Surat Thani Trip: 3 Days, 2 Nights on a Budget of 2,800 Baht

**>> Cheow Lan Dam - Khao Sam Kler (Thai Guilin) - Pa Nang Prai - Khao Thep Pitak (Heart-Shaped Mountain)**

"Traveling allows us to experience the vastness of the world, and each journey often brings enriching experiences and cherished memories."

This trip was inspired by a tempting promotion from Air Asia, a budget airline known for its frequent deals. As self-proclaimed "low-cost travelers" who prioritize comfort despite limited budgets, we were thrilled to book our first flight to the southern region. After convincing a friend to join, we quickly secured our tickets.

At approximately 755 baht per person for a round-trip ticket, the price was incredibly reasonable for our budget.

Travel date: December 22-24, 2016

My plan: Itinerary

As this was our first time, we had to plan our transportation and accommodation in advance. Our destination was Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapha Dam), also known as the "Guilin of Thailand," a popular tourist spot.

Travel

- Fly from Don Mueang to Surat Thani.
- Rent a tuk-tuk for sightseeing, including airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Charter a boat for transportation to and from Panang Prai Resort, and for sightseeing at Cheow Lan Dam and Khao Sam Kler (the Thai Guilin).

Accommodation

Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Accommodation: "Baan Pak Rim Kuen" (House by the Dam)

Day 2:

• Accommodation: "Pa Nang Phai" (Floating House) - includes boat rental and three meals
• Food: Enjoy local cuisine at your leisure!

Activities

• Enjoy the view and take photos of the dam crest.
• Take a boat trip to see the Khao Sam Kler or Kweilin of Thailand.
• Relax at Nang Phai Raft, enjoy the breeze, admire the view, and experience the slow life.
• Play in the water, kayak around the raft.
• Take a boat trip to watch the sunset.
• Enjoy the view and take photos of Khao Thep Phithak or Heart-shaped Mountain.

Prepare your travel plan and wait for the travel day.

[ DAY 1 ] 22.12.59

Our flight departed at 3:40 PM from Don Mueang Airport and arrived at Surat Thani Airport at 4:55 PM (during the promotional price period). Since we arrived in the evening, we chose to stay at the dam so that we could explore the surrounding area early in the morning. We arranged for a chartered car to pick us up at the airport and take us to our booked accommodation.

The giant bird that took us to Surat Thani Airport today. Check in and board the plane, let's go...

The view from the sky is truly beautiful.

"We don't know what the road ahead will be like, but once we choose to go, we just have to get to our destination." It's raining to welcome us, lol. 555

Upon arrival, we called our pre-arranged car service, which promptly picked us up and took us to our accommodation. Before reaching our lodgings, we stopped for dinner. We stayed at "Baan Pak Rim Kuen" (as we arrived after dark and left early the next morning, we didn't take any pictures of the accommodation, which is a bit of a shame... but I must say that the owner provided excellent service).

[ DAY 2 ] 23.12.59

A drizzly morning.

This is the chartered car that will take us wherever we want to go. The driver is very friendly and provides excellent service. We can ask him to stop anywhere we like. The weather this morning is pleasant and not too hot, although it might be a bit cloudy. However, this won't stop our trip. This morning, we will stop to take photos at the dam crest before taking a boat to the Pa Nang Prai floating market.

Chiew Larn Dam: Panoramic View of the Dam

As we were taking photos, a light rain began to fall. We scrambled to find shelter, but the rain soon stopped. It was a fun, exciting, and hilarious trip, and we all got soaked!

"Rain? Who's afraid of rain... I'm more afraid of not being able to take pictures! 555"

The next step was to board a boat for a scenic tour of the dam. The highlight of the trip was a visit to Khao Sam Kler, the iconic landmark of Cheow Lan Dam, often referred to as the "Guilin of Thailand".

We asked the uncle to drop us off at the pier. He asked who we had booked the boat with and helped us call the boat driver to wait for us. Before boarding the boat, we paid the park fee of 40 baht per person. Then we were off...

