Private Tour | 3 Days / 2 Nights Private Cheow Lan Lake Tour (Khao Sok)
IMPORTANT NOTE; The prices listed on this page are new for bookings from Jul 2026 onwards. A slightly cheaper price may apply to some resorts for bookings concerning June 2026.
Located between Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Cheow Lan Lake is known for its limestone karst scenery, calm waterways, and rainforest surroundings, it has one of the one of the most beautiful scenic views in Thailand.
Compared to a 2‑day/1‑night stay, which is often limited by check‑in and check‑out times at floating resorts, a 3‑day/2‑night tour allows more time for activities and a more relaxed pace on the lake.
Activities on Cheow Lan Lake
During this 3‑day/2‑night private tour on Cheow Lan Lake, activities may include sightseeing among limestone formations, a longer hike to a viewpoint, hike to a waterfall, a cave visit, canoeing, and boat trips near your floating resort for wildlife observation.
The tour includes two nights at a floating resort of your choice, a private licensed guide, and a private long‑tail boat with an experienced driver.
Why book a private tour?
Group tours on Cheow Lan Lake usually operate with larger shared boats carrying up to 18 guests and follow a fixed schedule. On a private tour, the boat, guide and room(s) are reserved exclusively for your group.
Our private tours are flexible. Daily activities can be adjusted together with your guide based on your interests, weather conditions, and the location of your chosen resort. The first day morning session of this tour is fixed with visiting of the 3 rocks and a cave before reaching your resort.
Floating resorts on Cheow Lan Lake
500 Rai Floating Resort (high‑end)
500 Rai Floating Resort is one of the most established high‑end floating resorts on Cheow Lan Lake. It offers 15 floating units of various sizes and is located at the far end of the lake, between Phupha Waree and Krai Son raft houses. The resort is known for its open lake views.
500 Rai is the only floating resort on the lake offering 24‑hour electricity in selected room categories (some room types provide air‑conditioning for 12 hours per day).
Accommodation:
| Deluxe (4 pax) | 36 sqm. Master bedroom with double bed, loft with two mattresses. 1 canoe, 5 life jackets. A/C from 6 pm–6 am. Check‑in 2:00 pm, check‑out 9:30 am. |
| Villa (4 pax) | 42 sqm. Master bedroom with double bed, loft with two mattresses. 1 canoe, 5 life jackets. A/C 24 hours/day. Check‑in 2:00 pm, check‑out 9:30 am. |
| Family Villa (8 pax) | 72 sqm. Two connecting villas, two master bedrooms, two lofts with four mattresses. A/C 24 hours/day. 2 canoes, 8 life jackets. Check‑in 2:00 pm, check‑out 9:30 am. |
| Deluxe Suite (4 pax) | 72 sqm. Master bedroom with double bed, loft with two mattresses. A/C 24 hours/day. 2 canoes, 7 life jackets. Sofa beds available for up to 2 extra guests if required. Check‑in 4:00 pm, check‑out 1:00 pm. |
| Family Suite (10 pax) | 86 sqm. Two master bedrooms, two lofts with six mattresses. A/C 24 hours/day. 2 canoes, 7 life jackets. Sofa beds available for up to 2 extra guests if required. |
| Honeymoon Suite (4 pax) | 92 sqm. Master bedroom with double bed, loft with two mattresses. A/C 24 hours/day. 2 canoes, 4 life jackets, private swimming pool and jacuzzi. Check‑in 4:00 pm, check‑out 1:00 pm. |
Important: 500 Rai Floating Resort may apply BAR (Best Available Rate) pricing when limited rooms remain. In such cases, a surcharge may apply on top of quoted prices.
360° Issara Floating Resort (high-end)
360° Issara Floating Resort is a newly opened high‑end floating resort (January 2025). It is located in the Khlong Long tributary of Cheow Lan Lake, approximately 40 minutes by boat from Cheow Lan Pier, between Sai Chon and Laguna Cheow Lan.
