If you love getting lost in nature, Khao Sok is a must-see on your Thailand itinerary. Officially known as Khao Sok National Park, it is one of the favourite places for those seeking wild nature. Its dense, thick forests (many of which are inaccessible) are its greatest treasure. But they are not its only attraction. Waterfalls, caves, bird watching, floating houses, the large reservoir… This jungle offers everything an adventurer could ask for.
If you are planning your trip to Thailand and you liked what we told you in the previous paragraph, that’s a good sign to keep reading. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to enjoy one of the best-preserved natural habitats in this Asian country. Because Thailand isn’t just about beaches!
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Khao Sok: what it is and where it is in southern Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world, at 160 million years old. It is the most popular park in Thailand and one of the largest in the country.
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It is located in the province of Surat Thani, in the south of the country, and its biological diversity is unimaginable. This great diversity is due, in part, to the fact that the jungle is surrounded by high, rugged mountains and is home to a wide variety of aquatic ecosystems such as rivers and streams. In addition, much of its territory is still untouched.
Due to its location, this jungle is very different from the rest of Thailand, resembling more the forests of Malaysia, the neighbouring country to the south. Compared to the jungle areas in the rest of the country, Khao Sok is more humid, higher, darker and has vegetation that stays green for longer.
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Best time to travel to Khao Sok and what is the weather like in the area
Khao Sok is said to be the rainiest place in all of Thailand, as even in the dry season there is a lot of rainfall. Most of the rainfall occurs between April and December, with the months between May and November being the wettest. For this reason, the best time to visit the park is between December and April, as there are more sunny days.
However, the rains should not deter you. The wet months between April and December are known as the green season because everything is lush. This is also a good time to visit Khao Sok if you want a quieter, more intimate experience. What’s more, the waterfalls are full of water and the park is less crowded.
How to get to Khao Sok from Thailand’s major cities?
Khao Sok National Park is very accessible. In fact, although many of its forests are unexplored, it is one of the most accessible jungles in Thailand. At this point, and so that you understand how to get to Khao Sok, it is important to know that, in terms of tourism, it is divided into two areas:
- Khao Sok village. This is where the park headquarters are located and where some of the trails start, as well as some of the activities that take place on the river. It is also the main entrance to the park.
- Cheow Lan Lake. It is located east of the headquarters, approximately 67 km away (one hour by car). This is where the floating resorts (one of the park’s attractions) are located and where the boats that tour the lake (which is actually an artificial reservoir) depart from. There are also many caves, viewpoints and trails.
Khao Sok can be reached from nearby cities such as Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang, Ko Samui and Koh Tao, Ko Lanta and Khao Lak. From these cities, buses, private minivans, taxis, ferries or public transport are available. Some cities such as Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket in Thailand have airports, which you can reach from other parts of the country if you are far away, for example, exploring everything there is to see in Bangkok. From the capital, you can also reach Surat Thani by night train, which allows you to see much more of the country’s landscapes.
As a recommendation, if you plan to reach Cheow Lan Lake from one of the nearby villages (including Khao Sok village) on the same day, it is best to opt for a private taxi. Public transport usually makes many stops in different villages and you are likely to arrive late for your activity.
- Are you planning to visit Bangkok during your trip to Thailand? Don’t miss out on travelling to Kanchanaburi, a small town near the capital that is popular for its beautiful nature. If you like Khao Sok, take advantage of this recommendation!
What to see and do in Khao Sok in 2–3 days?
Khao Sok can be visited either independently or by joining guided tours; the choice is yours. To help you create a good itinerary if you decide to go it alone, but also to help you choose a good tour, here are the park’s must-sees.
Cheow Lan Lake: the icon of Khao Sok National Park
Cheow Lan Lake is one of the main attractions of Khao Sok, if not the main one. It is actually an artificial reservoir created by the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam, which is one of the main suppliers of electricity in southern Thailand. Apart from that, thanks to the dam, we can cruise the waters of the lake and venture into other areas of the forest, something that would be almost impossible without it due to the dense vegetation.
