Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake Day Tour from Phuket

Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat

The heart of this Khao Sok tour from Phuket is a safari across Cheow Lan Lake on a traditional long-nosed Thai boat. You glide between steep green cliffs, stop at the famous Guilin rocks for photos and moor at a floating restaurant for lunch. Afterwards there is free time on the water for swimming and canoeing before the boat returns to the pier. A lookout over the lake is part of the route as well.

Two ways to do the day

Cheow Lan + Samet Nangshe starts early with a pickup-truck ride up to Samet Nangshe viewpoint, where Phang Nga Bay looks like Ha Long Bay or a scene from Pandora. After the lake, you visit Wat Bang Thong, one of the most beautiful temples in Phang Nga province. Canoes are included in this option.

Cheow Lan + elephants swaps the viewpoint for land-based stops on the way: the Monkey Cave and Wat Suwan Khuha, a cave temple with stalactites and bats, then an elephant ride and a baby elephant show. The lake cruise to the Guilin rocks is scheduled for the afternoon, and canoe rental is paid separately. Pick this version if your kids are keen on elephants; choose Samet Nangshe if panoramic views matter more.

Who it suits

The program is mostly sightseeing and a calm boat ride on a lake rather than the open sea, so it is fine for families and for anyone who dislikes waves. The tour is listed as suitable for pregnant travellers, but elephant riding is not recommended during pregnancy.

Practical tips

Expect a long day with an early start and an evening return. Bring swimwear and a towel for the lake, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and clothes covering shoulders and knees for the temples. Temple entrance tickets are paid on the spot, so carry some cash. The order of stops may change at the guide's discretion.