Accommodation:
- 10 deluxe rooms for couples
- 10 triple deluxe rooms with one queen‑size and one single bed
- 4 villas with a king‑size bed and a sofa bed (suitable for 2 adults and 2 small children or 3 adults)
Deluxe rooms are air‑conditioned from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. Villa units have 24‑hour electricity.
360° Issara applies three seasonal price levels: low season (May–June), mid season (July–October), and high season (November–April).
Important: BAR pricing may apply when availability is limited, resulting in a possible surcharge.
Panvaree The Greenery (high-end)
Panvaree The Greenery is located at the entrance of the Khlong Long tributary. With fewer floating units than most resorts on the lake, it remains relatively quiet even during busy periods. Electricity is available from 1:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Accommodation:
| Superior Room (2 pax) | Suitable for couples or two adults with a small child (child shares bed with parents, charged at half price). Bed type (double or twin) is subject to availability. |
| Family Section (4 pax) | Two‑storey unit with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one king‑size bed in each room. |
Room rates vary depending on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.
Panvaree Resort (high-end)
Located next to Panvaree The Greenery, Panvaree Resort offers similar quality and pricing, with different bed configurations. It also has a limited number of floating units, contributing to a quieter atmosphere. Rates can be slightly lower for groups of three or more guests.
Accommodation:
|
Garret House King (4 pax) |
King‑size bed with loft area containing two single mattresses. |
| Garret House Queen (4 pax) | Twin beds with loft area containing two single mattresses. |
| Private Garret (4 pax) | Stand‑alone unit with twin beds and loft area with two single mattresses. |
Prices vary depending on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.
Laguna Cheow Lan
Laguna Cheow Lan is located in the Khlong Long tributary, roughly in the middle of Cheow Lan Lake. Rooms feature floor mattresses, a king‑size bed and one single bed, private bathroom, air‑conditioning, and a balcony. Maximum occupancy is three guests. Electricity is provided from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Nine rooms designated as “sea view rooms” face the opposite mountain range and are charged at a higher rate.
Phupha Waree Raft House
Phupha Waree Raft House is situated in a sheltered inlet just inside Khlong Pey. Compared to most basic raft houses on the lake, it offers a slightly higher comfort level. Rooms include two joined queen‑size beds, private bathroom, air‑conditioning, and a balcony, accommodating 2–4 guests. Electricity is available from 5:30 pm to 9 am.
Sai Chon Raft House
Sai Chon Raft House is one of the more affordable options on Cheow Lan Lake. While basic, it stands out among similar categories by offering private en‑suite bathrooms. It is located in the Khlong Long tributary, relatively close to the pier.
Smaller rooms feature one king‑size bed; larger rooms include two king‑size beds. Rooms are fan‑cooled, with electricity available from around 6:00 pm to 6:00–7:00 am.
Canoe use at Sai Chon is not included. Rental is available at 200 THB per canoe and is optional.
Itinerary
There is no fixed itinerary for this private lake tour. The outline below is an example only. Activities may change depending on resort location, weather conditions, and guest preferences. The first day morning session always starts with visiting of the 3 rocks and the cave.
Due to the steep limestone cliffs surrounding the lake, hiking options are generally short.
Wildlife activity is usually highest during early morning and late afternoon; therefore, boat safaris are scheduled during these times. The time spent between visiting attractions and boat safaris needs to be balanced. Although the boat will be at your service throughout the tour, it cannot be used for continuous wildlife safaris.
Note: From Sai Chon, Laguna Cheow Lan, Panvaree resorts, and the 360° Issara area, either the viewpoint trail or waterfall can be visited, not both. The Swamp Forest Trail is accessible from these locations.
