THE GATEWAY TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Ratchaprapha Pier
Where Every Journey onto Cheow Lan Lake Begins
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
The Gateway to Cheow Lan Lake
Ratchaprapha Pier is where road travel ends and the lake journey begins.
Travelers arriving from Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Phuket or Krabi meet their guide or boat representative here before continuing across Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat.
Whether you are visiting for a day tour or spending several nights at a floating resort, understanding how the pier works makes the beginning of your journey considerably easier.
How to Get to Ratchaprapha Pier
Road connections and approximate travel times from Khao Sok, Surat Thani, Khao Lak, Krabi and Phuket.
Ratchaprapha Pier, also commonly known as Cheow Lan Pier, is located in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province. It is the main departure point for longtail boat journeys onto Cheow Lan Lake and can be reached by road from Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Phuket and Krabi.
For travellers with a scheduled floating resort transfer or lake tour, it is important to plan your road journey around your boat meeting time, rather than simply your hotel check-in time.
FROM SURAT THANI TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Surat Thani is the easiest transport hub for reaching Cheow Lan Lake. Travelers may arrive by flight, train or bus, but each arrival point is in a different location, so it is important to know exactly where your transfer starts.
FROM SURAT THANI AIRPORT
Surat Thani Airport is one of the most convenient arrival points for Cheow Lan Lake, especially if you are flying from Bangkok.
A private road transfer from the airport to the Ratchaprapha Pier area normally takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the exact meeting point.
If you are staying overnight on the lake, check your required pier arrival time before booking a flight. Floating resorts and private tours do not all depart at the same time, and arriving too late may mean that you cannot reach your resort as planned.
Practical advice: For an overnight lake stay, an early or mid-morning arrival at Surat Thani Airport gives you more flexibility than an afternoon flight.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Surat Thani Airport → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿1,800
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM SURAT THANI TOWN
Surat Thani town is farther east than the airport and railway station.
The road journey to Ratchaprapha Pier is typically around 1.5 hours. Public vans may be available toward the Ratchaprapha Dam area, but schedules and drop-off points can change. Thailand's tourism authority also describes road connections from Surat Thani town toward Ratchaprapha Dam at around this travel time.
For travelers with luggage, children, a fixed boat departure or a specific floating-resort check-in time, a pre-arranged transfer is usually simpler because it can take you directly to the correct pier.
IMPORTANT: YOUR BOAT DOES NOT LEAVE FROM SURAT THANI
Your road journey ends at Ratchaprapha Pier. From there, you continue into Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat.
The boat journey to your floating resort is separate from the road transfer and may take roughly
35 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the resort's location.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Surat Thani Town→ Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿2,200
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM SURAT THANI TRAIN STATION
Surat Thani Railway Station is actually located in Phun Phin, outside Surat Thani city.
From the station, allow roughly 1–1.5 hours by private vehicle to reach Ratchaprapha Pier, depending on road conditions.
Overnight trains from Bangkok are popular with travelers heading to Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake, but train arrival times can change. If your lake boat has a fixed departure time, leave a reasonable buffer between the scheduled train arrival and your pier check-in.
Practical advice: Do not arrange your boat departure too tightly around the published train arrival time.
FROM DON SAK PIER TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Best for travelers arriving from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao
Don Sak is an important connection point between the Gulf islands and Cheow Lan Lake. If you are travelling from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, you can arrive on the mainland and continue west by road toward Ratchaprapha Pier without travelling into Surat Thani town first.
This makes Don Sak → Cheow Lan Lake a practical route when combining the islands with an overnight stay on the lake.
From Don Sak to Ratchaprapha Pier
After arriving at Don Sak, continue by road directly to Ratchaprapha Pier.
Allow approximately 2–2.5 hours by private vehicle, depending on your ferry terminal, traffic and road conditions.
There is normally no reason to travel into Surat Thani town first if you have a private transfer waiting at the ferry terminal. Going directly from Don Sak toward Ban Ta Khun and Ratchaprapha Pier is the more practical route.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Don Sak Pier → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿3,500
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM PHUKET TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Phuket and Cheow Lan Lake can be combined comfortably in the same trip, but allow enough time for the road journey. From Phuket, you travel north across the mainland and then east toward Ratchaprapha Pier in Ban Ta Khun.
Depending on where you start in Phuket, the drive normally takes around 2.5–3.5 hours, and longer should be allowed when traffic is heavy. Your own current transfer information also places Phuket–Cheow Lan Lake in roughly this range, depending on the pickup area.
From Phuket Airport
Phuket International Airport is the most convenient starting point in Phuket for travelling directly to Cheow Lan Lake.
The airport is in northern Phuket, so you avoid much of the additional driving involved when starting from Patong, Kata or Karon.
Allow approximately 2.5–3 hours for a private transfer to Ratchaprapha Pier under normal conditions. Your current route data puts Phuket Airport at approximately 140 km from the pier.
If you are flying into Phuket specifically for Cheow Lan Lake, check your flight arrival against your boat departure before booking. Remember to allow time for immigration if arriving internationally, baggage collection and meeting your driver.
