If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of nature, Khao Sok National Park is the perfect destination for you. Khao Sok is one of the oldest and largest rainforests in the world, covering an area of over 700 square kilometers in southern Thailand. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Malayan tapir, the Asian elephant, and the clouded leopard. Khao Sok also boasts stunning landscapes, such as towering limestone mountains, cascading waterfalls, mysterious caves, and serene rivers.
But the highlight of Khao Sok National Park is undoubtedly Cheow Lan Lake, a man-made reservoir that was created in 1982 by damming the Khlong Saeng River. Cheow Lan Lake is a sight to behold, with its emerald-green water, lush islands, and dramatic cliffs. The lake also offers a unique accommodation option: floating bungalows, or raft houses, that allow you to stay on the water and enjoy the views and sounds of nature. Whether you want to relax, explore, or adventure, Khao Sok National Park has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Khao Sok National Park, including why you should visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, when to go, and what to bring. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your trip to Khao Sok National Park and discover why it is one of the most stunning and underrated destinations in Thailand.
Why Visit Khao Sok National Park?
There are many reasons to visit Khao Sok National Park, but here are some of the main ones:
1. The Beauty of Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a natural wonder that will take your breath away. The park is part of the Khao Sok-Khlong Saeng Forest Complex, which is one of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The park contains some of the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, dating back 160 million years. The rainforest is home to over 200 species of plants, including giant bamboo, rattan, orchids, ferns, and carnivorous pitcher plants. The park also features spectacular rock formations, such as karst mountains, limestone hills, and sinkholes. These rocks are the remnants of an ancient coral reef that was uplifted by tectonic movements millions of years ago.
2. The Wildlife of Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a wildlife paradise that hosts a remarkable diversity and abundance of animals. The park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wildlife, as it has a high level of protection and a low level of human disturbance. The park is also part of a larger wildlife corridor that connects several other protected areas, such as Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaeng Krung National Park, and Khlong Nakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Plan Your Trip to Khao Sok National Park?
Now that you know why you should visit Khao Sok National Park, you might be wondering how to plan your trip. Here are some of the things that you need to consider:
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park?
Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani Province, about 120 kilometers from Surat Thani City and 160 kilometers from Phuket. There are several ways to get to the park, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options:
By plane: The nearest airports to Khao Sok National Park are Surat Thani Airport and Phuket Airport, which are both served by domestic and international flights. From either airport, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a private transfer to the park, which will take about 2 hours and cost between 200 and 2000 baht per person, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of passengers.
By bus: The cheapest and most convenient way to get to Khao Sok National Park is by bus, which runs regularly from Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, and other nearby towns and cities. The bus will drop you off at the Khao Sok Bus Station, which is located about 2 kilometers from the park entrance.
By train: Another option to get to Khao Sok National Park is by train, which runs from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The train journey takes about 12 hours and costs between 500 and 1500 baht per person, depending on the class and the type of seat or berth.
By car: The most flexible and comfortable way to get to Khao Sok National Park is by car, which allows you to travel at your own pace and stop at any places of interest along the way. The drive to Khao Sok National Park takes about 2 hours from Surat Thani or Phuket, and about 3 hours from Krabi.
Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park?
One of the most important decisions that you need to make when planning your trip to Khao Sok National Park is where to stay. There are two main options: staying in the park or staying outside the park. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so you need to weigh them carefully and choose the one that suits your preferences, budget, and schedule. Some of the best accommodation options in and around Khao Sok National Park are Khao Sok Nature Resort, Smiley Lake House, Khao Sok River Lodge and Khao Sok Paradise Resort.
What to Do in Khao Sok National Park?
There are plenty of things to do in Khao Sok National Park, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education. Here are some of the best activities and attractions that you can enjoy in the park:
1. Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular and rewarding activities in Khao Sok National Park, as it allows you to explore the rainforest and see the wildlife up close. Some of the trails are easy and short, such as the Nature Trail, which is a 3-kilometer loop that starts and ends at the visitor center. This trail will take you through the forest and along the Sok River, where you can see some of the plants and animals in the park. Other trails are more challenging and longer, such as the Khao Sok Viewpoint Trail, which is a 7-kilometer hike that starts at the Bang Hua Rat Ranger Station and ends at the Khao Sok Viewpoint. This trail will take you up the mountain and reward you with a stunning view of the park and the lake.
2. Caving
Caving is another exciting and adventurous activity that you can do in Khao Sok National Park, as it allows you to discover the underground world of the park and see some of the amazing formations and creatures that live there. There are several caves that you can visit in the park, such as Nam Talu Cave, Diamond Cave and Coral Cave.
3. Kayaking
Kayaking is another fun and relaxing activity that you can do in Khao Sok National Park, as it allows you to paddle along the rivers and the lake and enjoy the views and the sounds of nature. There are several places that you can kayak in the park, such as Sok River and Cheow Lan Lake.
4. Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is one of the most rewarding and educational activities that you can do in Khao Sok National Park, as it allows you to see some of the amazing animals that live in the park and learn more about their behavior and conservation. There are several ways to watch wildlife in the park, such as Daytime and Nighttime.
When to Visit Khao Sok National Park?
Another question that you might have when planning your trip to Khao Sok National Park is when to visit. The answer depends on several factors, such as the weather, the wildlife, the crowds, the prices, and the availability.
Khao Sok National Park has a tropical climate, which means that it is hot and humid all year round. The average temperature in the park is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the average humidity is between 80 and 90 percent. However, the park also has two distinct seasons, which are the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from December to April, and the wet season runs from May to November.
Dry season: The dry season is the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park if you want to enjoy the sunny and clear weather, the low rainfall, and the high visibility. The dry season is also the best time to do some of the activities and attractions in the park, such as hiking, caving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Wet season: The wet season is the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park if you want to enjoy the rainy and cloudy weather, the high rainfall, and the low visibility. The wet season is also the best time to see some of the features and phenomena in the park, such as the waterfalls, the rapids, and the mist.
Khao Sok National Park is a hidden gem in Thailand that offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique accommodation. It is a place where you can escape the crowds and experience the beauty of nature. Whether you want to relax, explore, or adventure, Khao Sok National Park has something for everyone.
