We set off for Cheow Lan Lake, an enormous man-made reservoir in Khao Sok National Park. With its fairy-tale scenery, massive towering limestone cliffs, and hundreds of islands jutting skyward, the Khao Sok Lake Tour is a must-do for any visitor!

Joining a Guided Tour

We were initially hesitant to join a guided tour - we didn't like being dragged from place to place with no free time to soak up the atmosphere. Plus, we worried about being sardined into a longtail boat for the ride across the reservoir canals.

Unfortunately, private options were prohibitively expensive. So we agreed to join a tour from our hotel, Our Jungle Camp. We were not disappointed!

Journey to Cheow Lan Lake

The guide picked us up and drove an hour to Ratchaprabha Dam - the only access point to Khao Sok Lake. On the way, we briefly stopped at a local colorful market to stock up on water, fruits, and cheap shoes. Apparently, we'd ruin whatever footwear we were currently wearing!

Boat Ride Through Paradise

Boats were waiting at the pier. After a bathroom break, we boarded the traditional long-tail boat for a good hour-long ride across Khao Sok National Park Lake.

We were lucky to get front seats - the best spot to admire the spectacular karst topography! The limestone formations reminded us of Guilin, China. Everyone aboard was in awe, and so were we.

Being in the front row also meant getting completely soaked! All our clothes were drenched, but the view was absolutely worth it.

Floating Raft Houses

After an hour, we reached the tranquil and secluded floating raft houses. We were greeted with a Thai lunch shared with our fellow passengers. The food was decent - not amazing, but good enough. We needed energy for the next big event: a muddy, leech-infested trek into the pristine jungle.

Tham Nam Thalu Cave Complex

Today we were heading for the Tham Nam Thalu cave complex. The grotto can be dangerous during rainy season and has claimed lives in 2007 due to sudden flash flooding.

Before reaching the cave, we faced a difficult trail. We walked, slipped in mud, crossed rivers, and climbed rocks while listening to the thick jungle's cacophony. After an hour, we finally spotted the infamous cave entrance.

Into the Flooded Cave

We approached the grotto from the upstream river - the only safe passage. During dry season when there's absolutely no rain risk, tour guides walk through the entire 750-meter cave from one side to the other. We'd just go in and out from the same entrance.

We stowed our gear in dry bags, geared up with headlamps, and plunged into the grotto's tiny mouth. We ventured into the horseshoe-shaped limestone formation for caving and spelunking. It was fascinating but also nerve-wracking - a must-do if you join a Khao Sok Lake Tour!

We walked, climbed, and swam through the pitch-black subterranean canyon flooded by the river. The water was freezing cold. Crystal formations along the way gleamed under our torch lights. The experience was surreal and claustrophobic.

After 20 minutes, we emerged again - relieved to be safe and sound, but exhilarated by the incredible experience!

Swimming and Return

The hike back from the cave to the lake took about an hour. Then we spent an hour swimming in crystal-clear water to wash off all the mud, while others practiced kayaking on the jungle's edge.

We grabbed a quick snack at the raft houses before starting the long journey home. Khao Sok Lake Tour will remain a highlight of our few days in this magical national park.

Have you visited Cheow Lan Lake? Did you stay overnight on the floating raft houses? Did you brave the Tham Nam Thalu cave? Share your Khao Sok adventures below!

The Khao Sok Lake Tour delivered everything we hoped for - stunning karst scenery, floating raft houses, and an adrenaline-pumping cave expedition. The claustrophobic swim through Tham Nam Thalu's flooded passages was terrifying and thrilling in equal measure. Unforgettable!