Practical advice: Surat Thani Airport is closer to Cheow Lan Lake. But if Phuket fits your international flights or overall Thailand itinerary better, travelling directly from Phuket Airport is completely practical.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Phuket → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿4,500
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM KRABI TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Krabi is another practical starting point for Cheow Lan Lake, especially if you are travelling from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Krabi Airport.
By private vehicle, the direct road journey to Ratchaprapha Pier is roughly 125–135 km depending on the starting point. Route estimates are around 2 hours from Krabi or Ao Nang in clear conditions, but for a lake departure we recommend allowing around 2.5–3 hours rather than planning around the minimum driving time.
From Krabi Airport
Krabi Airport is a convenient starting point if you are flying into southern Thailand and travelling directly to Cheow Lan Lake.
The direct road distance to the Ratchaprapha area is approximately 130 km, with route estimates of about 2 hours in clear conditions.
For an actual transfer, allow additional time for baggage collection, meeting your driver, traffic and a short stop if needed.
If you plan to stay at a floating resort on the same day, check the required pier arrival time before choosing your flight. A flight landing around midday may be too late for a resort with a scheduled boat departure.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Krabi → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿3,200
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM KOH SAMUI TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Koh Samui and Cheow Lan Lake can be combined in the same trip without returning to Surat Thani town. The practical route is to take a ferry from Koh Samui to Don Sak, meet your driver on the mainland and continue directly by road to Ratchaprapha Pier.
For most travelers, think of the journey in three parts:
Koh Samui → Don Sak → Ratchaprapha Pier → Floating Resort
Ferry from Koh Samui to Don Sak
Several ferry services connect Koh Samui with the mainland.
For example, Seatran currently operates between Nathon Pier and Don Sak, with a crossing of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Raja Ferry also operates between Lipa Noi and Don Sak, with a similar crossing time.
The important detail is which ferry pier you use on Koh Samui and which terminal you arrive at in Don Sak.
When arranging your onward transfer, give the driver:
Ferry company • Departure pier • Departure time • Scheduled Don Sak arrival time
Do not simply say “ferry from Samui,” because different operators use different terminals.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Koh Samui → Ratchaprapha Pier
Koh Tao → Ratchaprapha Pier
Koh Phangan → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿8,000
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM KOH TAO TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Koh Tao is the Gulf island that requires the most careful planning when connecting to Cheow Lan Lake.
The sea journey is longer, and you need enough time after reaching the mainland for the road transfer to Ratchaprapha Pier.
Check the Ferry Route Carefully
Not every Koh Tao service reaches the same mainland destination.
This is important because tickets may be sold to Surat Thani, while the actual journey can involve different piers and onward transfers.
For Cheow Lan Lake, a service that gets you to Don Sak early enough can be particularly useful because you can continue directly to Ratchaprapha Pier without going into Surat Thani town.
A Useful 2026 Connection
There is currently a particularly useful morning option.
Boonsiri announced an updated service on 31 July 2026 operating:
Koh Tao 08:00 → Koh Phangan 09:15 → Koh Samui 10:00 → Don Sak 11:40
This is a current 2026 timetable, but ferry schedules can change, so travelers should recheck it for their actual travel date.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Koh Tao → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿8,000
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM KHAO SOK TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Khao Sok village and Cheow Lan Lake are both associated with Khao Sok National Park, but they are separate areas connected by road.
From Khao Sok village, the journey to Ratchaprapha Pier is approximately 60-65 km and normally takes around 1 hour by private vehicle.
If You Are Staying in Khao Sok Village
Most accommodation around Khao Sok village is near the national park headquarters and the Sok River. To begin a Cheow Lan Lake tour, you need a road transfer east to Ratchaprapha Pier.
If your lake tour has a fixed departure time, arrange the transfer in advance and confirm whether pickup from your Khao Sok hotel is already included.
Allow some extra time rather than planning to arrive at the pier exactly at the boat departure time.
Private Transfer
For travelers starting a lake tour the same morning, a private transfer is the simplest option.
You are collected directly from your hotel and taken to the correct pier without intermediate stops. This is particularly useful when you have luggage, are travelling with children, or need to meet a private boat or guide at a specific time.
Public and shared transport can take longer because of additional pickups, drop-offs and connections. Current Khao Sok transport guidance specifically recommends avoiding public transfers when you have a lake tour starting the same day.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Khao Sok → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿1,600
This booking is for the road transfer only.
FROM KHAO LAK TO CHEOW LAN LAKE
Khao Lak is a convenient place to travel from before visiting Cheow Lan Lake, particularly if you are combining the beaches of Phang Nga with an overnight stay at a floating resort.
From the main Khao Lak area to Ratchaprapha Pier, allow approximately 2–3 hours by private vehicle. The exact time depends on where your hotel is located;
Khao Lak is a long coastal area rather than a single town. Current route estimates put the road journey at roughly 128 km and just over 2 hours without significant stops, so using a wider 2–3 hour planning window is more sensible for guests with a boat to catch.
