Cheow Lan Lake
Southern Thailand Region
Cheow Lan Lake, located within Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, is a vast reservoir created by the Ratchaprapha Dam. Covering approximately 165 square kilometers, it is surrounded by towering sandstone and limestone karsts rising up to 600 meters, creating a breathtaking landscape unique to the region. The lake lies within one of the world's oldest rainforests, older and more diverse than the Amazon, supporting an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. The area is known for its lush bamboo forests, wild fruit species, and rare plants like the Rafflesia kerrii, the world's largest flower. Wildlife includes Malayan tapirs, Asian elephants, various deer species, and rare fish such as the endangered Asian arowana. The tropical climate with high rainfall nurtures this rich ecosystem, making Cheow Lan Lake a vital habitat and a spectacular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its karst topography, formed by millions of years of geological processes, offers dramatic cliffs, caves, and waterfalls that enhance the lake's natural beauty. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, experiencing the tranquility and biodiversity of this unique environment.
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Tip: The best time to visit Cheow Lan Lake is during the dry season from late December to March to avoid heavy monsoon rains. Booking boat tours and accommodations in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many tour operators offer packages that include guided jungle treks and overnight stays in floating raft houses, providing immersive experiences. Visitors should prepare for humid and warm conditions, wear appropriate footwear for trekking, and bring insect repellent. Discounts may be available for group bookings or extended tours. Early morning visits offer the best opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Interesting facts
- •Cheow Lan Lake covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers within Khao Sok National Park.
- •The lake is surrounded by limestone karst formations rising up to 600 meters above sea level.
- •Khao Sok National Park contains one of the oldest rainforests in the world, older and more diverse than the Amazon rainforest.
- •The area is home to the rare Rafflesia kerrii flower, the largest flower in the world.
- •The Asian arowana, an endangered living fossil fish, inhabits the waters near the lake.
- •The region experiences one of the highest annual rainfalls in Thailand, about 3,500 mm, nurturing its rich ecosystem.
History
Cheow Lan Lake was formed in the 1980s following the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam, which created the reservoir within Khao Sok National Park.
The park itself preserves one of the oldest rainforests on earth, estimated to be over 160 million years old, with geological formations dating back hundreds of millions of years.
Historically, the region was inhabited since at least the early 19th century, with migration increasing after the Burmese-Siamese War.
The lake and surrounding national park have since become a protected area, conserving the rich biodiversity and unique karst landscape shaped by tectonic activity and erosion over millennia.
Place Guide
Ratchaprapha Dam1980s
The dam that created Cheow Lan Lake, an impressive engineering feat that transformed the landscape and formed the reservoir.
Limestone KarstsMillions of years ago
Dramatic limestone cliffs and formations surrounding the lake, formed over millions of years by erosion and tectonic activity, creating stunning scenery and unique habitats.
Floating Raft Houses
Unique accommodations on the lake allowing visitors to experience the rainforest and lake environment intimately, often combined with guided tours and jungle treks.
