Roaming the World with You

Review: 2-Day/1-Night Stay at Cheow Lan Lake at Khao Sok National Park

The must visit of Khao Sok National Park, is Cheow Lan Lake, a hidden oasis in the heart of Southern Thailand, where tranquility meets untouched beauty. Nestled within the lush embrace of Khao Sok National Park, this freshwater lake is a nature enthusiast’s dream come true. Khao Sok National Park, established in 1980, is one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests in the world, dating back over 160 million years. The park’s rich history and fascinating geological features have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The limestone karsts surrounding the lake stand as ancient sentinels of time, and the area is home to a myriad of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Staying overnight in a rustic floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake was the highlight of our entire trip to Thailand!

Booking and Pre-Lake Experience:

We booked our 2 day/1 night group trip through Koh Sok Lake, LTD by submitting an inquiry through their website. We added on pick-up from Surat Thani airport and drop-off at our hotel in Southern Phuket. In December 2018, this cost ฿9,800 (~$280 USD). Within 24 hours, we paid a deposit and received our confirmation (remainder of the balance was due upon arrival).

The Khao Sok tour package includes transportation (van from the main office and boat ride over the lake), lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day. Additionally, it provides one night’s stay in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake.

As mentioned, the tour company arranged pick up from the airport, and we were brought to their office to store our luggage and catch our van to Rajjaprabha Pier.

Arriving at Rajjaprabha Pier:

After arriving at Rajjaprabha Pier, we joined about 15 other people from our tour group on a longtail boat tour. The ride to our accommodation took about 45 minutes to an hour. As someone who suffers from extreme motion sickness, I was very nervous about the journey. However, the fresh air and breeze helped to prevent most of my nausea. Despite my initial concerns, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful experiences, with the boat navigating narrow channels of the lake, passing towering limestone cliffs and hidden coves, and flying across the stunning lake.

Where We Stayed:

Arriving at the bungalows was an awesome experience! The charming little huts were nestled against a huge wall of jungle, and colorful long-tail boats were docked nearby. We chose to stay at Khao Sok Floating Bungalows, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The bungalows were simple yet cozy, with a comfortable one-room layout that included a bed, two fluffy pillows, and a mosquito net that provided us with a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep.

The bungalows are located in a great spot with beautiful views of the lake and tall limestone cliffs. The best part of our stay was definitely the amazing sunsets that we saw from our bungalow’s deck. The sky looked amazing with pink, orange, and red colors which created a surreal and mesmerizing scene that we will always remember.

We specifically stayed at the Ton Toey Raft House, which included the following: 24-hour swimming area, bar/lounge, complimentary kayak, electricity from 6 pm to 11 pm, mosquito nets, nearby hike to viewpoint, shared bathrooms, meals, and towel service.

What We Did:

We both immediately ditched our clothes and jumped in the cool, jade-colored water. Sean made a friend and they went on a kayak ride while I stayed at our bungalow enjoying the quiet and view.

Nam Talu Cave

After lunch, we went on a hike to Nam Talu Cave. It took us approximately an hour to reach the entrance of the cave, walking along paths carved through bamboo forests and crossing several streams and rivers. The route was very picturesque, and we felt fully immersed in the natural environment of the national park.

At the entrance of Nam Talu Cave, we put on our head torches and left behind anything you didn’t want to get wet. The cave is 850 meters long, and the route through it is dark and wet! We spotted bats, frogs, and spiders along the way. You will be climbing over and under things in the cave. At one point, we were chest deep in water climbing up a wall!

While you don’t need to be in peak physical condition, you should be open to adventure and comfortable with clambering, walking, and swimming. If you’re claustrophobic, scared of the dark, or not confident in the water, it’s best to avoid this part of the trip. I wore a bikini and water shoes for the cave trek (more on what to pack below) since it was quite wet!

It took us around an hour to reach the other end of the cave, and although I found it challenging and a little scary at times, it was one of those rewarding travel experiences that I’m so happy I did!

Pra Kay Petch Cave

On the second day of our adventure, we visited the Pra Kay Petch Cave. The cave was calm and peaceful, with beautiful rock formations that seemed to shine. Each formation was special and amazing, and we spent time admiring the details and taking pictures.

Longtail Safaris

We went on two longtail boat tours – one in the evening of the first day and another early in the morning the next day. They were called safaris because there was a chance we might see some incredible wildlife, which we did! There were many monkeys playing by the shore, and we also saw a few beavers and plenty of birds. While it’s not the most abundant wildlife I’ve ever seen, it’s always incredible to observe animals in their natural habitats.

What We Ate:

During our Khao Sok Lake trip, we had the pleasure of enjoying delicious food. All of our meals were included in our tour package, and we were thrilled to find that the food was fresh, full of flavor, and represented the local cuisine well.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast that usually consisted of pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea. For lunch and dinner, we were treated to a variety of dishes that showcased the wonderful flavors of Thai cuisine. Some of our favorite dishes included fragrant curries, spicy noodle dishes, and fresh fish caught from the lake.

The meals were served family-style, which allowed us to share food and hang out with the other people in our group. We enjoyed getting to know people from all over the world as we shared our meals together.

Be Sure to Pack Light:

Our tour company recommended only bringing a bookbag/small bag to the lake.

In addition to basics like clothes and toiletries, here are additional items I’d recommend:

Face Sunscreen – I prefer Black Girl Sunscreen as it doesn’t leave my face with a white/gray cast.

Body Sunscreen – Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen. For those who like spray sunscreen, a popular option is: Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50 Antioxidant Body Mist

Bugspray – When visiting natural sites, its important to use bugspray that won’t damage the animal or plant life. This is the one we use during those occasions. Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray. Some sites don’t allow bugspray at all, like the cenotes in Mexico.

Travel Towel – I’ve been using a travel towel since my first trip to Thailand in 2013. They are great when moving around a lot as they dry quick and fold up small.

Wipes – Baby wipes are my favorite as they are gentle, can be used on your body and surfaces, and if needed as toilet tissue (just don’t flush them). Hand & Face Baby Sanitizing Cleansing Wipes

Earth Pak -Waterproof Dry Bag – This is another item that we’ve used for years to keep all our stuff dry.

Day Bag – This Packable Hiking Daypack is great because it collapses down when you don’t need it.

Power Bank – While there was electricity at the bungalows, having a portable charger is important in general, especially on long travel days. This one is great for us because I am team iPhone and Sean is team Google Pixel.

Overall Thoughts on the Two Day/One Night Tour of Khao Sok National Park

Our time at the Khao Sok Floating Bungalows was an absolute paradise that will forever be etched in our hearts. The enchanting allure of the rustic bungalows paired with the awe-inspiring magnificence of the surrounding nature created an unparalleled escape from the chaos of everyday life. If you yearn for a truly transformative and soul-stirring journey in Khao Sok National Park, there is no better choice than immersing yourself in the serenity of these floating bungalows. Prepare to have your senses awakened and your spirit rejuvenated beyond measure.

Book your overnight stay at Khao Sok National Park!