Canoeing along the river in Khao Sok was a tranquil experience, we even spotted a family of gibbons! While exploring Khao Sok National Park, you might see Malaysian sun bears, swinging gibbons, barking deer, white-crowned hornbills, and monitor lizards, for starters. The main hiking trail that starts at the visitor centre runs for about 7 kilometres and has 9 points of interest, 5 of which are waterfalls. A forest of high trees surrounds all the treehouses, and you can hear the sounds of birds, monkeys, and crickets. You can meander downstream, taking in the amazing sites of the mountain scenery. Luckily when we arrived at the bus stop, the owner of one of the shops called the transport company for us and we waited in her shop for an hour and half until the next bus came and we got on that one. The most common way for visitors to explore Khao Sok National Park is an organized pre-booked tour package. If you want the most bang for your buck but not sure which part of the park to visit, I would recommend focusing on Cheow Lan Lake. Theme by 17th Avenue, And without any meetings or endless negotiation wi, Forever one of my favorite memories While this is considered the dry season, theres still a fair amount of rain. Make sure that you are wearing good, closed toe shoes and preferably long trousers. This means that Khao Sok is a great place to visit all year round. I was super excited about encountering the elephants. And you could also jump in the river for a short swim, but as it was very shallow, we didnt do it. The facilities are clean and modern with showers, toilets and changing areas. In this ultimate guide to Khao Sok National Park, Thailands true gem of nature, we give you everything you need to know for your visit, from things to do, when to go, and how. The price back to Surat Thani is 120 baht, or 100 baht to Takua Pa, where you can turn straight to the Ko Kho Khao ferry pier or catch a bus north towards Khuraburi, Ko Phra Thong, Ranong and Ko Phayam. Reggae Queen Unleash More Fun Snorkeling Experience, Vichit Songkram Road, 9/368 Moo 6, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu Phuket 83120. It took a few years for the area to fill up with water. Or you can make your own way there from your location: You can fly into any of these airports with connecting flights via Bangkok and some direct flights from overseas into Phuket, Surat Thani or Krabi. But as you progress along youll first be wading chest-deep and then swimming for short distances. This included two nights stay at the riverside cottages, with a choice of three activities plus the 2day / 1 night lake tour. Web Visit website Khao Sok National Park in Thailand combines an aquatic and wilderness experience into one expansive park. As always, we highly recommend taking a reef-safe sunscreen. So there are no logistical hustles involved and you get to see both parts of Khao Sok. We booked our own bus tickets, paid the entrance fee, and found a room in a basic jungle hut. The complex is more like an outdoor swimming pool, but the water is fed from naturally occurring hot springs. A Traveller's Guide to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand - Culture Trip In the afternoon we boarded our longtail boat and went to another area of the national park for a short jungle trek. We went for a 45-minute hike up a hill to explore the Kaew Cave. Khao Sok National park covers a large area and there are plenty of hikes in and around the park. Khao Sok National Park is located in the tropics, and youll be in and around the jungle and rainforest. When I woke up the following morning, I was back to hopping on one leg. We'll assume you are ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish, Khao Sok National Park Headquarters & Khao Sok Village, Final Thoughts on Visiting Khao Sok National Park. Get picked up from the airport and check into Elephant Hills Camp where you will get to feed and bathe mighty elephants. Trips range from 1/2 day up to 10 days of trekking and camping. This is because you would first need to get a boat ride back to the lakes pier and then another ride of about 1 hour to Khao Sok Village. And the single coolest thing we saw on our night jungle safari was the super cute slow loris. Simply book your accommodation in Khao Sok Village, near the park entrance and spend your days walking the parks trails. And the coolest thing there are the Cheow Lan Lake floating bungalows, the only places where you can stay on the lake, as no accommodation is allowed on the shore. That way, you can find the one closest to some of the attractions you want to visit. Khao Sok National Park is easy to get to from popular destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, and