Information
Landmark: Ratchaprapha DamCity: Gulf of Thailand
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Ratchaprapha Dam, Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Ratchaprapha Dam-known locally as Cheow Lan Dam (เขื่อนรัชชประภา)-is a stunning hydroelectric landmark in Surat Thani Province, where emerald water laps against towering limestone cliffs.Completed in 1982 across the Khlong Saeng River, it created Cheow Lan Lake, a place of emerald water, limestone cliffs that rise like walls, and quiet raft houses drifting near the shore.Often likened to Guilin in China or Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Ratchaprapha Dam draws hikers, paddlers, and quiet-seekers alike, its limestone cliffs rising sharply from emerald-green water in the heart of Khao Sok National Park.Ratchaprapha Dam’s standout features include its towering concrete wall, the mirror-like lake it holds back, and the jagged limestone cliffs rising all around.Towering limestone cliffs rise above Cheow Lan Lake, their reflections shimmering in turquoise water-the dam’s creation and the area’s greatest draw.Spreading across 165 square kilometers, it’s dotted with hundreds of limestone karsts that thrust sharply from the water, like a forgotten world of misty peaks and untouched wilds.Dam Viewpoint offers a sweeping look over the lake, where sunlight shimmers on the water and the forest stretches out in deep green.Three Brothers, part of the Sam Khao Karst Formation, rise like weathered limestone giants above the turquoise water.Number two.Floating raft houses offer a one-of-a-kind getaway, letting you fall asleep to the gentle slap of water against the walls and wake to the soft light shimmering across the lake.From simple bamboo huts to sleek eco-resorts, these floating homes let you wake to mist drifting over the mountains and the soft call of birds.One favorite spot is 500 Rai Floating Resort, a luxury escape with private decks where you can watch the water ripple just beneath your feet.Panvaree Resort offers mid-range comfort and sweeping views of the lake shimmering in the morning sun.Keeree Warin Resort-easy on the wallet and tucked right up against the trees.Three.Boat Tours & Kayaking – Glide across the lake in a long-tail boat or dip your paddle into its glassy water; either way, you’ll uncover hidden wonders.Calm, glassy water invites you to paddle quietly past hidden coves, shadowy caves, and shores draped in thick jungle.Boat tours often stop at Thailand’s “Guilin,” a striking limestone formation that rises pale and sheer above the green water.Pra Kay Petch Cave, also called Diamond Cave, glimmers with rock formations that catch the light like scattered shards of glass.Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare creatures, from agile gibbons swinging through the trees to hornbills flashing their bright beaks in the sun.Number four on the list sat there, small and plain, like a single pebble in the middle of a path.Jungle trekking and wildlife spotting await you at the lake, tucked inside Khao Sok National Park-one of Thailand’s oldest rainforests, where cicadas hum in the heavy air.Guided treks lead visitors deep into the jungle, where the air smells of damp earth and they might spot elephants, langurs, gibbons, or a flash of bright feathers from an exotic bird.Nam Talu Cave Trek - a popular trail where you’ll splash through the cool, chest-deep water of an underground river.Coral Cave, also called Pakarang Cave, is famous for its ancient stone formations that twist and glimmer in the dim light.Wildlife Safari Tour – Start your day with a dawn boat ride, when the mist still clings to the water and animals stir along the shore.Five.At Cheow Lan Lake, mist drapes the water at sunrise, and by sunset the limestone cliffs glow gold, their reflections rippling across the surface like something out of a dream.The best time to visit is from November to April, when the skies turn a bright, cloudless blue and the water lies smooth as glass.From May to October, rain sweeps through the hills, yet the lake still glimmers under gray skies and draws far fewer visitors.Getting to Ratchaprapha Dam is easy-it sits inside Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province, roughly 70 km from Surat Thani City and about 170 km from Phuket, surrounded by steep, jungle-covered cliffs.From Surat Thani, it’s about a 90‑minute drive-take Highway 401 until you reach the dam’s main gate.You can catch a local bus or hop in a taxi from Surat Thani to Ban Ta Khun, the nearest town, where the air smells faintly of roadside food stalls.If you’re coming from Phuket or Krabi, it’s about a three to four‑hour trip-follow Highway 4, then switch to Highway 401 toward the dam, where the road winds past bright green hills.If you’re going by public transport, hop on a bus or minivan from Surat Thani, Phuket, or Krabi and ride through the green hills straight to Khao Sok National Park.Start at the park gate, then grab a songthaew or hop in a taxi for the ride to the dam.Floating Resorts: Spend the night right on the lake, where the water laps softly against your deck for a stay you won’t forget.Khao Sok hotels and eco-lodges put you right by the park’s entrance, where you can lace up your boots for jungle treks and spot hornbills in the trees.Surat Thani hotels make a handy stop for travelers spending the night before heading to the dam, maybe after grabbing a quick bowl of noodles nearby.Nearby Attractions: Khao Sok National Park - hike shaded trails beneath towering trees in one of Thailand’s oldest rainforests.Nam Talu Cave offers a thrilling trek that winds past cool stone walls and follows the rush of an underground river.Khlong Phanom National Park offers quiet trails and striking rock towers, far from the usual crowds.Surat Thani City-wander through its lively night markets, soak up the local culture, and stroll along the quiet riverfront where lanterns ripple on the water.In the end, Ratchaprapha Dam and Cheow Lan Lake stand out as two of Thailand’s most stunning spots, where emerald water shimmers beneath towering limestone cliffs.Cruise past towering limestone cliffs, sleep in a quiet floating bungalow, trek beneath the jungle canopy, or watch the sun lift over silver mist on the water-this hidden gem is pure, unforgettable nature.
