Private Tour | 3-days/2-nights private tour on Cheow Lan Lake
Situated between Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Cheow Lan Lake has one of the most beautiful scenic views in Thailand.
While a 2-day/1-night stay leaves less time for various activities due to check-in and check-out times from the floating resorts, a 3-days/2-nights tour gives a much better opportunity to enjoy more of the attractions and activities around the lake.
Activities
With the 3-days/2-nights tour at Cheow Lan Lake you will be able to see scenic rock formations, hike to a viewpoint, visit a cave, hike in the jungle, kayak and drive around at the vicinity of your resort for wildlife watching. The tour includes two nights stay at a floating resort (floating bulgalows/floating raft house) of your choice, a private guide and a private boat with driver.
Why to book a private tour?
While the group tours in the lake are conducted with larger boats shared by up to 18 people and has a fixed itinerary, no others will share the guide or the boat with you during our tours. Our tours are strictly private and flexible, our guests can decide their day-to-day activities with the their guide.
Floating resort at Cheow Lan Lake
500 Rai Floating Resort (high-end)
500 Rai Floating Resort is one of the best floating resort on Cheow Lan Lake, with 15 houses/units of various sizes. It is located at the far end of the lake, between Phupha Waree and Krai Son raft houses, with one of the best views at the lake. It is the only option at the lake providing electricity 24 hours/day (deluxe option with only 12 h/day a/c powered, others 24 h/day).
Following are the room types;
| Deluxe (4 pax) | 36 ㎡ - Master bedroom with double-size bed, loft with two mattresses. 1 kayak, 5 life jackets. A/c from 6 pm to 6 am. Check-in 2pm, check-out 9:30am |
| Villa (4 pax) | 42 ㎡ - Master bedroom with double-size bed, loft with two mattresses. 1 kayak, 5 life jackets. A/c 24h/day. Check-in 2pm, check-out 9:30am |
| Family Villa (8 pax) | 72 ㎡ - 2 connecting villas, 2 master bedrooms with double-size bed, 2 lofts with 4 mattresses, a/c 24h/day, 2 kayaks, 8 life jackets. Check-in 2pm, check-out 9:30am |
| Deluxe Suite (4 pax) | 72 ㎡ - Master bedroom with double-size bed, loft with 2 mattresses, a/c 24h/day, 2 kayaks, 7 life jackets (2 sofa beds for additional 2 pax if needed). Check-in 4pm, check-out 1pm |
| Family Suite (10 pax) | 86 ㎡ - 2 master bedrooms with double-size bed, 2 lofts with 6 mattresses, a/c 24h/day, 2 kayaks, 7 life jackets (2 sofa beds for additional 2 pax if needed). Check-in 4pm, check-out 1pm |
| Honeymoon Suite (4 pax) | 92 ㎡ - Master bedroom with double-size bed, loft with two mattresses, a/c 24h/day, 2 kayaks, 4 life jackets, private swimming pool, jacuzzi. Check-in 4pm, check-out 1pm |
360° Issara Floating Resort (high-end)
360° is the a brand new high-end resort opened in January 2025.
360° Issara is located at Khlong Long tributary of Cheow Lan Lake, around 40 minutes boat ride from Cheow Lan Pier, somewhere between Sai Chon and Laguna Cheow Lan. When at full capacity, the floating resort has total 10 deluxe rooms for couples, 10 triple deluxe rooms with a queen-sized and a single bed. 4 more villa rooms will be ready later this year with a king-sized bed and a sofa bed (for 2 adults and 1 child).
While the deluxe rooms will be a/c powered from 6pm until 6am, the villa rooms will be powered 24 hours/day.
The 360° Issara Floating Resort offers three seasonal pricing tiers: the lowest rates are available from May to June, higher rates apply from July to October, and the highest rates are in effect from November to April.
Panvaree The Greenery (high-end)
The resort is located at the entrance of Khlong Long tributary. Compared to other optiong on the lake, Panvaree The Greenery has fewer cabins/houses which makes it a relatively quiet place even when the place is fully booked, ideal for people avoiding crowds. Quality wise it is no doubt one of the best and most popular floating resort on the lake. Electricity is provided from 5pm until 9am.