Day 1
- 10:00 am: Board long‑tail boat at Rajjaprabha Dam (Cheow Lan Lake Pier)
- Scenic cruise past limestone karsts (Khao Sam Kloe / Three Rocks)
- Visit to Diamond Cave
- Check‑in at floating resort and Thai lunch
- Guided hike to Kri Sorn Viewpoint or Bang Hoi Waterfall
- Late afternoon leisure time or wildlife boat safari
- Dinner at the resort
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Early morning mist and wildlife safari by boat
- Free time at the resort (swimming, canoeing, relaxing)
- Lunch
- Guided hike to Kri Sorn Viewpoint or Bang Hoi Waterfall (from Phupha Waree, 500 Rai)
- Guided hike to Swamp Forest Trail (from Sai Chon, Laguna Cheow Lan, Panvaree T. G., Panvaree Resort, 360° Issara)
- Late afternoon leisure time or wildlife boat safari
- Dinner at the resort
Day 3
- Early morning mist or wildlife safari by boat, or canoeing near the resort
- Breakfast
- Return to Cheow Lan Lake Pier around 9:30–10:00 am
Where & When
The tour starts at Cheow Lan Lake Pier (Rajjaprabha Dam), approximately 65 km from Khao Sok National Park headquarters. Transfers can be arranged from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ao Nang, Surat Thani, and Khao Sok village.
Nearest airports:
- Surat Thani (~1 hour)
- Krabi (~2 hours)
- Phuket (~2.5 hours)
It is recommended to arrive in the area at least one day before the tour. Starting the tour on the same day as arrival from islands or airports is not advised.
This tour operates year‑round.
When to book
Peak season at Cheow Lan Lake runs from November to mid‑April and mid‑July to late August. During these periods, bookings should be made as early as possible, primarily due to limited guide availability.
- Panvaree The Greenery: Superior rooms often require booking 6–12 months in advance during peak periods.
- Laguna Cheow Lan: 3–6 months advance booking recommended for high season.
- Phupha Waree: Typically 1–4 months in advance during peak months.
- Sai Chon: Usually more availability, some dates may get completely booked out by group tour operators well in advance
Tour details in short:
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Tour type: Private
- Group size: 2 or more people
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transport: Long‑tail boat
- Start: 10:00 am (Day 1)
- End: Around 9:30–10:00 am (Day 3)
What to bring:
- Rainwear (especially during rainy season; boats have no rain cover)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Walking shoes for hiking, sandals for caves and waterfalls
- Personal toiletries
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection
- Cash; to pay your entrance fees, snacks, beers etc to buy from the resort canteen/restaurant, to pay for your transfers to/from the lake
Pricing overview
The tour is operated with a private guide and private long-tail boat, meaning no other groups will join you during the lake activities. Tour prices depend on the selected floating resort and the number of participants. Please refer to the per-person pricing table below.
National park entrance fees are not included.
Resort-specific pricing notes
Phupha Waree Raft House – Lower rates apply to current rooms; higher rates apply to newly renovated rooms
Laguna – Lower rates apply to regular rooms; higher rates to 6 rooms with better view
360° Issara Floating Resort – Three seasonal price levels applying to deluxe/triple deluxe rooms (not villas):
- November–April (high season)
- July / August / October (mid season)
- May / June / September (low season)
Panvaree The Greenery & Panvaree Resort – Prices vary by weekday, weekend, and public holidays
500 Rai Floating Resort – Prices for deluxe and villas (not for suite options)
Optional activities and additional charges
Coral Cave rafting (optional)
- From 500 Rai Floating Resort or Phupha Waree Raft House:
- 2,900 THB per trip (fixed price)
- +200 THB per person Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fee
- From Sai Chon, Panvaree Resort, or Panvaree The Greenery:
- 1,400 THB per trip (fixed price)
- +200 THB per person Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary entrance fee
Wildlife-focused boat safari (optional)
The standard tour includes limited wildlife viewing during scheduled boat travel around the lake. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, this provides occasional opportunities to observe animals near the shoreline.
