🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Cheow Lan Lake, officially named Ratchaprapha Dam, sits in Ban Ta Khun district about 78 km from Surat Thani city — roughly an hour and a half by car. The lake lies inside Khao Sok National Park, and where people stay overnight is on privately run rafts floating in the middle of the water. You reach them by longtail boat from the pier, and how far depends on the raft: some are 30 minutes out, while others like 500 Rai are as far as an hour and a half.
The appeal here is the kind of quiet that cuts you off from the world, because out in the middle of the lake there is no phone signal at all. Most of the electricity comes from a generator that runs only during set hours. Anyone who genuinely wants to switch off will love it, but if you can't put your phone down, you'll want to make your peace with that first.
The 2-day 1-night plan at a glance
This plan is built for anyone starting from Surat Thani city or Surat Thani airport: leave early on day one, sleep on the raft for one night, then head back on the evening of day two. If you fly into Don Sak or arrive by train, you can shift the timing a little. The key thing is getting to the pier before noon so you catch the boat out to the raft and the afternoon lake cruise.
- Day 1 — Surat Thani city → Cheow Lan pier → check in to the raft → cruise to the Three Brothers Peaks → kayaking → overnight on the raft
- Day 2 — wake to the morning mist → jungle trek/cave (depending on the schedule) → boat back to the pier → lunch in Ban Ta Khun → drive back to the city
- Rough budget — raft-stay packages start around 1,800–2,500 THB per person, including boat, meals and activities; luxury rafts like 500 Rai start from 6,000 THB and up
- National park fee — for the Cheow Lan Lake zone, a Thai adult pays around 100 THB (foreigners 300 THB), paid at the visitor centre by the pier
Book ahead — it's worth it
In high season (Nov–Apr) the popular rafts fill up fast, especially over long weekends, so book at least 2–4 weeks ahead. Most rafts take bookings by phone/Line directly, since they're out on the water with no walk-in office.
Book the activities in your Surat Thani trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Onto the raft, out on the lake, and Thailand's Guilin
Surat Thani city → pier → raft stay
Pack the right gear
Bring a power bank (the power goes off on a schedule), a flashlight, mosquito repellent, closed-toe shoes for the trek, and a light jacket — out on the water at night the breeze is cooler than you'd expect.
Day 2 — Morning mist, a trek, then home
Morning on the raft → activities → back to the city
Which raft to pick — by style and budget
Cheow Lan Lake has dozens of private rafts, from simple, no-frills places costing a few hundred baht to luxury floating resorts. Choose by your budget and how long a boat ride you're willing to sit through. These are the rafts people mention most and that are genuinely taking guests in 2026.
500 Rai Floating Resort
The most luxurious raft in Cheow Lan lore — air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, a swimming pool, a spa, and an open view from every room. It's the deepest in, about an hour and a half by boat, and you trade that distance for real privacy and a view that fills your eyes.
Nang Phrai Raft
A familiar name to Cheow Lan regulars — friendly prices, a million-dollar view, and a spot where tour boats often stop to show the fish in the floating pens. The vibe is homely and warm, a good fit for a mid-range budget.
Phloen Phrai Raft
Another popular budget-friendly raft, with both 2-day 1-night and 3-day 2-night packages covering boat, meals and activities. A good fit for groups of friends and families who want a price that stretches.
The Laguna Cheow Lan
A resort-style raft with rooms designed more recently than the traditional rafts — good for couples or anyone who wants a comfortable room while still getting the full floating-on-the-water atmosphere.
Straight talk
Most of the few-hundred-baht rafts have fan rooms, shared bathrooms, and power that goes off when the generator does. If you're expecting hotel-level comfort, go for a resort-grade raft like 500 Rai or The Laguna. But if you're here for the atmosphere on a budget, the cheaper rafts are more than worth the price.
How to get there
Drive yourself
The most flexible option. From Surat Thani city take Highway 401 to Ban Ta Khun, then turn onto Route SR.3062 for another 13 km to the dam. There's parking at the pier.
Hired van / package transfer
Plenty of rafts and tour companies offer transfers from the airport or the city, which is convenient if you're in a group. It's about an hour and a half to the pier.
Public van + onward ride
Take a Surat Thani–Khao Sok/Takua Pa van, get off at Ban Ta Khun, then catch a local ride into the dam. The budget route, but leave plenty of time and coordinate carefully with the raft.
When to go
The best window is November to April — clear skies, still water, all the caves open, and pretty morning mist. The rainy season (May–Oct) leaves the lake a deeper green and quieter, but it rains often and the Nam Talu Cave activity usually closes because the water runs high. If you come in the rainy season, focus on cruising and kayaking, and brace yourself for the weather.
Allow for boat delays
In early 2026 there were reports of boat queues and not enough boats during peak times. If you're coming on a long weekend, confirm your boat slot with the raft again before setting off, and get to the pier early so you don't miss your turn.
Want to add some eating and sightseeing in Surat Thani city before or after the dam?
See the Surat Thani travel guide →