Cheow Lan Village Afternoon: Bamboo Raft, Turtle Forest & Sunset

New6 h 30 minFree cancellationBy Cheowlan untold

About this activity

Cheow Lan is usually seen from a boat. This afternoon goes into the village that sits beside the dam instead, with a local guide who speaks English.

The van collects you at 12:00 and lunch is the first stop: southern Thai dishes served on banana leaves beside the river. Next you board a bamboo raft and a raftsman pushes it along the village waterways while the riverbank goes by. Anyone who wants to cool off can get in the water.

The longest part of the afternoon is a walk through Tor Tao forest. Villagers named it for a giant turtle believed to live in it, though guests rarely spot one. Along the trail your guide names the plants that still go into village cooking and home remedies, and partway along the path you step into a cave.

Last comes a hilltop over Ratchaprapha Dam. The dam opened in 1987, after the families of the old valley village had moved to the higher ground you spent the afternoon on. Drop-off is around 18:30.

What's included

✓Southern Thai lunch served on banana leaves beside the river
✓The Turtle forest walk and cave
✓Bottled water
✓Hotel pickup and drop-off by shared van, Khao Sok side and Cheowlan side
✓English-speaking local guide
✓Bamboo rafting on the village waterways
✓Insurance
✓The sunset viewpoint over the dam

Not included

✕Nothing else to pay - this experience does not enter the national park, so there is no park fee

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Physical level: easy. Expect a forest walk on foot and stepping on and off a bamboo raft; there is no trekking. Swimming is optional and life jackets are provided, so non-swimmers can ride the raft
Wear shoes with grip for the forest path, and bring a hat and sunscreen; add swimwear and a dry change if you plan to get in the river
Minimum age is 5. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Every day from 12:00, finishing at 18:30; it goes ahead in rain as well as sun. Hotel pickup from the Khao Sok side or the Cheowlan side
Shared departures cap out at 15 guests, and each booking must include at least 2. No national park fee: the route stays outside Khao Sok National Park

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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