Following are the room types;
| Superior room (2 pax) | For couples or 2 adults + small child (child to share same bed as parents but quoted half price). Rooms can be with either a double bed or twin beds, unfortunately can't be chosen, either one can be booked depending on availability and other circumstances. |
| Family section (4 pax) | For families up to 4 pax, 2 storeys, 2 rooms, 1 bathroom, 1 king size bed in each room. |
The price for the rooms varies depending on week-day, week-end day or holidays.
Panvaree Resort (high-end)
Located right next to Panvaree The Greenery, Panvaree Resort has similar quality and price level with different type of bed settings, it too has less cabin/houses. The rooms gets a bit cheaper at Panvaree Resort for groups of 3 people or more.
Following are the room types;
|
Garret house king (4 pax) |
Semi-detached to a garret house queen, with a king size bed and a loft area with 2 single mattresses on the floor. |
| Garret house queen (4 pax) | Semi-detached to a garret house king, with twin beds and a loft area with 2 single mattresses on the floor. Max 4 people |
| Private garret (4 pax) | Solitary unit (not semi-detached), with twin beds and a loft area with 2 single mattresses on the floor. Max 4 people |
The price for the rooms varies depending on week-day, week-end day or holidays.
Laguna Cheow Lan
Laguna Cheow Lan is located at Khlong Long tributary, on the middle of Cheow Lan Lake. Each room have a king size and a single bed, private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate up to 3 people. The beds are on the floor. Electricity is provided from 6pm until 6am.
5 of the rooms called "see view rooms" are charged at a higher rate, they are the rooms with best views, facing the mountains on the opposite coast.
Phupha Waree Raft House
Phupha Waree Raft House is set back in a private alcove just inside Klong Pey, compared to most basic raft houses in the lake it is considered a bit better option. The rooms are equipped with 2 joined queen size beds, a private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate 2-4 people. While the smaller rooms will be booked for up to 3 people, the larger rooms will be booked for 4 people. Electricity is provided from 6pm until 6-7am.
Sai Chon Raft House
Sai Chon Raft House is a cheaper alternative. While being a very basic raft house, it is still a better option when compared to most other basic options in the lake mostly because the rooms have ensuite private bathroom. The raft house is located on Khlong Long tributary of the lake, not too far from the pier. The quality is somewhere between bamboo and average options. While the smaller rooms have 1 king size bed, the larger rooms have 2 king size beds. The rooms are equipped with fan only, electricity is provided from around 6pm until 6-7am.
Unlike the other raft houses, kayaking is not free at Sai Chon Raft House, rental will cost 200 Baht per kayak. The kayak fee is optional, not included in our listed prices for Sai Chon Raft House.
Itinerary
There is no strict itinerary with our lake tours, the following itinerary is just an example. Depending on the location of your resort, weather conditions, your preferences the itinerary may be much different. Example; you may decide to do more kayaking, skip some activities for the other, or simply just decide to relax and spend some time with friend(s)/family at the resort.
Because the lake is surrounded by steep cliffs/mountain slopes, there are no long hiking options. Alternatives hikes are quite short.
The time spent between visiting attractions and boat safaris must be balanced. While the boat will be at your service during the entire tour, the boat can't be used for continuous wildlife safari. Also, there is not much wild activity in mid-day, most activity will be in the early morning and late afternoon, the reason safari activities will be limited to early morning before/after the breakfast and before the sunset.
Day 1
- 10 am, Board your long-tail boat at Rajjaprabha Dam (Cheow Lan Lake Pier)
- The first stop is a scenic tour of limestone karst, also called 3 rocks or Khao Sam Kloe, then to Diamond Cave
- Check in to the resort. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch
- Depart for a guided hike to Kri Sorn Viewpoint
- Return to the resort for a swim, relax and enjoy the scenery or late afternoon wildlife safari by boat
- Enjoy your dinner
Day 2
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast
- Set off on a morning mist/wildlife safari in long-tail boat
- Return to the raft house for some leisure time, swim, kayaking, relaxing
- Depart for a guided hike to Bang Hoi Waterfall
- Unwind at the raft house—swim, relax, or go kayaking
- Conclude the day with a delicious traditional Thai dinner
Day 3
- Rise before breakfast for an early morning mist/wildlife safari by long-tail boat
- Alternatively explore the surrounding area by kayak
- Return to raft house for breakfast
- Depending on the raft house and it's location the tour ends around 9:30 to 10 am at the pier
Where & When?
