Khao Sok National Park Guide

Khao Sok National Park Information

Thailand is known for many things: elephants, great food, amazing Similan scuba diving and watersports, brilliant weather, and outstanding natural beauty. One of the most stunning areas of Thailand is the Khao Sok National Park. The park is located in the southern Thai mainland between Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi, and Kho Samui. With its stunning beauty, the Khao Sok National Park is definitely one destination that should be listed on your Thai holiday itinerary.

Khao Sok facts

Khao Sok National Park is the 22nd national park in Thailand and occupies an area of 739 square kilometers. Within the park, there are magnificent limestone cliffs, dream-like waterfalls and lush, rich native rainforests. The park has the highest annual rainfall in Thailand – a whopping 3,500 mm of rain annually – which only serves to enhance the lushness of the vegetation and the richness of the natural life. Living in the park, so far, 48 species of mammals have been recorded, as well as 311 species of birds and 38 species of bats. Like in most rainforests, there is also a diverse and rich population of reptiles and insects found within the confines of Khao Sok National Park. Find more at (Wikipedia)

The park is also home to the Cheow Lan Lake, colloquially known as the Khao Sok Lake. This stunning 165 square kilometers Lake is also called the Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir. This is one of the most stunning lakes to experience with its incredibly rich flora and fauna, as well as being a place of truly outstanding natural beauty. The lake is also home to many animal species, including monkeys and other small primates.

How to get to Khao Sok?

There are many ways to get to Khao Sok National Park once you are in Thailand – buses, minibuses, private taxi… One of the easiest ways to experience Khao Sok is from Khao Lak with one of our Khao Lak Explorer tours. Due to the proximity, it’s only a short trip by car from Khao Lak before you can experience the magnificence of Khao Sok National Park. If you want to go by yourself, the bus is very very slow and you will waist half a day to get there. Knowing the park close at 16:30 and the last bus back around 15:00 it s not worth it. A private taxi is a good option.

Activities in Khao Sok

There are many activities and excursions you can enjoy on your visit to Khao Sok National Park. One of the most popular is elephant trekking in Khao Sok. Here, not only do you get to enjoy the outstanding beauty of the park, but you also get to encounter one of nature’s most amazing animals the Asiatic elephant. The experience of trekking through the jungle on the back of an elephant that nimbly dances its way through the canopy is one experience to behold. Despite their size once you are in close proximity to an elephant you realize how intelligent and gentle these amazing beasts really are.

For those who do not want to ride an elephant, you can experience the splendor of the park by trekking around it on foot. This is a truly stunning experience as you get to admire the sheer beauty of the jungle from below the canopy, and get to take your time having a look around at the flora and the exciting jungle wildlife.

Canoeing and kayaking treks can also be undertaken by those wishing to explore the park even further. You not only get to experience the rainforest from land, but also the beautiful Khao Sok Lake and other waterways. Gently paddling your way while soaking in the stunning views of the rainforest gives you and new perspective on the majestic beauty of the jungle.

Furthermore, whether you take a jungle trip or a Khao Sok Lake trip, there are plenty of stunning caves and limestone formations to be explored. The Khao Sok Park caves are renowned for being the home of amazing formations. You cannot help but be amazed as you meander around beautiful stalagmites on the cave floor, or gaze up in amazement at the gravity-defying stalactites suspended from the cave ceilings.

Accommodation in Khao Sok

If you decide to spend the night in Khao Sok National Park, there are multiple options available to suits most budgets; from basic bungalows with shared amenities to deluxe bungalows with private toilets and showers. At Khao Sok Lake there is different ranges of floating houses, from very very basics to luxury.

How long does it take to get to the park from Khao Lak?

Do I have to book an overnight stayor can I do a day trip?

Do I get to visit the jungle and lake in one trip?

Are there discounts for booking multiple trips?