Khao Lak. For a very unique experience, you can sign up for a night safari. Most of the caves connect to the Cheow Lake, on here you can take a cruise even spend the night or two on the lake in one of the famous bungalows. She rode us to the womans house on her scooter and I hopped one-legged to the front door. The lake and the area around it is huge and 1 day doesn't feel long enough, in my opinion. Here are some of the best tour options for Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake. How much does it cost to visit Khao Sok National Park? Due to the nature of the environment in Khao Sok, you can expect rain to fall any day of the year! The jungle at Khao Sok is magical. The top choice for staying in Khao Sok National Park is a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Khao Sok National Park | The Ultimate Lake Tour Guide - Nomad And In Love Final Thoughts on Visiting Khao Sok National Park 5. The park is the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is a remnant of rain forest which is older and more diverse than . The trails might also turn up wild boars and deer, especially early in the morning. We spent over 5 months traveling around Thailand and have compiled must-do trips and activities you can safely pre-book online. 2) Take the minibus from Krabi to Khao Sok. Tickets can be bought through most travel offices or directly from the bus station. Now that you know a bit about the Khao Sok National Park, lets take a look at some of the best things to do here. However, on our first day, we were told by our guide that elephants moved to higher ground. When we spent one month backpacking Thailand, we were all about doing things ourselves and sticking to a budget. The easiest way to get there is by land and minibus services run regularly from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi or Surat Thani. And again, the effect lasted only until the following morning. It was formed when Rajjaprabha Dam was built in 1987 and the Klong Saeng River flooded 185 square kilometresof forest. A few places out here even have swimming pools. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for accommodation to suit all budgets and styles. The properties are connected by road. The tours to Cheow Lan Lake usually include meals and activities like night and jungle safari, trekking, and checking out a cave or a hike to a viewpoint. And we arrived at Khao Sok Village right before check-in time in our accommodation. So the river in the Khao Sok Village was very shallow. Flights coming in from Singapore, Bangkok and even the Middle East, Krabi airport is certainly getting busier every year. Fun fact: Khao Sok National Park is one of the only places in Thailand that still supposedly has tigers, although none have been seen for the past few years. The top thing to do in Khao Sok National Park, and what the park is most famous for, is an overnight stay in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. A first timer's guide to Khao Sok National Park and its tours This cave has a massive opening but the cavern narrows the further you go. Make sure to bring sunglasses, as when the sun is out, the glare from the lake is powerful. Theres plenty to do around the town to keep you busy for your whole trip, but youll definitely want to carve out at least a day for visiting the lake. Khao Sok location on the Thailand map and how to get to Khao Sok | khao sok national park blog. But you will notice that youre not on the seaside when you jump in the water. Vietnams First Ethical Elephant Experience, Book your stay at 500 Rai Floating Resort, Find your accommodation in Khao Sok Village, Private Luxury Longtail Boat to Hong Island from Krabi (Review), Koh Hong Travel Guide: Phang Nga Bays Best Island (Krabi), 21 Top Things To Do in Bangkok: Complete Travel Guide, Surin Islands Day Trip from Phuket or Khao Lak, Ton Kloi Waterfall (7km trail that passes by many other waterfalls), Ticket for the Khao Sok National Park for activities like Jungle Night Safari and visiting Cheow Lan Lake (300 THB 9 USD), Hike to Kaew Cave (or similar) in the nearby Khlong Phanom National Park (200 THB 6 USD), Pier fees at Ratchaprapha Marina (20 THB), Coral Cave visit on Cheow Lan Lake (200 THB 6 USD). You are just happy to be out in the open. And there are plenty of daily tours to Khao Sok that offer various packages of bamboo rafting, jungle hiking, river tour, or even a sunset cruise on the lake. And its during the safari that you can see free-roaming elephants. The lake is man-made. On the bright side, at least the waterfalls are really raging! They did this by building a dam, cutting off the Pasaeng river and allowing the area which is now the lake to be