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Attractions

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Previously known as Cheow Lan Dam, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej gave it the new name Ratchaprapha, which means “Light of the kingdom”. The dam was the second multi-purpose facility of its kind to be built in Surat Thani province.

Cheow Lan Dam or Ratchaprapha Dam was built in 1987 across Khlong Saeng River at Ban Cheow Lan, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani. It was constructed from rock and clay with 90 m. high and 761 m. long. The reservoir, covering an area of 185 square kilometers, has an electricity generating capacity of approximately 554 million kilowatt / hour.

Ratchaprapha Dam, widely known as “Guilin of Thailand”, is the most outstanding tourist attraction of Khao Sok National Park. The beautiful scenery of the lake impresses all visitors.

The general topography of the dam consists of a large number of towering limestone mountains and small and large islands which once were limestone peaks. Moss underneath the deep water enhances the emerald green colour of water in the lake making it looks more like sea water.

The topography of the lake is similar to that of Guilin in China, hence the reservoir is given the name “Guilin of Thailand”. Apart from the beautiful scenery around the lake, there are many other interesting tourist attractions nearby. Nam Thalu Cave has a flowing stream inside. The only way to reach the cave is to walk through the jungle. It is an easy walking trail and the distance to the cave is not far.

Pakarang Cave is also an interesting place and is easy to go too. Visitors can also hike up the mountain to the vantage point. From there, you can admire the views of the lake and the little islands scattered around it.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani Province. The area covers the high mountains in Surat Thani, and Takua Pa District in Phang-nga. Khao Sok National Park is divided into two main zones. The first zone is Cheow Lan Dam or Ratchaprapha Dam, which is situated at Kilometer Markers 57-58 on the Highway No. 401. The second zone, on the Kilometer Marker 109, about 51 kilometers away, is the national park area including its headquarters. Formerly, Khao Sok National Park was comprised of forests and mountains. Later, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand constructed Cheow Lan Dam to produce hydroelectric power. Therefore, the dam area has replaced some forested area.

 The tourist attractions in Khao Sok National Park is divided into two types based on the area features – land-based tour or jungle treks and marine tour or boat tour on Cheow Lan Lake. The distance between the two places is 51 kilometers.

 The jungle trekking is based around the national park headquarters or around Kilometer Marker 109. The major attractions are several waterfalls which originate from Khlong Sok River. The highlight of this national park is “Bua Phut” (Rafflesia Kerrii Meijer), a rare wild flower and the largest individual flower on earth noted for producing a strong odor of decaying flesh. The flowers can be found in many areas of the national park during its blooming season, from May to December. As it is easy to find this flower here, Khao Sok National Park is famous for Bua Phut flower trekking.

For the marine tour, we offer boat tours along Ratchaprapha Dam or Cheow Lan Lake.

The lake offers an incomparably breathtaking view of limestone mountains and over 200 small islands, which is called “Guilin of Thailand”. Another activity is staying on the raft house, surrounded by peaceful lake and mountains. You can enjoy canoeing, swimming, fishing, visiting Pakarang Cave. Go to Nam Thalu Cave to see hornbills, which can be seen in plenty in this area.

Although the lake tour is done by boat, it combines with jungle trekking. The Nam Thalu Cave trek is very interesting. The path is very shady and passes the streams with clear water and lots of fish. You’ll see many butterflies that fly to eat salt licks in the forest too.

 

Remarks

- Please inform us in advance if you need airport transportation service.
- The lake boat tour can be enjoyed all year round.
- Nam Talu Cave can be visited between November and April.