Let nature embrace us… at Ratchaprapha Dam (Chiao Lan), Surat Thani Province, a place known as the Guilin of Thailand. The image of the morning mist clinging to the limestone peaks makes us feel refreshed and as if we have escaped from the old world. And that's why this place is a "Dream destination" for many people;)

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::Travel::

::DAY 1::

We took a flight at 13.15 and arrived at Surat Thani Airport around 3 pm. On the first day, we took a bus to stay in Surat Thani city first. There will be a bus of Phantip company parked in front of the airport to the city for 100 baht per person. It takes about 1 hour to reach the front of Kaset Market 1, which is across the street from Kaset Market 2 (where the van to the dam is located).

We booked a hotel in the city called The One. We booked here because it is close to the Kaset 2 Market. We can walk from the hotel to the van queue to go to the dam, which is not too far away.

After checking in and settling into our accommodation, we headed out for dinner at the 'Market in front of the Shrine'. The market was bustling with food stalls and was a renowned local attraction.

We had lunch and walked around Surat Thani city center. We took some photos by the Tapi River before returning to our accommodation.

::DAY2::

We woke up at 6:00 AM and had breakfast at the hotel. We then walked from the hotel to the Phantip van company office, which is located at the entrance of the Kaset 2 market. After walking about 20 meters, the company office will be on your right-hand side. The van departs at 9:00 AM and costs 100 baht per person. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The raft operator informed us that we should take the van to their office first to check in. Then, a van from the raft operator will take us to the pier.

The accommodation we stayed at was called 'Phu Tawan Floating House', contact number 081-6069007. The accommodation cost was 4,000 baht per person for 3 days and 2 nights (wooden house with glass windows, fan room, shared bathroom). This price includes 6 meals, boat transfer from the pier, boat trip to Khao Sam Kler, hiking, bamboo raft ride, and a visit to the coral cave. (We went on this trip with 2 people.)

After arriving at the office of Pa Phu Ta Wan around 10:30, we checked in and boarded a van to the pier to wait for the boat. The boat ride took about 30 minutes to reach the floating raft.

The front of the raft we stayed on.

After packing our bags, we went out to enjoy the view and relax at our leisure. We had our first meal at noon. After lunch, we took the boat out for a paddle. There was a 200฿ deposit for each paddle. After paddling, we continued to play in the water in front of our room while waiting for dinner at 6:30 pm.

Most of the food at the restaurant is southern Thai cuisine, and the taste is quite good.

Enjoy a drink at the raft before heading to bed.

::DAY3::

Have breakfast at 7:30 AM. After breakfast, around 8:00 AM, we will take a boat to see Khao Sam Kler. Once we arrive, the guide will stop the boat for us to take pictures and admire the natural beauty.

The atmosphere on the way to Khao Sam Kler

Surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains.

After taking photos, we continued by boat to go hiking. The boat arrived at the entrance of the national park.

We then need to hike for about 2 kilometers before taking a bamboo raft to the coral cave.

At the Coral Cave, a guide will be present to provide instructions and narrate the cave's history.

After admiring the beauty of the cave, we will return on the same path.

Upon arriving at the accommodation, we had lunch just in time. After lunch, our activities included swimming, kayaking, and reading books. At 6:30 PM, we had dinner.

::DAY4::

We checked out around 9:00 AM. On the way back, it was the same as before. The raft's boat took us to the pier.

Upon arrival at the pier, we called the office of Phu Ta Wan Resort and requested them to arrange a van to pick us up at the office and take us to the airport. The van fare was 200 baht per person. The journey from Phu Ta Wan Resort office to the airport took approximately 1 hour.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCXmmn59BJxSRjopJAgjmMsQ

Thank you to everyone who has followed our journey and photos. We hope to see you again on our next trip!