Escape PM 2.5 dust: Visit Ratchaprapha Dam (Guilin of Thailand), Surat Thani Province

     Ratchaprapha Dam, or better known to everyone in the area as "Chiao Lan Dam" or Guilin of Thailand, is a rockfill dam. Overlooking the dam are limestone mountains with strange shapes, where nature has perfectly arranged the water side by side with the walls of the limestone mountains, making this place a new peaceful and beautiful world.

     Furthermore, according to data from the Air Quality and Noise Management Division, Pollution Control Department, air quality reports in Surat Thani Province show that the amount of particulate matter not exceeding 2.5 microns (PM 2.5) ranges from 23 to 46 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) almost all year round, which is considered excellent quality. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people want to escape the pollution elsewhere and travel to the southern region.

      For activities worth doing at the Ratchaprapa Dam, in addition to enjoying the pure fresh air to the fullest, tourists can also sleep in tents, take a boat to see the nature above the dam, and admire the impressive natural formations of  Khao Sam Kler, three limestone peaks jutting out of the reservoir, as well as go paddling a kayak or canoe. Some accommodations provide services for tourists, such as the Nang Phrai, Tone Toey, and Krai Sorn Forest Conservation Area, which offer canoe rentals for 200 baht per day. Visitors can also explore the Nam Talu Cave, which is a 6-kilometer walk from the forest conservation area. It is classified as a large cave with flowing streams and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is necessary to have a guide to explore the cave.

Attractions worth visiting in the Chiao Lan Dam area

1. Mae Yai Waterfall is located about 5.5 kilometers from the headquarters, which is the only waterfall within the national park that can be accessed by car. It is a single-tiered waterfall with a height of about 30 meters. The water fills the cliffs and scatters white bubbles in the rainy season. It is a wonderful, refreshing sight.
2. Wang Hin Waterfall is located about 2.8 km from the headquarters. It is a small waterfall, about 15 meters high, with a viewpoint called Bang Wing Hin Waterfall. It is another point with beautiful scenery. And there is a place for swimming for at least 500 people called Wang Yao, a long and wide reservoir.
3. Tang Nam is a 3.2km walk from the Bang Wing Hin Waterfall and just 6 km away from the headquarters. Two majestic cliffs can be seen facing each other; it is located on the deep end of the Sok canal and serves as the habitat for a variety of fish species.
4. Ton Kloi Waterfall is located approximately 1 km from the Tang Nam cliffs and 7 km from the headquarters. Ton Kloi Waterfall is a waterfall originating from Sok canal, a beautiful one-level waterfall on the Sok canal that plunges from a cliff about 20 meters high and has a consistent water stream flowing all year round. On the waterfall floor, there is a stone courtyard for relaxation.
5. Than Sawan Waterfall is located about 1 km from Tang Nam, and 6 km from the headquarters. It is a waterfall originating from Huai Bang Phlu Chud, which flows into the Sok canal. The waterfall flows down from the sheer cliff and curves like a rainbow. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
6. Ton Sai Waterfall is located about 2 km from Ton Kloi Waterfall and 11 km from the headquarters. It is another beautiful waterfall along the Sok canal.

Accommodation and Facilities

1. Accommodations for tourists in the Ratchaprapa Dam area include a few lodges and mainly raft houses, under the responsibility of the forest conservation area and Khao Sok National Park. The first, at the 2nd unit of Khao Sok National Park, has two lodges with a total capacity of 30 people. The Nang Prai Unit has six raft houses with a total capacity of 50 people. At the Ton Toey Unit, there are seven raft houses with a total capacity of 10-18 people. Finally, at the Kraisorn Unit, there are ten raft houses available for 500 baht per person per night, including meals. Visitors need to rent a long-tailed boat at the pier to reach the raft houses, and the price depends on the distance traveled. To travel to the Nang Prai raft house, the price is 1,200-2,000 baht, while the charge to the Ton Toei and Kraisor raft houses is 1,700 baht. Visitors should book accommodation in advance by calling 07729 9318-9. In addition, there are also many privately owned raft houses available.
2. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) also provides accommodations with exciting activities, such as an 18-hole standard golf course and boat tours to explore the atmosphere of the northern reservoir. For more information, contact 07724 2560 ext. 2512. The accommodations have 200 rooms for tourists, with prices ranging from 800 to 4,500 baht per night. For further details, phone 07724 2560-1 ext. 5008 during business hours.

Location: Moo 3, Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, 90 kilometers from Surat Thani city.

     How to get there: From Mueang District, get on Highway No. 401, turn into the National Park Conservation Area, 2nd Khao Sok National Park (Chiao Lan) at the 60th kilometer, a distance of 14 kilometer

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