Khao Sok National Park Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 3-4 Days
Best Time: June to September Read More
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"The Limestone and Green Forest"
Khao Sok National Park Tourism
Khao Sok National Park is located in the Phanom district of Thailand, on the mainland between Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Falling under the Surat Thani province of Thailand, it is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Rich and diverse in flora and fauna, the park is one of the best places to witness rare species such as the Rafflesia flower, hornbill birds, gibbons, and tigers. Punctuated by limestone cliffs, mountains, splendid sandstone, and mudstone rocks, this is the wettest part of Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park is a tropical treat for all trekkers. Being a rainforest, it shelters wild elephants, serows, tigers, Malayan sun bears, and more than 180 bird species. You can also hire a local guide for trekking and enjoy the waterfalls. Canoeing and bamboo rafting is one of the most sought-after things at the park.
Khao Sok National Park should be explored over a period of 3-4 days. This allows enjoying the rainforest by visiting elephant camps and opting for adventure thrills. The National Park is known for hiking, the stunning jungle cave temple, spectacular waterfalls, and sightseeing. To explore more, continue to Chiew Lan Lake and find intriguing rock formations. Bamboo rafting is a star attraction for those visiting the Khao Sok National Park. The Park also has nine other trails, which are unique.
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Things to do in Khao Sok National Park
1. Elephant Encounters
Elephants are considered to be the highlight of the National Park. The close encounters with Asian Elephants are inevitably incomparable. Interacting with the elephants, the mahouts, feeding them thei (Read More)r daily meals, scrub, clean, and bathe them is what the tour offers its visitors. You are not allowed to sit on or trek with elephants.
2. Jungle Trek
Experiencing the tropical forest world on foot is altogether with a different opportunity to explore the National Park. People of all ages can go for treks along the length of Park. It is recommended (Read More)to take a guide with you and also follow the norms of the Park. The Rafflesia treks and other treks either leave the east or west from the main entrance. If you book a tour, a TAT licensed tour guide is usually included in the price of the tour. You can also hire a local guide from the park headquarters.
3. Canoeing, Kayaking, and Bamboo Rafting
If you want a relaxed canoe ride, head to Sok River. While canoeing, you will encounter kingfishers, herons, snakes, frogs, monitor lizards, and wild monkeys. There are chances that you will pass thro (Read More)ugh limestone cliffs along the riverside and also witness the rural life of the local people.
4. Boat Tours To Cheow Larn Lake
Cheow Larn Lake is the local name given to Khao Sok Lake. A mesmerizing view amidst the ancient rainforest, this lake is spread over 165 sq km within the National Park. Most of the resorts around the (Read More)lake offer free and unlimited usage of their kayaks. You can either go with your group or for a solo ride and explore the magical jungle, the sharp cliffs, and the mystical beauty of the lake. Besides this, you can also hire a boat for the entire journey of travelling around the lake. These boats will pick you up from the raft houses and drop you there at the end of the trip. A boat tour to Cheow Larn Lake is a must if you visit the National Park.
5. Hiking
Short hikes in the National Park are usually self-guided. You can get a guide for longer trails. A guide will charge THB 500 for half a day and THB 1000 for a full day. The place around Cheow Larn Lak (Read More)e is quite scenic for hikes which are usually accessible by longtail boats.
Must Know Before You Travel to Khao Sok National Park
- Entry Fees: Thai Adults: THB 40, Thai Children: THB 20
Foreign National Adults: THB 300, Children: THB 150, Students: THB 100
You can buy tickets from the park. If you have booked a trail, the entry fee is likely already included. - Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Tours: The National Park provides three tours to venture out of the region most easily and fantastically. These tours include accommodation, meals, activities, and transfers to and from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Khanom, and Koh Samui.
- How to Reach Khao Sok: To reach Khao Sok, National Park, one needs to get to the closest airport to the Park, i.e., in Surat Thani. If coming from Bangkok, you can get to the Surat Thani International Airport by air. It will take only one hour, and thirty minutes from Bangkok. Buses stop at Khao Sok from here, which will cost THB 120. From Krabi, the National Park is only two hours away. You can get onto a minibus departing from Krabi town, costing between THB 300 and THB 330. The other option is to take a taxi from Krabi to the National Park, which will cost THB 2700 to THB 4000. Besides this, if you are traveling from Phuket, you can take a bus, costing THB 140.