The tour starts at Cheow Lan Lake Pier (Rajjaprabha Dam), 65 km from park headquarters. We can arrange transfer from/to Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ao Nang, Surat Thani and Khao Sok village straight to tour start in the morning or transfer to the mentioned towns after the tour.
The nearest airports are Surat Thani (~1h), Krabi (~2h) and Phuket Airport (~2.5h), you are recommended to arrive to the area a day before the tour start. This tour is not recommended to start the same day when arriving from the islands or the airports.
This tour is available throughout the year.
When to book?
High seasons periods for the lake are November to mid April and mid July to end of August. Bookings for these months should be done well in advance, earliest possible. Even if some of the raft houses may still have rooms available days/weeks before, guide availability is more of a concern. The guides may get fully booked months in advance for the busiest times of the year.
Panvaree The Greenery superior rooms should be booked at least 6-12 months in advance for the busier months of the year, family rooms too may get booked far in advance.
Laguna Cheow Lan should be booked at least 3-6 months in advance for the high seasons months.
Phupha Waree can be booked a couple of months ahead, for the high seasons months they may get fully booked for most dates 1-4 months before.
Sai Chon tends to have more availability compared to the other raft houses we offer, sometimes days/weeks before. But for the certain peak dates, they too will eventually get fully booked many months before.
Tour details in short:
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Type: Private tour
- Price: * see the pricing table *
- Group size: 2 or more people
- Grade: Easy
- Transport: Long-tail boat
- Start: 10am (day 1)
- End: around 9:30 to10 am (day 3)
What to bring:
- Rain clothing, specially on the rainy seasons (no rain protection on longtail boats)
- Waterproof bag/cover for all your electronics in case of rain
- Sneakers for hiking, sandals for waterfall/cave visit
- Personal toiletries
- Swimming clothing & towel
- Hat
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock lotion
How much?
The tour will be led by a private guide which means no others will join you while exploring the lake and surrounding areas. The price for this tour package depends on the choice of accommodation and number of people, please see price per person further down.
The prices below do not include entrance fees to the national park.
- Phupha Waree Raft House has new higher prices applying from 1st January 2026 onwards
- 500 Rai Floating Reost has new higher prices applying from 1st November 2025 onwards
Optional charges;
Coral Cave Rafthing
- From 500 Rai or Phupha Waree; 2,900 Baht fixed price and 200 Baht per person entrance fee for Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary
- From Sai Chon, Panvaree Resort or Panvaree The Greenery; 1,400 Baht fixed price and 200 Baht per person entrance fee for Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife oriented tour
Although our tour is more about visiting the attractions, enjoying the scenery and water activities at the lake, our price includes a bit of safari driving around the lake in hope to see a glimpse of wildlife around.
If you wish a more wildlife oriented tour, we can arrange it for an additional 2,500 Baht for on early morning of a late afternoon session a bit further away from your resort area. Please let us know in case. The wildlife oriented tour is only suitable for the 2nd day over a 3D/2N tour and for this price, only one driving session.