Excitement for this trip is at its peak, even though the rain seems to be falling again...555. However, the rain has allowed us to discover a different perspective, with light mist and a cool atmosphere. It feels like we're on an adventurous boat ride amidst the mountains and surrounding waterways, waiting to experience the magical beauty of this place. The feeling is simply amazing! 😊

**The Three Friends: Kwai Lin of Thailand**

Three limestone mountains, hidden peacefully among other limestone mountains, on the emerald green water are a beauty waiting for tourists to visit. Which is similar to Guilin, China, so it is called "Guilin of Thailand" Amazing Thailand Thailand has many beautiful places to visit. Let's pack our bags and go on a trip together ^^

The next stop is "Pa Nang Prai" floating house, which is the closest to Khao Sam Kler and offers stunning views. Visitors can choose to stay overnight or simply visit for the day. The area is also known as a "fish sanctuary" due to its abundance of fish, attracting many visitors who come to stay overnight or visit for the day.

Upon arrival, it was lunchtime. We were so hungry that we didn't take any pictures of the food. However, the food was delicious. We had booked accommodation with meals included, so we didn't have to worry about what to eat. The raft had meals prepared for us. However, if you don't want meals, you can book the raft without meals.

The activity on the raft was simply taking pictures, enjoying the breeze, and admiring the view. Time seemed to slow down, and there was no rush. It was a feeling that is difficult to describe, but it was very happy. The happiness of being still, the happiness of being surrounded by nature. In the evening, we went kayaking and played in the water with friends. I must say, the water was very clear and very cold! 555

Camera ready...view ready.

Would you like to join us on a boat ride? This is our first time rowing, haha. Let me tell you, it was both scary and funny... but we made it out alive.

The next activity after rowing is a refreshing dip in the water.

The question is, was it fun? The answer is, yes, it was a lot of fun. The question is, was it cold? The answer is, yes, it was very cold. 😂 I'm going to take a shower right away.

After showering, the boatman asked if we wanted to watch the sunset. We readily agreed. However, as soon as we left the raft, it started to rain. So much for showering! We got soaked. 555 Did we see the sunset? Not at all! 🌄😂 It was more like a fun boat ride in the rain.

Upon returning to the raft, we had dinner and then bathed before going to sleep... The atmosphere at night was just as enjoyable, with the stars shining brightly across the sky. It was truly a blissful trip.

[ DAY 3 ] 24.12.59

Waking up to the first light of a new day, sipping coffee by the water, is a moment of pure bliss.

The first light of a new day... After yesterday's first-time kayaking experience, I invited a friend to join me for another round this morning.

After finishing breakfast, we took a boat back to the shore in the late morning. Before leaving, we visited Khao Sam Kler again. Today, the weather was good and the sky was clear after yesterday's overcast skies. We saw a different view of the dam, which was equally beautiful.

Farewell, Panangprai.

Yesterday, it rained. Today, it's sunny. But in both weather conditions, the view is truly beautiful.

We informed the uncle of our arrival time at the pier, and he was waiting to pick us up. Upon arrival, we called him, and he took us up to take pictures of the dam crest again.

Khao Thep Pitak: Heart-Shaped Mountain

The journey then continues to Khao Thep Phithak, also known as the "Heart-Shaped Mountain," which serves as a passageway to Surat Thani Airport.

"Even he has a heart, so why wouldn't we?" ❤ Whew! 555

The fun is over... It's time to return to Bangkok. Our 3-day, 2-night trip was a lot of fun and very enjoyable. It was a worthwhile holiday that made the most of our time, money, and the opportunity to experience the beauty of Thailand.

Farewell, Surat Thani... I hope to return again someday.

Expense Summary

- Roundtrip flight from Don Mueang to Bangkok: 755 Baht/person

- Tuk-tuk rental for sightseeing: 2500 Baht/5 = 500 Baht/person >> Uncle Korn: 061-141-2619

- Accommodation by the dam: 1600 Baht/5 = 320 Baht/person >> http://www.baanpakrimkuan.com/ Phone: 081-958-3133

- Boat rental to Pa Nang Prai: 2000 Baht/5 = 400 Baht/person

- Accommodation at Pa Nang Prai (including 3 meals): 800 Baht/person >> Book through Khun Arun: 081-085-1762 Pa Nang Prai + boat

- Park entrance fee: 40 Baht/person

- Total: ~ 2800 Baht/person