Cheow Lan Lake Review: A 2-Day Raft Stay Trip Report

Okay, so you’re perhaps thinking of visiting Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi and maybe staying overnight on a raft house? You know, a kind of floating bungalow deal? That’s what this review is about! After my visit I felt, more or less, like I had some information which would prove very helpful for you. I had a tremendously great experience, and I definitely think it’s something that anyone reasonably close by should do, but I also found some things that I wish I’d known ahead of time. That, as a matter of fact, is where this guide steps in!

What is Cheow Lan Lake and Why Go?

Okay, so Cheow Lan Lake is that unbelievably lovely human-made lake located in Khao Sok National Park, you know, southern Thailand. Basically, it’s a sprawling body of incredibly clear, emerald-green water that’s, as a matter of fact, framed by gigantic limestone cliffs which poke, almost, right out of the surface, going upward. The park is still largely the jungle it was intended to be when dammed; that means it’s positively chock full of wildlife – birds, monkeys, maybe even a tiger if you’re really fortunate! So, you might want to experience all this.

The thing that makes this place quite special, though, is the existence of these raft houses, often known as floating bungalows. Right on the lake, they float. They’re, for the most part, surprisingly basic but wonderfully charming dwellings, providing a unique chance to be directly in that awesome environment. Spending a night on the water is definitely an unreal experience – think about waking up to the dawn chorus of jungle animals and also, arguably, taking a dip in the lake right from the porch of the room. It’s nearly unbelievable.

Reasons to Visit Cheow Lan Lake:

Stunning Scenery: Obviously, that unreal scenery really does leave you almost speechless. I think the pictures might just speak for themselves.
Unique Accommodation: Like, the floating raft houses really are a truly memorable experience.
Wildlife Spotting: Now there are, clearly, opportunities to spot diverse wildlife both on land and on the water. You could be really lucky!
Peace and Quiet: The remote nature, more or less, offers a break from the bustle of more visited spots in Thailand, such as the very popular Krabi.

Booking Your Trip from Krabi: What to Look For

You’ll want, I expect, to have arranged your trip beforehand. I did, as a matter of fact, which, I think, actually makes the entire thing flow much smoother. You are going to find lots of different tours online originating in Krabi, which is obviously a pretty big tourist center. Usually, these packages kind of include transportation to and from the lake, the boat transfers to your raft house, meals, some guided activities (typically a morning jungle hike or a boat safari), and also your overnight accommodation.

Important things to check and think about when booking, okay?

What’s Included: As a matter of fact, it might seem pretty obvious, but you need to be really clear on what’s specifically included in the price. That, basically, means knowing about entrance fees to Khao Sok Park, meals, drinks, activities, and, especially, any hidden extras.
Raft House Quality: Raft houses tend to differ significantly with regard to quality and also amenities. Do you want air-con? Then, maybe it’s a good idea to ask what your choices are, just a little. Likewise, cleanliness might be a question that you might want to ask about when considering one option.
Group Size: If that sounds good, ask what the group size is going to be for your tour, I reckon. A smaller group tends to offer a pretty more personal experience and easier access to the guides’ knowledge. A larger one may perhaps cut costs, yet possibly mean long waits and lessened personal attention.
Reviews: Have a good look for what people who actually went thought. You might be surprised at what can be gleaned from reading between the lines!
Ethical and Sustainable Tourism Practices: As I was saying, pick tour companies who appear to be really responsible with respect to sustainability, local communities, and conservation. You might find them on websites like TripAdvisor or Responsible Travel.

So, in this way, it will all kind of fit together.

Getting There: Krabi to Cheow Lan Lake

As you might know, the drive from Krabi to Cheow Lan Lake is quite the event itself – generally three hours of pretty picturesque Thai countryside. Often, the tour company might pick you right up at your hotel in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or other major spots. Then you simply sit and relax as, perhaps, your tour guide navigates roads that get less and less crowded. Look out for views of plantations, remote villages and, soon enough, forested hills as the approach nears!

What to Expect During the Transfer:

Comfort: Usually, transfers come in minivans which have air conditioning, more or less, so it should be pretty comfortable even if the air temperature happens to be extremely tropical.
Stops: So, I think that they probably do make a stop or two en route for toilet breaks and also maybe refreshments. The guides definitely know the very best spots!
Information: As a matter of fact, this might be an ideal opportunity to pick your guide’s brain about Khao Sok and also about the local areas generally. Take notes!

The drive offers kind of a transitional phase from, maybe, the more touristy feel in Krabi to an, perhaps, wilder and pretty less developed region of Thailand. The very change of landscape actually helps build anticipation for the primary attraction – the serene Cheow Lan Lake experience!