| Price per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pax | Sai Chon | Phupha Waree | Laguna |
| 2 | 10,850 THB | 12,600 THB | 14,900 THB |
| 3 | 8,550 THB | 9,500 THB | 11,800 THB |
| 4 | 7,400 THB | 8,450 THB | 11,600 THB |
| 5 | 6,700 THB | 8,200 THB | 10,400 THB |
| 6 | 6,250 THB | 7,400 THB | 9,600 THB |
| 7 | 5,900 THB | 7,100 THB | 9,800 THB |
| 8 | 6,200 THB | 7,300 THB | 10,000 THB |
| Price per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pax | 360° Issara | Panvaree Resort | Panvaree T. G. |
| 2 | 15,600 to 21,300 THB | 17,300 to 19,500 THB | 16,800 to 19,500 THB |
| 3 | 13,400 to 19,000 THB | 13,800 to 16,900 THB | 17,100 to 21,000 THB |
| 4 | 12,300 to 17,900 THB | 11,000 to 12,600 THB | 13,000 to 15,800 THB |
| 5 | 11,600 to 17,200 THB | 12,400 to 14,500 THB | 15,200 to 19,100 THB |
| 6 | 11,150 to 16,800 THB | 11,600 to 13,500 THB | 11,850 to 14,600 THB |
| 7 | 10,850 to 16,500 THB | 11,900 to 13,900 THB | 12,800 to 16,000 THB |
| 8 | 11,400 to 17,200 THB | 12,000 to 14,000 THB | 12,200 to 15,100 THB |
| Price per person | |
|---|---|
| Pax | 500 Rai |
| 2 | 29,000 to 50,000 THB |
| 3 | 23,500 to 37,900 THB |
| 4 | 20,800 to 32,000 THB |
| 5 | 22,000 to 26,700 THB |
| 6 | 20,400 to 24,500 THB |
| 7 | 19,300 to 23,000 THB |
| 8 | 19,000 to 22,000 THB |
Displayed prices are per person
Tour rates include:
- Lodging
- Private guide
- Tour around the lake
- Private long-tail boat from the moment of tour start until the tour ends
- Lunch and dinner on day-1, all meals on day-2 and breakfast on day-3
- Drinking water
- Kayaking (not included at Sai Chon Raft House)
- Insurance for incidents during the tour (covering eventual hospital costs)
Tour rates doesn't include:
- Entrance fees to the park
- Transfer to the lake from the nearby hotels/towns
- Parking fee (if you have your own vehicle)
- Kayaking at Sai Chon Raft House (the fee is included at the all other resorts we offer)
Reviews from our guests
By: World Wild Hearts | posted Sun 16 Apr, 2023 | Sai Chon
A video review from one of our guests. This clip wasn't promoted by us, nor were we informed in advance about it.
Review by; World Wild Hearts
By: Natalie Azoury | posted Tue 19 Aug, 2025 | Laguna
This was our favourite part of our trip. It is absolutely Serene. The view is incredible and surrounded by nature in such a peaceful place. Our guide, Ae and his son was organised through Thai National Parks and could not recommend him more. He was friendly, funny and informative. Everything we could want.
By: Thomas De Schutter | posted Sat 16 Aug, 2025 | Laguna
To give some context: we are an experienced traveling family, spending three months in Thailand. Our expectations for this 3-day/2-night private tour were therefore higher than average, not only because of our background but also because of the appealing website description and the price (52,000 THB for five people, Laguna stay).
The food, accommodation, and transport were good, and our guide Junn was friendly, spoke excellent English, and shared plenty of knowledge. However, the activities felt limited. The promised “jungle hike” turned out to be a short 500-meter walk (20 minutes), and the “viewpoint hike” was cancelled due to rain. An alternative waterfall walk was offered, but this too lasted only about 20 minutes. We understand that weather can interfere, yet in rainy season a solid backup plan seems essential.
Flexibility was also a bit disappointing. Although advertised as a key advantage of a private tour, requests to replace long breaks (3–5 hours of relaxing or kayaking) with an extra hike or boat safari were not possible. For this price we expected fuller, more engaging days.
That said, we were lucky to see elephants and even a bear, which was unforgettable.
Overall, it’s not a bad tour, but in our view overpriced for what is offered. First-time visitors may be more impressed, but for us it fell somewhat short of expectations.
> Tour operator's response
Sorry the tour didn't meet your expectations.
Regarding the price; there were a couple of more basic options which would have been much cheaper for you. For instance, Sai Chon would have cost only 33,500 Baht for 5 of you. Here you chose a more average resort, the prices were clearly displayed in our tour details page.
Only the big price difference between 2 mentioned resorts says a lot about the price. Unfortunately, the resorts are not cheap because of their popularity and logistics due to being in remote areas, there, you got 2 rooms for 2 nights. Then also a private boat and a guide at your service, the second most expensive bit in the lake.
As we replied to the other reviews; according estimates we made in the past, a similar tour in Europe would cost around 3 times the prices offered in the lake. So, with all involved 3rd party costs, we think the prices are more than fair.
---
As informed in our long summary message to you;
"August is a rainy season month. Although the weather will be good most of the time, there can be occasional rain, but there can be intensive and long rain sessions which happen a few times a year. Our tours will conduct even if the weather forecasts show signs of bad weather, because a boat driver and a guide will be committed to this service but also; rooms will be booked. We can't offer last minute discounts because some attractions/trails may not be accessible. The lake tours should be booked with "no matter the weather" in mind, expect to get soaked if you caught by sudden rain."
