time.

We made it back to the lake house at 6pm and had an hour before dinner. Many decided to kayak but I was so tired that I just splayed out on the deck to enjoy the last of the daylight.

Dinner at Smiley Lake House

Dinner is another buffet spread, this time it’s yellow curry instead of green. We also got a fried fish to share between the table and fruits as well at the end. Some people then stay up to chat, but I was so tired that I went to bed by 8:30pm.

Day 2 on Cheow Lan Lake Tour

Morning safari on cheow lan lake.

It’s an early wake up call as we gather at 6:40am for the morning safari. It’s completely optional and a few people in the group skipped it to sleep in.

Without a binoculars and or zoom lens, it’s difficult to spot the wildlifes – and we saw monkeys and hornbills but quite far. However, the sunrise was spectacular and worth the early wake up call. Overall, it took under an hour with Kiki trying to call for more monkeys.

Breakfast and free time

Breakfast starts at 8 with a fried egg dish, bread, and a selection of jams and sauces. I don’t love it but I can’t fault it. It was then time to pack up as we leave the lake house at 9am sharp.

Another day another cave – we set off to Pra Kay Petch Cave, which is a dry cave. It’s not as exciting as Nam Tula Cave but closer.

To get there, we went through a swamp type of landscape that has dead trees, which gets flooded during high water level and is pretty cool

The cave itself is ok, easier to visit and smaller than the other. We can only go about 100 meters in but there are also spiders and bats. There’s some good photo spots as well.

Three brothers photo spot

I sincerely hope that I hadn’t remember the name wrong, it’s either the three brothers or the three stooges. But it’s basically these three karsts that forms a trio in the lake. We stopped for a quick photo before heading on our way.

Picnic lunch 

We then went to a random island where we swam for a bit and had lunch. It was a simple box of fried rice but I liked it, and there was pineapple afterwards. It’s not the best of stops and it seemed like we were simply abandoned there for a while.

Back to Khao Sok

An hour later we were picked up to go back to the city. There were some random stops along the way but we got back around 2-3pm. It was the perfect time to settle back into the hostel and hide from the sun.

Overall, I highly recommend doing the tour to see the sunrise and sunset landscape and the Nam Talu Cave . However, understand that the guides aren’t the best and it is not well organised. Then and again, food was good, I had data now and then at the lake house in a remote national park, so that’s not bad.

I think the main difference is that the big group, which I assume booked directly with Smiley, has a better guide, but we have a smaller group.

Private Cheow Lan Lake Tour Experience with Khao Sok Lake (May 2022)

Our tour with Khao Sok Lake was 3D2N, and we spent the first day visiting a lovely farm stay and community weaving project. Since we were on a private tour, everything was more relaxed and flexible than a group tour.

Chuen, our lovely guide, is the most amazing human who is from the weaving collective we visited and knew so much about the forest. She was born in one of the villages that got flooded by the building of the dam and this was her backyard growing up.

Khao Sok Lake Office and Convenience Store

Our driver picked us up from our hotel and we stopped by the Khao Sok Lake office enroute to pay our fees. They have a bathroom there so it was a good stop and save you a few baht.

We did stop by a 7-11 to get some water and snacks at Chuen’s advice.

Longtail boat ride to Laguna Resort

The pier looks the same as my last visit with a new waiting area that has a bathroom. There is also now a vending machine for the national park tickets, although we had to hand the money to the ranger to get it, so I’m not sure why it’s a machine.

A private tour means the longtail boat only had us and our guide, and it was nice to be able to spread out and admire the scenery without peering over other people’s head like I did last time.

Guilin Viewpoint

This time we stopped by the Guilin Viewpoint as well as pausing at various pretty spot for photo on the ride to our floating lake house. For some reason, I remembered the stacks to be taller but they were still very picturesque.

Check in at Lake House and Set Lunch

We arrived and checked into our floating lake house before heading over to the main area for lunch. I quickly changed into my hiking outfit and unpacked a little.

The set lunch consisted of rice with three dishes and a soup. There was a vegetable dish, chicken dish, and an omelette. I have to admit that the omelette was the best because they just really know how to fry it!

We also have a side of watermelon as dessert, of course.

Coral Cave hike

It was a short longtail boat ride to the start of Coral Cave hike. There is a ranger station there and apparently wild elephants had trekked all the way here to drink water just last month. However, our 40-minute hike wasn’t very fruitful in terms of animal sighting, but Chuen showed us plenty of cool plants and animal tracks.