On the Lake: Activities and Experiences

What might actually happen once you’ve reached the lake, okay? Loads! Actually, activities are, perhaps, often focused on soaking in all of that remarkable scenery while having adventures. Your agenda might, more or less, include things like kayaking to distant shores, investigating secluded bays and little coves and, obviously, jungle hiking that’s directed straight from those raft houses you call ‘home’ for a short time. The main events I took part in were very much:

Activities you can do on Cheow Lan Lake:

Boat Safari: First, expect the typical tour schedule has at least one “safari.” A, you know, local longtail boat winds though these narrow channels among towering limestone karsts; these routes allow views that showcase nature as a really big theatre complete with wildlife – look for monkeys drinking from above trees which can, perhaps, be seen perching at the bank’s edge – as well bird life flying here too; pretty exciting when considered closely alright
Jungle Trekking: Guided jungle trekking really opens close insight upon park richness from beneath, as they take participants by some hidden waterfall maybe including, as well some rare botany specimens. So they share quite great education about Thai ecology. As a matter of fact they will also bring to you all information they have from family histories regarding native fauna. You may like something cool while you are having adventure you think, maybe tends so!
Kayaking & Swimming: Most guest houses make kayaks handy whenever they, arguably, have some tranquil exploring needs within self-controlled timings for you just next, and so, or during evening. You will take cool moments getting cool while immersed by water for this activity

The thing here tends toward pure immersion of surroundings alongside enjoying those moments without that crowd pressure mostly present on coasts instead which turns every outdoor stint extra fascinating as that chance for having something special in way all while really experiencing Khao Sok as part your itinerary. Now it sounds interesting, possibly!

Staying on a Raft House: What to Expect

So the heart, basically, of experience includes time located onto the said ‘raft home’, more formally known from floating bungalow status over quiet regions, so which tends be a crucial experience modifier regarding a overall experience too. Be thinking really simply though rather. Raft establishments usually keep arrangements towards their simplistic design which comprises elementary room together bamboo construction style featuring the crucial matters provided while adding special charm along a rustic twist so this guarantees complete unwind by really feeling yourself far flung completely into some faraway corner existing solely to rejuvenate. It will bring new feeling or experience indeed.

Life at the Raft House Usually Means

Basic Amenities: Assume pretty basics: You might just acquire something as primary mattress that comes fitted alongside maybe netting for mosquitoes when protecting you thru those nocturnal buzzing attacks then an almost shared restroom for almost others that do take advantage. You are almost done too don’t over anticipate something luxurious okay. You may like this part!
Limited Electricity: Power does have, potentially, hours allotted on-power over by solar generators that work intermittently instead. Don’t imagine about continuous electricity though, rather consider your personal cell charger because the important device you will rely onto with such moments
Unplugged Relaxation: Think here over the idea disconnect you all electronics stuff while connecting just for pure serenity as what tends for sounding so extremely cliched until finally getting a feeling through really getting away far away for everything stressful while simply focusing along jungle orchestra over water rippling gently: sounds amazing!

Nights almost feature calm serenity from what lets hear water with local animal choruses really becoming great tunes bringing in some exceptional acoustic scenery rather better in way; over evening or anytime which will make you really think deep by yourself as taking such unique pauses! Enjoy yourself a part there.

What to Bring: Packing Essentials

Packing for an overnight stay onto raft location in Cheow Lan actually varies significantly compared against your typical stuff just used, for your hotel escapes during any travels: So what could actually contribute over achieving more well organized bag and overall pleasant trips?

Key Items for packing:

Light Clothing: Opt lightweight yet rapid dry options as humidity with frequent swimming could influence that load from clothing in addition which implies bringing those airy garments only over there
Swimwear and a towel: Those may be really obvious anyway I better reiterate them just so. Pack couple sets with any swim clothes paired alongside those rapid to completely dried towel stuff rather in particular if liking water sports like those kayak rides from swimming itself every daytime over trips in every moments when being spontaneous about just going. Bring a dark swimsuit for contrast!
Insect repellent: Mosquitos happen over places like it thus a proper lotion protects from becoming human buffet whenever lights head over which contributes ensuring every evening tends more fun alongside something much worse, being infected! Ensure this has strong level ingredients for effectiveness.
Sunscreen and hat: The tropical sun shines intense; guard skin against ultraviolet injury just thru generous using with highest rated protection lotions combined alongside getting yourself a great cap whenever doing journeys when you, perhaps, head-on to sunrays a much larger moments within outings alright! Your well health takes its value from those little protections though remember them
Comfortable walking shoes: Think about this though right shoes are kind essential, must for almost every guided walking tour experiences into landscapes just there which may turn tough also require right pair of assistance to prevent pains as slipping just ensure such pair provide adequate cushion through rough stretches with slippery situations right around locations of trips with adventure spots generally nearby so it brings total security from causing trouble just around while enjoying trails from there! Choose closed style so protects also those feet too.
Waterproof Bag: Pack most digital devices aside with documents within that bag just to have extra protected because unpredictable moist is probably among major headaches which almost appear while experiencing journeys similar this specifically within environments those happen by river or being rainy season too you ought stay ahead about protecting items mostly whenever. They may cost way far after everything so make precautions ahead that bring something good by yourself.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Having that ability watch with just those areas around night which can seem more pretty without having permanent wattage. They turn vital mainly within restrooms alongside moving those areas surrounding cabins during poor hours during evening there for protection but mainly avoid that disturbance you want.
Portable charger: Just get ones loaded mainly for phones which, can remain totally priceless due to restriction to electric currents. Getting an extremely trustworthy piece brings a lot that will ensure contact with anyone within friends too also for social channels if needed from your stay mainly during stay duration which probably goes totally great since it can happen just in case.

