Leaving Surat Thani, we stopped at a local cafe for breakfast, which was a nice change from a hotel breakfast. We were driving this day to Khao Sok National Park. We had been told to pack an overnight bag and that our luggage would stay on the bus while we overnighted at an over-water bungalow on Chiew Larn Lake. The national park that we visited is the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand. One of the reasons the forest is in such original condition today is that in 1944 an epidemic killed many people living here and those remaining fled the area. The area was not inhabited until the 1970s when Thai student activists set up camp in the forest. The area became a national park in the 1980s and only a few years later a large area of the park was flooded for a hydroelectricity dam.
Breakfast in Phunphin
Phunphin street
The bus driver dropped us at the pier on the dam. Long boats were taking people in various directions and we were soon on our way. Very pretty views from the boat, but not the most comfortable ride sitting low on a plank seat.
Arriving at the long boat pier
Boat coming in
On our way
First look at the limestone karsts here
Chiew Larn Lake is part of the dam. Here have been built isolated groups of bungalows that are only accessible by boat. It took 50 minutes or so to reach The Laguna, Chiewlarn and as the bungalows came into view we were impressed at the setting.
Here are our over water bungalows
He has unloaded us
Arriving at the communal area
Inside our hut, basic but quite comfortable
By the lake
No AC in the day so this is the place to be
In the water is even better
These fish don't bite
The bungalows are set on the waters edge with towering trees and mountains as a backdrop. Each hut has its own bathroom (cold shower) and all meals are supplied in the communal dining area. There was only one issue..electric power was only on between 6pm and 6am. Which was only a problem as it was hot. Still, a lake swimming pool outside our front door took care of cooling off. And at night we had aircon. Quite a luxury in this remote area. It was a quiet afternoon. Some of the group went off hiking to a cave. Apparently a slippery path so we opted to stay by the resort. It was lovely just looking at the water, mountains and trees. Hardly a sound except longboat engines.
Dusk
Local fish for dinner
We were up early next morning for a longboat ride to checkout the wildlife. Of which we did not see any. Not even a bird! But the views as the world changed from misty gray to bright sunlight was magical. It was a beautiful place to stay.
Leaving the resort
Back to the pier
This featured blog entry was written by jannettek from the blog Time to travel.
Read comments or Subscribe
