Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapa Dam)
Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapa Dam)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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carlosmbcn
30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Take a boat and go arround the dam is amazing experience. The boats if you do t want go with big groups are little expensive for just 2 or 3 hours. And you have to pay for go inside the national park too, so finally is expensive place for be in the middle of national park.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokJock
Bangkok, Thailand499 contributions
Jun 2022
"Guilin of Thailand", these words don't do justice to the breathtaking beauty of this place. The lake is actually a man-made reservoir in the middle of dramatic limestone mountains. You can access at the reservoir dam which is an hour's drive from Surat Thani city. There are a number of tour operators there, offering from short 2-3 hour boat rides to overnight stays in one of the floating resorts on the lake. We took a short boat tour by Chieolan Holiday, their desk is near the pier opposite the ticket area. The owner's son was our guide and boatman, and really good at taking photos too! When we started the boat ride it was drizzling and a bit misty, which added to the atmosphere. Our stops included the สามเกลือ ("3 buddies") rock formation and a short stop at a floating resort and fish farm. Once the boat engine stops, the silence in this huge lake with towering mountains around is very peaceful.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
Minneapolis, MN445 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
A highlight of our trip! We decided it was worth it to get a private Longtail boat to experience this beautiful place. We arrived early, before all of the tour boats set out. It felt like we had the whole lake to ourselves. Beautiful, peaceful, serene, and oh the color of the water!!! Didn't have to take photos around other people in the boat, could decide our own plan (we did 3 hour, with stop at raft house to swim, skipped caves). The scenic overlook after your excursion is definitely worth a stop!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ani 🌸
London, UK109 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Such an amazing experience. We had such a lovely tour group of a mixture of people from all over the world. And our tour guides were also very great, friendly and informative.
The boat ride was around 40mins, it was beautiful, great footage to capture. We stopped at the tourist point to learn some history about the dam, which was so interesting. Then got some pictures before heading to the smiley lakehouse
Overall this was such an unreal experience, I would definitely recommend anyone visiting near Khao sok to do this. My favourite day in Thailand
The boat ride was around 40mins, it was beautiful, great footage to capture. We stopped at the tourist point to learn some history about the dam, which was so interesting. Then got some pictures before heading to the smiley lakehouse
Overall this was such an unreal experience, I would definitely recommend anyone visiting near Khao sok to do this. My favourite day in Thailand
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fitzcarraldo
Ko Samui, Thailand246 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Absolutely magical place. We drove from Surat Thani to the marina and hired a private boat for 2 hours. Prices were all set and clearly displayed so no need to haggle. 2 hours was plenty to see the beautiful rock formations and still have time for a quick swim in the water. Unmissable.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Badenhorst339
Johannesburg, South Africa58 contributions
Mar 2023
The views are breathtaking and the newly done huts are clean and comfortable at Sai Chon Raft House. We saw wild elephants just canoeing on our own around the houses and thereafter had many more great wildlife sightings. We recommend at least 2 nights and 3 days to experience all it has to offer.
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
backpacker_society_A
Halong Bay, Vietnam32 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
We had a great time trekking around Ratchaprapa Dam. It was amazing to see virgin forests and try to do water bike trip around the lake.The view from top of the mountain is breathtaking! Well worh a visit when you are in Ban Ta Khun, Surat Thani .
Written 18 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chin-Mie
Jakarta, Indonesia212 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
This place is well worth the time and effort to go there. About the karsts and scenery, there were so many reviews before and I definitely agree with them. It resembles Halong bay IMO.
If you have time, better to stay one or two nights, you can choose one of the floating houses from the very basic to the luxury one. You can then go kayaking as long as you want, swim in the warm water lake, etc. The water maybe has some degree of alkali thus no fishes there.
Up to now, I think the most “luxury” floating houses which have aircon are 500 Rai (further from pier) and Panvaree (about 30 mins from pier), but it comes with “luxury” prices too, much more expensive compared to other 5 star in the area.
Other than the package tour, you can get there by yourself, especially if you have / rent your own car. The package tour off course will ease your job, but we went by ourselves because : 1. We want to see the weather first as we went in rainy season. 2. We went there along the way from Khao Lak to Krabi.
