Full Day Trip to Cheowlan Lake and Samet Nangshe from Phuket

A Practical Look at the Full Day Trip to Cheowlan Lake and Samet Nangshe from Phuket

Taking a full-day tour from Phuket to explore some of Thailand’s most captivating sights can be an adventure in itself. This particular trip promises visits to the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake, the panoramic Samet Nangshe viewpoint, and the unique Wat Bang Thong Buddhist temple, all wrapped up in approximately 12 hours. It’s a packed itinerary designed to showcase Thailand’s natural beauty and spiritual charm, but it’s not without some quirks.

What we really like about this tour is the chance to see Cheow Lan Lake, often called Thailand’s most beautiful lake, famous for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. The opportunity to explore the lake on a traditional Thai long-tail boat, combined with a scenic viewpoint that rivals Halong Bay or Pandora’s treasures, makes for some truly memorable moments. Plus, the visit to Wat Bang Thong offers a glimpse into Thailand’s religious diversity, blending Thai and Chinese Buddhist traditions.

However, a key consideration is the length and language barrier of the trip. As some reviews have pointed out, the long travel times — over 3 hours each way — can feel quite tiring, especially if you’re not fond of long bus rides. Plus, the fact that the tour was experienced in Russian rather than English left some travelers feeling disconnected from the guide’s commentary, which diminishes the overall value if you’re looking to learn about each stop.

This tour suits travelers who love scenic vistas, nature, and cultural sights and are prepared for a long day in transit. It’s best for those who are comfortable with group tours, are flexible with language, and want to tick off multiple destinations in one trip. If you’re after a more relaxed experience or detailed guided insights, this might not be your perfect choice.

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery with views comparable to famous landscapes like Halong Bay or Pandora’s floating islands.
• Long travel times mean a full day on the road, which could be exhausting but also offers a chance to enjoy Thailand’s countryside.
• Limited guided commentary due to language issues, which might impact understanding of the sites visited.
• The boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake is a highlight, especially the chance to see the iconic Guilin Rocks and enjoy canoeing.
• Inclusion of lunch and boat rides adds value, making this a reasonably priced way to see multiple sights.
• Group size is small (max 10 travelers), fostering a more intimate experience, though this varies depending on the day.
• Some travelers found the tour not worth the long trip, citing dissatisfaction with the language barrier and limited information about each site.
• Good for adventure seekers and nature lovers who don’t mind the long hours and are more interested in scenery than detailed historical or cultural explanations.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting early from Phuket, the tour kicks off around 6:50 am with pickup from your hotel. The first major stop is Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, about an hour away, where the scene is all about taking in sweeping views of the limestone islands in the bay. From the top, you’ll see a landscape that resembles Halong Bay or even a scene from Pandora. The viewpoint is quite accessible, and you’ll get some free time for photos and resting before moving on.

Next, you’ll head to Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol, a Buddhist temple blending Thai and Chinese traditions. This part of the trip provides a nice cultural contrast and a chance to explore local religious practices. The temple’s architecture offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a brief walk and photo opportunities.

Afterward, it’s about an hour and a half to Cheow Lan Dam, where the real highlight begins. Upon arrival, you’ll get a chance to photograph the observation deck overlooking the lake, giving you a first impression of the scenery that awaits. Then, it’s time for a long-tail boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake. The boat takes you past scenic spots like the Guilin Rocks, with their dramatic limestone formations. This is regarded as one of the most beautiful lake landscapes in Thailand, and the boat ride offers a closer look at this natural marvel.

The lunch stop is at a floating restaurant, where you can enjoy local Thai cuisine. The meal is included in the tour price, offering good value, especially considering the remote setting. Post-lunch, you’re free to canoe or swim in the lake, making for a relaxing end to the adventurous boat trip.

The return journey takes about three hours, with a brief stop to stretch your legs and reflect on the day’s sights. The tour wraps up back at your Phuket hotel around 7 pm, after a long but hopefully rewarding day on the road.

The Realities of the Experience

While the itinerary sounds picturesque, actual experiences can vary. One reviewer, Heather, mentioned that the tour was in Russian rather than English, making it hard to understand the significance of each site. This could be an issue if you’re eager to learn about the history or stories behind the places you visit. The guide’s translation efforts seemed minimal, leaving some travelers feeling they only scratched the surface of each location.

Another key point is the price versus value. At $127, you’re paying for transportation, boat rides, lunch, and entry fees, which is reasonable for a full-day tour in Thailand. However, the long bus rides—which can total about 7 hours—may make some travelers question whether the scenery and stops are worth the time and fatigue, especially given the limited guided commentary.

On top of that, the small group size enhances the experience, but the limited number of travelers—max 10—can also mean limited flexibility or personalized attention. The tour’s structure is quite tight, leaving little room for spontaneous stops or extra time at each site.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the outdoor viewpoints and boat rides, as you’ll spend a fair amount of time outdoors.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple and viewpoints.
• Prepare for the long bus ride—snacks and entertainment might help pass the time.
• Bring a waterproof bag or case if you plan to canoe or swim at the lake.
• Confirm the language of guide commentary beforehand if this matters to you; some travelers had experiences inconsistent with the advertised English tour.
• Keep some cash handy for optional donations at temples or small purchases during the trip.
• Be flexible—if the weather is poor, some parts of the trip might be affected, and plans could be adjusted or canceled.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for nature and scenery lovers who don’t mind a packed schedule and long travel hours. If you’re keen on photography, the viewpoints and lake scenes offer excellent opportunities. It’s also worth considering if you’re comfortable with group tours and don’t expect in-depth guided commentary, especially if language might be a barrier.

Travelers seeking a value-packed day trip that combines adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes will find this tour appealing. However, if you’re after a more relaxed experience with in-depth explanations or shorter transit times, exploring other options might be preferable.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is transportation provided from Phuket?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfer from your hotel in Phuket, making it convenient to start and end the day.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and meals.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, the national park fee and other entry costs are included in the price.

Can I get the tour in English?
The tour is advertised as English-speaking, but some travelers have experienced the guide speaking in Russian, which can impact understanding.

What do I need to bring?
Bring essentials like water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear if planning to swim or canoe.

Are there options for free time during the trip?
Yes, after lunch at the floating restaurant, you have a couple of hours to explore the lake by canoe or relax by the water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, children comfortable with long rides and outdoor activities should be fine, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What should I know about the boat ride?
The boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake is a scenic adventure on a traditional Thai long-tail boat, offering close-up views of limestone formations.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai-style lunch at a floating restaurant is part of the package.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this full-day trip from Phuket offers an opportunity to see some of Thailand’s most stunning natural scenery and cultural sites in one go. While it delivers on the promise of incredible views and unique experiences like boat rides and temple visits, it’s also worth being aware of the long travel times and potential language barriers. If you’re prepared for a busy day and value scenic landscapes over detailed guided commentary, this tour could be a memorable part of your Thailand adventure. For those seeking a more relaxed or educational experience, researching other options might be worthwhile, but for a taste of nature’s grandeur and the thrill of boat trips, it’s a solid choice.