Rajjaprabha Dam (Cheow Lan Dam)

History & Significance

Construction of Rajjaprabha Dam began on February 9, 1982, and was completed in September 1987. On September 30, 1987, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, accompanied by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, officially inaugurated the dam and its hydroelectric power plant. The King graciously bestowed the name "Rajjaprabha," which translates to "light of the kingdom." This rockfill dam with a clay core stands 94 to 95 meters high, stretches 761 meters long, and has a massive reservoir capacity of 5,639 million cubic meters. It serves multiple purposes, including electricity generation, agricultural irrigation, flood control, freshwater fishing, and tourism.

Highlights & What to See

• Dam Crest Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of the vast reservoir and the impressive dam structure. The area is equipped with restaurants, shops, coffee shops, restrooms, and a spacious parking lot.
• Khao Sam Kloe: Three iconic limestone peaks rising vertically from the emerald-green water. This stunning formation is the official symbol of Cheow Lan Dam and is widely celebrated as the "Guilin of Thailand."
• Coral Cave (Tham Pakarang): Located in the "500 Rai Inner Sea" and managed by the Huai Tham Chan Ranger Station of Khao Sok National Park. The cave features unique stalagmites and stalactites that resemble underwater coral, formed by calcium carbonate precipitation. Inside, researchers have also discovered single-celled marine fossils dating back 250 to 400 million years, suggesting the region was once an ancient ocean.

Visitor Information

The dam is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00. Admission fees are 40 THB for Thai adults (20 THB for children) and 200 THB for foreign adults (100 THB for children). Various accommodations, including private and national park floating rafts, are available. Boat tours can be arranged at the Rajjaprabha Dam Municipal Pier, located 2 kilometers from the crest viewpoint. For inquiries, contact 077242560, 077918036, or 0833001730.

How to Get There

Rajjaprabha Dam is located in Ban Cheow Lan, Tambon Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province. Visitors can access the dam by traveling through Ban Ta Khun District. The older route via Phanom District is closed due to steep ravines.