For those who want to drive by yourself, here's a few tips :
First, head down to the pier. I do not recommend a motorbike because the pier is quite far from Krabi, Khao Lak or even Surat Thani. The driving is very easy and if you are from Khao Lak the scenery along the way after Khao Sok is very beautiful.
We did manage it by ourselves with the help from map by mr Google, driving from Khao Lak for about 2 hours. Please note : if you use Google map, after Phanom Hospital and Argriculture Centre, DO NOT turn left as command from Google Nav (dead end, wasting your time). Go straight follow the main 401 rd for about 7-8 mins (9 km) until Ban Ta Khun, and then there will be a clear big sign to go left to Ratchaprapa. The rest is just follow the sign, or most likely you will see buses or mini vans from Travel Company, just follow them.
After about 30 mins, you will arrive at security (army?) check point, and 1 mins later arrived at the pier’s office inside the Khuihlin Minimart. If you intend to stay overnight, you can park your car in the designated area (with fee, car = THB80 overnight, see pic). There’re security guys there, it seems quite safe but not sure. For prevention, please store your luggage in back baggage if possible n hide your valuable.
In the “office” (actually very basic office with 1 small desk :)), if you are haven’t book your accommodation, they have albums with pictures, n will show you the map with each bungalow marked. You can choose depend on your budget n your preferred location (the nearer only 30 mins long vs the furthest maybe up to 1.5 hours boat – ie. Panvaree 30 mins vs 500 Rai more than 1 hour)
About the cost, there are 3 separated cost : Accommodation (pay directly at the hotel), Boat (pay at the ticket booth, varies depend on the house’s location, range THB 1500-3000), and National Park’s fee (pay at the office. THB 200 for adult, THB 100 children).
There are some small souvenir shops in the pier, and off course the Minimart to stock up your snacks.
In conclusion : which one better, package tour or independently? Depend on one, for me : I like my free time :). More economic? I did ask some of the hotel and travel company before, only slight difference.
Tips :
- Buy the poncho at the ticket booth, you might need it. (Sorry I forgot the price)
- Bring your waterproof camera (sadly mine was broken)
- Best time : sunny n clear for sure :). In the rainy time, the hiking and cave exploring may not available.
- Swimsuit and spare clothes off course.
Hope this helps.
If you have time, better to stay one or two nights, you can choose one of the floating houses from the very basic to the luxury one. You can then go kayaking as long as you want, swim in the warm water lake, etc. The water maybe has some degree of alkali thus no fishes there.
Up to now, I think the most “luxury” floating houses which have aircon are 500 Rai (further from pier) and Panvaree (about 30 mins from pier), but it comes with “luxury” prices too, much more expensive compared to other 5 star in the area.
Other than the package tour, you can get there by yourself, especially if you have / rent your own car. The package tour off course will ease your job, but we went by ourselves because : 1. We want to see the weather first as we went in rainy season. 2. We went there along the way from Khao Lak to Krabi.
For those who want to drive by yourself, here's a few tips :
First, head down to the pier. I do not recommend a motorbike because the pier is quite far from Krabi, Khao Lak or even Surat Thani. The driving is very easy and if you are from Khao Lak the scenery along the way after Khao Sok is very beautiful.
We did manage it by ourselves with the help from map by mr Google, driving from Khao Lak for about 2 hours. Please note : if you use Google map, after Phanom Hospital and Argriculture Centre, DO NOT turn left as command from Google Nav (dead end, wasting your time). Go straight follow the main 401 rd for about 7-8 mins (9 km) until Ban Ta Khun, and then there will be a clear big sign to go left to Ratchaprapa. The rest is just follow the sign, or most likely you will see buses or mini vans from Travel Company, just follow them.
After about 30 mins, you will arrive at security (army?) check point, and 1 mins later arrived at the pier’s office inside the Khuihlin Minimart. If you intend to stay overnight, you can park your car in the designated area (with fee, car = THB80 overnight, see pic). There’re security guys there, it seems quite safe but not sure. For prevention, please store your luggage in back baggage if possible n hide your valuable.
