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    Cheow-Lan Lake

    Thailand

    Cheow-Lan Lake

    Lake

    Cheow Lan Lake is not a natural body of water, but rather the reservoir of the Ratchaprapha Dam, completed in 1987, which flooded a valley system in Khao Sok National Park. The lake spans approximately 185 square kilometers.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    5. Thailand
    7. Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)
    9. Cheow-Lan Lake
    Cheow Lan Lake is not a natural body of water, but rather the reservoir of the Ratchaprapha Dam, completed in 1987, which flooded a valley system in Khao Sok National Park. The lake spans approximately 185 square kilometers. From the water, the peaks of limestone mountains emerge as steep rock towers; the landscape is often compared to Guilin in Southern China.Typical are the raft houses: simple bungalows on pontoons in quiet side arms, rented by the park administration and private operators. Electricity is often only intermittent, mobile reception not everywhere. Expect a basic standard.From the pier at the dam, longtail boats transport visitors to the accommodations. Common activities include canoe tours in the side arms, short jungle treks, and excursions to the caves Nam Talu and Pra Kie.In the mornings, fog often settles between the rocks, which is when you are most likely to spot hornbills, gibbons, and macaques. Plan at least one overnight stay, as day trips involve significant travel time.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Lookout Point Khao To Tao

    A viewpoint above Cheow Lan Lake, offering panoramic views of the limestone islands. Accessible only by water, the longtail boat trip is part of the excursion. The final section involves a path ascent; sturdy footwear is advisable. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most favourable light and more bearable heat.
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    2Ratchaprapha-Staudamm

    The 95m high, 761m long dam, inaugurated in 1987, dammed a forested valley. The peaks of the limestone mountains bordering the valley now form an island chain from the water. The pier for longtail boats starting on the lake is at the dam.
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    3Cheow Lan Lake View Point

    The viewpoint near the Ratchaprapha Dam provides the first overview of Cheow Lan Lake before you board a boat. From here, you can gauge the lake's vastness and the density of the surrounding rainforest. When the water is calm, the karst cliffs are reflected. In the morning, fog often lies over the surface until the sun rises higher.
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    4Hängebrücke am herzförmigen Berg

    A simple suspension bridge at Cheow Lan Lake leads to a viewpoint on a rock, the outline of which resembles a heart. The spot is reached by longtail boat, after which the journey continues along an uneven path – sturdy footwear is advisable. The site is included in the itinerary of many day tours, so it will get crowded when several boats arrive simultaneously.
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    5Ranger Station Klong Ka

    One of the ranger stations on the lake, accessible by longtail boat from the dam. From here, hikes into the hinterland and canoe tours into the side arms begin. In addition to the state raft houses, several private facilities are in the vicinity.
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    6Karst Rocks Khao Sam Kloe

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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Khao Kaeng Khun Daeng

    A Khao Gaeng place near Cheow Lan Lake: Pre-cooked dishes sit in bowls on the counter; you point to two or three dishes, which are then served over rice. The selection changes daily and is Southern Thai in style, meaning it's generally spicier than in Central Thailand. A quick and affordable lunch, not a dinner spot.
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    2

    Kitchen Guilin

    A restaurant on Cheow Lan Lake, named after the comparison boatmen here like to draw: The karst landscape is reminiscent of the rocks near Guilin in South China. Thai food is served, the decor is simple and open to the water. Convenient for a meal around boat tours.
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    Cheowlan Community Cafe

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    Dining at the Lake

    On the lake, dining is not à la carte: At nearly all raft houses, meals are part of the package, served communally at fixed times. They serve simple Southern Thai cuisine: rice, curries, vegetables, and fish from the reservoir. Please advise of intolerances or vegetarian preferences when booking, as nothing can be purchased locally.

    Fish from the Reservoir

    Mostly Tilapia or Snakehead fish, grilled or in sour soup. The most obvious ingredient from the lake and a staple on the raft house menu.

    Gaeng Som

    Tangy and spicy fish curry with turmeric, robustly spiced in the South Thai style. Served with rice.

    Pak Miang

    A South Thai leafy vegetable, steamed or used in curries. When served, it's locally grown.