For guests interested in a more wildlife-oriented experience, an extended safari session can be arranged for an additional 2,500 THB. This includes one early-morning or late-afternoon session on Day 2 of the 3-day/2-night tour, conducted further away from the immediate resort area.
| Price per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pax | Sai Chon | Phupha Waree | Laguna |
| 2 | 12,900 THB | 15,300 to 16,400 THB | 14,900 to 16,400 THB |
| 3 | 10,000 THB | 11,600 to 12,500 THB | 12,000 to 13,000 THB |
| 4 | 8,600 THB | 10,200 to 11,100 THB | 10,600 to 12,000 THB |
| 5 | 7,700 THB | 9,800 to 10,700 THB | 9,700 to 10,900 THB |
| 6 | 7,150 THB | 8,900 to 9,700 THB | 9,200 to 10,100 THB |
| 7 | 6,700 THB | 8,500 to 9,300 THB | 8,800 to 10,000 THB |
| 8 | 6,800 THB | 8,400 to 9,300 THB | 8,800 to 10,000 THB |
| Price per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pax | 360° Issara | Panvaree Resort | Panvaree T. G. |
| 2 | 17,400 to 23,100 THB | 19,000 to 21,200 THB | 18,500 to 21,200 THB |
| 3 | 14,600 to 20,300 THB | 15,000 to 18,000 THB | 18,200 to 22,200 THB |
| 4 | 13,200 to 18,900 THB | 11,900 to 13,500 THB | 13,900 to 16,700 THB |
| 5 | 12,400 to 18,100 THB | 13,200 to 15,900 THB | 15,900 to 19,900 THB |
| 6 | 11,800 to 17,500 THB | 12,200 to 15,300 THB | 12,400 to 15,200 THB |
| 7 | 11,400 to 17,100 THB | 10,800 to 15,000 THB | 13,300 to 16,600 THB |
| 8 | 11,800 to 17,600 THB | 10,200 to 15,000 THB | 12,200 to 15,000 THB |
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Pax | 500 Rai |
| 2 | 33,700 to 38,000 THB |
| 3 | 26,900 to 29,900 THB |
| 4 | 23,600 to 25,800 THB |
| 5 | 26,000 THB |
| 6 | 24,000 THB |
| 7 | 22,500 THB |
| 8 | 21,600 THB |
Displayed prices are per person
What is included in the tour price
The tour rate includes:
- Accommodation at the selected floating resort (2 nights)
- Licensed private guide
- Private long-tail boat from tour start to tour end
- Boat tours around Cheow Lan Lake
- Meals:
- Lunch and dinner on Day 1
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2
- Breakfast on Day 3
- Drinking water during the tour
- Canoe use at all listed resorts (except Sai Chon Raft House)
- Basic accident insurance during the tour (covering potential hospital expenses)
What is not included
The tour rate does not include:
- National park entrance fees
- Transfer to/from Cheow Lan Lake Pier (available on request)
- Parking fee at the pier (if arriving with your own vehicle)
- Canoe rental at Sai Chon Raft House (200 THB per canoe, payable locally)
Reviews from our guests
By: Terry | posted Sun 9 Mar, 2025 | Phupha Waree
The 3d/2n tour was one of the best experiences of our time in Thailand! We exchanged many messages beforehand with Thai National Parks, and they always responded quickly, helping us plan everything, including transfers to the pier and back. Very well organized.
The trip itself was amazing. We stayed at Phupha Waree, which we highly recommend. The raft houses aren’t huge, but we don’t understand the complaints about Phupha Waree being in bad shape. The mattresses aren’t the most comfortable, and it’s not spotless, but we felt fine and had everything we needed. WiFi was slow and unreliable, but we enjoyed the digital detox. We loved small terrace, private kayak, and the whole area. The food was delicious, and we got to try dishes we hadn’t had in Thailand yet. No issues at all.
The highlight was exploring by longtail boat and hiking though. Our guide, Junn, was the sweetest and most passionate guide we could have asked for. Even after years of doing this, she was just as excited as we were. She went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every moment, and took care of EVERYTHING.
We were lucky enough to see many animals, even elephants near our raft house! Wildlife sightings are a matter of luck, but for us, it worked out.
Yes, group tours are cheaper, but having a private guide lets you enjoy the experience at your own pace, in a more peaceful way than in a noisy group. And if you’re wondering whether to do 1 or 2 nights: do 2!
By: Reuven Geldman | posted Sat 8 Mar, 2025 | Laguna
The park is wonderful, the hotel (Laguna) is very poor.