In the “office” (actually very basic office with 1 small desk :)), if you are haven’t book your accommodation, they have albums with pictures, n will show you the map with each bungalow marked. You can choose depend on your budget n your preferred location (the nearer only 30 mins long vs the furthest maybe up to 1.5 hours boat – ie. Panvaree 30 mins vs 500 Rai more than 1 hour)
About the cost, there are 3 separated cost : Accommodation (pay directly at the hotel), Boat (pay at the ticket booth, varies depend on the house’s location, range THB 1500-3000), and National Park’s fee (pay at the office. THB 200 for adult, THB 100 children).
There are some small souvenir shops in the pier, and off course the Minimart to stock up your snacks.
In conclusion : which one better, package tour or independently? Depend on one, for me : I like my free time :). More economic? I did ask some of the hotel and travel company before, only slight difference.
Tips :
- Buy the poncho at the ticket booth, you might need it. (Sorry I forgot the price)
- Bring your waterproof camera (sadly mine was broken)
- Best time : sunny n clear for sure :). In the rainy time, the hiking and cave exploring may not available.
- Swimsuit and spare clothes off course.
Hope this helps.
Written 27 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie L
Montpellier, France25 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
If you are on a tight budget, despite what the agencies tell you, you can easily have a nice 2 or 3h trip on the lake independently.
- Rent a motorbike for 300 bath
- Get to Cheow Lan Lake Ratchaprapa pier parking on Maps Me 80 bath petrol
- 300 bath entrance fees
- Once there, if you haven’t made up a group yet (which it quiet easy in any bar or restaurant the day before), you’ll meet plenty of people at the pier waiting for you.
You have a choice between a 2 or a 3 hours trip. The price is 2000 bath for the boat (either you are 2 or 10 people) for 3h. So we were a group of 6, met 2 others when we arrived, for a total of 8 people 250 bath per person.
Didn’t check really but I think it was more or less 1h one way, 1h chilling at the bungalow area - swimming, 1h return. The boat driver was nice, didn’t rush, slowed for the pictures, pointed out some monkeys,...
We had a really good time for a total of 640 bath person if you share the motorbike.
The lake is not to be missed, so impressive !! For those who like to compare it with cat ba/halong bay, we found it much more wild and quiet !
- Rent a motorbike for 300 bath
- Get to Cheow Lan Lake Ratchaprapa pier parking on Maps Me 80 bath petrol
- 300 bath entrance fees
- Once there, if you haven’t made up a group yet (which it quiet easy in any bar or restaurant the day before), you’ll meet plenty of people at the pier waiting for you.
You have a choice between a 2 or a 3 hours trip. The price is 2000 bath for the boat (either you are 2 or 10 people) for 3h. So we were a group of 6, met 2 others when we arrived, for a total of 8 people 250 bath per person.
Didn’t check really but I think it was more or less 1h one way, 1h chilling at the bungalow area - swimming, 1h return. The boat driver was nice, didn’t rush, slowed for the pictures, pointed out some monkeys,...
We had a really good time for a total of 640 bath person if you share the motorbike.
The lake is not to be missed, so impressive !! For those who like to compare it with cat ba/halong bay, we found it much more wild and quiet !
Written 24 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IMasri83
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia17 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
This beautfiul breathtaking lake is about 1 hour van ride away from the Khao Sok resorts. A 1 day trip or a 2 day trip with overnight on the lake can be arranged by any one of the resort operators in Khao Sok.
From Khao Sok, the price for 1 day trip is regulated at THB 1500-THB1800 per person. This will include transport, lunch, boat ride, day stay at the rafthouse, but may not include park fees of THB 300 per pax (check before you buy the tour so you understand what you are paying for).
All the tours will say that it include a hike to the cave. The cave is apparently the highlight of the program, HOWEVER it requires good fitness level and the ability to swim at some parts of the cave. You can always opt out (and the guide usually will advise those less fit to do so) and stay at the rafthouse instead. There is no loss in this as you can spend the time swimming and dipping in the excellent water of the lake or sunbath on the decks of the raft.
Itinerary:
8.00/8.30 AM - Departure from Khao Sok. A 12 seater van will pick up travelers from multiple resorts.
