Cheow Lan Lake with children

The highlight of your visit to Khao Sok National Park

In this blog, you’ll read everything you need to know about visiting the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake with children.

Imagine a bright blue lake surrounded by lush green forests and impressive limestone rock formations. Welcome to Cheow Lan Lake, an enchanting destination that is perfect for an adventurous family holiday. Located in the breathtaking Khao Sok National Park in Thailand, this lake offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories with your children.

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About Cheow Lan Lake

Cheow Lan Lake is an artificial reservoir created by the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam. The lake covers an enormous area of about 165 square kilometers and is surrounded by dense jungles and limestone mountains. The calm waters of the lake provide a beautiful playground for adventurers of all ages. A visit to Cheow Lan Lake is also perfectly suitable for very young children (yes, even with babies!).

How to get there - Cheow Lan Lake with children

For a visit to Cheow Lan Lake with children, there are two options: you can take a day tour from nearby villages or resorts, or you can embark on a multi-day trip on the lake, staying overnight on the water.

Day trip to Cheow Lan Lake with children

Are you also planning a day trip to Cheow Lan Lake like us? Then you’ll stay on land in accommodation in the nearby villages or resorts. It’s nice to arrange accommodation as close as possible to the boarding point (Cheow Lan Pier, also known as Ratchaprapha Pier) for the boat. Some great hotels include Baan Suan Hill Resort and Belong Jin The Dam Resort.

Are you also visiting the jungle of Khao Sok National Park? Then it might be more convenient to stay in the village of Khao Sok, which is about an hour’s drive from the pier. There are many different accommodations here, along with a main street featuring some nice restaurants. We stayed at the Rock and Tree House Resort (highly recommended!), but Khaosok Ranforest Resort, Our Jungle House, Our Jungle Camp or Khao Sok Morning Mist Resort are also good alternatives..

We stayed outside the high season and were able to arrange all the excursions on-site (often on the same day) through the resort. Transportation to the pier, a boat trip, hiking, etc., everything can be arranged from your hotel. If you want to ensure that everything is properly organized in advance, it’s best to contact your accommodation beforehand; they will be happy to assist you.

Multi-day trip to Cheow Lan Lake with children

Do you want to make the most of your visit to Cheow Lan Lake with children? Then consider an overnight stay on the lake. There will be plenty of floating huts available. It’s recommended to book these accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the high season. Some nice resorts include Panvaree Resort and 500 Rai Floating Resort.

We chose not to stay on the lake. Partly because I get seasick very quickly; I feel nauseous even on an air mattress on a lake (true story ;-)), but also because our kids don’t have swimming diplomas yet. We didn’t feel comfortable having the kids wear life jackets 24/7 and having to be constantly vigilant.

Tip: Read more about the accommodation options and hotels in our blog featuring the most child-friendly hotels in Khao Sok National Park.

The best activities for the whole family - Cheow Lan Lake with children

For families with children, Cheow Lan Lake is a true paradise filled with exciting activities. An absolute must-do is a boat trip on the lake, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and have the chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, elephants (if you’re lucky!), and birds.

Sail to a floating resort to enjoy a delicious Thai lunch. From the resorts, you have the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing water and feed the fish.

For some extra excitement, you can choose kayaking trips with older children. Explore hidden caves and cliffs while paddling through the sparkling water.

Hiking and trekking in the surrounding forests are also options to discover the natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park. Unfortunately, we don’t have little hikers, so we chose to relax at the resort and mainly swim for a long time.

You can book all activities on-site through your accommodation, or contact your accommodation in advance if you want to arrange everything ahead of time to avoid surprises.

It is also possible to book excursions online through GetYourGuide; click here or see below for some inspiration.

Preparation for a visit to Cheow Lan Lake with children

When visiting Cheow Lan Lake with children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, as you may be doing some walking. Swimwear is a must for water activities and to cool off on hot days. A life jacket for children is very handy, but unfortunately, it was not available to us. Additionally, it’s wise to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself and your children from the sun and insects.

The best time to travel

The period between November and February is considered the dry season, with cooler temperatures (still around 30 degrees) and less rainfall. This is often the most pleasant time to visit Cheow Lan Lake, as the temperatures are moderate and there is less chance of rain.

From March to May, the heat begins to rise, and it can become quite hot and humid. This period marks the start of the rainy season, so while the landscape is beautifully green, you should be prepared for showers. June to October is the rainy season, during which heavy rainfall can cause changes in the water levels of the lake and may somewhat affect activities.

Although the dry season is the preferred time to visit, it is also possible to visit Cheow Lan Lake during other seasons. We were there in June, during the rainy season. And as you can see in the photos, there was often some cloud cover, but we generally had beautiful weather. In total, we spent 4 days in Khao Sok National Park, during which we experienced rain only on the last afternoon, evening, night, and morning.

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Cheow Lan Lake with children - highly recommended

Our visit to Cheow Lan Lake was the highlight of our time in Khao Sok National Park and certainly one of the highlights of our trip through Thailand. If you want to read more about Thailand, click here. Or read Ramona’s blog: Thailand with children: Itinerary and best things to do.

Booking your own trip

When planning your trip to Thailand, there are various ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs through Booking.com. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice. Would you rather have everything arranged at once? Then TUI offers complete packages for a hassle-free vacation. If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to customize your trip, take a look at Riksja, where you can build your ideal journey with building blocks.

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