We joined a small group heading out to Cheow Lan Lake. The lake was made when the Ratchaprapha Dam was finished in 1982. A longtail boat took us between huge limestone karsts rising out of the water, and then we walked to a waterfall tucked away in the forest.
That evening we watched the sun set from our floating bamboo bungalow, where the only sound was the water lapping at the door.
Good to know
- Cheow Lan Lake: the lake was made when the Ratchaprapha Dam was finished in 1982. Foreign visitors pay a separate 300-baht fee for the lake area. Thai National Parks
- Floating bungalows: expect simple rooms, so bring a torch and a power bank.
We checked these details in October 2026. Times, prices and rules do change, so it’s worth a quick look at the official sites before you go.