Content Summary
One of the best places to see nature and animals in Thailand is at the Khao Sok National Park, which is not too far from Phuket and Krabi.
We spent 3 days at Khao Sok and had a blast. The turquoise lake is really nice, and it’s easy to see animals in the park. We even saw wild elephants!
The best way to experience Khao Sok is to spend several days at the park, exploring the lake by boat, trekking to see animals and caves in the jungle, and staying at least one night in a floating bungalow on the lake.
In this travel guide, I’ll explain how to visit Khao Sok with or without a tour, and all of the top things to see and do there!
How Many Days To Spend At Khao Sok
The first thing to figure out is how much time you want to spend at the park.
Here are your options:
- Day Trip – You can do a day trip to Khao Sok from tourist areas like Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani. This option is quick and easy, but you won’t have enough time to explore the park thoroughly.
- Package Tour (2-4 days) – This option is convenient as it includes transport, guide, meals, and lodging, allowing ample time to see the main highlights of the park.
- Stay In Khlong Sok Village – This option offers the most flexibility and cost efficiency. By basing yourself directly at the Khlong Sok village, you can choose excursions based on your interests. This is ideal for those not limited on time.
Based on our experience, you need at least two days in the Khao Sok area to really make the most of it; three or four days is better.
Longtail boat ride
Best Khao Sok Tours
GetYourGuide offers 2 day tours to Khao Sok from Phuket or Khao Lak that include hotel pickup, drop-off, meals, accommodation, and tours in the park.
If you’re short on time, one day tours to Khao Sok are also available from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak.
If you’re based in Khlong Sok village, you can join day tours to the lake, jungle trekking, or elephant tours.
How To Get To Khao Sok National Park
• From Phuket
Getting to Khao Sok independently is simple if you prefer not to use a tour package. You can reach Khlong Sok village by public bus, shared minivan, or private taxi.
The bus has 5 departures daily and takes around 4 hours. The minivan has up to 8 departures and the ride duration varies between 2.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on your starting point in Phuket. A private taxi ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Schedules and ticket bookings can be done here.
We used a private taxi service for a seamless experience from Phuket airport to Khao Lak, and then from there to Khao Sok National Park.
After our stay at Khao Sok, we returned to Phuket via a shared minivan arranged by our hotel in Khlong Sok village.
• From Krabi
Traveling from Krabi to Khlong Sok is possible via minivan or taxi, as there are no large buses available. Minivans depart regularly from Ao Nang or Krabi town, taking about 3 to 4 hours. Booking is available here.
• From Khao Lak
You can reach Khlong Sok from Khao Lak by bus, minivan, or taxi. The bus ride lasts approximately 2 hours, while the minivan or taxi takes just over 1 hour. Check schedules and book here.
• From Surat Thani
From Surat Thani, you have the option of traveling by bus, minivan, or taxi, which serves as the closest airport and starting point for the park. The bus ride takes about 2 to 3 hours, the minivan about 2 to 2.5 hours, and a taxi takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking options are available here.
• From Bangkok
Your quickest option from Bangkok is to travel by plane or train to Surat Thani, followed by ground transport to Khlong Sok village.
Getting Around In The Khao Sok Area
Once at Khlong Sok village, getting around is straightforward. You can arrange tours through your hotel or local agencies, or choose to explore independently.
Many hotels are within walking distance of the national park entrance, facilitating jungle trekking. For transport beyond the village, we rented a motorbike from our hotel.
The lake access is an hour’s drive from the village and can only be explored by longtail boat. If you want to see it without a tour, you will still need a boat driver.
For budget-conscious travelers, it’s feasible to visit the lake without a tour package. Arrive early to hire a private or shared longtail boat at the Ratchaprapha Marina, avoiding the chaotic crowds that form later in the day.
Boat prices start around 1,700 baht (~$50 USD) for a 2-hour private tour, which can be reasonable if shared among friends. However, two hours may not be sufficient, and negotiating for more time is advisable.
This is one of the most economical ways to explore the lake, as Khao Sok tends to be pricier than many other Thai attractions.
Best Things To See & Do In Khao Sok National Park
• Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake is one of the main attractions of the park, known for its stunning turquoise waters framed by limestone mountains, with plenty of caves and islands to explore.
Boat tours typically include a visit to Khao Sam Kler, featuring three distinctive rock formations that seem to float on the water.
Most tours also take you through a cave, which is an exhilarating experience filled with impressive stalactites and breathtaking lake views.
In the evening, boat excursions provide a chance to search for wild elephants. We were fortunate enough to see a mother and baby elephant grazing near the lake’s edge.
Additionally, we spotted two hornbill birds in the treetops near our floating bungalow.
• Lake Bungalows
One unique feature of the lake is the floating bungalows, where you can spend the night and wake up to enjoy misty morning views and sunrises over the lake.