flooded. But I persevered and followed the trail until I could see the riverbank. Worst of all, we didnt even make it to the lake. Learn how your comment data is processed. You will be accompanied by guides who will point out various wildlife along the way. If you want to take in Thailand's raw beauty, then a trip to Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list. You know that old saying when it rains, it pours? Cicadas are the animals that you will definitely hear when you come to Southeast Asia because they are crazy loud and tough to miss. A Khao Sok National Park day trip from Khao Lak costs between 70 and 110 USD, and a day trip from Phuket or Krabi costs between 100 and 150 USD. The 7 BEST Things to Do in Khao Sok - KHAO SOK National Park, Thailand Although you must know that some of these hiking trails are inside a protected area and require a ticket and sometimes even a guide. Enjoy canoeing and boat safari on the lake which is also an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife. Khao Sok was established as a national park in 1980. As with all wildlife encounters, it is not guaranteed that you will see wildlife, but we were lucky enough to see bats, spiders, snakes, lizards, frogs and a monkey. With its lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, limestone mountains, and stunning lake views, Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are some nice waterfalls in Khao Sok National Park worth visiting, especially after more rain. Stay overnight in a comfortable luxury tent resort. It surprised me to learn that the 165 square kilometre Cheow Lan lake which sits in the centre of the national park is actually man-made! Disclaimer: We use affiliate links, so anytime you book something through them, we can earn a small commission with no extra cost to you. During the peak of the rainy season, the trails can get very slippery and difficult to navigate. The most rainfall occurs between June and September. Climbing the hill (more like a small mountain) is hard work in tropical heat and humidity, but the view from the top will make you forget about your burning legs. They focus on preserving as much of the nature around them as possible. One of my most memorable wildlife experiences on the lake happened at the exit from Nam Talu cave. A word of warning about elephant rides in Khao Sok from the National Parks website: Most of the resorts in Khao Sok offer pathetic and cruel tours with elephants in captivity. And Khao Sok Village is also the location of the parks headquarters. With a few days here, you can do a little bit of everything! He excels in knowledge about spiders as he researches them. A cobra had hunted the mangrove snake and they were battling it out in the stream just outside of the cave. It was definitely one of my favourite places I visited during my three months in Thailand. The natural, untouched beauty and tranquillity of Khao Sok National park is something I will always remember. Electricity is only turned on in the evening so charge everything before arriving and take a portable battery charger with you, Bring trainers for trekking as well as a light raincoat, You will need mosquito spray, sun cream, swimwear and a hat, Watching the sunrise over Cheow Lan lake from our raft house. Students get a sweet discount, with tickets going for only $3 (100 Baht). Its the closest you can get to living in the rainforest. Located in the Surat Thani Province, the park covers an area of 739 km and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, snakes, boar, monkeys, and many species of birds. Here are some fantastic tours and activities you can find when adventuring in Khao Sok: Khao Sok Tours Elephant Jungle Discovery, Day tour from Phuket into Khao Sok National Park Sightseeing, real Elephant Jungle trekking and a canoe trip along River Sok extreme fun for the whole family, Overnight Tours into Khao Sok National Park. All rights reserved, How to visit Khao Sok National Park, Thailand - A complete guide (2023). Yes, there are a lot of national parks in Thailand. Khao Sok National Park Tours 1.2. An unforgettable experience. After an adrenaline-filled day of adventures, retreat to your bungalow on the lake and enjoy the beautiful views. There is a big sign at the headquarters saying just that. There is also a regular bus service from Krabi straight to Khao Sok. Some of the animals you can see are Malayan Sun Bears, Wild Elephants, Serow (wild boar), Tigers (if youre lucky) an uncountable an astounding array of bird life and the flora is captivating. How to get to Khao Sok National Park | Travelfish The lake is usually visited on overnight or day trips from either Khao Sok or nearby tourist hotspots. Plus, youre