This is an amazing destination for those who love the beauty of nature. Located in southern Thailand I ventured this way after leaving the beautiful island on Koh Samui. This state park is home to the oldest rainforest in the world. But it's much more than that. The limestone rock formations rival that of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
During the Covid pandemic I still traveled. For this particular trip I had to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days before I could venture out, but it was worth it. I mean, quarantine in a luxury hotel for which I paid in free points so I can see this later? Sign me up!
The unique part of this adventure is very few people were traveling during the pandemic. This made for once in a lifetime experiences like this. Entering a popular national park and having it essentially to yourself!
In the park is Cheow Larn Lake. The highlight of the park in my opinion. There were an abundance of boatsman here ready to take you on their long tail boat into the rock formations. Since there were no tourists, bargaining would have been a breeze for the budget travelers. However, I knew they were all struggling to make a living at this time so I went against my nature and simply paid the 2,000 baht ($60) asking price.
From there it was isolated beauty. I'll let the pictures do the talking:
Venturing out!
Look at all the unused life jackets. These boat tours are very popular. But nobody was there because of the pandemic. What a great time to be a traveler!
Accommodations in the park on the lake.
Basic accommodations. Nothing but a room with mattresses. I only had the boatsman stop here so I could take pictures. I did not stay as I already had accommodations at another place. But I have stayed in a place identical to this on a lake before. Very refreshing to get out of your room and jump in the lake.
Lots of fish to swim with.
Time to leave this beauty behind and on to another adventure!
This lake is formed by the Ratchapraphra dam. The park itsef is estimated to be over 160 million years old making it older than the rainforest in Brazil. The emerald waters surrounded by the limestone rock does make you feel like you're in prehistoric times. I kept looking for Jurassic Park dinosaurs at every turn. This was enhanced having this place to myself. Such a rare opportunity!
I'll leave you with some videos so you can enjoy the peace and solitude I did:
Absolutely beautiful
Beuitiful area. I was surprised not to see any wildlife at least some birds. There were the fish but nothing else. It's amazing how natural everything has stayed over the many years.