Food and Drink: What’s Available?

Meal choices by raft lodging depend mainly from these pack, as those choices bring wide disparity usually: Always make that expectation meals always going totally uncomplicated in having those set courses already arranged generally because limited transportation or storage factors may present itself.

About meal aspects you can anticipate at places, right?

Included Meals: Often that overnight trips provide an inclusions list bringing what for three meals bringing typically simple dishes namely fried risings alongside popular curries which include certain fresh sea items when nearby or fruits from nearby regions, but again depend largely among those you sign into throughout trip for meals generally.
Drinks: Purchase refreshments as bottled mineral alongside some smooth beverage from the camp site there given distant availability make which almost makes holding adequate moisture as very great decision by which! Packing many waters beforehand turn ideal if especially requiring certain kind refreshments or beverages usually. They usually have the drink there don’t hesitate
Dietary Restrictions: Get in communicating about specific allergies too medical considerations beforehand upon reservations while being reasonable mainly in knowing selection turns minimal because availability factors mostly! Speak upfront always so may arrange more to your benefit!

Potential Drawbacks and How to Prepare

Even having, generally speaking great memories also make recognize quite what not to prepare properly as bringing that potential disappointment aside as expectations generally: Okay?

Watch about potential downsides over time:

Basic Accommodations: Remember you should already stay comfortable being simplistic style or the kind basic accommodations as those usually make a difference between enjoying total solace mainly to almost feel quite annoyed constantly which may turn rather simple though really if being fully conscious before arrival! Do get informed thoroughly so almost fully grasp what can obtain versus get disappointed by knowing what exists before! That being great advice rather seriously there alright!.
Limited Privacy: Recognize while the home is, in some respects “raft”, but tends very popular over peak times alongside often positioned really adjoining therefore may lead being pretty limited over seclusion whenever other visit group make fairly bigger. Select carefully those visits for fewer heads around perhaps look from quiet season just in total getting really secluded vacation feel probably with few tourists hanging nearby probably there when mainly having time just enjoying from there really! They always hang here that location generally anyway and you are one the other just to experience and adventure new ways here and make other too
Noise: Sound typically transfer throughout waterways, consider packing any good couple headset just to relieve if next doors make noisy behavior more those that does just occur till nighttime if this troubles any particular sleep plan requirements usually. Just better go armed whenever you would be, rather safe than being just almost not too alright which does work though! Listen very around every side generally!

Making the Most of Your Trip

Here’s to fully taking greatest out from journey over Chaew Lake just those that should leave best moments behind really. Be proactive.

Tips for Enhancing That Trip Mostly and enjoy as well every detail regarding

Embrace Disconnection: Allow completely disconnect digitally, it creates opportunity connect entirely surroundings for more immersive experiences entirely from jungle music onto river streamlets over water around location generally too whenever the time to unplug those device! What an unbelievable memory for keeps there.
Engage with Nature: Wake always when dawn happen see skies change over to watch wildlife grow close around also get near wildlife with any quiet manner in the event seeing everything with great focus, always being thoughtful as part natural kingdom and always remember any interference disrupts or spoils memories rather!
Respect Local Customs: Just like always observe decor primarily since places always holds many tradition just keep decent standards during traveling since it not really from area and may show gratitude which makes respect better usually plus almost appreciate just what comes to cultural integration throughout the area there more.

Is the Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Trip Worth It?

In essence you wanna think seriously if traveling into these regions worthwhile because not entirely things being simply fantastic: From just unique views combined through remote experiences to having few limits like these limited options from those that almost always be what may balance those really, seriously nice part just. Then remember always that being well willing with something flexible paired along expectation make usually these visits that happen so that every person does truly benefit as they feel at home while on journeys. From such, I would recommend people go.

Final Words

For that wanderlust feeling in any Thailand region next time perhaps explore to something remarkable because all has potential of providing many spectacular moment also bring unique adventures right to next level throughout these locations! Just never be so much close mind when exploring these, instead follow it as such heart seeks because never fail in all around it when there is right reasons and intention!

Is it going to blow you away completely? Probably only in places. In the end I would rate it 7/10.

Key Takeaways:

Cheow Lan Lake features unreal beautiful setting which does great for escapism alongside real unwinding moment while onto Thailand side because peace and nature!
When booking go through properly about exactly for inclusion throughout package regarding facilities and practices through green methods so, okay. Ensure there aren’t bad things after okay?
Getting proper ready for simplistic convenience will turn crucial along getting those power storage needs which should lead with fully enjoyable plus fulfilling duration from the whole excursions indeed!

Enjoyed learning more here, okay? Maybe read my guide to the Phi Phi islands, so too!

Right so, thank you for reading this complete review about everything over Chaew Lakes hope was useful alright so then get ready and book since things happen as per dreams or even if happen that’s part of an trip mostly there!! Good luck ahead alright bye there !!

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