In the heart of southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park offers a natural beauty with one of the oldest rainforests, serene waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, beautiful caves and biodiversity. Khao Sok is a popular destination near Phuket that offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Khao Sok National Park is famous for the Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) and is a bucket list destination for many who want to experience the over-water bungalows. Check out our accommodation guide as there are several options for you to choose from when planning to stay here.
Khao Sok National Park
There are two entrances to the national park. The West Entrance is at the main town and near the main bus stop. This is also the entrance to the jungle trekking, night safari and wildlife tours. Close to the entrance and at the heart of the main town is the Sok River where you can do tubing, river rafting, canoeing or just relax and listen to the flow of the river.
The East Entrance is where the Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) is located. Most boat tours and bungalow stays depart from here. From the dock, you can already see the beautiful emerald-coloured lake with the backdrop of the limestone cliffs.
National Park Entrance & Hiking Map
Entrance fee is 200 Baht per person for foreigners and 40 Baht for locals. From the main town of Khao Sok, you can walk up to the Khao Sok National Park Headquarters (West Entrance) and explore the first 3 km trail on your own, being surrounded by lush forest and diverse wildlife. After 3km you'll reach a rest-house, where you'll need to hire a guide to continue deeper along the trails to the final five waterfalls.
If you buy the ticket after 4pm, you can use it for the next day. For boat tours, you need to pay an additional 40 Baht.
If you're looking to see the lake, you'll need to travel to the East Entrance mentioned above. It's a 1-hour drive from the hiking entrance in the main town. Although it's possible to drive there yourself, it's best to have a boat tour organized in advance, as transportation is typically included.
Things to Do in Khao Sok National Park
Here comes the exciting part. It's time to look for adventures and things to do in Khao Sok National Park.
Jungle Trekking
Explore ancient jungle trails and discover hidden waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and lush vegetation. If you are staying in the main town and wish to explore the National Park by yourself, it is entirely possible to do so, however not during the nighttime. You can explore the first 3 km of the National Park without a guide, after paying the entrance fee. The trail is easy and you can see a lot of monkeys, tropical birds, lizards and the Wing Hin and Bang Hua Rat waterfalls on your way. Sightings of wild elephants, serow, tigers, and Malayan sun bears are rare but possible. At the end of the 3 km trail, there is a view deck with a small store to buy drinks and refreshments. You will need a guide to go further and reach Ton Kloi Waterfall (7km trail from entrance).
Long Tail Boat Tours
One of the must-do things in Khao Sok National Park is taking a longtail boat to the iconic Cheow Lan Lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and dense rainforest. Most boat tours would visit either Nam Taloo Cave (includes trekking to the cave) or Prakai Phet Cave (no hiking needed) - both are equally stunning. Lunch is included and you have time to swim and kayak in the beautiful waters of Cheow Lan Lake. From the tour we booked with River Lodge Hotel, we had free lunch in Phutawan Rafthouse restaurant and with free kayak included.
Wildlife Watching
You can book a boat or walking tour to see fascinating wildlife species, or adventure on your own in the park or the river in town - keep an eye out for gibbons, hornbills, and long-tail macaques. We walked down to the Sok river where we saw a lot of long-tail macaques playing and bathing.
Night Safari
Experience the magic of the jungle after dark with a guided night safari, as you cannot enter the park at night by yourself. Most venomous insects, reptiles and animals are more active at night. You can spot nocturnal creatures such as frogs, huntsman spiders, tarantulas, scorpions, lemurs among many others as you learn more about them. We have been in the jungles of Costa Rica and this is an entirely different and unique experience. The first thing our tour guide told us was, “don’t worry, I'm carrying anti-venom”. We weren't worried until he said that. We still totally enjoyed the tour, learned a lot and saw some incredible creatures. This is a must-do activity.
Overnight Camping
For adventurers seeking a truly immersive experience in the heart of the jungle, overnight camping in Khao Sok National Park is an unforgettable option. Several designated camping areas within the park offer basic facilities such as toilets and picnic areas, allowing visitors to spend the night surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Please note that permits are required for overnight camping, and it's essential to follow park regulations to minimize environmental impact and ensure safety during your stay. Price per person is around 3500 Baht for 2, 3000 Baht for 3 or more and 1750 Baht for a child.
Canoeing, Rafting or Tubing
Right from the main town, exploring the Sok River by canoe, raft or a tube is a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the surroundings. Note that availability depends on the water level. We were not able to do tubing in February as the river's water level was low. You can rent a canoe from one of the local tours and paddle at your own pace along the Sok River. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks, including monkeys and birds. Price range depending on the activity - from 400 to 950 Baht.
Elephant Sanctuary
For travelers interested in ethical wildlife encounters, a visit to Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while supporting responsible tourism practices. Here, you'll learn how to make food for the elephants, feed and bathe the elephants, and relax in the swings while watching these stunning creatures. By participating in a visit to an elephant sanctuary, you're contributing to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent animals and their habitat for future generations to enjoy.
Thai Massage
There's no better way to unwind and rejuvenate than with a traditional Thai massage after a day of trekking or enjoying the sun. Many resorts and accommodations in the area offer onsite spa facilities where guests can choose in a range of therapeutic treatments. We found that spa treatment price ranges from 300-500 for a Thai massage with or without oil.
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park
From Bangkok
The most common way to reach Khao Sok is to take the train from Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station) to Surat Thani Train Station. Then from Surat Thani, take a bus or minivan (more details below). There are seats and sleeper with fan or AC options that leave in the evening from Bangkok and arrive the next day to Surat Thani with a travel time of 10 hours. We recommend taking the first class carriage if planning to do an overnight trip so you can have a bunk to sleep in. Another direct option is to take an overnight bus + van transfer from Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park with travel times around 14-15 hours. This would have less hassle in booking however, if you have a hard time falling asleep sitting, then the sleeper train is the better option for you.