Long-tail boats (the boats that sail the emerald green waters of Cheow Lan Lake) depart from Ratchaprapha Municipal Pier. The trip itself is wonderful because of the views it offers of the surrounding cliffs, and there are usually stops to explore different areas of the park, such as mountains or panoramic viewpoints.
Hiking trails and waterfalls in Khao Sok National Park
Although Khao Sok is one of the best-known parks among locals, it is still not as well known as it should be among tourists. For this reason, it is often considered Thailand’s hidden gem. The best way to get to know it is by trekking along its trails, where you will come into contact with its true essence and see a wide variety of flora and fauna. These are some of the most recommended trails on Passporter, your travel organiser:
- Route through the Khlong Ka peat swamp. It is about 7 km long and ideal for beginners. The route is very peaceful and you can see exotic plants and animals.
- Trail through Khao Sok National Park. This is the route that allows you to experience the park in all its splendour, which is why it is the most popular. It is about 10 km long and takes you deep into the heart of the jungle. It offers the opportunity to see various birds and gibbons and to walk alongside centuries-old trees. The most special thing about this route is that it allows you to see the park’s best-known flower and the largest in the world: the Rafflesia kerrii.
- Khlong Saeng Walk. Also perfect for beginners, this 6 km trail runs close to the Cheow Lan Lake dam. The forest you will walk through is very peaceful and offers beautiful views of the vegetation and the river.
- Klong Ka Swamp Forest Nature Trail. This trail is only 1.3 km long, but you can immerse yourself in a swamp ecosystem that is unique in Thailand. You can also learn a lot about your surroundings, as there are many interesting facts along the trail.
As if its wonders were not enough, Khao Sok has some of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Thailand, such as Mae Yai, Ton Kloi (one of the most beautiful), Wing Hin, Than Sawan, Sip Et Chan, Bang Hua Rat, and Bang Hoi. We encourage you to visit them.
Caves, viewpoints and karst landscapes
Exploring the caves of Khao Sok National Park means delving into its depths and discovering environments that have remained untouched since time immemorial. These are some of the most famous: Nam Talu (for the more adventurous), Pakarang (famous for its stalactites and stalagmites), Diamond Cave (with stalactites that shine like diamonds) and Fish Cave (which houses a water source with countless fish).
When it comes to viewpoints, the most famous and spectacular is Kraisorn. You can reach it by following an 8 km trail through dense jungle, where you may spot the occasional animal. Once at the top, the viewpoint offers spectacular views of the forest, Cheow Lan Lake and the karst mountains covered by a blanket of green vegetation.
Fauna and flora of Khao Sok National Park
The vegetation that grows in Khao Sok National Park is very special. Many plants, fungi, trees and flowers will surely surprise you with their colours and shapes, making you think they come from another planet. We recommend that you take a walk in search of the coral fungus, the champagne cup fungus and the long-net stinkhorn. All of them have very special shapes.
But if there is one thing that undoubtedly stands out among the vegetation of Khao Sok, it is the giant Rafflesia flower. It is a rare species of intense red colour that has become one of the main attractions of the park. But be warned! Its smell is not as pleasant as its appearance.
As for the local fauna, the gibbons win the hearts of visitors. These charismatic primates captivate audiences with their incredible acrobatics among the trees, which they are able to perform thanks to their long arms. The best time to see them is in the early hours of the morning. That is why excursions usually start early to increase the chances of sightings.
Must-see experiences in Khao Sok
Staying in floating bungalows on the lake in Khao Sok National Park
In addition to exploring its waters by boat, Cheow Lan Lake can also be enjoyed in another way: in floating hotels, accommodations built on the lake. There are both more luxurious options and more economical alternatives. Regardless of your travel style, you can enjoy them.
The reason many visitors choose to stay here is the incredible views of the lake. Waking up to the sight of the high mountains and the unique colour of the water will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
Kayaking, canoeing and rafting on the Sok River
The Sok River is a major attraction in Khao Sok. Visitors enjoy its waters in countless ways: rafting in bamboo canoes, kayaking up and down the river, or white water rafting.
