This trip, we had the opportunity to travel to Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Dam, located in Surat Thani Province.

Known as the "Guilin of Thailand," the trip involved a large group of approximately 36 people, funded by the company's annual outing budget. As the organizer of the event, I was determined to make it a memorable experience.

Every trip leaves a unique impression on each traveler. This time, Jieb's experience was so unforgettable that they couldn't resist sharing it with their friends.

Let me preface by saying that this trip was absolutely epic, with stunning photos and incredible destinations. ^^ I tried to narrow down the selection, but there are still so many! Haha!

Let's not waste any time and get started right away.

Embark on a journey

Friday, March 10, 2017 at 4:30 AM, meet members at Don Mueang Airport to travel by Nok Air flight DD7208, ready to fly at 6:20 AM. Luggage ready, camera ready, ready to fly.

The flight to Surat Thani Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. A total of 36 people, including the guide, departed from Surat Thani Airport to the Khao Sok Dam Municipal Pier by coach.

The friendly guide kept us entertained throughout the journey, making us forget all about the weariness of travel.

Before reaching the pier, we made sure to stock up on all our essentials, as prices tend to be significantly higher on the floating market.

The journey from Surat Thani Airport to the Ban Chiew Lan Municipal Pier takes approximately one hour.

The clear, unclouded sky awaits us, so clear that it seems to melt away.

While waiting for the boat from the floating accommodation to pick us up, we sat and walked around the pier to pass the time.

The bus is cute.

As we wait for the boat, we soak in the atmosphere. The crystal-clear water is visible even from the pier.

Before boarding the boat to the floating accommodation, please complete your bathroom needs at the information center. The boat journey to the accommodation will take at least 45 minutes, depending on the distance of the chosen accommodation. Each floating accommodation has a different distance from the pier.

Passengers who choose to arrange their own transportation to the pier can pay the listed fares, which vary depending on the distance traveled.

I'm sharing some photos from my trip (although we were a large group, so we used a tour operator for everything).

At approximately 10:00 AM, the boat arrived to pick us up. We prepared to depart from the pier and head towards our accommodation.

Before entering the accommodation, we stopped to take pictures at "Khao Sam Kler," the highlight of visiting Cheow Lan Dam. It is a group of three limestone mountains facing each other, also known as "Thailand's Guilin."

The journey from the pier to the floating accommodation offers stunning views of mountains, sky, water, and boats. This is what we call "the joy of travel." For us, this is happiness. Admiring nature, taking photos, feeling the cool breeze and the warm sun on our faces, laughing with the fish, and smiling to ourselves—these are the refreshing moments we cherish the most.

The emerald green water, crystal clear, is a sight to behold.

After admiring the beauty of Khao Sam Kler, we headed to our accommodation for the first night, "Pha Phuang Waree Floating Resort".

From the boat, you can see the Pak Phra Warin floating raft house, which offers rooms with private bathrooms. The rooms are made of wooden slats and each one comes with a kayak or canoe. However, if you want to go paddling, you need to pay a deposit for the paddle at the lobby first.

We have arrived at "Pha Phuang Waree Floating Raft". Let's take a closer look and see if it lives up to its beauty.

Posting a flurry of photos! ^^

We arrived at the raft just in time for lunch, so we dug in right away.

Simple home-cooked dishes, seemingly ordinary, yet incredibly delicious.

Staple dishes include omelets (likely served at every meal except breakfast), spicy catfish curry, stir-fried Leea indica leaves with eggs (a must-try), and clear soup. With only four dishes, this spread offers endless possibilities for customization and guarantees a delicious experience.

After lunch, we gathered our belongings and checked into our rooms. We took a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the floating hut before heading out at two o'clock for a hike, a raft ride, and a visit to the coral cave.

The room can accommodate up to 4 people.

The rooms here are still new as they are newly built rafts. However, when visiting this type of accommodation, do not expect many amenities. On the positive side, this raft is privately owned and has an ensuite bathroom, which makes using the restroom convenient.

In contrast, the park's bungalows offer shared bathroom facilities, creating a more rustic ambiance. However, this option provides a more adventurous experience.

Let's consider this a purchase of atmosphere, not convenience. This way, we can enjoy our trip with a relaxed and happy mindset.

It's too hot to play in the water in the afternoon.

"Only this, ice cream. Isn't it cool? Even though I'm on a raft, there's still an ice cream boat coming to bless me. Hehe."

Despite being cut off from the outside world (with limited internet access only from AIS), we were able to completely forget about it.