The hike is mostly flat with some uphill and downhill. When we got to the other side of the hill, there is a ranger station with some floating huts for the bamboo raft ride. One of the waiting huts have photos of local fauna, which was fun to see.

The bamboo raft is similar to the one I had done in Chiang Mai , a long and narrow structure with some low benches. One of the rangers steered us over to the cave, where we climbed up to go inside.

Chuen was able to point out not only the elephant-like stalactites but also plenty of other structures and it was a fun time roaming and spotting things.

We returned the same way we came and started our evening safari on the way back, since it was getting late anyway.

Evening Safari

Our longtail boat driver and Chuen, who are much more attuned to nature, took us around the lake in search of wildlife. We saw hornbills flew by when suddenly we turned into a little cove and saw a group of wild elephants!

This was definitely the highlight of our day despite the amazing view of the lake, since we tried to spot wild elephants in the Kui Buri Park in Hua Hin but didn’t see any.

After staying and watching the elephants for a while, we returned to the floating lake house for dinner and to turn in for the night.

This time, we have a whole fried fish to ourselves, a red curry dish, tofu soup, and veggies. With rice and also fruits for dessert, of course. Everything was very delicious, even if we had to brave the rain to get food.

There was also a big thunderstorm that night and it was pretty cool to watch the lightning streaking through the sky.

Morning safari

We had set a time for morning safari at dinner and set off at 7 am into the lake. While the sunrise is earlier, the karst mountains mean they peek out to the lake at a later time.

Although we didn’t see any animals, we did see the sunrise and also climbed our guide Chuen’s favourite island, which was pretty fun if not a little difficult in flip flops.

Breakfast and Check Out

The check out time for the floating lake house is generally at 9. Given that most morning safari sets off at 6:30 – 7 am and lasts for an hour, it’s a reasonable time and also accounts for a stop along the way back.

We enjoyed the last longtail boat ride out and met back up with our driver at the pier. Our private tour didn’t stop by any extra locations on the lake, because we’re visiting a few spots on the way back.

Ratchaprapha Dam

We could see the dam on the longtail boat ride back, but Chuen instructed the driver so we could stop at park overlooking the Ratchaprapha Dam.

It’s a small park area with a stone that commemorated the day King Rama IV and the Queen visited.

The sister village to Chuen’s home village, Khao Pang was not flooded with the building of the dam and flourished down river from the lake. It’s famous for the hanging bridge that connects the two sides of the village, with a view of a ‘heart-shaped’ mountain.

There is also a local market there well worth a visit to sample the local snacks and drinks. We got a cool bamboo cup that serves herbal tea drink – I had the turmeric and it was refreshing in the heat. There’s also the spicy thai sausage and little coconut pancakes.

We returned to Khao Sok in the afternoon after a fun two days! And I wouldn’t hesitate to head back out to Cheow Lan Lake again.

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

2 thoughts on “ Cheow Lan Lake Tour in Khao Sok: what to expect on an overnight tour ”

Thanks for your post! Which lake tour was better?

It depends on your preference! Group tours are cheaper but the accommodation is extremely basic.

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Home > Tours by Destination > Khao Lak > Cheow Lan Lake Day Trip from Khao Lak

• Cheow Lan Lake Day Trip from Khao Lak

Full day tour Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok from Khao Lak

Discover the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, the glittering jewel at the heart of one of Thailand's most breathtaking places - Khao Sok. Surrounded by virgin rainforest and sheer limestone cliffs, the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake is formed by Rajjaprabha Dam and is surrounded by amazing sights. Explore the lake by long-tail boat and take a one-hour trek through the unspoilt countryside with an experience local ranger, who will show you one of the many caves containing striking stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the restaurant of the raft houses in the middle of the lake and enjoy some free time to swim in the cool, fresh water.

Available on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All other days please contact us .

07:00 - 17:50

• Pick-up from your hotel
• Drive to the Cheow Lan Lake (Approx 1.50 hours drive)
• Long-tail boat ride on the lake
• Jungle trekking (1.5 km.) and visit Prakai Petch Cave or so called "Diamond Cave"
• Lunch on raft house in the Cheow Lan Lake
• Enjoy your relaxing time, swimming or kayaking
• Return to your hotel

Note: Please be aware, that due to weather conditions and other circumstances, there might be changes to our tour programme. In extreme cases, we even need to move the tour to another date and, in rare cases, cancel it entirely. This is done purely for your safety.

