Welcome to Cheow Larn Lake, where you can get back in touch with nature and relax amidst aquatic beauty.
Before your Cheow Larn Lake tour, brush up a little bit on its unique history. This manmade body of water was nonexistent before 1982, when the development of the Rajjaprabha Dam flooded a swath of jungle in southern Thailand. The new reservoir quickly attracted visitors who relished both the quiet it provided and its striking beauty.
Cheow Larn Lake sightseeing begins in the floating huts where visitors reside. These huts actually hover on the lakes surface, bobbing gently up and down with the water. This is not a vacation spot for those seeking flashing lights and high drama; instead, it is a peaceful return to nature, an extraordinary step back in time.
In the morning, go kayaking or embark on a boat tour of the reservoir, moving through emerald rainforest and the imposing limestone cliffs that surround Cheow Larn Lake. In the afternoon, gather with other adventurers on the dock running alongside the bungalows and feed the many fish that gather there. Sit back, slip your feet into the cool water, and just enjoy the quiet life.
What will you do at Cheow Larn Lake?
Visit our Cheow Larn Lake travel guide page for more information or to plan your next vacation!
Reno: It is a beautiful place indeed, I had the opportunity of visiting there a couple years ago. Just remember that Cheow Larn Lake is a human made reservoir behind Rachaprapa dam. The dam was made in the 80s hydroelectric power which resulted in the flooding of 185 square km (71 sq mi) of jungle. Some 50+ species of fish were died because they were unable to adapt. While there was a wildlife relocation effort before the dams construction, it was largely considered unsucessful as many died during the trapping & relocation process (www. khaosok. com/history/. Also, there used to be several villages where the lake is now. Those communities, obviously, were all displaced during the flooding of the reservoir. Interestingly, one of the owners of the floating house resorts (the one we stayed at) actually grew up in one of those villages. He now capitalizes on the destruction of his hometown. So just remember, theres always more than one side to the story. Date: 2020-08-27