actually not supposed to go more than 3 km into the park without the assistance of a guide. That was the highlight of our lake experience. Mangrove snakes are mildly venomous, so you definitely dont want to step on one. How To Get to Khao Sok National Park. The giant Atlas moth has to be seen to be believed. Bring at least one power bank to charge your phone or camera batteries if there is no power on the lake. Staying overnight in a floating raft house on Cheow Lan lake is one of my greatest memories from Thailand and I would definitely recommend it. Many travellers who visit Khao Sok come to stay in the famous floating bungalows on the lake. Transportation - How to get to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand Check his YouTube channel, RGSpider, if you want to learn more about spiders found in the area. Sign up for a 3 day / 2 night Khao Sok Overnight Safari. Its a charming and mysterious island with some of the most hospitable people on earth. How to get to the Koh Sok National Park. You can organize the bamboo rafting through your accommodation or any travel agency in town. Independent travellers will be happy to hear that you can easily plan a DIY trip to Khao Sok. In between diving in Koh Tao and rock climbing in Krabi, take a few days to explore one of Thailands best national parks. **Planning to visit other areas of Thailand? The lake tours vary slightly as to where they take you, but whatever the itinerary, youll be doing some jungle trekking and visiting a viewpoint and one of the caves. And the best thing is that all our clothing from them is breathable. If youre planning an epic trip through Thailand and are looking for something to do in between the coasts, Khao Sok National Park is the perfect choice. Home to some of the worlds oldest rainforests, Khao Sok National Park is a stunning tropical jungle in southern Thailand. In the evening, we had a group dinner, and an early night! Khao Sok National Park (Thai: , pronounced [kw sk]) is in Surat Thani Province, Thailand.Its area is 461,712 rai ~ 739 square kilometres (285 sq mi), and it includes the 165 km 2 (64 sq mi) Cheow Lan Lake contained by the Ratchaprapha Dam. What to expect when visiting Cheow Lan lake in Khao Sok National Park? Since climbing up and down the stairs to the restaurant on just one leg was a bit of a mission, I often spent my entire days sitting there drinking coffee and watching birds, lizards and butterflies. Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park - 8 ways to travel via - Rome2rio But just make sure to let them know in advance. This was not how close I wanted to be to a herd of wild elephants! Your guide will lead you deep into the jungle, pointing out important plants, trees and wildlife. If you are booking a tour package, check to see if the entrance fee is included in the package. Click here to check Our Jungle Houses tour packages. You can book the earliest ferry from Koh Tao to the pier near Surat Thani. Khao Sok National Park travel - Lonely Planet | Thailand, Asia You can also stay inside Khao Sok National Park by booking onto an overnight tour package. There is a stream running through the cave and at first, the water is very shallow. The entrance ticket to Khao Sok National Park costs 300 THB or $9 per day for a foreign adult and 150 THB or $4.5 per day for foreign children. How to Visit Khao Sok National Park in Thailand - Nothing Familiar Khao Sok is definitely a place where the benefits of a tour far outweigh the savings of doing it on your own. If youve got a little more cash to burn and prefer some comfort with your adventure, there are a few places with super nice bungalows, or tree houses. And do YOUR OWN research. The rainy season lasts all the way from late April until December. It was the perfect getaway, surrounded by tranquil jungle and alongside the river. I booked our tickets from Surat Thani for 6 per person with Phantip Travel via 12go (my go-to transport booking site when I was travelling in Asia). And reef-safe sunscreens are the best choice. Its a very tranquil setting the river flowed by gently and there was not a soul around. There are endless things to do in Thailand, with getting out in nature and spotting wildlife topping the list. Mosquito spray - There are a lot of mosquitoes in the jungle and by the river, Sunscreen - even on a cloudy day, the UV rays can be high, Swimwear and a towel - for swimming in the river and lake, Light raincoat - the weather can change at any point and short, heavy downpours are regular, Long trousers - for hiking through the jungle. But dont worry, as they dont carry any bacteria, viruses, or toxins. There are 5 ways to get from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park