Khao Sok National Park
Discover Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park (pronounced "cow soak") is a jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. It is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand. There are 2 main sections of Khao Sok National Park. The west entrance is where Park HQ is located along with the main hiking trails. The east entrance is where Ratchaprapha Pier is located where you go to get to the floating rafthouses. The 2 entrances are 65 km apart and over 1 hour of driving, so please take that into consideration when planning your trip.
What to Experience in Khao Sok National Park
Taste of Khao Sok National Park...
Most guesthouses have a restaurant. Meals are usually 70-100 baht; cuisines are limited to Thai and European dishes. The standard of hygiene across all establishments is high, however if you are concerned look for places displaying the Clean Food, Good Taste sign. This appellation is bestowed by the government on restaurants that maintain a high standard of cleanliness and food preparation. All restaurants have fresh fruit and fruit juices or shakes (fruit blended with ice). Convenience stores often sell bananas and other fresh fruit outside their establishments. Depending on the season, you will see in the trees and for sale a variety of fruit, including rambutan, longan, pomelo, mango, mangosteen, a few varieties of banana, papaya, and guava. There is one main road in Khao Sok where all of the guesthouses and bars are located. They all serve similar cocktails and drinks at similar prices, so just pick the one that has the best atmosphere for you. There are several kinds of accommodations through the National Park available at Park Headquarters. You can book via the Visitor Center onsite or through the DNP website. There is one main road in Khao Sok where all of the guesthouses are located. They all offer similar style accommodation (mainly bungalows). Price: 200-2,500 baht. Most have restaurants, bars, Internet, and a travel agency. Even in peak season it shouldn't be difficult to find accommodation.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Khao Sok National Park into what it is today.
The Royal Forest Department declared Khao Sok the 22nd national park of Thailand on 22 Dec 1980. The park has a total area of 738 km (285 sq mi), which covers parts of the Khlong Yee and Khlong Pra Sang forests as well as portions of the Krai Son and the Khao Pung sub-districts in the district of Ban Ta Khun and the Khlong Sok and Panom sub–districts in the province of Surat Thani. The closest airport is Surat Thani International Airport (URT). There are multiple flights daily from Bangkok (DMK and BKK) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are buses or minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Only buy the tickets directly from operator you are using. There is a Tourism kiosk at the airport, but they sell bus, minivan, and ferry tickets at inflated prices. Car rentals are also available at the airport. See the Surat Thani wikivoyage page for more information. The closest major train station is the Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin district. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Minibus service: departure every hour from 07:30 till 17:30 (but the last one can be cancelled). Bus running approximately every hour. Transit time is about 2.5 hours. Price: about 120 baht. By night bus: There is only one night bus from Bangkok per day stopping at Khao Sok....
Climate
The closest airport is Surat Thani International Airport (URT). There are multiple flights daily from Bangkok (DMK and BKK) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are buses or minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Only buy the tickets directly from operator you are using. There is a Tourism kiosk at the airport, but they sell bus, minivan, and ferry tickets at inflated prices. Car rentals are also available at the airport. See the Surat Thani wikivoyage page for more information. The closest major train station is the Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin district. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Minibus service: departure every hour from 07:30 till 17:30 (but the last one can be cancelled). Bus running approximately every hour. Transit time is about 2.5 hours. Price: about 120 baht. By night bus: There is only one night bus from Bangkok per day stopping at Khao Sok.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe closest airport is Surat Thani International Airport (URT). There are multiple flights daily from Bangkok (DMK and BKK) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are buses or minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Only buy the tickets directly from operator you are using. There is a Tourism kiosk at the airport, but they sell bus, minivan, and ferry tickets at inflated prices. Car rentals are also available at the airport. See the Surat Thani wikivoyage page for more information. The closest major train station is the Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin district. Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Minibus service: departure every hour from 07:30 till 17:30 (but the last one can be cancelled). Bus running approximately every hour. Transit time is about 2.5 hours. Price: about 120 baht. By night bus: There is only one night bus from Bangkok per day stopping at Khao Sok....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Walking is the primary mode of transportation, as the road to the park is 2 km and the farthest one can walk into the park is about 20 km. There are motorbike and bicycle rentals available near Park HQ if you want to explore the surrounding area. The Western Track is also known as Route 1: Bang Hua Rat Waterfall - Ton Kloi Waterfall Nature Trail or the Wide Trail. The route covers 9 km which visitors can walk on their own. The trail is usually closed past Wang Yao, yearly from 1 June - 14 December, due to the rainy season (ie. dangerous conditions). You may be able to hire a guide to go further. The trail is usually closed past San Yang Roi, yearly from 1 June - 14 December, due to the rainy season (ie. dangerous conditions). You may be able to hire a guide to go further. Tours can include tubing down the river, caving, kayaking, and zipline riding in the forest canopy. Many tours will include drinks, food, and/or basic accommodation.
Where to Stay
There are several kinds of accommodations through the National Park available at Park Headquarters. You can book via the Visitor Center onsite or through the DNP website. There is one main road in Khao Sok where all of the guesthouses are located. They all offer similar style accommodation (mainly bungalows). Price: 200-2,500 baht. Most have restaurants, bars, Internet, and a travel agency. Even in peak season it shouldn't be difficult to find accommodation. There are also many floating raft houses which offer accommodation on the lake. This ranges from simple bamboo and thatched roof accommodation provided by the Thailand Department of National Parks, to luxurious floating wooden cottages. Reservations can be made through tour companies, but it is also possible to hire a longtail. Don't go off trail without a local guide or a ranger. Do not explore the "Namtaloo" or "Through" Cave (a cave with a river running through) if it is raining or if you think it is going to rain.
Money & Budget
Souvenirs are limited to the gift shop at the park entrance and a few items at convenience stores. Sundries, snack foods, soy milk, and cold drinks can be found in the shops as well. Most guesthouses have a restaurant. Meals are usually 70-100 baht; cuisines are limited to Thai and European dishes. The standard of hygiene across all establishments is high, however if you are concerned look for places displaying the Clean Food, Good Taste sign. This appellation is bestowed by the government on restaurants that maintain a high standard of cleanliness and food preparation. All restaurants have fresh fruit and fruit juices or shakes (fruit blended with ice). Convenience stores often sell bananas and other fresh fruit outside their establishments.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Don't go off trail without a local guide or a ranger. Do not explore the "Namtaloo" or "Through" Cave (a cave with a river running through) if it is raining or if you think it is going to rain. Rain is frequent and can come on fast. Unfortunately people have died as a result of this. If you are with an experienced guide he will not take you if he even suspects a chance of rain. Several places in town have Internet for 1-2 baht/minute. Some have headphones and Skype. Walk to the main highway (opposite end is the park entrance). Mini buses on the corner head left to Surat Thani. Across the street and to the right, a giant "Bus Stop" sign serves as a stopping point for buses heading to Khao Lak and Phuket. Tickets in advance are not needed. Buses come by every hour during the day.
Glimpses of Khao Sok National Park
white boat in between rocky mountains
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green trees near brown huts
a body of water surrounded by mountains and trees
Sunrise.
The sun is setting over a body of water
Float.
boat on water near mountain during daytime
islands under cloudy sky
a close up of a plant with large leaves
white boat in between rocky mountains
Connect With Me! https://unsplash.com/@joshrh19 https://www.instagram.com/joshrh19 https://twitter.com/joshrh19 https://www.facebook.com/josh.rawsonharris
green trees near brown huts