One of the most remarkable destinations in Thailand for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers is Khao Sok National Park, conveniently located near popular areas like Phuket and Krabi.
During our three-day exploration of Khao Sok, we were captivated by the stunning turquoise lake, and it was a wonderful opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including wild elephants!
To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Khao Sok, I recommend spending several days at the park. There are countless adventures awaiting, from boating on the lake to trekking through the lush jungle to uncover hidden caves. A must-do experience is to spend at least one night in a floating bungalow on the lake.
In this travel guide, I will detail how to visit Khao Sok, whether you’re planning to take a tour or explore independently. We’ll cover all the top attractions and activities you won’t want to miss!
How Many Days to Spend at Khao Sok
The first decision to make is how long you want to stay at the park. Here are some of your options:
- Day Trip: A day trip from popular tourist areas like Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani is possible, but it’s quite short for such a vast park.
- Package Tour (2-4 days): Many tour packages offer everything — transport, guides, meals, and lodging. This is convenient and provides ample time to explore the park’s major attractions.
- Stay in Khlong Sok Village: This option offers flexibility and is budget-friendly. Staying in Khlong Sok village gives you the freedom to choose excursions that interest you the most.
From our experience, spending at least two days in Khao Sok is ideal, with three or four days being even better.
Best Khao Sok Tours
If you’re interested in guided experiences, GetYourGuide offers excellent options:
- Two-Day Tours from Phuket or Khao Lak that cover all essentials including hotel pickup and drop-off, meals, accommodation, and tours in the park.
- One-Day Tours are available for those with limited time, allowing you to experience Khao Sok from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak.
- For those staying in Khlong Sok village, day tours to the lake, jungle trekking, and visits to the elephant sanctuary are also available.
Based on our experiences, we’ve found GetYourGuide to be reliable and efficient. Highly recommended!
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park
From Phuket
Reaching Khao Sok from Phuket is fairly straightforward, whether you opt for public transport, shared minivans, or private taxis. Here’s what to expect:
- Bus: Approximately four hours with five daily departures.
- Minivan: Faster with up to eight departures a day, taking between 2.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Taxi: Typically a 2.5 to 3.5-hour ride.
You can check schedules and book tickets online here.
We opted for a private taxi for a seamless experience. After exploring Khao Lak, we easily transferred from Khao Lak to Khao Sok National Park.
From Krabi
From Krabi, the options include minivans or taxis, as there are no significant bus services. Minivans frequently depart from Ao Nang or Krabi town and the journey typically lasts 3 to 4 hours. You can book here.
From Khao Lak
Again, transportation options include buses, minivans, or taxis. Bus rides take around two hours, while a minivan or taxi takes just over an hour. Book your ride here.
From Surat Thani
From Surat Thani, transportation is available through buses, minivans, or taxis, with the bus journey taking about 2 to 3 hours, min vans 2 to 2.5 hours and taxis 1.5 to 2 hours. Book here.
From Bangkok
The quickest option from Bangkok is to take a flight or train to Surat Thani, followed by ground transport to Khlong Sok.
Getting Around in the Khao Sok Area
Once you arrive in Khlong Sok village, you’ll have multiple options for getting around the area. Many local hotels are within walking distance of the national park entrance, making jungle trekking convenient.
For trips outside the village, you can rent motorbikes through your hotel. Access to the lake requires a one-hour drive and is best explored by longtail boat. You can visit without a tour but will need to hire a boat for your adventure.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience the lake, you can plan a day trip without a tour package. Just arrive early at Ratchaprapha Marina to secure a longtail boat for hire.
Boat prices typically start around 1,700 baht (~$50 USD) for a private 2-hour tour, which can be economical if shared among friends.
Best Things to See & Do in Khao Sok National Park
Cheow Lan Lake
One of the park’s standout features is the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by limestone mountains. Boat tours usually visit iconic sites like Khao Sam Kler, renowned for its stunning rock formations, and take you to explore caves with impressive stalactites.
During our evening boat excursion, we were fortunate to glimpse a mother and baby elephant feeding along the lake’s edge and even spotted hornbills in the treetops near our floating bungalow.
Lake Bungalows
The lake’s floating bungalows present a unique overnight experience, offering guests spectacular views and tranquility. Options range from budget-friendly to luxurious, with floating bungalows like the featured Panvaree Resort providing a beautiful setting.
