Greetings! Today, I have the opportunity to write a travel review for you once again. After having the chance to explore various destinations around Bangkok over the past six months, I longed for a trip further afield, escaping the city's hustle and bustle to experience a refreshing atmosphere and breathe in the fresh air. So, I gathered my companions and planned a trip to unwind and rejuvenate at the Cheow Lan Dam, also known as the Ratchaprapha Dam, in Surat Thani Province. Our group consisted of five members. After finalizing our plans, we divided responsibilities and booked everything necessary, eagerly awaiting our departure date.

Travel

The group assembled at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, where we had booked tickets for a 24-seat VIP coach operated by Phuket Central Tour. The bus traveled from Bangkok to Phuket, with a fare of 734 baht per person. We disembarked at Ban Ta Khun. The departure time was 7:50 PM. For ticket reservations or inquiries, please call 02-8858692.

The wheels turned on time. From the moment we started our journey, it would take about 10 hours to reach Ban Ta Khun Market. At first, we chatted for a while, and then everyone fell asleep. We woke up again when the car stopped for a meal break and when we heard the announcement, "Ban Ta Khun!" I must confess that I didn't want to wake up at that moment.

The first morning

The point where we got off the car is called Ban Ta Khun Community Market. The landmark is the 7-Eleven store. After arriving, we called the driver who was contacted by the raft accommodation. The price depends on the negotiation, around 300-500 baht. If there are many people, it's easy to share the cost.

After contacting the car to pick us up, the driver said, "No need to rush to find something to eat first." ... So, we were already waiting at the market. Therefore, we walked around looking for snacks until we found a delicious porridge and deep-fried dough stick shop. I can't remember the name of the shop, but it shouldn't be difficult to find. It's delicious and cheap. I highly recommend it.

After a hearty breakfast, our ride arrived promptly. We set off from Ban Ta Khun Market towards Ratchaprapha Dam. However, before reaching the dam, our driver took us to a hidden gem: a suspension bridge with a heart-shaped mountain backdrop.

The morning air here is incredibly fresh, the scenery is beautiful, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Even before reaching our destination, we have already fallen in love with the tranquility of this place.

After enjoying the beautiful natural atmosphere and taking photos at the suspension bridge, we continued our journey by car to the Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam.

The Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, is located within the Khao Sok National Park. The view from the dam's crest is breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the vast expanse of water surrounded by towering, rugged mountains. Imagine being nestled amidst these mountains, dwarfed by their sheer immensity. The thought alone evokes a sense of awe and humility.

After taking photos and enjoying the view at the dam crest, we asked the driver to take us to the municipal pier. The entrance fee to the park is 40 baht per person.

The atmosphere at the municipal pier before we take a boat to admire the natural beauty within the Ratchaprapha Dam.

Note that once you reach this point, if you want to check in, check your Line, Facebook, Instagram, or call your mother or girlfriend, please do so immediately. After this point, your phone signal will display "No service".

Embark on a journey to the Guilin of Thailand, where internet signals are severed.

We boarded a chartered boat arranged by the floating resort for 2,500 baht. The boat picked us up at the pier and took us to the resort. During the journey, we were treated to scenic views of the Thai Guilin, the Three Brothers Mountain, and the surrounding landscape of the Cheow Lan Dam.

After a short boat ride, we arrived at the so-called "Gateway to Guilin of Thailand." Surrounded by vast stretches of water and towering limestone mountains, we were completely cut off from the outside world, with no internet or phone signal. It was a true immersion in the heart of nature.

The deeper the boat goes, the more the grandeur of nature is revealed. Crystal-clear water and towering limestone mountains surround you, making you realize how insignificant we are in the face of nature's vastness.

Navigating the boat through the winding river and mountains, we soon arrived at the highlight of "Thai Guilin," as our boatman, Mr. Jon, called it: the Three Pagodas Hill.

Khao Sam Kler, meaning "Three Companions Mountain," features three towering limestone karst formations that resemble a small bay surrounded by majestic mountains. The natural beauty of this site captivated us, and Captain John generously allowed us ample time to capture stunning photographs.

This location offers stunning natural scenery, making it a popular spot for photography and check-ins (if phone signal permits). Additionally, the crystal-clear water attracts small groups of foreign tourists who enjoy swimming in its refreshing depths.

Arrive at the accommodation at Pa Plearn Phai.

After cruising through the scenic beauty of the Ratchaprapha Dam, we arrived at our booked accommodation by boat. For this trip, we chose to stay at "Pa Plearn Pri."

This private floating resort, Pa Plearn Phai, offers affordable accommodation compared to other private resorts in the area. It features multiple bungalows connected by wooden walkways, surrounded by towering mountains. While the resort attracts a steady stream of tourists, it never feels overcrowded. Notably, the majority of guests are international visitors.

The accommodation is surrounded by crystal-clear water, offering ample space for swimming and diving. The price for a stay at Pa Plearn Phai is 1500 baht per person. This price includes accommodation and three meals. Guests can enjoy complimentary kayaking, with a 500 baht deposit required for the paddle, which is refundable upon return. The service at this location is exceptional.

The only downside is that it can get quite hot here, and electricity is only available from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. However, it's still a great option for those who don't want to pay for expensive accommodation or who missed out on booking a room at the national park. You can contact the accommodation through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/แพเพลินไพร-เขื่อนรัชชประภา or by calling 081-8926321 and asking for Ms. Wasana.