10.00 AM - quick stop at a small town close, you can have 10-15 mins buying extra food for snacks (recommended to buy some as your rafthouse will be miles from civilization, they have free flow coffee and tea but that's it apart from the set lunch)
10.15 AM - arrive at the lake pier. There are minimarts and public toilets. Our tour was on Saturday, the pier was crowded with tourists and locals on their weekend getaways.
10.40 AM - boat depart the pier, our whole van in an open space 'sampan', there are life jackets but not strictly enforced, the boat ride is one hour
11.40 AM - arrive at the rafthouse, settle down and find your "spot", there might be a few other boats that will use the same rafthouse but all in all pretty secluded and private, lunch will be served and those departing to the cave will change into proper attire, rubber shoes available for rent at THB50
3.30 PM depart back on boat to the pier
5.00 PM arrive at Khao Sok
Verdict: Must do if you're in Khao Sok. The lake is just huge and goes on for miles. The view will stun you. Don't be shy to take pictures or videos, the boat ride is one hour long and you'll have plenty of time to appreciate the view with your own eyes as well. The "crowd" will disappear as soon as your boat leave the pier, you might share the rafthouse with a few other boats but that's about it. The water is excellent for swimming and dipping. Rafthouse is basic, back to nature type, but the toilet is clean and responsibly built (the sewerage is not thrown back into the lake). I couldn't get the name of the rafthouse but the guide's name was Pom and the van was marked with "Khao Sok Palmview Resort".
Tips:
1. If you want to kayak or canoe at the lake, inquire up front as not all rafthouses have these amenities.
2. For the catered lunch, you may request during booking for vegetarian. They can't do Muslim (halal food) but they can provide a vegetarian and seafood options.
3. For those interested in the 2 days, 1 night on the lake option, I would advice you to take note that (a) the rafthouse is a literal one hour boat ride away from any kind of civilization and (b) electricity is available from 6pm-10pm only.
From Khao Sok, the price for 1 day trip is regulated at THB 1500-THB1800 per person. This will include transport, lunch, boat ride, day stay at the rafthouse, but may not include park fees of THB 300 per pax (check before you buy the tour so you understand what you are paying for).
All the tours will say that it include a hike to the cave. The cave is apparently the highlight of the program, HOWEVER it requires good fitness level and the ability to swim at some parts of the cave. You can always opt out (and the guide usually will advise those less fit to do so) and stay at the rafthouse instead. There is no loss in this as you can spend the time swimming and dipping in the excellent water of the lake or sunbath on the decks of the raft.
Itinerary:
8.00/8.30 AM - Departure from Khao Sok. A 12 seater van will pick up travelers from multiple resorts.
10.00 AM - quick stop at a small town close, you can have 10-15 mins buying extra food for snacks (recommended to buy some as your rafthouse will be miles from civilization, they have free flow coffee and tea but that's it apart from the set lunch)
10.15 AM - arrive at the lake pier. There are minimarts and public toilets. Our tour was on Saturday, the pier was crowded with tourists and locals on their weekend getaways.
10.40 AM - boat depart the pier, our whole van in an open space 'sampan', there are life jackets but not strictly enforced, the boat ride is one hour
11.40 AM - arrive at the rafthouse, settle down and find your "spot", there might be a few other boats that will use the same rafthouse but all in all pretty secluded and private, lunch will be served and those departing to the cave will change into proper attire, rubber shoes available for rent at THB50
3.30 PM depart back on boat to the pier
5.00 PM arrive at Khao Sok
Verdict: Must do if you're in Khao Sok. The lake is just huge and goes on for miles. The view will stun you. Don't be shy to take pictures or videos, the boat ride is one hour long and you'll have plenty of time to appreciate the view with your own eyes as well. The "crowd" will disappear as soon as your boat leave the pier, you might share the rafthouse with a few other boats but that's about it. The water is excellent for swimming and dipping. Rafthouse is basic, back to nature type, but the toilet is clean and responsibly built (the sewerage is not thrown back into the lake). I couldn't get the name of the rafthouse but the guide's name was Pom and the van was marked with "Khao Sok Palmview Resort".
