The lake is one of the big sights of Khao Sok National Park - and it's big disaster, too. It is not a natural lake, it was man-made around 1980 to satisfy the electricity needs of Thailand's rising economy. It's been done in a very scenic and ecologically precious environment that already was a National Park. Now it is the probably most visited part of the park and we wanted to take a look, too.
A tour was announced for the whole day. Beginning from the village, we would travel by pick up to the lake, cross the lake by longtail boat and the visit a cave with bats and spiders. A torch was recommended.
Indeed, the drive was a long and scenic one. Then, on arrival on the pier, one needed to show or to pay the National Park entrance fee and then off we went across the lake.
Indeed, the lake is a stunning sight. It's surrounded by Karst formations, remains of an ancient coral reef that was much bigger than the Great Barrier is today. It is a good idea to promote it as the Guilin of Thailand.
Still, when having a look at the rocks and hills sticking out of the lake, one does not need to know normal lakeside vegetation in this part of the world. It is obvious, that this is none. It is only the waterline cutting a not adapted environment. Even more, in some areas there are still trees sticking their dead branches out of the water, reminding to all the natural life that was drowned, to all the habitats that are lost and endemic species, which now are lost for ever.
© above picture: Trish HoldwayHome Going to Khao Sok In the River Huts In the Morning Mist Rafflesia The elephant ride To the lake Into the cave Home across Cheow Lan lake along the trails by Emma by Liz mail