A faster but more expensive way is to fly from Bangkok airport to Surat Thani airport. From Surat Thani, you can take a van or bus to reach Khao Sok (more details below).
From Surat Thani
Travelers arriving at Surat Thani Airport can arrange transportation to Khao Sok by taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer. If taking the bus, you can head to Surat Thani Bus Station or book online here. Beware of scammers at the station selling overpriced tickets. If taking the overnight train from Bangkok, we recommend booking the bus+van option for simplicity or the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani for comfort.
From Phuket
Visitors can also travel by bus or private transfer from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park. From our experience, travel time takes 2 to 4 hours. If you plan to take a bus, go to Phuket Bus Terminal 2, the earliest schedule is 6:00 AM and the latest is 3:40 PM. At the entrance, you will be greeted with staff and will direct you to counter 22 to get your ticket. The travel time will take roughly 4 hours as it would stop at different destinations: Khao Lak, Takuapa, Khao Sok and Surat Thani, before arriving at Khao Sok Bus Station.
From Krabi
The most common way to reach Khao Sok from Krabi is by van which can take up to 4 hours. You can also choose to go to Krabi Bus Terminal or get picked up from your hotel. Check out the link here. Alternatively, you can also take a bus with the earliest time leaving at 7:30 AM and the latest at 1:50 PM.
If you are planning to take public transportation, it's advisable to check the latest schedules and availability of transportation options. Further, consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons to save.
If you have less time or just want to do a day tour here, you might want to check out tours from Phuket or Krabi. These will take care of transport and will allow you to visit the national park, possibly stay in a floating bungalow, enjoy the many water activities or go jungle trekking.
Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park
For more details, check out our full accommodation guide with its pros and cons. While the floating bungalow being the sought-after accommodation, it might not be the best for you. So make sure to check out this page.
Floating Bungalows
Immerse yourself in the peaceful and quiet surroundings of Cheow Lan Lake by staying in floating bungalows, where you can wake up to the emerald color of the water with the backdrop of gorgeous limestone cliffs.
Check out Phutawan Rafthouse, Panvaree Resort, Panvaree The Greenery and 500 Rai floating resort.
If you are not able to secure a stay in a floating bungalow online, rest assured as you still have a chance by booking an overnight lake tour to stay in Cheon Lan Lake directly with your hotel.
Nature Lodges
Choose from a variety of Khao Sok accommodation offerings that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings that allows you to reconnect with nature.
Check out Khao Sok Riverside Cottages and Khao Sok Bamboo Huts Resort.
Luxury camps
If you prefer a touch of luxury amidst the wilderness, luxury camps offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Imagine staying in a bubble tent or an A-type cabin overlooking the limestone cliffs and watching the wildlife right outside your window.
Check out Ample Forest Khao Sok Farmstay and Cosy Garden Khao Sok.
Main Town Hotels
Being in the small main town is a convenient way for you to have access to restaurants, shops, massages and transportation. From here, you can easily walk to the main entrance of the park and go on a hiking trail to see waterfalls and observe wildlife. More details about the activities in Khao Sok National Park below.
Check out: Khao Sok River Lodge Hotel, Khao Sok River & Jungle Resort and Malulee Khao Sok Resort.
Treehouse stays
Imagine climbing up to your treehouse above the forest floor. You'll see monkeys, tropical birds and other wildlife inches from your window. These natural rustic vibes still offer modern amenities to go along with the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Check out: Khao Sok Tree House Resort, Khao Sok Jungle Huts Resort and Our Jungle House.
Camp Sites and Camp Hostels
Perfect stay for people looking adventure while staying on budget. You can find options for a bungalow, a private room or a hostel dorm.
Check out: Wassana Camp & Khai Jungle Experience Centour and Painting Family Hostel.
Whether you choose to stay in a floating bungalow, tree-house or choose to go camping, you can never go wrong here in Khao Sok.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park
Guided Tours
For most people who have a limited time in Thailand or prefer to have everything booked in advance, booking tours online is the way to go. However, we found that a little difficult – online options were somewhat limited. Your best option often is to book tours through your hotel. Message them in advance, or decide between the options on arrival. When we arrived at Khao Sok we walked around town to find the best tour deal. We learned that tour prices are pretty much the same everywhere, so we ended up booking it through our hotel for less hassle.
Weather
Khao Sok experiences a tropical climate, with the wet season typically occurring from May to November. Be prepared for rain showers and humidity, especially during the wet season. It is also important to consider this especially when you are planning to do jungle trekking and overnight camping as the Sok River may get flooded and would be hard to cross.
Insect Repellent
At certain times of the year, mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in the jungle, so be sure to pack insect repellent to protect yourself from bites. We visited in February and didn't see a single mosquito!
Respect for Nature
Help preserve Khao Sok's natural beauty by practicing responsible tourism, including proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails.
Conclusion
With its unparalleled natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure, Khao Sok National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to reconnect with nature and embark on an epic jungle adventure.
We hope this guide helps you with your planning to make the most out of your visit to Khao Sok National Park. It is truly a unique experience and exceeded our expectations - an absolute gem of Thailand.
Where to stay in Khao Sok? Check out our full accommodation guide. The floating bungalows are often the main appeal, it might not be the best for you, and it may be best to split your time between the lake and the town.
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