Even simple accommodations are equipped with essentials such as showers, flush toilets, and solar-powered outlets. Spending at least one night on the lake is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Trekking
When we first arrived at Khlong Sok, we set out for a half-day jungle trek to spot wildlife. It’s an easy trek suitable for families, and the dirt path allows for occasional dips into the jungle for a closer look at animals or waterfalls.
Short hikes are manageable, but for treks longer than three kilometers, hiring a guide is required, which can be beneficial for navigation and spotting wildlife. We were lucky to see various creatures, including monkeys, lizards, and even venomous pit vipers. Early mornings from December to March are ideal for spotting giant rafflesia flowers.
Night Trekking
If you’re up for an adventure, consider going on a night trek through the national park. The jungle transforms at night, making it an exciting time to observe nocturnal wildlife. A guide is required for safety.
Elephant Sanctuary
Khao Sok has a reputable elephant sanctuary where visitors can engage with these majestic animals by bathing, feeding, and taking memorable photos. While seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is ideal, visiting a sanctuary can also support elephant conservation efforts.
Book Now: Elephant Sanctuary Tour From Khlong Sok, From Khao Lak
Suggested Itinerary
To maximize your experience at Khao Sok National Park, consider the following itinerary that mirrors our journey:
- Day 1: Arrive in Thailand; transfer to Khlong Sok village. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon trekking in the nearby jungle.
- Day 2: Travel to Ratchaprapha Marina and take a longtail boat to your lakeside hotel. Enjoy lunch, swimming, and a boat tour to see iconic rock formations, explore caves, and spot wildlife. End the day with dinner at your floating bungalow.
- Day 3: Wake up to sunrise on the lake and embark on an early morning boat safari for wildlife spotting. After breakfast, take a boat back to Ratchaprapha Marina, and relax in Khlong Sok village or opt for a night safari.
- Day 4: Explore additional activities in Khlong Sok, such as visiting the elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting along the river before returning to Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani for your onward journey.
Entrance Fee
Khao Sok National Park has an entrance fee based on the area you wish to visit:
- Lake (Adults): 300 baht (~$9)
- Lake (Kids 3-14): 150 baht
- Jungle (Adults): 200 baht (~$6)
- Jungle (Kids 3-14): 100 baht
These fees may change, so be sure to check for updates. Entrance fees must be paid in cash; some tour packages may include them, allowing you to avoid cash transactions. Keep your ticket, as it remains valid for multiple entries on the same day.
Other Tips for Khao Sok Park
- What to Bring: Consider a waterproof bag or pouch to protect your electronics during boat tours. A portable charger is also useful, as electricity is often limited at the lake houses.
- Extra Luggage: If you have larger bags, your hotel in Khlong Sok village can store them while you’re exploring the lake.
- Phone Service: Most lake houses lack reliable Wi-Fi and cellular reception, so prepare for a digital detox.
- Drones: Drone flying is prohibited in the national park, but there are many locations outside the park that allow for legal flying.
- Mosquito Protection: Khao Sok has a low malaria risk, but using mosquito repellent is advised.
Other Tips for Khlong Sok Village
- Hotels: Khlong Sok has a variety of hotels near the park, catering to all budgets. We had a pleasant stay at Khao-Sok Bed and Breakfast, where the staff arranged tours and motorbike rentals for us.
- Restaurants: There’s no shortage of dining options in the village, with plenty of restaurants and street food within walking distance.
- Credit Cards: Cash is commonly required for payments in hotels and restaurants, so be sure to bring sufficient funds.
- ATMs: There are multiple ATMs available in Khlong Sok for cash withdrawals.
When to Visit Khao Sok
Khao Sok experiences warm and humid weather year-round. The dry season from December to April is the most favorable time to visit, as ample sunshine is more common during these months.
The wet season lasts from May to October, but you can still enjoy your visit, even if rain is expected.
Happy travels!
Is Khao Sok Worth It?
While Khao Sok may be pricier than other attractions in Thailand, it’s an experience worth having. Although I enjoyed the scenery of the Phi Phi Islands more, they are often overcrowded, reducing the enjoyment. Khao Sok’s expansive area offers more space to breathe and appreciate nature.
The breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and the unique experience of staying in a lake bungalow truly make Khao Sok memorable.
More Thailand Travel Guides
Thank you for exploring this travel guide for Khao Sok National Park in Thailand. Don’t forget to check out my other travel guides for Thailand and the broader Phuket area!
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