Thailand

While visiting Surat Thani, a province in central Thailand, consider taking a stroll on Lake Cheow Lan. Here's a detailed review of the attraction.

Green tourism is attracting an increasing number of foreigners to Thailand. Case in point: Lake Cheow Lan, located in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, in the Thai province of Surat Thani, is a popular destination for leisurely walks. This tropical paradise will delight family vacationers and satisfy couples eager to escape the crowds or retreat to a wild and romantic setting. Access to the lake requires an ecotourism circuit through the lush mangrove forest of Khao Sok National Park. Attention trekking enthusiasts, bush scenery lovers, adrenaline junkies for dizzying heights, and wildlife photographers! This destination will not disappoint you in any way.

Historical notes

Lake Cheow Larn, often spelled Cheow Lan, holds strategic importance both economically and in terms of tourism. The name Khao Sok Lake refers to the eponymous national park. This 165 km2 body of water is the main attraction of the park, which covers 739 km2.

The birth of Cheow Lan dates back to 1987. The national energy authorities launched a hydroelectric dam project on the Pasaeng River. The project was well received by villagers, as electricity was still scarce at the time. It was an investment that would pay off; this industrial-scale energy source would drive development in the region. However, the implementation of the dam had social repercussions. In 1987, the valley was flooded, and existing infrastructure, including homes, rice fields, and plantations, were submerged. This region, ravaged by floods, gave birth to Lake Cheow Lan.

Reflecting on these terrible events, some would describe Lake Cheow Lan as Thailand's Atlantis. But industrial development dictates otherwise. Since the 1990s, the exploitation of the lake has adhered to principles of environmental sustainability. Local residents and environmental institutions work together to preserve its integrity and beauty.

Today

Khao Sok Lake is to be discovered within the park, amidst rocky cliffs and forest cover. Where once towering mountain ranges dominated the valley, erosion has left behind only a hundred karst and granite peaks that adorn the shores, some plunging straight into the depths. The dazzling cliffs, emerald-colored waters, and the green canopy of trees create a magnificent panorama.

However dramatic the circumstances in which the lake was born, it provides a new livelihood for local communities. Thanks to fishing resources, residents earn a much better living. Young people are employed by ecotourism companies. The appearance of the lake has intensified wildlife, attracting different varieties of birds and enhancing the quality of landscapes, thus giving Khao Sok National Park its prestige. The park ranks among Thailand's finest green tourism gems. As described by National Geographic's travel magazine, the "Secret Garden of Thailand," or as Lonely Planet comments, "wondrous"... A reconnaissance on-site will confirm that these accolades are not exaggerated when applied to Cheow Lan.

Things to see and do on site

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a must-do activity during a leisurely stroll on Lake Cheow Lan. The lake teems with insects and various freshwater fish, providing a perpetual feast for birdlife. Three hundred eleven different bird species come to feed here. Flamingos dazzle with the brilliance of their plumage. Ibises, teals, and silver egrets engage in an endless ballet.

A boat ride through the mangrove

The lake is not the only one to reveal its charms. The national park itself offers subjects of curiosity. On board a longtail boat, explore the rich mangrove ecosystem. You will be delighted to explore the mangroves, where shrimps, crabs, mollusks, and giant spiders hide. The visit allows you to discover the various stages of shrimp farming. But that's not all. You can try a wide range of activities: canoeing, swimming in waterfalls, organizing a fishing trip, picnicking on the grass, or competing in a paddle race. The choice is yours.

Wildlife photography

If your goal is to photograph animals, ecotourism in Khao Sok Park offers a memorable experience. The park is home to countless mammals, large and small—herbivores and carnivores alike. You move slowly through the forest when a gibbon suddenly stirs in the foliage. A true fruit and seed raider, this primate won't refuse a few pieces of biscuit in exchange for a photo op. Clouded leopards, recognizable by their spotted fur, also make brief appearances, but they keep their distance from tigers, which consider them prey. Wild elephants, gaurs, tapirs, and Malayan bears are also visible in the reserve, and we're only mentioning the most common species. Winged creatures frequent the lake, marshes, and mudflats. A piece of advice: don't forget your binoculars!

Practical information

When to visit Cheow Lan Lake?

The tourist traffic to Khao Sok depends on continuous rains, as is often seen in tropical environments. The dense equatorial forest accounts for the constant humidity. Although it rains all year round, the wettest months are from June to November. The lowest precipitation is recorded in March and April.

Temperature is another factor to consider when planning your departure date. Due to the microclimate, the seasonal distribution of cold and hot peaks does not align with trends observed in other parts of Thailand. In Khao Sok, heavy rains go hand in hand with milder temperatures, as humidity reduces heat. The stormiest months are the coolest, while the driest months are the most oppressive. It's up to you to decide which season suits your preferences.

How to get there?

Access to Khao Sok National Park can be by train, bus, or air.

Air Route

If you're arriving from abroad, the best way to get to Khao Sok is by flying to Phuket. Phuket International Airport is served by direct flights from European capitals. The road journey from Phuket to Khao Sok takes 45 minutes.

Rail Route

From Bangkok, night trains depart for Surat Thani, starting at 7:15 a.m. Be sure to choose first-class compartments for a comfortable sleep. Passengers alight at Surat Thani's Phun Pin station. From there, it's just a local bus ride to reach Khao Sok.

By bus

Public buses connect Surat Thani and Khao Sok in 2 hours, at a rate of 80 baht per ticket. If you're departing from Bangkok, you'll pay 180 baht and arrive at your destination in 6 hours. Tourists can purchase their tickets either from travel agencies or directly at the bus station.