The Allure of Cheow Lan Lake: A Digital Detox in Paradise

Cheow Lan Lake, also known as Ratchaprapha Dam, is a renowned tourist destination in Surat Thani, Thailand. Its breathtaking natural beauty, reminiscent of Guilin in China, has earned it the nickname "Guilin of Thailand." The lake's highlight is the unique experience of staying in floating bungalows, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature.

This itinerary takes you on a 2-day, 1-night digital detox adventure in Cheow Lan Lake, where you can disconnect from the online world and reconnect with the serenity of the natural surroundings. Be prepared for a complete absence of internet connectivity, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Day 1: The journey from Surat Thani city to the pier at Khao Chaio Lan Dam takes approximately 1.30 hours.

The bustling atmosphere of the municipal pier greeted us as we arrived, the excitement palpable even before setting foot on the boat. Our journey began shortly before 10 am, as we reached the pier.

Let's set off now that we're ready.

Jade shared a video of the atmosphere while cruising on the dam.

The scenery during the cruise on Cheow Lan Lake is truly breathtaking. The stunning views offer endless photo opportunities. The atmosphere resembles that of a southern Thai sea, but with the tranquility of a reservoir, resulting in calm, clear waters without waves.

This breathtaking view evokes the atmosphere of the movie King Kong, as if we were sailing to Kong Island.

One of the highlights of cruising on the Cheow Lan Lake is the viewpoint of Khao Sam Kler, a trio of limestone mountains with sharp peaks. The crystal-clear water of the reservoir reflects the mountains, creating a breathtaking scene. Pictures cannot capture the true beauty of this natural wonder; it must be experienced firsthand.

At this point, the guide will invite anyone who wants to pose like Jack and Rose in Titanic to do so. However, I would advise against it. 555+

After taking photos, we continued our journey.

The first stop is a scenic viewpoint where you can see fish. There are restrooms and a floating platform called "Nang Phai" where you can take photos.

The water is crystal clear, allowing for excellent visibility of the fish.

After the stopover, we headed to the floating accommodation for lunch.

We have arrived at Pa Sai Chon, our accommodation for tonight.

The 2-day, 1-night package includes all three meals, as well as a box set for breakfast on the boat.

Let's stop for a midday energy boost.

After that, we checked into our accommodation. It was a fan room with an ensuite bathroom, which was very convenient and comfortable. Air conditioning was not necessary as the weather was pleasant and not hot at all. The rooms were arranged in a row like this:

After a short nap to recharge, it was time to continue exploring nature at 1:30 PM.

We will take a boat, hike, and then take a raft to see the coral caves. Let's go!

The journey to the coral cave begins with a 1.5-kilometer hike through the natural environment. It is recommended to wear sneakers for a comfortable walking experience.

Stroll through nature at your own pace.

Natural water sources

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After walking for about 1.5 kilometers, we had to take a raft to continue to the coral cave.

A ten-minute ride on a motorized raft will take you to the Coral Cave. Inside, it will be very dark. The guide will distribute flashlights, and you must follow the guide to see the beautiful and strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Please note that it is forbidden to touch any rocks in the cave, as this can damage the natural environment.

Let's begin exploring the beauty inside the cave.

The photograph of the cave paintings resembles an underwater photograph of coral reefs.

This image is open to interpretation. 55+

Image of overlapping teeth.

These rocks resemble shimmering crystals that illuminate the cave.

After visiting the coral cave, we took a raft, went hiking, and then took a boat back to our accommodation.

Enjoy the evening atmosphere at Pa Sai Chon.

Feel free to paddle or relax by the water. If you choose to paddle, there is a 500 baht deposit for the paddle. It seems people often lose them.

The sunset view is breathtakingly beautiful.

Spend a night relaxing on the raft to prepare for an early morning boat ride to watch the mist.

Morning of the 2nd

At 6 am, we took a boat to watch the fog.

The morning view from the accommodation offered a glimpse of fog.

There wasn't much fog to be seen on the day of the trip.

After enjoying the morning atmosphere by boat, we returned to have breakfast and then prepared to leave.

The original text is in Thai and describes a scene at a floating market. Here's the translation:

Before leaving the Pak Nam Floating Market, Ya took a picture of a fish in front of their accommodation. It's a red-tailed tinfoil barb, and the water is so clear that you can see the fish clearly. It's incredibly beautiful!

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Not yet. The trip is not over yet. Before we head back, let's stop by the dam to enjoy the view.

The Chiew Larn Dam is known to be a source of electricity generation.

Next, enjoy the view of the Khao Phang Suspension Bridge and the heart-shaped mountain.

Beneath the suspension bridge

Behold, a heart-shaped mountain captured in all its splendor. Its beauty and charm are undeniable.

The trip concluded with an unforgettable souvenir shopping experience, making it an exceptionally worthwhile visit. It is undoubtedly one of Thailand's must-see tourist destinations, and an overnight stay on a floating raft is highly recommended for a complete immersion in the natural beauty of the reservoir.

Summary of expenses for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Khao Sok National Park

Siam Catamaran Tour Packages

Day 1: Exploring the Wonders of Khao Sam Kler

Morning:

• Visit Khao Sam Kler, a stunning natural wonder known as the "Guilin of Thailand."
• Hike through the lush jungle and admire the towering limestone cliffs.
• Discover the hidden treasures of Wang Pla, a serene lagoon surrounded by verdant forests.
• Explore the vast expanse of Thale Nai, a 500-acre freshwater lake teeming with life.

Afternoon:

• Embark on a scenic boat ride through the tranquil waters of Thale Nai.
• Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Tham Phakarang, a cave adorned with sparkling coral formations.

Evening:

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
• Relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of your chosen accommodation.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion and can be customized to fit your interests and preferences.

Day 2 Enjoy a morning boat ride to admire the mist.

The cost per person (Thai citizens) is 3,350 baht. Foreigners will be charged an additional 460 baht for park entrance fees.

Tour Package Includes:

• Roundtrip boat tour with life jackets
• Accommodation at Sai Chon Resort (fan room with private bathroom)
• Park entrance fees (Thai nationals only)
• Speedboat fees
• Guide services
• Tourist accident insurance
• 3 meals and a gift set for dining on the boat on Day 1

Other Expenses

The package does not include transportation. An additional 600 THB per person is required for a roundtrip transfer service between the city and the pier. This service also includes a scenic tour around the Cheow Lan Dam, with stops for sightseeing and photo opportunities at the suspension bridge, the heart-shaped mountain, and local souvenir shops. The transfer will then drop you off at the airport or your desired location in the city.