by bus, taxi, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. And there are even some night safaris that you can do in a kayak on the river. There are several different ways of visiting Khao Sok National Park, depending on what you want to see and do and how much time you have. But at least you might be able to see some monkeys. Packing list for visiting Khao Sok National park. 2-Day Khao Sok Wildlife Adventure from Khao Lak, 12 National Parks in Thailand to Fall in Love With, Easy Guide to Khao Sok National Park: How to Visit & What to See, Guide to visiting Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, Thi Lo Su Waterfall Jungle Adventure Thailand off the Beaten Path, Why You Must Visit Erawan National Park on your Trip to Thailand, Spotting wildlife in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is more than Phraya Nakhon Cave, Slow Living on Koh Jum Island Thailand off the Beaten Path, 3 Days in Mu Ko Chang National Park, Thailand, If you have the time, the best tour is the, If you are short on time and dont have a night to spare, you can visit. And the cool thing was that they boiled the water in bamboo sticks above the fire. Click here to have a look at the available accommodations in Khao Sok National Park on Booking.com. And we had a great time going through the forest trails and seeing some incredible animals. With an abundance of hiking trails, tons of wildlife, and floating bungalows, this is a fantastic travel destination. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. These are basically just a bed with a mosquito net, but at least youll have a place to lock your stuff and a bit more shelter from the elements. Ask your accommodation for recommendations, or visit the main street in Khao Sok to find numerous guides selling tours. He's also an online English teacher and a video producer. You can book the guided safaris directly at the national park headquarters or with your accommodation. I receive a small commission if you use these links, with no extra cost to you. There is only one creature in the Thai jungle who can churn up the ground like that the Asiatic elephant. When other parts of Thailand experience drought, it still rains in Khao Sok National Park. This website uses affiliate links, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a booking through the links to Amazon, Booking.com and Get Your Guide. Or simply take a waterproof phone case. Those who are stopping at Khao Sok in between the coasts will likely take a combination of ferries and buses. In addition to admiring the stunning karst mountains, you can enjoy some fishing, rock climbing, or even zip-lining through the trees. And especially if you decide to give yourself more free time there and especially if you stay two nights and not only one. Khao Sok National Park is renowned as being one of the wettest locations in Thailand. Going on a Night Jungle Safari in Khao Sok National Park is a great way to see some animals you wouldnt otherwise be able to see during the day, as they become active at night. One of the things we would advise against doing in Khao Sok National Park or any location in Thailand is visiting any of the elephant, tiger, or other animal shows or so-called sanctuaries. Immerse yourself in the jungle of southern Thailand. One of the coolest things we got to know at the Night Jungle Safari was that tarantulas are essentially blind. Complete Guide to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand It is easily one of the most stunning national parks in Thailand. Frequent minivans and buses are going on the line between Khao Lak and Surat Thani that pass through Khao Sok National Park, taking about 1 hour and costing $17. The nighttime at the bungalows is one of the most tranquil experiences youll have in Thailand. The best place to stay to explore waterfalls, go on treks, do a night jungle safari, go tubing, kayaking, or rafting down the river is in Khao Sok Village. How to get to Khao Sok National Park from: Phuket International Airport is quite close to Khoa Sok taking around three hours to get there. So if you have a chance to join a morning safari on the lake, go for it. Khao Sok National Park is a breathtaking destination in Thailand, known for its natural beauty and abundance of flora and fauna. 