Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok: Emerald Waters, Cliffs & Floating Bungalows

Why You Can’t Miss Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park

The stunning Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park features clear, emerald-green water that’s pleasantly warm—around 28 degrees Celsius. Sounds like the perfect spot to dive right in, doesn’t it? But there’s so much more! The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, some reaching up to 960 meters high. These rocks are covered in thick greenery and sit right in the middle of a lush jungle. This area is home to special animals and birds, like gibbons swinging through the trees and vibrant hornbills. Sometimes, you might even catch a glimpse of wild elephants!

In this beautiful natural setting, you can swim, canoe, or simply relax on the water. Feeling adventurous? Take a trek through the jungle to waterfalls and mysterious caves. And the best part: you can also spend the night in cozy floating bungalows.

It’s no wonder Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok is such a popular spot. It really feels like a little slice of paradise!

Tours on Cheow Lan Lake

Because of high demand, book tours in advance.

Private tour

• Flexible itinerary
• Includes private guide, own longtail boat, accommodation (simple or luxury floating bungalow), all meals and activities
• Price private tour: 7,000 Baht | Tour details and booking

2 days, 1 night tour

• Overnight stay in a floating bungalow on the lake
• Time for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing
• Price 2,500 Baht per person | Tour details and booking

Day tour

• Suitable if no space on multi-day tours or if no overnight stay is wanted
• Explore the lake and nature in one day
• Price 1,500 Baht per person | Tour details and booking

Renting your own longtail boat on Khao Sok Lake

• There is no guide on the boat and no jungle trekking. You do make a nice boat trip on the lake and mostly visit a raft house where you can swim
• Location: Ratchaprapha Marina Pier
• Price renting a boat: 2,000 Baht for 2 hours or 2,800 Baht for 3 hours (regardless of number of people. Park entrance fee: 300 Baht per person

Discovering Khao Sok: The Hidden Stories Beneath the Lake

The landscape around Cheow Lan Lake is truly spectacular. Steep limestone cliffs rise majestically out of the water—and what you see is just the tip of the iceberg, as most of these rock formations lie hidden beneath the surface. Here and there, branches stick out above the water; these are the tops of trees that once stood in the valley but are now submerged.

Cheow Lan Lake, also known as Khao Sok Lake, lies right in the heart of beautiful Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. This impressive lake was created in 1982 when the Thai government built the Ratchaprapha Dam on the Phra Saeng River. The purpose? To generate electricity, prevent flooding, and provide water for agriculture. When the dam was built, a large part of the park flooded, creating the lake as we know it today.

Cheow Lan Lake covers around 165 square kilometers and reaches depths of up to 90 meters in places—a true water paradise.

Before the lake existed, a small village sat in this valley. When the reservoir filled, the village was completely submerged. As compensation, the original residents were given land on higher ground around the lake. Many returned to the water and built the very first floating houses. They became pioneers of unique floating tourism—one of today’s biggest draws.

The electricity generated by the Ratchaprapha Dam powers not only Surat Thani province but also surrounding provinces in southern Thailand. So this lake has created not only a breathtaking landscape but also plays an important role in many people’s daily lives.

Where is Cheow Lan Lake in Thailand located

The Khao Sok Park National, located in the Surat Thani province of Thailand, has two entrances, one where the small village of Khao Sok is and one at Cheow Lan Lake. Cheow Lan Lake and Khao Sok village are about an hour’s drive from each other. When you book a tour to the lake transport by minibus is included in the price. The longtail boats leave from the Ratchaprapha Marina Pier, this is near the Ratchaprapha Dam. At the embarkation point there is a supermarket, restaurant, toilets and a parking place for if you come by scooter or car.

Travel details:

• It takes about an hour to drive from the village of Khao Sok to Cheow Lan Lake
• If you book a tour to the lake, transportation by minibus is usually included

At Ratchaprapha Marina Pier (near Ratchaprapha Dam):

• Longtail boats depart here
• Facilities include a supermarket, restaurant, restrooms, and parking for scooters and cars

How to get to Cheow Lan Lake?

Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani province in Thailand. The park has two entrances:

• One near the small village of Khao Sok
• One at Cheow Lan Lake

Getting to Khao Sok from Bangkok

If you’re coming from Bangkok, there are several options:

• Take the adventurous overnight train
• Take a luxury bus
• Fly to Krabi and then continue your journey to Khao Sok

Arrange your own trip to Khao Sok

Caligo Resort

• Located less than 10 minutes from Cheow Lan Lake
• Offers private hot tubs, poolside dinners, breakfast on private terraces, and floating breakfasts
• Beautiful and peaceful surroundings

500Rai Floating Resort

• Unique and luxurious experience on Cheow Lan Lake
• Floating swimming pool
• Stunning views

What to bring to Cheow Lan Lake

For a day trip bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Water shoes or sneakers (can get wet during hikes)
• Poncho
• Dry bag or plastic bag
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Power bank
• Camera/phone
• Sunglasses

Luggage storage when visiting Cheow Lan Lake

• You don’t need to bring all luggage on the longtail boat
• Most accommodations in Khao Sok offer free or low-cost luggage storage
• If not staying at a hotel, ask the tour company where you can store luggage

Tips for visiting Cheow Lan Lake

• Internet and mobile coverage only near the dam; no signal further away
• Satellite phone available in emergencies
• Bring enough cash; no money exchange or cash withdrawal at bungalows
• Snacks and drinks available at floating restaurants
• Basic floating bungalows are made of thatch and often cannot be locked properly; no safes available
• Avoid bringing valuables
• Few mosquitoes reported on the lake; no mosquito nets provided (bring your own if desired)

Visiting Cheow the night on the lake, a lifetime experience!

They say a visit to Cheow Lan Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but we didn’t think once-in-a-lifetime was enough! We have slept on the lake many times. The first time we visited the lake, we went with a group tour, and the second time with a private tour. With the group tour, we slept in a basic floating cabin, and during the private tour, we slept in a luxury floating cabin with a private bathroom and air conditioning. We even stayed in the most luxurious accommodation on the lake called 500 Rai Floating Resort. If you can afford it, we highly recommend it!

Where to stay in Khao Sok? See our tips en reviews!

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Khao Sok

Our Jungle House

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Agoda

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Khao Sok

Caligo Resort

• Review

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Agoda

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500Rai Floating Resort

• Floating Bungalow
• Review
• X

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Agoda

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Khao Sok

Khao Sok Morning Mist Resort

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Agoda

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Khao Sok Palmview Resort

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Khao Sok

Khao Sok Cabana Resort

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Our Jungle Camp

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Khao Sok

Khao Sok Nature Resort

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Agoda

Khao Sok

Tanoshi Glamping

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Agoda

Khao Sok

Montania Lifestyle Hotel

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Agoda

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