Khao Sok National Park
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Khao Sok National Park |
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One of the most spectacular destinations to be visited during your stay in Phuket is Khao Sok National Park, especially Rajjaprabha Dam and Cheow Lan Reservoir. It is possible to go there and back by taxi at one day. Distance is about 180 km between Phuket airport and entrance to Rajjaprabha Dam area. Highways and access road are in a good condition. Parts of them have 4 lanes. |
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| How to reach Rajjaprabha Dam? Take H 402 northbound, pass Sarasin Bridge, proceed to Khok Kloi, but do not enter the village. Take bypass road instead and proceed (direction Phangngaa) until Takua Thung. After passing this village watch for entrance of Wat Suwan Kuha to left. Have a coffee break there after one hour driving. Clean restrooms are available. Proceed to Phangngaa town, but do not enter it. Take bypass road instead (direction Krabi) and proceed to Thap Phut. Turn right onto H 4 and follow it until nearly Ta Saeng Na. Do not enter this village, but watch for intersection H 415 at your left hand side. Follow it passing a great landscape covered by palm and rubber trees. After one hour's drive on H 415 you will reach H 401 coming from Takua Pa (from left) and leading to Surratthani (to right). Follow it for about 12 km until a signpost shows you access road to Rajjaprabha Dam. 12 more kilometers at access road and you must stop at main gate. |
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You now will enter the private area of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). A polite guardian will ask you for your identity card. Given you a receipt, he will keep it until you leave the area. |
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Great views over dam and lake! |
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At good weather you should not miss the possibility hiring a long tail boat and going around on the lake for about 2½ - 3 hours. Lunch is available at a raft house restaurant. |
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The boats wait collectively in a small harbor bay. A board registers which boat is next. The choice of a certain boat or boatswain is not possible for no haggling. Fees (November 2007): 400 Baht entrance, 1.200 Baht boat, 200 Baht tip). The tour is predetermined - why not? There is only one choice: Boat trip to the swimming restaurant, lunch, returning. |
 Typical bank segment |
After a few minutes you will be on the move alone on the lake by "your" boat and "your" boatswain. Only the water and the limestone rocks surround you. There is no way around the lake, no noise from the shore disturbs your loneliness. A trip being worth its time and money! |
 A Bit of Civilisation in the Wilderness |
There! A bit of civilisation appears in the background which turns out with closer looking as not at all underdeveloped. |
 Detail of that Bit |
Soon the well-known raft houses emerge, small huts for accommodation. |
 Floating Accommodation |
At the landing stage you will be welcome friendly. The floating restaurant in the background invites you. |
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 A friendly Welcome |
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They will serve typical and excellent food: A delightful Tom Yam Gung, fish freshly from the lake fried in herbs, steamed rice and fresh fruit. |
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 Dark View! |
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The boatswain is mastering his craft. In spite of wind and rain on the way back he manoeuvres the boat safely through the rocks. He knows the course by heart. There are no buoys. He has earned a good tip, not only a "khop khunaa khap". |
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 The Boatswain knows the Course by heart |
| Guided Excursions |