2022 Curious Goose | Helen Wildgoose. Honestly, I cant remember how I pulled myself back onto the trail or how I hobbled down the trail, but somehow I made it to the intersection with a dirt road and flagged a startled shopkeeper who was going by on her scooter. Read more: Environmental effects of sunscreen (Wikipedia), > Click here to see our recommended reef-safe sunscreen <. Local transport does not run to Khao Sok, but from any of these towns, you can get a shared minibus. We bought the ticket for our night safari and then the next day used it again on Cheow Lan Lake. Nowadays, the Khao Sok Village is equipped with everything for a comfortable stay. The birds-eye-view perspective is spectacular. Heres what you can expect from a typical 2-day tour to the lake. But the visit to Cheow Lan Lake is not all about chilling out. The entire 385 families who lived in the village had to be relocated to different areas. Check with your accommodation, as many of them offer a pickup from the bus stop. A couple of days later, we went to the same woman again, and she repeated the same procedure, with the same grumpy face and demeanour. Khao Sok National Park is a gem of nature, but its no longer hidden, unlike what some others might say. Also, there was this cool spider called the trapdoor spider. The river tubing takes you down the same stretch of river as the canoe trip, however due to the water levels in the river, this activity can only be done when the river is high enough in the rainy season. Of course, the caves configuration makes it susceptible to flash-flooding in heavy rain, so it can be quite treacherous. And you will be squinting your eyes so much that your head will start hurting (talking from experience). On another, our eagle-eyed guide spotted a serow on a hill. And they often come as quickly as they go. For your trip to Cheow Lan Lake, we highly recommend sunscreen as its very likely that you will be sitting somewhere where there will be sun directly on you. Stretching for over 700 square kilometres, Khao Sok is the worlds largest evergreen rain forests and is home to many species of wildlife. Welcome & thank you for reading our blog. Also, staying overnight on the lake in a floating raft is an experience you dont want to miss! Top 10 Reasons to Visit Khao Sok National Park Thailand Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand is home to the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. They served us coffee and tea from bamboo cups that you can take as souvenirs. There are quite a few well-marked trails from the visitors centre that are easy enough to follow on your own. As we were around water a lot, especially on the lake, we had our waterproof bag to put all our valuables like our camera gear, drone, and money. The simplest way is to book one of our tours which include free transfers to and from your hotel. A 2 day / 1 night overnight tour into Khao Sok National park, Cheow Lan Lake exploration and adventures. Learn from our mistakes and just sign up for a tour. Average temperatures are warm all year round ranging between 22C to 36C. Khao Sok National Park: A Natural Reserve In Thailand - TravelTriangle.com But a few minutes later, I was snatched from my daydreams by the crashing sound of breaking trees all too near to where I was sitting. Cheow Lan lake in Khao Sok National Park boasts beautifully dramatic scenery. Although food is included, if you are a fussy eater or need a mid afternoon snack, take them with you. The tour will also . There is so much to do and see in Khao Sok and if you are a nature lover this will be one of the highlights of your holiday to Thailand. There are plenty of local guides that are ready and willing to take you into the jungle. And we took our reusable water bottles to refill them and did not rely on the small plastic bottles the whole time. If it wasnt for our guide, we wouldnt have noticed the Mangrove snake wriggling in the stream as we walked past. Together with Khao Yai National Park, Khao Sok is one of the best places for animal sightings in Thailand. While going down the river on the bamboo raft, you can also see some animals. You can get flights or trains here from several places in Thailand. Visiting Khao Sok National Park is not as straightforward as other popular national parks in Thailand like Khao Yai, or Erawan. Note: Khao Sok National Park isnt the most affordable destination because the national park fees and tour costs do add up. Some of the most popular things to do in Khao Sok National Park include canoeing or bamboo rafting down the river. We didnt know what to expect from the Night Jungle Safari. The Rafflesia flowering season in Khao Sok National Park is between November and April. Khao Sok, la dcouverte d'un parc national extraordinaire - Thai369 You can refer to cheap flight tickets to Thailand on Google Flights. For our journey out of Khao Sok, we booked another minibus with Pichet Travel company, travelling directly to our hotel in Ao Nang. Canoeing and Kayaking One of the most popular activities to do in Khao Sok is to head out on the water for some canoeing or kayaking.