Tips:
1. If you want to kayak or canoe at the lake, inquire up front as not all rafthouses have these amenities.
2. For the catered lunch, you may request during booking for vegetarian. They can't do Muslim (halal food) but they can provide a vegetarian and seafood options.
3. For those interested in the 2 days, 1 night on the lake option, I would advice you to take note that (a) the rafthouse is a literal one hour boat ride away from any kind of civilization and (b) electricity is available from 6pm-10pm only.
Written 14 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
У нас был организованный предоплаченый тур
Written 21 November 2019
Bonjour, je voudrais,moi et mon mari passer 3 jours et 2 nuits sur kao sok ( dans le lac ) en arrivant de sura thanie sachant qu’il est obligatoire de passer par un guide . Pouvais vous me conseiller une agence ? Un guide ? Nous pouvons très facilement nous joindre à un groupe. Merci de vos conseils et suggestions.
Written 8 October 2019
Hi! We are going to rent boat from Ratchaprapa dam to see the lake for around 2 hours. Are there any other activities that we could do around Ratchaprapa dam? Any trekking or hiking trails?
Written 2 October 2019
want to do a longtail boat trip on cheow lan lake in august.
We don't want to do hiking or visit caves.
We are staying in Surat tani. What is the best way to get to the lake and back?
I've read that it's difficult to find a taxi with reasonable prices at the pier.
What is the price for the boat trip and the taxi drive for a family of 4?
Thanks in advance!
Written 21 June 2019
Chill out Andamam Local Travel
Phuket, Thailand
A longtail boat trip on cheow lan lake for sightseeing cost 2000 Baht for 2-2.30 Hours. Long tail boat can take maximum 10 passangers.
Private taxi round trip transfer 3000-4000 Baht.
Local bus by minivan from Kaset 2 market in Surathani town cost 200 Baht per person per way takes 1.30 Hours to get to the peir at cheow lan lake.
Written 22 June 2019
Hi, I stayed at 500Rai resort. They are also travel company.
Written 30 December 2018
Hi , do you have book bu hotel or agency ? price ? thanks I will be on place on February at the same hotel.
I have a 3 years old child.
Written 29 December 2018
i booked through the hotel, and paid the money for the tour to the driver. 1500 baht sounds about right.
You will also need to pay an entry fee to the National Park, about 60 Baht from memory.
We were told to take the trip to the Coral Cave if possible, better scenery, and not as far to travel via boat.
Written 30 December 2018
Es-ce qu'il est possible de prendre un long boat pour aller sur le lac sans passer par une agence?
Written 4 December 2018
Bonjour. Je ne sais pas. Il y a pas mal d animation à l’embarcadère. Je suppose qu’on peut louer à titre perso un long boat avec son « chauffeur » mais je n en suis pas sure. Désolée.
Written 5 December 2018
Bonjour,
Est-il nécessaire de réserver l'excursion avant de voyager ou bien peut-on la demander le jour même à notre hôtel à Khao Sok par exemple ?
Merci par avance de votre réponse !
Written 22 November 2018
Bonjour
Nous avons pris l excursion une fois sur place à notre hôtel. C était hors saison en juin et il fallait un certain nombre de participants pour que l excursion puisse se faire.
Bonnes vacances.
La Thaïlande est un pays tellement attachant.
Sylvie
Written 22 November 2018
hello we are planning to go there by our car so is there parking space in there? and how much it costs? also we want to do lake tour, do you know how much are the long tail boat tours?
Written 10 September 2018
Hi,
What is the best transportation company that will pick me up from my hotel in Krabi and take me to Cheow Lan Lake?
Can I rent a private longtail boat for 2 people at the pier? How much?
Written 17 May 2018
Hi,
I have no idea about the transportation company because we’ve got a car from family there, which we use to get everywhere.
You can rent a longtail boat alone or with as much people as you like. The price will depend on your negotiation skills and the amount of people that are there at that moment. If the captain is in danger of having no passenders it’s easier to get a good price. If you sprak some Thai it helps as well. In the worst case it can be about 6000 baht, in the best case about 2000 or even a bit less. We’ve paid 1800, but the captain is a friend of my wife’s family (she’s Thai).
Hope that’s somewhat helpfull.
Written 16 November 2018
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