Khao Sok National Park, located in southern Thailand, is renowned for it's stunning floating resorts on Cheow Lan Lake.
For more specific information about Cheow Lan Lake, please visit our dedicated page.
As one of Thailand's most popular mainland national parks, Khao Sok is a rich rainforest ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife and plant species. It is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a key stop for travelers between Phuket and Ko Samui. The park is located near several major towns, including Surat Thani, Krabi, Ao Nang (Railay Beach), Phuket, Khao Lak, Ko Lanta, and Koh Samui.
Khao Sok is part of the Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok Forest Complex, a vast protected area that covers 5,316 square kilometers and includes 12 conservation sites, some of which are offshore islands in the Andaman Sea. The park’s mountains are part of the Phuket Mountain Range, which stretches from Phuket Island to the north, reaching into Ranong Province.
Visiting Khao Sok National Park
Before heading to Khao Sok, it’s helpful to know that the park is divided into two popular areas, about 67 km apart. The first is the area around the park headquarters, commonly referred to as Khao Sok or Khao Sok Village. This area offers several walking trails, waterfalls, and river activities.
Getting Around the Park
Most hotels in Khao Sok Village are within walking distance (a few hundred meters to a couple of kilometers) of the park entrance. Hotels can arrange transportation for short trips, though prices may be relatively high.
Activities
1. Hiking
Khao Sok offers a variety of trails around both the headquarters and the lake. Most trails around the headquarters area can be walked with a guide. All other trails, especially those on the lake, require a guide. It’s important not to walk longer trails on your own as it can be easy to get lost.
2. Waterfalls, Caves, and Limestone Hills
The park is home to several accessible waterfalls, particularly around the headquarters area and along the main road south of the park. Many of the park’s caves are located around the lake and can be reached by long-tail boat.
Water Activities:
There are several water-based activities to enjoy in Khao Sok:
1. Swimming: If the current isn’t too strong, swimming is possible in the Sok River (near the headquarters) or at raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake.
2. River Tubing / Bamboo Rafting: These activities are available when the river has enough water flow.
3. Canoeing: Canoeing is another popular water activity, available when there’s sufficient water flow.
3. Wildlife Watching
Khao Sok National Park is home to some of Thailand’s most exciting mammal species, but spotting wildlife around the popular tourist areas is rare. The best chances to see mammals are along the coast of Khao Sok Lake.
At the park’s headquarters, you may encounter long-tail macaques and banded langurs. Wild boars or deer sometimes appear on the trails, and the morning calls of gibbons can often be heard from nearby hotels. The park is also a great place for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. Thailand's unique lizards, snakes, and amphibians can be found along the trails, particularly those leading to the waterfalls.
Ethical Wildlife Watching
Many resorts in Khao Sok promote elephant tours, which often involve cruel and unethical practices such as elephant crushing. If you are considering participating in any elephant-related activity, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the harmful practices involved.
Please avoid any elephant or tiger activity in Thailand, as many of these tours exploit animals, despite claims of humane treatment. Even some seemingly trustworthy websites may promote such activities, so always approach these claims with caution.
Attractions of Khao Sok
Khao Sok Lake is the park's most popular and visually stunning area, where many of the park’s key attractions are located. Wildlife watching opportunities are far better here, and it offers breathtaking views of limestone hills, caves, and other natural wonders.
In addition to the scenic beauty, Khao Sok Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, and the surrounding waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and other water-based activities.
