This post was sent to us by Sukanya Na Nan, Thailand.

It was a beautiful morning when we got to Surat Thani bus station in the Surat Thani province about 650 kilometers south of Bangkok. Above us hanged a sign “to Ratchaprapa Dam and Khao Sok National Park” – the destination of our natural escape holiday.

The bus trip took us due west on highway Route 401, or the Surat Thani-Takua Pa road. The bus then veered right at about kilometer stone 57 onto Route 109. Then about 12 kilometers after leaving Highway 401, it was already time to get off of the bus.

Our experienced bus driver took less than one and a half hours to travel from Surat Thani to the edge of Ratchaprapa Dam, a beautiful and surreal place that is often likened to the incredible “Guilin” landscapes in southern China.

As soon as we had a chance to load our belongings onto a rented long-tailed boat we were able to enjoy the astonishing elegance of the dam itself and crystal clear waters of the reservoir.

Ratchaprapa Dam or Chiao Lan reservoir was built in 1982 under the supervision of Khao Sok National Park and Provincial Electricity Authority to provide hydro-electricity to Surat Thani city and other nearby towns.

Impressive pillars rose upright into the bright blue sky
A resemblance of Guilin
Pier of long-tailed boats
Pier of long-tailed boats

When water filled the dam over 100 islands formed; many of them are stunning pillars rising upright against the bright blue sky. The mysterious and charming scenery makes us all gaze on in awe at the beauty of the exotic sights surrounding us.

After spending an hour of pleasurable sightseeing by long-tail boat we then got to our destination, a floating raft house operated by local people to promote Eco-tourism and support the local economy.  The raft house is situated in a beautiful setting, resting along the edge of the clear green reservoir with a verdant forested backdrop.

We hurried to change our clothes and to get ready for our next activity, a tour of the lake by canoe.

“Don’t forget your life vest!” Mr. Somsak, an officer of Khao Sok National Park, said promptly. He also added, “Many people do not realize how deep the water is.”

Khun Somsak led us to the most popular scenic point of Ratchaprapa reservoir, to a point where the tremendous stone pillars stand vertically on the green clear water. This spot is aptly dubbed – “Thailand’s Guilin”.

To end a perfect canoeing journey we paddled back to the raft house and were able to watch as the sun lowered itself to kiss the water. Then when we got back, our breath was again taken away by the glorious sight of twilight over the magnificent landscape.

In the morning, the dawn has lighted the portrait of mountains and cliffs, covered in rain forest and forming yet another spectacular natural scene in the mist.

Filling our tummies with yummy breakfast was our first routine for the day. After the meal, we were ready to explore Nam Ta-lu cave, which is located deeper in the woods behind our raft house.

A line of floating raft house on the side of Ratchprapa dam
Floating raft house
A current of cloud floated above Ratchprapa dam
Ratchaprapa Dam

Along the way to the cave, the atmosphere is absolutely serene while we stroll under the green foliage of rain forest vegetation and are surrounded by the calls of nature. We barely notice the cave at all when we are only 30 meters from the entrance.

Within the cave are splendid stalagmite and stalactite formations growing brilliantly, and showing their spectacular natural forms that have been shaped through thousands of years of mineral deposits, left behind by trillions of drops of water.  Our feet are soaked by a cool stream that ran through the cave for 500 meters long and the caving experience is cool and pleasant as it is spectacular.

We leave the cave with admiration and respect for the beauty of this natural wonder. The trip to Ratchaprapa dam is more than a pleasant excursion but also a reminder of the wonders of nature, a call to life.

Ratchaprapa dam seems to be an almost surreal and heaven-sent place that has been carefully hidden from the digital world. It also reminds us that as members of the human community, we are blessed with the opportunity to venture out and become more connected with the wonders of nature.

For more information please contact:
Khao Sok National Park
Mu 6, Khlong Sok Sub-district, Amphur Phanom
Surat Thani 84250 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 77 395 139
Fax: +66 (0) 77 395 155
E-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th
Website: http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style2/default.asp?npid=200&lg=2

The beam of sunlight pierces through the cloud
Good morning Ratchprapa dam
Map of Surat Thani
Map of Surat Thani



Related Articles