Indulge in the delightful aroma of coconut and the exquisite taste of this ice cream.

Enjoying ice cream while letting the fish nibble on our feet in cool water. We'll have more fun playing in the water later in the evening.

It was time for our 2 pm appointment to visit the coral cave, so we set off.

Out of 36 members, less than 20 decided to go hiking. 555 No worries! Those who prefer to relax at the raft can do so, while those who want to go on an adventure can go ahead.

We're always up for a challenge, so let's get started!

This is a blank paragraph.

To reach the Coral Cave, visitors must take a boat from the accommodation raft to the 500-rai marine area, which serves as the park headquarters.

After that, we boarded a boat and continued hiking for about 2 km. We then contacted the park officials to take a motorized raft to the Coral Cave. A park official will guide us there.

The journey was filled with breathtaking views, making it a truly delightful experience.

We have arrived at the 500-rai marine area, where we will continue our journey on foot.

Butterflies are drinking from the mud puddle.

At this point, there are two small shops selling drinks and snacks. It is recommended to buy some water to bring along during the hike.

The trail is similar to a mountain climb, but it is not too steep. It is a comfortable walk for those who enjoy hiking uphill.

However, for those who do not exercise regularly, it can be quite tiring.

The round trip follows the same path, with a distance of approximately 2 kilometers each way, for a total of 4 kilometers.

Let's begin...

Along the way, we encountered several ascetic monks. We paid our respects to them for good luck.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, we contacted the park rangers and arranged for a raft and guide to take us to the coral cave.

While waiting for the raft, officials will explain what the area has to offer. If you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife.

Immerse yourself in the refreshing embrace of nature.

The package has arrived.

During the raft trip from the park ranger station to the coral cave, which was not too far away, we took some pictures.

We have arrived at "Coral Cave".

Coral Cave, located within the Klong Saen Wildlife Sanctuary, is a tourist attraction similar to a cave with a natural tunnel or a cave with an opening on both sides. The cave is named after its unique stalactites and stalagmites, which resemble coral reefs with small branches. These formations create a visually stunning and captivating sight. The interior of the cave is pristine and clean. Visitors must contact park officials for guidance when entering Coral Cave.

The cave is truly beautiful, with an abundance of well-preserved stalactites and stalagmites. However, due to the darkness, the photos are not as clear as I would have liked, and I was only able to capture a few shots.

The last picture doesn't say what it looks like, so think for yourself. Hehe.

After completing the tour of the coral cave, we returned to the floating accommodation.

On the way back, I encountered a family of 2-3 spectacled langurs. Although the photos weren't very clear, I wanted to share that this place is truly pristine and refreshing. I highly recommend everyone to experience it for themselves.

Arriving at the accommodation raft around 5 pm, there was still time to play in the water, soak up the atmosphere around the accommodation, and do many activities before dinner. What are there to do? Go see for yourself.

Enjoying taking photos because the accommodation is very beautiful.

Relaxing in front of the room, chilling out.

Or perhaps enjoy a light beer or wine.

Or go canoeing.

Or you can lie down and soak in the water, play in the water to cool off and feel comfortable.

Or you can pretend to be a friend, which is also fun. 555

As dusk falls, the evening light begins to emerge.

Everything can be photographed if it is refreshing.

Gazing at the evening moon

Good work.

And then it's time for us to float, oops, I mean, wait for dinner.

The lunch set includes four dishes, with a large fried fish as the main course. The remaining three dishes can be refilled as desired. All dishes are consistently delicious.

After a satisfying dinner, everyone dispersed to rest as they pleased.

With only a Huawei P9 smartphone and a tripod, we embarked on a quest to capture the stars. Despite the limited equipment and the sparsity of stars, we were determined to give it a shot.

Despite the limited visibility, the faint outline was discernible, bringing a sense of joy. If the sky were darker and the stars clearer, the view would undoubtedly be breathtaking.

The next morning, we had an appointment to watch the morning mist.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 6:30 a.m., we took a boat to watch the mist teasing the morning sunlight.

The fog wasn't too thick, but it was still enjoyable.

Good work.

After soaking in the atmosphere of the morning mist, it's time to head back for breakfast.

Along the way, there was still a little fog to be seen.

Upon returning to the raft, breakfast was promptly served.

The breakfast menu includes congee, fried eggs, fried rice, sausages, and fruits. Everything is delicious as always.

After a satisfying meal, feast your eyes on the beautiful scenery before checking out.