    Restaurants at Dammpier

    Reaching and cruising the lake

    Access is via the boat pier at **Ratchaprapha Dam** in Ban Ta Khun district. It's about 60 kilometers east of Khao Sok Village. A private vehicle, taxi, or a booked tour transfer are the most practical options. Admission to the lake area is collected at the pier, 300 Baht for adults.Only boats operate on the lake. Longtail boats travel from the pier to the raft houses and ranger stations, taking up to two hours depending on the destination. They are rented per boat; as a solo traveler, you'll find it cheaper to join a group.Day trips miss the morning and evening hours when animals are active. For wildlife observation, an overnight stay is better. The driest period is from January to March. During the rainy season, water levels rise, thunderstorms delay trips, and Nam Talu Cave is closed from June 1st to November 30th.For current safety and health advice, consult the German Federal Foreign Office.

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    Nearby

    Pra Kie Cave (Coral Cave)

    Pra Kie Cave (Coral Cave)

    The Pra Kie Cave, also known as Coral Cave, is located on the shores of Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. It earned its nickname due to the stalactites and stalagmites whose porous, branching surfaces resemble corals.The cave is only accessible by water: Longtail boats take you from the raft houses or the pier at the dam into the bay, from there a short path leads to the entrance.Unlike Nam Talu, Pra Kie is a dry cave without water passages. It is therefore often offered when Nam Talu is closed. The ground is nevertheless damp and slippery, so sturdy shoes and a headlamp are essential.Do not break anything, do not touch anything: The formations grow over millennia. Guided tours are organized by the accommodations by the lake.
    Nam Talu Cave

    Nam Talu Cave

    The **Nam Talu Cave** is a river cave in Khao Sok National Park on Cheow Lan Lake. A stream flows through the limestone mountain, with the path often leading through water: knee-deep, sometimes deeper, and some sections requiring swimming. Inside, you'll find stalactites and bats.Access is by boat and hike, usually as a day trip from one of the raft houses. A **licensed guide is mandatory**.The reason is serious: Eight tourists died in a flash flood in the cave in October 2007, and a guide in August 2024. The cave is therefore closed from June 1 to November 30; even outside this period, it can close at short notice after rain.You should bring shoes that can get wet and provide grip, a headlamp, and waterproof packed items. If you cannot swim or tolerate confined spaces poorly, you should skip the tour.
    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    The Khao Sok Region is located in southern Thailand, inland in the provinces of Surat Thani and Phang Nga, approximately halfway between the Gulf and Andaman coasts. This makes it an obvious stopover between the coasts.Characterized by steep limestone mountains rising above evergreen rainforest and *Cheow Lan Lake*: A dam flooded a valley system, leaving the mountaintops standing as rocky towers in the water. The Khao Sok National Park protects a large contiguous rainforest, home to hornbills, gibbons, and wild elephants, among other species.Infrastructure is concentrated around Khlong Sok village at the park entrance and the floating raft houses on the lake. Guided jungle treks, canoe tours, and cave visits are common activities.The driest period is from January to March, with most rainfall occurring from May to October. Following heavy rain, streams and caves carry a lot of water, and some paths may be closed.
    Khao Sok River

    Khao Sok River

    The Sok River runs along the western edge of Khao Sok National Park and flows past Khlong Sok village, home to most of the region's accommodations. Many lodges are situated directly on its banks, making the river at once a transport route, a swimming area, and a scenic vista.On the water, activities include tubing, canoe trips, and rides on bamboo rafts. The current is mostly calm, making the tours more about the scenery than strenuous sport: Above the river, the park's limestone cliffs ascend, and with a little patience, hornbills, kingfishers, and monkeys can be spotted along the banks.The water level fluctuates significantly. After rain, the river carries much more water, while during the dry season, it can become very shallow in certain areas; operators adjust routes accordingly. Early mornings and dusk are the best times for wildlife observation, and the heat is more tolerable than at midday.
    Khao Sok Village

    Khao Sok Village

    Around the Visitor Center of Khao Sok National Park, the region's infrastructure has congregated in Khlong Sok village: guesthouses and lodges along the road and river, tour offices, restaurants, and a small market. The main road between Surat Thani and Takua Pa passes directly by, making the location easily accessible from both coasts.From the park entrance, the main hiking trail begins, following the valley with branches leading to several waterfalls. Night hikes are only possible with a guide and are organized locally. During the dry season, especially from January to March, the Rafflesia kerrii blooms in the region, with flowers reaching 50 to 90 centimeters in diameter.The village also serves as a starting point for trips to Cheow Lan Lake, available as day or overnight tours.Several elephant camps operate in the vicinity, each with a very different approach. Those who value animal welfare should check in advance what a camp truly offers.

    Sources & method

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