The Cheow Lan Lake/ Rajjaprabha Dam was constructed in 1987 as a means for hydroelectricity, agricultural water supply and fish farming.
In the creation of this dam, the pre-existing forest was lost and people living within the proposed dam’s area were relocated. The construction of the dam caused the entire ecosystem down- and up-stream of it to change. All species depending on the river experienced a shift in population numbers. Some adapted positively but many lost their extremely sensitive and valuable habitats.
The dam now covers a very large area and is a major tourist attraction, boasting incredibly amazing views and a multitude of scenic gems.
This place is now teeming with tourists, with large and small boat options available. We went mid-morning, which is probably the busiest time of day. The small boats can host up to five people and cost a total of 1200 Thai Baht (38 USD) although we were three.
In addition, the National Park fee was 300 Thai Baht per person. I thought is was quite ironic and hilarious to pay a National Park fee for a man made creation!
Nonetheless, after skipping many queues due to a local hussler helping us out, we got into our boat fitted with an outboard engine with a very long shaft. Our captain did not speak any English and gestured for us to sit in the midline of the vessel, for optimum cruising stability.
He wore is helmet once we got going, to protect himself, from potential crashing impacts or the sun?! We were wondering why we were only supplied with a life vest..
After cruising for half an hour, I decided to fly the drone because the scenery was just too amazing not to. The aerial perspectives were incredible, I could not stop snapping away!
Our first stop was at a bat cave. It was not very big but quite impressive, with stalagmites and stalactites all around us. I would recommend taking closed shoes and a head lamp along for this little excursion, as I kicked my toe open within the first minute.
While we were walking around inside the cave, our boat captain pointed out ‘batman’ on the ceiling and ‘spiderman’ on the ground. He also pointed out a random rock saying crocodile, which we decided just very slightly looked like the head of one. It turns out our captain did know three English words!
After leaving the cave, we went to a floating restaurant with some accommodation attached to it. We stopped off for ten minutes and had an ice cream and a swim. The dam’s water was crystal clear, full of fish and very refreshing! If you happen to go there then definitely take swimming items along!
After the pit stop there was one more planned sighting, a bunch of outcrops in an amazing little bay with towering cliffs. Unfortunately there were plenty of other boats there at the time and it was difficult to get photos without anybody in them.
Over all, the trip lasted 3 hours and was definitely not long enough. I wish there was a way to customise a tour to go for an entire day. Perhaps we just did not find this option.. It definitely is worth going for the 3 hour trip though, and should be on top of your priority list if in Southern Thailand!