During our visit, the midday sun was scorching, making it almost unbearable to step outside. However, staying indoors offered no respite from the heat, so we decided to take a refreshing dip in the water. After all, it's not every day that we get to experience such an idyllic setting, so we made the most of it.

Surrounded by mountains, in the middle of the water, waiting to watch the sunset.

After spending the day swimming and getting tanned, we embarked on an evening boat ride to witness the breathtaking sunset. This activity was not included in the initial boat rental fee and required an additional payment of 500-700 baht, depending on the negotiated price. Despite the extra cost, we decided to indulge in this experience.

Introducing our boat captain, John, who possesses the inner spirit of a model.

The sky was clear before we set sail. Why is it getting cloudy now? But we can't turn back now. As long as there is a glimmer of light in the sky, we will continue sailing until the very last ray of sunshine.

We waited for about an hour to see the sun set behind the mountains. During that time, we took pictures of the surrounding scenery. It was a pleasant wait, even though there was nothing to do but take pictures. There was no social media, and our phones were practically useless.

The long-awaited moment finally arrived. The sun began to set behind the sharp peaks of the mountains, casting a warm glow over the tranquil waters and towering cliffs. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of romance and serenity.

Despite the overcast sky and heavy clouds, this was one of the most enjoyable sunsets I have ever witnessed. Whether it was the location or the surrounding atmosphere, it brought me immense joy to be present in such a moment.

After soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the sunset amidst the natural landscape, it was time to return to the floating raft. Upon arrival, a delectable dinner awaited us, each dish tantalizing our taste buds. The feast was a continuous flow of culinary delights.
Following the sumptuous meal, we relaxed and unwound, sipping on refreshing beers while engaging in lighthearted conversations. As the night wore on, we bid each other farewell and retired to our sleeping quarters, marking the end of an unforgettable day.

The next morning at Ratchaprapha Dam, before bidding farewell to the rapids.

That night, we all slept drenched in sweat due to the extreme heat. We still had the task of photographing the stars ahead of us. Early that morning, well, it wasn't really morning yet, around 4:00 AM, the three of us woke up and shouldered our cameras, venturing out into the quiet and pitch-black night. The advantage was that we could see the stars clearly, even though there were quite a few clouds. During that time, we set up our tripods and adjusted our cameras to prepare for taking pictures. And then, we captured the Milky Way as shown in the picture. Let me tell you, this was my first attempt at photographing the Milky Way ever.

After waking up to take pictures of the stars, we planned to sit and wait for the morning light in front of the house. However, we accidentally fell asleep and woke up to find it was already bright.

As everyone was ready, we took a boat ride together to enjoy the morning atmosphere. There was a thin fog that made it almost impossible to see, but the morning atmosphere was still very good.

The Cheow Lan Dam boasts a remarkable degree of natural rawness.

After enjoying the morning mist and scenic views by boat around our accommodation, John steered us back to the floating raft, where breakfast awaited us. The meal consisted of light rice porridge and delicious side dishes. Afterwards, everyone prepared for our departure.

After showering, getting dressed, and packing our belongings, it was time to leave. Before departing, we captured the surrounding scenery and took a group photo as a memento. We expressed our gratitude to the staff at Pae Plern Phai for their exceptional hospitality.

Returning to the shore, we bid farewell to the Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam. The breathtaking scenery and ambiance left an unforgettable impression on us. We will undoubtedly return for another visit if the opportunity arises.

After returning to shore, we still had some time, so we rented a car to visit other places. The car rental fee was between 2,000 and 2,500 baht, depending on the negotiated price. The places we visited were:

Chiewlarn Camp is an elephant camp located in the Chiewlarn Dam.

The crystal-clear blue water of Khlong Nam Sai is incredibly inviting, but without a change of clothes, a dip will have to wait.

Mokphalaram Garden, a meditation retreat center founded by Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

The sacred Phra That Chaiya, a revered symbol of the city of Surat Thani.

Phum Riang Beach, a family-friendly beach with restaurants and bicycle rentals. Don't forget to try the local oysters!

After a tiring day of touring, it was time to head home. We flew back on AirAsia, and the price depended on the booking promotion.

The trip was truly unforgettable, offering stunning scenery, thrilling activities, and a comprehensive tour experience. It is no wonder that this location is considered a dream destination in Thailand. I hope this review will be helpful for those planning a trip to the Ratchaprapha Dam. Feel free to use this review as a guide, and if you're interested in exploring other destinations I've reviewed, you can find them here.

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Finally, thank you to everyone who has read this far. If you would like to discuss or inquire about information, you can come and talk to us at the page Destination. https://www.facebook.com/journeygallery You can do it. And if we get to travel to any other interesting places, we will come back and tell you about it again. Bye. I have corrected the typos and updated the information.

Pa Pae Lin Prai will be open from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

Thank you. Here is the breakdown for 5 people:

Summary of expenses

1. Bus fare from Sai Tai Mai to Ban Ta Khun = 734

2. Cost of transportation from Ban Ta Khun to the municipal pier = 300 (divided by 5 = 60)

3. Park entrance fee = 40

4. Round-trip boat fare & Guilin tour = 2500 (divided by 5 = 500)

5. Accommodation cost = 1,500

6. Sunset cruise = 700 (divided by 5 = 140)

7. Transportation costs to & from the airport = 2,300 (divided by 5 = 460)

8. Entrance fee to Khlong Nam Sai = 10

9. Dinner cost = 200

10. Flight cost = 1,240

Total 4,884 Baht / person