Phuket Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake Tour Review: Worth it?

Alright, so you are planning a trip to Phuket and maybe looking for something a bit different from the usual beaches? Possibly, a trip that trades the typical sun-and-sand scenario for something with a bit more… green? Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake, in that case, could be just the ticket. I mean, it’s not every day that you get the chance to hang out in an ancient rainforest and explore an eye-popping lake, right? The ‘Phuket Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Lunch’ looks super popular, that said, is it really living up to the hype? Let’s take a look and figure out if it is really worth parting with your hard-earned vacation money.

First Look: Booking and Expectations

Booking the tour, so I discovered, tends to be reasonably straight-forward. Several providers offer reasonably similar packages, that said, you really need to check what’s included. I want to say it’s not a bad shout to pay attention to those customer reviews. Seeing as most people highlighted how well-organized the tours usually are, I’d argue it probably a bit of a green light. The promise of this trip is definitely big: expect eye-popping landscape, canoe trips on serene waters, potentially a visit to cave systems, plus the main hook of enjoying local food. All while being guided by super knowledgeable folks. Sounds pretty decent, no? The tour is designed, almost to a T, to give people a flavor of what South Thailand has beyond the coasts. In a way, that’s tempting, so maybe worth setting expectations that, due to how jam-packed this tour appears to be, everything will be going ahead at lightning speed.

The Day’s Outline: From Phuket to Khao Sok

So, most tours usually start reasonably early. You may think that a super-prompt pick-up directly from your hotel cuts off any chance of faffing with transportation, plus it means maximizing your time, right? The drive to Khao Sok from Phuket takes a bit, too it’s typically around 2 to 3 hours. That’s plenty of time, like your average road trip length. This may also depend quite heavily on the traffic plus where your hotel sits. Keep that in mind, I say. On arrival at Khao Sok, you may see that the surrounding changes pretty noticeably. The sea vistas get replaced with lush green vegetation. Plus massive limestone cliffs and rainforests that may extend seemingly everywhere. Almost everyone has said the view itself is well worth the journey. I’m talking Insta-worthy photo opportunities aplenty here. That said, be ready with a fully charged camera, no?

Cheow Lan Lake: Canoe Trips and Limestone Cliffs

I’d argue the real gem of this tour typically would be Cheow Lan Lake. Once you have made it there, you’ll see how this man-made lake happens to be enclosed by these enormous, super vertical limestone cliffs, which are almost emerging dramatically from the surface of the water, so truly making you feel teeny tiny. Quite a view to savor. Usually, a pretty decent longtail boat ride whisks everyone across, offering some amazing views and really putting you in the heart of all that scenery. Many tours include canoeing, which arguably is a super nice way to carefully have a look around some closer-in spots and seriously take in the quiet atmosphere. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Word has it you potentially could glimpse exotic birds. Plus, it’s not impossible you may spot monkeys playing about near the water’s edge. Depending on your tour, it might include a kayak through some of the caves around the lake. In some respects, these are actually super fun little add-ons, typically decorated with stalactites. Anyway, definitely prepare to be wow’d at literally every turn.

Lunch and Local Eats

Arguably, the included lunch is often really welcomed following all the exploration and activity. In many cases, these meals tend to be served at reasonably picturesque spots. Often, floating restaurants or resorts, anyway allowing tourists to carry on savoring views as you are tucking into the grub. Do be aware that the food offered, so it’s typically Thai fare. With staples like curries, rice, and fresh, seasonal fruits all very often up for grabs. From what people have been saying, you won’t necessarily get Michelin-style food, that said, it offers an actual taste of local grub, which I mean is always an upside. Loads of tour outfits, apparently are keen to cater for dietary requests too. That said, it really needs to be raised as soon as you book.

What’s Good? The High Points

One of the really glowing reviews comes from how genuinely jaw-dropping that Khao Sok National Park looks, plus how super clear the water feels at Cheow Lan Lake. Several people highlighted just how beautifully scenic everything felt, mentioning the boat trips, that that’s one element worth savouring, just for soaking up all of the scenery. Guides are also commonly shouted out for being reasonably informed and super friendly, that said, if their local insight actually goes as far as genuinely improving all parts of the experience. Several seemed genuinely impressed by how effortlessly this tour gets you up-close and almost personal with loads of genuine, native Thai nature. Basically, a major thumbs up on these kinds of things!

Potential Watch-Outs? Not Quite Perfect…

I want to say, every tour may have things which might not appeal to all people. Some visitors pointed out that the canoeing sections, anyway could feel a bit rushed. With too little free time set aside for truly having a bit of a savor of things, basically. Others mentioned the journey times. In that case, those that endure the longer hotel transfers should probably factor this into things when figuring out their personal comfort amounts, in other words. You get me? Something to remember when traveling anyway during high season. Possibly, the most popular sites happen to be heaving with tourists. Arguably, it is having an impact on how relaxing everything really feels, though this very factor may differ considerably with when you happen to go.

Is It Actually Worth Your Dough?

Alright, should you actually slap down your money on the ‘Phuket Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Lunch’? As I was saying, it truly depends. Do you like nature? Do you like amazing views and potential gentle adventures? If the answer tends to be “yes,” in that case, that’s actually likely to be right up your alley. Yet, keep in mind that portions could feel like a bolt. As a matter of fact, during the peak times, it could be extremely crowded. Though, apparently, the vast majority of people look as though they finish their experiences actually feeling super positive, so I’d wager that it is most likely to be cash reasonably well spent. You are actually looking at something fairly different that goes further than the beaches of Phuket. Honestly, this, apparently, brings that with spades. I mean what are you waiting for, right?