Your Hotel Location Matters
PRIVATE TRANSFER
Khao Lak → Ratchaprapha Pier
Private vehicle from ฿3,500
This booking is for the road transfer only.
When arranging the transfer, provide the exact hotel name, not simply “Khao Lak.”
Hotels around Nang Thong or Bang Niang will have a different pickup time from properties farther north around Khuk Khak, Pak Weep or Bang Sak.
This matters particularly when your floating resort has a fixed pier check-in or boat departure. Your pickup time should be calculated backwards from the required arrival at Ratchaprapha Pier, with some additional time allowed for road conditions.
Private Transfer
For guests entering Cheow Lan Lake on the same day, a private transfer is the most straightforward option.
The driver collects you from your Khao Lak hotel and takes you directly to Ratchaprapha Pier, where you meet your guide or continue by longtail boat to the floating resort.
There is no need to travel to Khao Sok village first.
This is an important distinction because public transport routes in this part of southern Thailand often use Khao Sok village as a connection point, whereas a private vehicle can travel directly to the lake side. Public-transport options can therefore involve a bus toward Khao Sok followed by another vehicle to the pier.
AT RATCHAPRAPHA PIER
From Arrival to Boarding
What to expect when you arrive at Ratchaprapha Pier, from meeting your guide to getting ready for your journey onto Cheow Lan Lake.
01 — ARRIVE AT THE PIER
Meet Your Guide or Boat Representative
Arrive at the agreed meeting point before your scheduled departure. If your journey includes a private transfer, your driver will take you directly to the pier and help you meet your guide or boat representative.
02 — CHECK-IN & PREPARATION
Get Ready for the Lake
Your guide or representative will assist with the boat arrangements and any required national park procedures. Before boarding, there is time to use the restroom, buy drinks or snacks, and prepare anything you need for the journey.
03 — BOARD YOUR LONGTAIL BOAT
Luggage Travels With You
Most journeys use traditional Thai longtail boats. Your luggage can travel with you on the boat, although a smaller overnight bag is easier to handle for short floating-resort stays.
Keep passports, phones, cameras and other valuables protected from water.
Before You Board
A few practical things are worth knowing before you leave Ratchaprapha Pier, especially if you are staying overnight on Cheow Lan Lake.
01 — KEEP VALUABLES DRY
Protect Phones, Cameras & Passports
Longtail boats are open-sided and spray or rain can reach your belongings. Keep phones, cameras, passports and other valuables in a waterproof bag.
03 — PREPARE FOR THE BOAT RIDE
Sun, Rain & Wind
Bring sun protection and a light rain jacket. Weather on Cheow Lan Lake can change quickly, particularly during the rainy season.
02 — PACK LIGHT FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS
Your Luggage Travels by Boat
Luggage can travel with you, but a smaller overnight bag is easier to carry on and off the boat. Large suitcases can be left with your hotel or transfer provider when arrangements allow.
04 — USE THE PIER FACILITIES
Before Leaving for the Lake
Use the restroom and buy any drinks or small essentials you need before boarding. Facilities become much more limited once you leave the pier.
OVERVIEW
Understanding Ratchaprapha Pier
Ratchaprapha Pier sits beside Ratchaprapha Dam in Ban Ta Khun, Surat Thani, on the eastern side of the Khao Sok area. It is separate from Khao Sok Village and the National Park Headquarters, which are around an hour away by road.
To Khao Sok →
Turn-off to Ratchaprapha Dam
←
← To Surat Thani Airport / Town
Road to Ratchaprapha Pier
The pier serves day trips, private lake journeys and transfers to floating resorts across Cheow Lan Lake. Once you leave the pier, travel across the lake is by longtail boat, with journey times depending on where you are heading.
For travellers staying in Khao Sok Village before or after the lake, it is important to treat the village and the pier as two separate locations when planning transfers and departure times.
WESTERN SIDE
Khao Sok Village & Park Headquarters
The main base for exploring Khao Sok on land, with the National Park Headquarters, accommodation and restaurants nearby.
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Jungle trails
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National Park Headquarters
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Sok River activities
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Hotels & village stays
EASTERN SIDE
Cheow Lan Lake & Ratchaprapha Pier
The main gateway to Cheow Lan Lake, where longtail boats depart for floating resorts and destinations across the lake.
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• Longtail boat departures
• Floating resorts
• Lake attractions
• Routes deeper into Cheow Lan Lake
RATCHAPRAPHA PIER
Cheow Lan Lake Gateway
KHAO SOK VILLAGE
Park Headquarters
Boat Journey
Distances & Travel Times Across Cheow Lan Lake
Longtail boat journey across Cheow Lan Lake
Floating resorts are located across different parts of Cheow Lan Lake, so boat travel times vary considerably. Resorts closer to Ratchaprapha Pier can be reached in around 35–50 minutes, while those deeper inside the lake may take 60–80 minutes or longer depending on conditions.
Travel times are approximate and can vary with weather, lake conditions, boat type and route.