These bungalows vary in price and quality, with some high-end options being exceptional, such as Panvaree Resort.
Even basic lake hotels are comfortable, equipped with mattresses, showers, flush toilets, fans, and solar-powered electrical outlets. Our stay at Keeree Tara Rafthouse was a tad worn, yet it provided all the essentials, which we appreciated.
Regardless of your choice, each lake bungalow offers breathtaking views of the national park, making it essential to spend at least one night on the lake for a memorable experience.
• Wildlife Trekking
Upon arriving at Khlong Sok, we eagerly participated in a jungle trek to see wildlife, which is ideal for an afternoon adventure.
The trekking routes are generally easy, making them suitable for families. The wide dirt paths offer ample opportunities to venture into the jungle for a closer glimpse of animals or interesting flora.
Short hikes within the park can be done without a guide; however, longer treks exceeding 3 kilometers require hiring a guide. While this can be inconvenient, guides are helpful for navigation and spotting wildlife you might miss otherwise.
During our trekking, we encountered monkeys, lizards, and even a pit viper, which made for an exciting day. The dusky leaf monkeys were especially delightful, often seen with their bright yellow babies.
Between December and March, giant rafflesia flowers bloom, and with luck, you may spot gibbons, tapirs, sun bears, and clouded leopards among other rare species.
• Night Trekking
Participating in night trekking with a flashlight is another great way to witness Khao Sok’s unique wildlife, as the jungle comes alive after dark, allowing for increased chances to see animals in their natural behaviors.
A guide is necessary for night treks, ensuring safety from venomous snakes and other jungle hazards.
• Elephant Sanctuary
Khao Sok features an elephant sanctuary where visitors can bathe and feed elephants, providing a close encounter with these magnificent creatures.
While observing animals in their natural habitats is preferable, visiting a sanctuary can also contribute to conservation efforts for these wonderful animals.
Entrance Fee
Entering Khao Sok National Park involves a fee per person, depending on the specific area visited. Below are the current fees:
- Lake (Adults): 300 baht (~$9)
- Lake (Kids 3-14): 150 baht
- Jungle (Adults): 200 baht (~$6)
- Jungle (Kids 3-14): 100 baht
These fees are applicable as of 2024, though they may increase over time due to the park’s popularity.
The park fees must be paid in cash, although many tours may include the fee in the overall price.
If you happen to return at night after purchasing a ticket, your entry will be valid for the following day, so be sure to keep your ticket safe. You only need to pay the park fee once for lake tours, regardless of the number of days spent on the lake.
Other Tips For Khao Sok Park
- What To Bring: For boat tours, carrying a waterproof bag or phone pouch is advisable for your electronics, along with a power bank for charging needs, since electricity is primarily available in the evening.
- Extra Luggage: If you have large luggage, storing it at your Khlong Sok hotel while you tour is convenient. Longtail boats typically have enough room, but leaving it behind is more practical.
- Phone Service: Be aware that many lake houses lack reliable WiFi or cell phone service, so prepare to be disconnected.
- Drones: Drones are prohibited in Khao Sok due to park regulations. However, many nearby areas offer the opportunity to fly legally while still capturing the beautiful limestone landscapes.
- Mosquitoes: Despite Khao Sok being considered low risk for malaria, precautions are still advisable. Use repellent outdoors and keep a fan running at night.
Other Tips For Khlong Sok Village
- Hotels: Numerous comfortable hotels are available in Khlong Sok village that cater to various budgets. We stayed at Khao-Sok Bed and Breakfast with friendly owners who arranged our tours and motorbike rental at competitive rates.
- Restaurants: The village boasts plenty of restaurants, cafes, and street food options within walking distance of accommodations.
- Credit Cards: Many hotels and eateries do not accept credit cards, so bring sufficient cash for your needs.
- ATM: There are multiple ATMs in Khlong Sok village if you require additional funds during your stay.
When To Visit Khao Sok
Like much of southern Thailand, Khao Sok’s weather is warm and humid year-round, sharing a similar climate pattern with Phuket, but generally wetter.
The dry season lasts from December to April, making it the ideal time to visit for sunny, clear weather.
In contrast, the wet season spans May to October. While increased rain is possible, you can still have an enjoyable trip during these months.
Happy travels!
Is Khao Sok Worth It?
Khao Sok may be pricier than other tourist spots in Thailand, yet I believe it’s worth the visit.
Although I personally favor the scenery of the Phi Phi islands, Khao Sok’s expansive space and unique feel mean it rarely feels overcrowded like Maya Bay.
With its beautiful landscapes and wildlife experiences, along with the opportunity to stay in a lake bungalow, Khao Sok offers a memorable adventure that I highly recommend.
More Thailand Travel Guides
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this travel guide valuable for your trip to Khao Sok National Park in Thailand.
Be sure to explore my other travel guides for Thailand and the Phuket region!