• Transfers to and from your hotel
• Long-tail boat ride
• National park fee
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• Local ranger
• Professional tour guide
• Jungle Walking Difficulty: Easy / 1.5-2 km. (for 6 years old joiners or older)
• This tour needs a minimum of 4 persons. In case of 2-3 persons group on the tour, there will be an extra charge at 500 thb per person. Please check availability and number of joiners with us.
• Closed-toed shoes
• Sun protection
• Insect repellant
• Camera (with waterproof case/bag)
• Comfy shoes (trekking shoes for the jungle)
• Spare clothes
• Spending money
• Cancellations made at least 72 hours prior to activity date - Full refund will be issued .

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KHAO SOK RAFT HOUSE

Khao Sok Rafthouse! Offering overnight tours on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park

PRIVATE TOUR CHEOWLARN LAKE

Fascinating is the true beauty of Cheow-Lan lake on this full-day tour from both Phuket and Cheow-Lan lake. It is a great way to discover Cheow-Lan in 1 day with premium service.

PRIVATE TOUR Price  4,500 THB / person ( minimum 2 person)

Day Trip Khao Sok Lake  Cheow Lan Lake Explorer. 

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off long-tail boat tour around chiew larn lake in khao sok national park on a scenic boat ride. . experience the tranquility of the emerald lake and lush rainforest. explore the rainforest and coral cave khao sok national park is one of the best well-known tourist attractions in thailand and worldwide tourist destination for its oldest rainforest, amazing limestone mountain, fantastic waterfall, large mangrove, giant trees, and flowers together with various kinds of wildlife can be found in here.   meet your guide at your hotel traveling on the air-conditioned van then upon arrival khaosok, the guide will lead you to hop on the longtail boat to fascinating the turquois water of cheowlarnlake . short juggle trekking for bamboo rafting. you can meet enchanting plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, reptiles, etc. awaited for your discovery, then getting on the bamboo raft to cross the 500 rai lake to an amazing cave (easy access for children but be careful with the slippery wet floor). spend 30 minutes of cave exploring (a small cave but great formations).   relaxing lunch on the floating restaurant, a chance to self-paddle canoe before heading back to main land to finish the great day of cheowlarn lake discovery arrive safe and sound to your hotel..

New experience

with relaxation

on the lake.

Deluxe Rooms

H aves 31 rooms that can accommodate up to 3 guests per room, suitable for relaxing with family. A fun trip with friends or a place for honeymoon couples who want to experience nature. And no matter what season you can enjoy the beauty of nature that is different.

Air-condition  room

En-suite bathroom

check out no later than 9:00 a.m.

Time to pay electricity 6.00 pm - 7.00 am.

inside the room There are 2 beds, size 6 feet and 4 feet, with pillows, blankets, towels, bottled water, en-suite bathrooms (towels/soap/shampoo service). There is air conditioning in the room. Can be opened 12 hours a day

-  Room

- All meals

Price (Adult)

The Price is per person

5-10 years old 1,2 0 0 THB

Children 11 up Adult price

Price (Child) ​

Price not Included

Transport vehice

National Park Entrance Fees

Boat tranfers

Guest who booking to stay can change their only one time in advance 7 day before stay.

A change of arrival date will only be possible upon the receives an Reservation Confirmation.

If the guest can not stay at the designated date for any reson, The Lagunachiewlarn reserves the right not to refund the deposit.

The Laguna Chiewlarn does not allow pets in the accommodation.

THE 10 BEST Dzerzhinsky Sights & Historical Landmarks

Dzerzhinsky landmarks.

• Monuments & Statues
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• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Architectural Buildings
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Butovo North
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

2. Church of the Savior Transfiguration of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

3. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in the Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

4. Temple of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

5. Chapel of Phenomena Image of St. Nicholas in Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

6. Temple of the Mother of God of All Who Sorrow Ugresh Nicholas Monastery

7. Monument to Dmitriy Donskoi

8. Peter and Paul Church in Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

9. Cathedral of St. Nicholas

10. Monument to Creators of Missile Shield of Russia

11. Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

12. Sculpture Crying Boy

13. Chapel of the Passion of Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

14. Monument to Dzerzhinskiy

15. Dmitriy Donskoi's Temple

16. temple of holy spirit.

17. Temple of Makariy Nevskiy

18. Palestinian wall of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery

19. Chapel of Our Lady of the Perishing

20. Pamyatniki A. S. Pushkinu

21. Memorial of the Great Patriotic War

22. Monument to Veterans of Local Wars

23. Monument-bust to academician B.P. Zhukov

24. Monument to St. Nicholas

25. Tserkov' Pitmana Ugreshskoy

26. pamyatnik prepodobnomu antoniyu kiyevo-pecherskomu.

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Balashikha Arena
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Bykovo Manor
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Church of Vladimir
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture