Explore Cheow Lan Lake
Khao Sok Lake is the highlight of the Khao Sok National Park, and consequently, one of the most scenic places to visit in Thailand. Riverside Cottages arranges several Cheow Lan lake tours. For example, a day trip with a visit to a cave, some trekking, time for a swim and lunch at a raft house. On the other hand, you can opt for a khao Sok overnight lake tour on which you will sleep in a floating bungalow.
Overnight trips have a better chance of spotting wildlife in the early morning in addition to the late afternoon. We are also experts at arranging “wildlife explorer” safaris with private guides and, further, traditional Thai fishing tours.
Some activities on the lake are quite strenuous and may not be appropriate for every guest. We recommend guests with smaller children, and guests with difficulty moving contact us prior to booking a lake trip.
Full Day Cheow Lan Lake Tours
Experience beautiful scenery with tall limestone cliffs rising to the sky and over 100 islands. You will witness one of the most amazing places on earth. Start the day with a drive to a colorful local market, then cruise the lake in a traditional long tail boat.
Enjoy swimming in the refreshing emerald green waters. Choose between kayaking, hiking with a guide, or hanging at the bungalows to relax and swim.
Are you a keen nature enthusiast eager to see unusual animals? This is one of the easiest places in Thailand to spot leaf monkeys and hornbills. You can book a 3 day tour that includes a visit to the lake – please see our Rainforest Adventure package.
This is the most family-friendly of the tours, especially if you sit out the hike. You’ll want your camera to record the scenery, along with money for entrance to the National Park.
Duration: The tour lasts from 8:30am to 6:00pm, with lunch and an optional 2 hour trek.
You can find more information on the day trip to Cheow LanOvernight lake tour
The best way to appreciate the lake is on an overnight tour. On your first day you will experience everything included in the 1-day trip. Board a longtail boat for an incredible wildlife safari to spot the local wildlife. You can expect to see monkeys, giant hornbills, and maybe even wild elephants.
As evening arrives visit your floating restaurant to dine on fresh fish from the lake and stir-fried veggies. Spend a memorable night under the stars in your own private floating bungalow.
Both overnight experiences include time on Cheow Lan Lake and a stay in floating bungalows, combined with accommodation at Riverside Cottages.
Private Overnight Lake Tours
If you do not want to join a group, we can set up private tours. These tours offer flexible activities and choices of floating bungalows. Options include bamboo raft houses (with shared bathrooms) or deluxe bungalows with private bathrooms and air-conditioning.
Beyond room choice, you can adjust the program to allow more time for hiking, relaxing, or wildlife viewing. This makes the private overnight lake trip ideal for families or those wanting a bit of luxury. Tours begin at Ratchaprapha Dam. We can help you arrange transport from Surat Thani province or anywhere in Southern Thailand.
Duration: 1-2 nights, with a private guide and boat to accompany you.
Contact us to book a private Khao Sok lake tour — we’ll send you the price and program.
What you need to know before visiting Cheow Lan lake
Cheow Lan Lake has beautiful scenery, but it is still a remote place. Visiting the lake is considered one of the top experiences in Khao Sok National Park. For this reason, please take time to understand what you are getting into.
Armed with the right information about what to expect, you can have a fun, safe lake trip. You should learn about the Cheow Lan Lake floating houses before deciding to stay in them. Here’s what you need to know:
The Good, the Bad, and the Jungle
Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, but it is important to understand that this is still a remote rainforest environment — not a luxury resort destination designed for everyone.
The Good
The scenery can be extraordinary. Towering limestone cliffs rise directly from the lake, jungle mist drifts across the water in the early morning, and wildlife still moves through the surrounding rainforest. Spending a night in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan lake is a unique experience and, for many visitors, becomes the highlight of their time in Khao Sok National Park.
The Bad
Conditions on the lake can change quickly. Weather is unpredictable, boat journeys can be long, and some raft houses are very basic with limited electricity, WiFi, and facilities. The lake has also become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during high season, so some areas may feel busier than visitors expect.
The Jungle
Cheow Lan Lake is part of an ancient rainforest ecosystem. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and nature operates on its own schedule. Heavy rain, intense heat, insects, muddy trails, and changing conditions are all part of the experience. Medical facilities are far away, and visitors should arrive prepared for a genuine outdoor adventure rather than a perfectly controlled tourist attraction.
For travelers who appreciate nature, atmosphere, and adventure, these realities are often part of what makes Cheow Lan Lake so memorable. If you would like to experience the lake for yourself, you can explore our Khao Sok tour packages and overnight lake experiences.
Which Lake Experience Is Right for You?
| Experience | Best For | Duration | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Lake Tour | Families, shorter stays, first-time visitors | Full day | No |
| Overnight Lake Tour | Nature lovers, photographers, slower travel | 2 days / 1 night | Yes |
| Private Lake Tour | Couples, families, flexible itineraries | Flexible | Optional |
Checklist – what to bring to Cheow Larn Lake
- 300 Baht National Park Entrance Fee (150 for children under 10)
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, long sleeves
- Swimsuit
- Headlamp or torch
- Hiking clothes – Be prepared for them to get dirty.
- Hiking shoes (we recommend tennis/running shoes)
- Mosquito repellent for hiking
- Extra clothes for the van ride back to Khao Sok (it can get cold with the A/C on)
- Towel – the floating raft houses will sometimes run behind on laundry
- Please note that the national park does not allow plastic bags at the lake.
The Story of Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake may look ancient, but it is actually a relatively recent addition to the landscape of Khao Sok National Park. Created in 1987 with the construction of Ratchaprapha Dam, the lake flooded a vast valley of rainforest, limestone hills, and small communities — transforming the area into one of Thailand’s most extraordinary natural destinations.
Today, long-tail boats drift between towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from emerald water, while floating raft houses offer visitors the chance to stay deep within the protected rainforest. Misty mornings, jungle sounds, and the sheer scale of the landscape create an atmosphere that feels far removed from Thailand’s busy beaches and cities.
Despite its popularity, Cheow Lan Lake remains a remote wilderness. Dense rainforest surrounds the lake, wildlife still moves through the hills and waterways, and changing weather conditions constantly reshape the scenery. For many visitors, spending time on the lake becomes the highlight of their journey through southern Thailand.
Read the complete history and guide to Cheow Lan Lake
For more information about the lake’s history, wildlife, floating bungalows, seasons, and travel tips, please visit our
Cheow Lan Lake Guide