Bamboo rafting is one of the most unique activities. Apart from being a very peaceful trip suitable for all ages, the traditional bamboo rafts are unique and attract the attention of all travellers. Furthermore, as it is a very relaxing activity. Many tourists have the opportunity to see the wonderful kingfisher on the riverbanks, a vibrantly coloured bird that dives headfirst into the water to catch fish and small crustaceans. Quite a spectacle!
Night safari and guided jungle trekking
At dusk, the Khao Sok jungle does not sleep, but rather comes to life. It is the perfect opportunity to see nocturnal animals and insects that live by moonlight. Bats, frogs, chameleons, civets, geckos, fireflies… As the sun sets, you can discover the most unknown part of the park.
All night tours are guided and it is necessary to book the excursion. You cannot go on your own because the park is very large and the jungle is very dense. So, use some help if you are unfamiliar with the terrain.
What are the best areas to stay in Khao Sok?
Sleeping in the floating hotels on Cheow Lan Lake is one of the most recommended experiences. However, apart from this area, there is no accommodation within the park itself, as it is not permitted. It is in the surrounding area where we can find the most accommodation options.
If you want to get to know Khao Sok, we recommend staying for more than one day and therefore staying in a hotel, hostel or tourist complex in the surrounding area. The good thing is that, being so close to the park, it will feel like you haven’t really left it.
The most convenient area to stay is near the main entrance, where the park headquarters are located. In addition to a wide variety of hotels, there is a wide range of restaurants and different agencies to organise tours. It is very common for travellers who stay more than one day to stay in the village for one or two nights and then book an excursion to Lake Cheow Lan, which includes accommodation in floating cabins.
How many days to stay in Khao Sok National Park?
Spending four days in Khao Sok National Park is the perfect amount of time for visitors who want to see everything it has to offer. It is also the maximum amount of time that tour packages in this area usually offer. However, most tourists tend to spend between two and three days there. This is because just one day is not enough time to enjoy all the activities on offer and explore the variety of places to visit.
Practical tips for travelling to Khao Sok
What clothes and footwear to wear to Khao Sok National Park?
Cool, quick-drying clothes will be your best ally, as well as a good hat to protect you from the sun. For walking, it is best to wear good hiking boots, preferably waterproof ones to prevent your feet from getting wet when you get on boats or cross rivers. Then, depending on the activities you plan to do, it may also be a good idea to bring a swimsuit and water shoes.
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Safety, guides and rules inside the park
The most important thing to remember is to always follow the rules of the guides you are with. Do not leave any rubbish in the park. It is important to respect the environment so as to disturb the life of the species that inhabit it as little as possible.
Tickets, prices and most common types of tours
For non-Thai tourists, there are two types of tickets:
- Entrance ticket to the headquarters area. It costs 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child aged 3 to 14.
- Entrance ticket to Cheow Lan Lake. It costs 300 baht per adult and 150 baht per child.
This is considered a daily pass and will only be valid for several days if you are staying inside the park. On the other hand, Thai nationals only pay 40 baht per adult and 20 baht per child to enter both areas.
The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day of the year. Later access is only possible if you are going on a guided night safari in the Khao Sok village area.
Finally, there are many tours you can book when reserving trips to Khao Sok National Park, some even lasting several days. These are some of the most popular ones:
- 3 days and 2 nights at Cheow Lan Lake. Includes a boat trip to see the morning mist, a tour of the lake, rafting, accommodation in a floating house on the lake, visits to caves, waterfalls and viewpoints, a night safari and guided tours of the park.
- Half-day hike and night-time adventure. This activity usually takes place between 4pm and 9pm. There are routes both during the day and at night. So, travellers can experience both sides of the jungle and see both daytime and night-time wildlife. To finish off, there is a Thai dinner in the jungle.
- Bird watching. You can choose between different two-, three- and four-day packages. This is the perfect activity for bird lovers. In addition, you don’t just walk through the park. To see birds in other areas of the forest, travellers board boats and travel from one part of the lake to another.
If Khao Sok National Park is not enough to see on your trip to Thailand, consider visiting Sukhothai.
Frequently asked questions about Khao Sok
The place with the most dining options in Khao Sok is where the main entrance is located, near the park headquarters. That is why many people decide to stay there as well.
No, nor in any of the tourist areas of the park.
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