- Accommodation: Jungle Tree Resort (THB 400 to THB 980), Riverside Cottages (THB 684 to THB 1,370), and Floating Bungalows (THB 2,385 to 6,000) are available for stay inside the national park. All of the accommodation options can be booked online. at https://www.khaosok.com/
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Top Hotels In Khao Sok National Park
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Flora & Fauna At Khao Saok
The forest of Khao Sok National Park is partly tropical evergreen and slightly tropical rainforest. One can find around 200 different species of flora. Khao Sok is renowned for plant life mainly because of the large flower in the world, the Rafflesia. Besides this, the region has Bamboo on the hillsides and riverbanks and Liana trees wrapping themselves around any vertical or horizontal base. Further, one can also find Buttress roots, Pitcher plants, figs, Coconut Palms, bananas, and some wild fruits.
Khao Sak is acclaimed as the home of 48 mammal species, 311 species of birds, 30 species of bats, and several reptiles and insects. Scolopendra cataracta, which is the world’s only known amphibious centipede, was discovered here in 2001. Mammals like the Asian elephant, Sambar Deer, Bear, Gaur, Banteng, Wild Boar, Tiger, and Squirrel are common in the forest. Besides this, several bird species like Woodpecker, Swift, Buffy Fish Owl, and Oriental Pied Hornbill; insects like Scorpion, Praying Mantis, Black Tarantula, and Millipede; reptiles like Asian Water Monitor, Leeches, Monocled Cobras, Mangrove Snake, Reticulated Python, and many more have made this forest their home.
Khao Sak is acclaimed as the home of 48 mammal species, 311 species of birds, 30 species of bats, and several reptiles and insects. Scolopendra cataracta, which is the world’s only known amphibious centipede, was discovered here in 2001. Mammals like the Asian elephant, Sambar Deer, Bear, Gaur, Banteng, Wild Boar, Tiger, and Squirrel are common in the forest. Besides this, several bird species like Woodpecker, Swift, Buffy Fish Owl, and Oriental Pied Hornbill; insects like Scorpion, Praying Mantis, Black Tarantula, and Millipede; reptiles like Asian Water Monitor, Leeches, Monocled Cobras, Mangrove Snake, Reticulated Python, and many more have made this forest their home.
Khao Sok National Park Tours
The National Park provides three tours for you to venture out of the region most easily and fantastically. These tours include accommodation, meals, activities, and transfers to and from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Khanom, and Koh Samui. The tours are usually carried out in small groups, allowing more feasibility of exploring the oldest rainforests to their best. You can go to the website (https://www.khaosok.com/) of Khao Sok National Park and book any of the packages mentioned below:
- Four Day Package: This tour includes an elephant safari, a journey through the Cheow Larn Lake, and the mangrove swamps. The final day of this tour includes a leisurely walk through the jungle. Lunch is included. The cost for this package range between THB 24,535 and THB 27,080 for adults and half this rate for children (between 7 to 15 years only). The cost will entirely depend on the period you choose to visit this Park.
- Three Day Package: The other option is a three-day tour of the National Park. It is similar to the four-day package but with lesser time. Boat tour through the Cheow Larn Lake, accommodation in the floating bungalows, elephant encounters, and a fantastic lunch are included in this package. This tour will cost you between THB 22,410 and THB 25,115, half the rate for children.
- Two Day Package: This package is suitable for people with a time crunch. Trek through the rainforest, boat tour along the Sok River, feeding the elephants, and a lot more is included in this small tour. This package costs between THB 13,210 and THB 16,520, half for children.
History of Khao Sok National Park
The natural history of Khao Sok National Park dates back to 435 million years back, when the past was divided into the Carboniferous period, Permian period, Cretaceous period and Tertiary period. The human history of this National Park can be traced to 50000 years back when the presence of first humans in this region was found. It was then in the 1800s that the Burmese attack led many local people to flee into the jungle for safety. After that, people came to know about the region’s fertile soil, good rainfall, and abundant animal life.
Eventual Developments
Soon construction activities in the 1960s caused changes in the watercolours and soil erosion. The 1940s and 1970s saw the deadly epidemic and communist insurgency, respectively. But thankfully, flora and fauna of this region were untouched. Realising the importance of the biodiversity of this region, Khao Sok National Park was declared as a National Park in 1980. Since this declaration, people have made several efforts to conserve and care for this National Park.
Eventual Developments
Soon construction activities in the 1960s caused changes in the watercolours and soil erosion. The 1940s and 1970s saw the deadly epidemic and communist insurgency, respectively. But thankfully, flora and fauna of this region were untouched. Realising the importance of the biodiversity of this region, Khao Sok National Park was declared as a National Park in 1980. Since this declaration, people have made several efforts to conserve and care for this National Park.
Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park
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How to Reach Khao Sok National Park
How to Reach Overview
The best way to get to the National Park is to book a tour with them which includes free transfers from their pick up locations. These locations are Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui, Khanorm and Surat Thani.
How to reach Khao Sok National Park by flight
The most convenient way to reach the Khao Sok National Park is to reach Surat Thani by air. Take a flight to Surat Thani Airport which is closest to Khao Sok National Park as compared to other routes. The flight lands at the airport around 9:40 AM and then you are taken to the Khao Sok National Park where you enjoy a hearty meal followed by day adventures.
Phuket is another good option as a pick-up location for your trip to the park as frequent flights from Europe and Australia land here. The flight arrives here at 9:10 AM and then there is a three-hour drive to the Khao Sok National Park. You can also stay a night at Phuket and continue the journey the next day to avoid fatigue.
Land at the Koh Samui Airport and from there, take a ferry to the mainland and Donsak Pier. Later, you can catch a minibus or a coach and enjoy the natural beauty on the way.
Phuket is another good option as a pick-up location for your trip to the park as frequent flights from Europe and Australia land here. The flight arrives here at 9:10 AM and then there is a three-hour drive to the Khao Sok National Park. You can also stay a night at Phuket and continue the journey the next day to avoid fatigue.
Land at the Koh Samui Airport and from there, take a ferry to the mainland and Donsak Pier. Later, you can catch a minibus or a coach and enjoy the natural beauty on the way.
How to reach Khao Sok National Park by train
You can also book a train to Surat Thani from Bangkok and then continue your journey to the park. This costs THB 107 - 1839 per person depending upon the carriage you book.
How to reach Khao Sok National Park by bus
Also, you can take the minibus to Khao Sok from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Surat Thani and Donsak Pier. One way transfer costs THB 3500 - 5500 and return transfer costs THB 7000 - 11000.
One can also arrange bus tickets either through a travel agency or from the bus station.
One can also arrange bus tickets either through a travel agency or from the bus station.
Local transport in Khao Sok National Park
Walking is a popular way to commute around and inside the park. However, one can hire mountain bikes for THB 200 per day. It is worth noting that cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the trail areas.
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Khao Sok National Park Photos
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FAQs on Khao Sok National Park
What is the best time to visit Khao sok national park?
The best time to visit Khao Sok National Park is from June to September to enjoy river-tubing.
At Khao Sok National Park there is a wide selection of activities, most of which are weather-dependent. Most activities are best enjoyed during the rainy season. May to October marks the green season and has both wet and dry spells. However, most of the rain occurs from the months of June to September which makes it the best time for river-tubing. From November to April, the climate is dry and sunny.
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At Khao Sok National Park there is a wide selection of activities, most of which are weather-dependent. Most activities are best enjoyed during the rainy season. May to October marks the green season and has both wet and dry spells. However, most of the rain occurs from the months of June to September which makes it the best time for river-tubing. From November to April, the climate is dry and sunny.
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What is the local food in Khao sok national park?
Khao Sok has Thai and European cuisine meals to offer and they are reasonably priced between THB 70 to 80. The Government here has imposed strict regulations on the standard of food being sold in restaurants and food stalls. If you are unsure at any point, look for the sign “Clean Food, Good Taste.”
You can consider the following options:
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You can consider the following options:
- While at Khao Sok National Park, try Thai green curry that is a local speciality and is easily available in every nook and corner.
- Also, try the Banana and Thai iced tea to beat the heat.
- Get your hands on Khao Gaeng which is a comforting noodle soup with a local twist.
- Fried cauliflower or fried kale in oyster sauce is another knick knack to relish.
- The tiramisu cake at Khao Sok Paradise resort comes highly recommended.
- Khao Sok is abundant on pineapples. If you are craving something sweet, try deep-fried pineapple and banana.
- Banana and pumpkin in coconut milk is another innovative local dessert.
- Longan and Rambutan in honey syrup is a hot favourite amongst the locals.
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What is the best way to reach Khao sok national park?
The best way to get to the National Park is to book a tour with them which includes free transfers from their pick up locations. These locations are Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui, Khanorm and Surat Thani.
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What are the places near Khao sok national park?
The top places near to Khao sok national park are Khao lak which is 37 km from Khao sok national park, Surat thani which is located 90 km from Khao sok national park, Phuket which is located 109 km from Khao sok national park, Krabi which is located 101 km from Khao sok national park, Phi phi islands which is located 131 km from Khao sok national park
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