Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake: The Most Unusual Trip from Phuket
Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake are the most unusual trip from Phuket. It's not the sea — it's jungle and floating bungalows on an emerald lake. A two-day tour costs from 5,000 THB, a day trip from 2,600 THB. I've been three times with friends and once solo — each time I come back with a different impression. If you've already seen the beaches and are tired of the sea, Cheow Lan will be the best change of scenery.
What is Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake is an artificial lake in Surat Thani province, 130 km from Phuket. It was created in the 1980s after the Ratchaprapha Dam was built. The area is 165 km², with cliffs up to 700 meters tall rising from the water.
The atmosphere is a mix of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and "Jurassic Park." Cliffs, jungle, echoes, silence. Wildlife includes gibbons, monkeys, water monitors (huge lizards), and occasionally elephants have been spotted.
The main feature is the floating raft houses. These are bamboo bungalows right on the water, with no electricity (or limited power from 7 to 10 PM), no WiFi. You fall asleep to jungle sounds, and in the morning you swim right off your doorstep.
Prices and formats
| Type | Price from Phuket | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip (group) | 2,600–3,200 THB | Transfer, lunch, boat, raft, guide |
| Two-day with overnight | 5,000–7,500 THB | + night in floating bungalow, dinner, breakfast |
| Three-day (hiking + caves) | 9,000–12,000 THB | + trekking, Praya Nakha Cave |
| Private 2-day (for families) | from 18,000 THB/boat | Custom route |
Two-day itinerary — the most popular option
If you're choosing one version — go for two days. A day trip doesn't justify 6 hours of driving for just 4 hours on the lake. With an overnight stay it's a completely different experience.
Day 1
- 06:30 — hotel pickup by minivan
- 10:00 — arrive at Khao Sok National Park, registration
- 10:30 — board a long-tail wooden boat, 40-minute ride across the lake to the rafts
- 11:30 — check into floating bungalow. Simple huts with mattress, mosquito net, veranda over water
- 12:30 — lunch in the communal hall
- 14:00 — second boat to Praya Nakha Cave or Three Brothers Mountain viewpoint. One-hour hike
- 16:30 — return, swimming off the rafts, relaxing
- 18:30 — dinner, gets dark early (in the jungle, darkness is absolute)
- 20:00 — mini kayak on the lake under the stars. This is the best moment of the tour
Day 2
- 06:00 — sunrise safari by boat. Best time to spot gibbons, deer, and elephants on the shores. Mist over the water — incredible photos
- 08:00 — breakfast
- 09:30 — check out from rafts, boat back to pier
- 10:30 — waterfall hike or second cave (operator's choice)
- 13:00 — lunch, departure back to Phuket
- 16:30–17:00 — return to hotel
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Message usWhat to bring
- Mosquito repellent (evenings are intense)
- Flashlight (limited electricity)
- Light long-sleeve clothing
- Swimsuit (swimming off the rafts)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Cash (no card terminals on the rafts)
- Good spirits — without internet it'll be quiet
When to go to Cheow Lan
The season is practically year-round, unlike the sea. Best is November to February (dry and not too hot). June to September may bring rain, but waterfalls become more powerful and the forest is greener.
I went in August — it poured for half of the first day, second day was sunny. Added to the romance, actually — a raft in a storm is a powerful experience.
Should you bring kids
Kids 6 and up — great. They love swimming off the bungalow, seeing monkeys, climbing through caves. Kids under 5 — debatable. It can be unsettling at night in the jungle, and facilities are minimal.
I wouldn't recommend it for pregnant women — the drive is tough and medical help is far away.
How Cheow Lan differs from Khao Lak
Many people confuse them. Khao Lak is a coastal town, usually visited as a short sightseeing excursion. Cheow Lan is a national park deep in the mainland, with the lake added. Not the same thing.
If an operator offers "Khao Lak with overnight" — it's likely a trip to two different places, and you might not even reach Cheow Lan. Clarify the specific itinerary.
For comparison of sea excursions, see James Bond Island — a completely different format, but also heading to the mainland side.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cheow Lan Lake trip from Phuket cost?
Day trip from 2,600 THB, two-day with overnight in a floating bungalow from 5,000 THB. The price includes transfer, meals, boat, guide, and park fees.
What's the difference between Khao Sok and Cheow Lan?
Khao Sok is the national park (jungle, cliffs). Cheow Lan is the lake inside the park. On a two-day excursion you visit both.
Can you go independently?
You can, but it's expensive and complicated. Renting a car + negotiating with local operators costs more than a ready-made tour. Only makes sense if you're going for 4+ days.
What are the facilities on the rafts?
Minimal. Toilet in the bungalow (toilet bowl + water scoop), bed with mattress and mosquito net, veranda. Electricity from 7 to 10 PM. No shower — you swim off the veranda into the lake.
Is it safe to swim in the lake?
Yes. The lake is deep, the water is clean, there are no dangerous animals. Guides allow swimming at any time. Don't swim far from the rafts and stay where there's shade from the cliffs.