Jealousy is burning, huh?

The water here is crystal clear and teeming with fish. Watching them swim leisurely brings a sense of tranquility.

One day and one night at Pa Phur Waree Raft House felt too short, but we had to spend another night at the dam.

Bidding farewell with a heavy heart, I promise to return if the opportunity arises.

Leave your heart here, and I will return.

We checked out of Phu Pha Waen Resort around 8:30 AM.

Our next destination, which is a must-visit, is the Ratchaprapha Dam ridge.

It's a breathtaking spot for taking photos.

The activity is really packed, isn't it? Hehe.

Next stop, let's find our hearts at the suspension bridge of Khao Thep Pitak (Khao Phang), the heart-shaped mountain.

The Khao Phang Suspension Bridge, also known as the Ban Khao Thep Phithak Suspension Bridge, is located just before the entrance to the Chiew Larn Dam. Built in 2003 by the Khao Phang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the bridge is situated next to the Khao Phang Temple and facilitates the transportation of agricultural products for residents on both sides of the canal.

The Khaopang Suspension Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Prasae River. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, offering stunning views of the heart-shaped mountain in the background. Visitors can choose to take photos with the mountain or enjoy a thrilling kayak ride under the bridge.

Look at some beautiful people.

Captured a picture with the bridge and the heart-shaped mountain as a backdrop.

Continue to THE RAIN FOREST RESORT for lunch.

Instead of taking photos of the food, I took photos of the cats at the restaurant instead. Haha.

After a satisfying lunch, we set off for our second night's accommodation.

We have arrived at "Phu Pha and Lam Taan Resort," a resort nestled amidst mountains and streams, often referred to as a "dream resort."

Presenting a glimpse of the resort's ambiance and the accommodations within.

The bare concrete bathroom is refreshingly cool, but due to its location in the heart of the forest, the design allows for small gaps and openings that could provide access for reptiles or other uninvited guests.

Therefore, before you engage in personal activities, please make sure that there is no one else around except you. Haha.

Our romantic bed.

The overall atmosphere at the resort is peaceful and tranquil.

While waiting for the evening, we explored the area around the resort. The resort offers spa services and activities such as canoeing, but these come at an additional cost.

A path leads down to a stream behind the dining room.

This is too chill. Haha.

Some people have nothing to do, so they sit around and exercise their brains by calculating numbers. 555 They are supposed to be resting their brains, but they are still using them.

Dinner time! The food here is just as delicious as at the pier, especially the stir-fried fiddlehead fern in coconut milk. It's incredibly tasty, and would be even better paired with some shrimp paste chili dip.

Waking up this morning, I thought I was in a dream.

Living up to its name as a dream resort, even at 8 am, the thick fog still lingers.

Another photo with this place "Phu Pha and Lam Tarn Resort".

It's time to head back to Bangkok.

Before returning, the group made a stop to pay respects at Suan Mokkh and Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchawarawihan Temple for good fortune.

The trip concluded with a sense of contentment, both in terms of culinary delights and spiritual fulfillment, after an extraordinary three days and two nights.

It's time to travel back to Bangkok. With a heart full of memories and a chorus of complaints about not wanting to return.

Farewell, Surat Thani, city of good people, joyful and bright. City of large oysters, red eggs, and a source of Dharma.

Summary of the trip:

3-day, 2-night trip

Transportation - Roundtrip flight with Nok Air / Coach bus / Tour boat (operated by the tour company)

Accommodation

Night 1: Phu Pha Wa Ri Floating Resort (Private Raft). Contact information can be found on their website: http://phuphawaree.com/html/menu-1.asp

Night 2: Phupa and Lamtharn Resort Contact Information: Phone: 077 201 151

Trip Activities

Day 1:

• Take photos at Khao Sam Kler
• Visit Tham Phakarang Cave
• Enjoy swimming at a floating raft

Day 2:

• Witness the morning mist
• Visit the Ratchaprapha Dam ridge
• Take photos at the Khao Thep Pitak suspension bridge and the heart-shaped mountain

Tour Company:

For this trip, we opted for a group tour with Sen Bua Chompoo Tour Co., Ltd. Their service was impeccable from start to finish, exceeding our expectations. If you're seeking a reliable tour company with excellent service, look no further.

Contact:

Sen Bua Chompoo Tour Co., Ltd. 081-5555046

Final Thoughts:

No matter your travel style, embrace the experience and explore for yourself.

Thank you to everyone who read, followed, liked, shared, and commented.