We had quite a few cases over the 7-10 days with the viewpoint hike/visit not being possible due to recent rain. Not everyone mention this in a review, but we got reports of quite a few disappointing moments.
The viewpoint hike activity takes a whole afternoon session before some later afternoon safari session. And if like you experienced the hike is not possible, there is not much more to offer in terms of long hikes.
Because the lake is surrounded by steep mountains and cliffs as you have seen, there are no longer hikes deep into the forest.
Chances for our guests to see elephants is around 40% and to see a bear is very small, so, you have been very lucky to see both. :)
By: Dan | posted Mon 11 Aug, 2025 | 360° Issara
This tour to Khao Sok was the highlight of our Thailand tour. The 3D/2N experience on the lake was amazing. Highly recommended!
By: Lisenka Akse | posted Thu 7 Aug, 2025 | Panvaree Resort
We had a wonderful two days at lake cheow lan with our guide Bee. Away from the crowds we did nice trails and saw special animimals and beautiful nature. Everthing was well organised and the guided was good and caring. The highlight of our Thailand trip.
By: Thorsten Näbig | posted Mon 4 Aug, 2025 | Panvaree Resort
Great nature, super guide, accommodation with upside potential in terms of maintenance
By: Martijn | posted Sun 3 Aug, 2025 | Panvaree T. G.
Our stay at Pantaree The Greenery in Khao Sok was magical. Nestled on a serene lake surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush rainforest, our floating bungalow offered simple comfort with direct access to the crystal-clear water—perfect for refreshing swims after hikes. Meals were another highlight: generous spreads of delicious local dishes for both lunch and dinner, making dining a relaxing, flavorful experience.
What truly made this trip unforgettable were our guide Lek and the skilled longtail boat captain. Lek’s deep jungle knowledge brought the rainforest to life as he led us to hidden waterfalls, rare butterflies, and through stunning caves. His sharp eye spotted wildlife from hornbills and white-bellied sea eagles to playful macaques, ensuring we didn’t miss a moment of nature’s wonders.
The captain, equally exceptional, navigated effortlessly through breathtaking scenery, recognizing birds from afar and taking us close to monkeys along the shore. A rare sighting of the majestic Great Hornbill became a highlight of our adventure.
Between adventurous hikes, exciting night tours, incredible wildlife encounters, and relaxing swims, we experienced the very best of Khao Sok. Thanks to Lek and the captain’s expertise, humor, and genuine care, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to discover the magic of this natural paradise!
By: Marijke Roelse | posted Fri 1 Aug, 2025 | 360° Issara
We booked a 3 day tour plus accommodation with the national park and everything was excellent. Both the guide and captain of the long tail and the 360 issara floating houses where perfect!
By: Yule Balster | posted Fri 1 Aug, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Stunning nature. Accommodation is extremely chabby. Food is basic and three of us got food poisening. My son is still ill at this point.
Since we paid €1200,- feels like it’s overpriced.
> Tour operator's response
Very sorry to hear about the food poisoning at the resort. This is a resort we very rarely get food poisoning reports from, perhaps once in every few years. It can happen more on the other more basic resorts.
This bit here is not to inform/remind you as you have already read that, but rather for the visitors reading your review, we inform all our guests about this during the enquiry process;
"We are not managing any of the floating resorts, we are booking these on behalf of our guests. With that said, any issues/disputes you may have with the rooms, please bring it up with the resort to sort it out. Our assigned guide can only help with the communication if needed.".
Regarding the "overpriced" bit. We have to remind you that there were 5 of you, 2 rooms booked for 2 nights, a boat, a guide and a boat driver at your service for 3 days. That would make €240 per person.
A while ago we had made an estimate about how much a similar tour could cost in Europe, we landed up at around 3 times the price we are offering.
Again, very sorry for what happened at the resort.
By: Marco Limpens | posted Thu 24 Jul, 2025 | Phupha Waree
Au was a very pleasant an knowledgeable guide. She kept us safe in the boat an the jungle and showed us the wildlife. I wish others a guide like her.