By: Jonathan Griffiths | posted Fri 7 Mar, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Excellent tour! We loved the safaris and our guide, Dam, was excellent. We learned so much about the history of the park and the wildlife within it. The food at the resort was great and we felt very well looked after. Plenty of time for relaxation as well as wildlife spotting - perfect balance.
By: Leni Urbaszek | posted Thu 6 Mar, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Khao Sok Nationalpark war eines der schönsten Erfahrungen und Momente die ich je erlebt habe. Wir hatten Guide Bee und er war der beste! Er kann super gut Englisch und hat uns alles erklärt und bei Fragen weitergeholfen, außerdem war er jederzeit auf Augenhöhe und hat mit uns gespaßt das war super lustig.Wir hatten die 3 Tage-2 Nächte Tour und es hat sich mehr als nur gelohnt. Die Aussicht war mehr als nur atemberaubend. Abends ging es dann weiter mit der Abendboottour, wo wir sogar Elefanten sehen konnten. Auch bei der Morgensafari sahen wir Gibbons und Makaken und andere wundervolle Tiere. Die Unterkunft war wunderschön, auch wenn es nur Strom von 17-09:00 morgens gab. Zum Abkühlen konnte man vom Zimmer direkt im Wasser schwimmen gehen. Wir würden jedem empfehlen hier her zu kommen.
By: Vadim Mihaila | posted Sun 2 Mar, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Awesome experience
By: Angela Schneider | posted Tue 25 Feb, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Ganz tolle Übernachtung auf dem See, zwei Tage reichen aber völlig aus, zu viele Pausen zum Essen, zu wenig Wandermöglichkeiten, aber tolle Landschaft, einige Affen gesehen, sonst leider kaum Tiere in Sicht, viel zu viele Touristen überall laut in großen Gruppen unterwegs
By: Roberta Medugno | posted Sun 23 Feb, 2025 | Laguna
The national park is simply stunning. And the organization for the accomodation and the food was the best. We loved their lunch and dinner. Our guide was lovely, caring and funny. In the end, we would have loved it if our guide had given us more information about the history of the park or the culture of the tribes living near the area. We didn't see many wild animals on the excursion but there were quite a few around our floating house.
By: Adam Milata | posted Wed 19 Feb, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Our experience was great. Our guide was very kind and trying to help but certainly would be better if we would be able to understand more as Thai English is quite difficult to understand. Cooking in a hotel was perfect, very fine die dishes, but the staff was not very quick. so for example, when my son had some stomach problems in restaurant, it took more than 15 minutes to clean the mess.and when we need to change the linings on the bed, we had to do it ourselves.
By: Andrea Russ | posted Wed 19 Feb, 2025 | Phupha Waree
The tour organization, the tour, the guide Tong and the boater were great.
The location of the accommodation too, but the accommodation itself is catastrophic!
It needs an urgent renovation!
The fan on the ceiling is not to be used, as shortly before the fall, in the bathroom the mirror has fallen off and has never been replaced, the faucet totally loose. The mattresses are on the floor and are a preparation! Ancient and no more upholstery, you lie directly on the metal springs. The room as a whole makes a very neglected impression! If necessary, we can send you pictures.
Tong and the boater and the organization have earned 5 stars, the accommodation at most 1 star!
Many greetings
Andrea and Hagen Russ
By: Kyle Porter | posted Tue 18 Feb, 2025 | Sai Chon
This experience was fantastic. Au and Me were amazing guides, and ensured that we were well taken care of.
We stayed in the Sai Chon Rafthouse, which is as warned a fairly economical choice. That said, it was fine for what it was if you adjust your expectations. The food was actually great, there was lots of it and it was very tasty. The room was basic, but we did have our own bathroom. The one thing to note is that during the day the rafthouse is quite noisy due to the waves on the lake, however it quiets down at night (luckily!).
We saw a lot of wildlife, and the hike up to the viewpoint was very worthwhile, incredible views. The Coral Caves are also a worthwhile detour if you have the time.
Overall, this was one of the cooler experiences of our trip.