Cheow Lan Lake - the emerald heart of Southern Thailand
Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most picturesque places in Southern Thailand. Emerald water, jungle-covered cliffs, floating hotels and the silence of pristine nature. Find out why you should go there at least once and what awaits you on the excursion.
Cheow Lan Lake, also known as Ratchaprapha Dam Reservoir, is one of the most picturesque and mysterious places in Thailand. It is located in Surat Thani Province, within the Khao Sok National Park, and attracts travelers with its pristine nature, limestone cliffs, flooded jungles and a unique atmosphere of solitude. In this article, we will tell you about the history of the lake, its natural features, as well as interesting facts that make this place especially attractive to tourists.
History of the origin of Lake Cheow Lan
Cheow Lan Lake is an artificial reservoir created in 1982 after the construction of the Rajaprapa Dam. The project was part of a government program to develop energy and water supply in the southern part of the country. The construction of the dam allowed the region to be supplied with electricity, as well as to regulate water supply during the dry and rainy seasons.
The dam flooded a huge area - about 165 km² of tropical forest, some of which were virtually impassable. Many rare species of animals were relocated, but some areas of the flooded forest still rise above the surface of the water - old trees sticking out of the water have become a recognizable calling card of the lake.
Geography and features
The lake is located within Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest evergreen forests on the planet. The limestone mountains surrounding the reservoir rise hundreds of meters, reminiscent of the landscapes of Halong Bay in Vietnam or Phang Nga Bay in Thailand.
Features of the lake:
Length: more than 60 km;
Area: about 165 km²;
Maximum depth: about 90 meters;
Ecosystem: a combination of aquatic and forest biotopes, rich flora and fauna.
There are no traditional resorts on the lake - instead, they offer accommodation in floating bungalows, which allows you to literally live on the water, enjoying the silence and unforgettable views.
What to see and do in Cheow Lan
A trip to the lake is not just an excursion, but a real immersion into the world of wild nature:
1. Longtail boat rides
This is the main way to travel around the lake. Boats allow you to see cliffs, flooded forests, hidden bays and wild beaches. One of the most famous objects is the Three Pillars cliffs, the calling card of the lake.
2. Wildlife watching
These places are home to gibbons, macaques, serows (wild goats), bears, otters, various species of birds, and, with luck, you can hear the roar of the rare Far Eastern gaur.
3. Hiking trekking
Some tours include jungle trekking, visiting caves and observing the flora of the region. Coral Cave and Nam Tal Cave are particularly popular among tourists.
4. Swimming and kayaking
Many lodges provide kayaks and swimming areas. The lake water is clean and warm all year round.
Interesting facts
Houseboats and hotels: There are no roads on the lake, the lodges are accessible only by boat. All the hotels run on generators, and communication can be limited - it's a real digital detox.
Flooded Forest: During a boat ride you can see tree trunks sticking out of the water - these are the remains of ancient forests that grew here before the flooding.
Movie landscapes: Cheow Lan Lake is as beautiful as the most famous movie locations and is often included in the ratings of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia.
Sustainable Tourism: Khao Sok National Park strictly regulates tour operators to preserve the lake's fragile ecosystem.
When is the best time to go?
You can visit this wonderful place all year round. Even during the rainy season (May - October) the lake remains accessible, and the landscapes are especially picturesque due to the fog and rich colors of nature.
How to get to the lake
Cheow Lan is approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from Phuket or 1.5-2 hours from Krabi and Khao Lak. You can get there by rented transport or as part of a group or individual excursion . For advice and booking of our services - click the button under this article and fill out the feedback form.
