What you need to know before visiting the lake
Despite the fairy-tale scenery, Cheow Lan Lake remains a very remote destination and a visit is considered one of the best activities in Khao Sok. 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
THE GOOD – Cheow Larn Lake is a stunning location – towering limestone cliffs rise from the turquoise water surrounded by jungle. The combination of scenery, swimming conditions, and wilderness, means Cheow Lan Lake has something for everyone.
THE BAD – Lake Cheow Lan is quickly gaining popularity. Each year more and more guests (both Thai and foreign) arrive at the lake, with locals and the local government struggling to keep up. The result is more floating bungalows, more people, and more noise, particularly during weekends and Thai holidays. Guests will find less peace and privacy than one might expect from a wilderness area.
THE JUNGLE – Cheow Larn Lake is a wild, remote location and is subject to changing natural conditions. These conditions can exact a toll on comfort and convenience. Every visitor should be prepared for less-than-perfect conditions. The weather can be unpredictable, and rain can change the itinerary, create delays, and even cancel the hike or boat tour. Additionally, the remoteness of the lake means that medical assistance is an hour away at least. Guests should to consider this remoteness when deciding whether or not to take part in jungle activities.
4 things to consider for your Cheow Larn Lake trip
1. Basic Rooms:
For overnight guests, the bamboo bungalows provide a very basic level of accommodation with shared bathrooms. Guests will sleep on thin mattresses, in a bungalow with thin walls and a few hours of electricity per night. Mosquito nets are not necessary on the lake (there are no mosquitoes on the water), and your bungalow may or may not have them. The bungalows do not include safes. Finally, the raft houses used on the joined lake tour are fully booked for many months of the year. As a result, it is likely that you will have neighbors.
2. Local Outfitter:
The tour operator for the lake uses local guides, with less hospitality experience and English than you may be accustomed to. It is important to note that we only use outfitters with whom we have a history of good service and safety. However, we cannot guarantee that the level of service received on one of these trips will be to the same standard as we provide at Riverside Cottages. If we have enough guests, we can book our own guide, van, boat, and raft house. However, it is often the case that we join our guests with a tour that has been organized by a local outfitter. This means that we do not have a say in who the guide is, who the van driver is, etc… This is the same for most resorts in Khao Sok.
3. Group Size:
You will be visiting with a group of people of differing ages, abilities, expectations, and interests, all trying to get the most out of their time at the lake. Therefore, in order to ensure guest safety, and tour consistency from day-to-day, there absolutely must be a schedule in place, and the guides must be able to stick to it. This means being on time.
4. Jungle Hike:
The program includes a moderately strenuous jungle trek that may involve walking through a river and entering a cave. At one point, guests may be required to complete a short, rope-assisted climb. Guests should evaluate their personal level of fitness before embarking on this hike. The hike is optional, and you can choose to remain at the floating bungalow and spend time swimming and enjoying the view. If you are physically unfit, have mobility issues, or poor motor skills, do not participate in the jungle hike.
It is recommended that children under 10 years of age do not take part in jungle hikes at the lake.
Checklist – what to bring to Cheow Larn Lake
Pack an overnight bag with the items below. We can store the rest of your luggage at the resort.
- Clothes for hiking (these may get wet and dirty); and clothes to wear while you are at the raft house, on the boat, and in the van.
- Shoes suitable for hiking, and that can get wet and dirty (we recommend tennis/running shoes). Running/walking shoes recommended. You can also bring a pair of sandals to wear when you are not trekking. No hiking boots.
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, long sleeves
- Swimsuit
- Headlamp or torch
- Money for National Park entrance fee, currently 340B per adult and 170B per child.
- Optional pocket money at the market stop for snacks, fruit, etc.