Among the finest locations to see nature and animals in Thailand is on the Khao Sok Nationwide Park, close to Phuket.
We spent 3 days at Khao Sok and had a blast. The turquoise lake is very nice, and it’s straightforward to see animals within the park. We even noticed wild elephants!
The easiest way to expertise Khao Sok is to spend a number of days on the park, exploring the lake by boat, trekking to see animals and caves within the jungle, and staying a minimum of one evening in a floating bungalow on the lake.
On this journey information, I’ll clarify learn how to go to Khao Sok with or with no tour, and all the high issues to see and do there!
Dusky leaf monkey along with her yellow child
How Many Days To Spend At Khao Sok
The very first thing to determine is how a lot time you wish to spend on the park.
Listed here are your choices:
- Day Journey – You are able to do a day journey to Khao Sok from a touristy space like Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani. That is the quickest and best choice, however you received’t have as a lot time to see the park. It’s too brief, for my part.
- Bundle Tour (2-4 days) – That is one other straightforward choice as a result of it consists of all the things: transport, information, meals, and lodging. This can be a very good choice for some folks, as a result of it’s handy and it provides you sufficient time to see the principle highlights of the park.
- Keep In Khlong Sok Village – This selection provides you probably the most flexibility and value effectivity. By basing your self immediately on the Khlong Sok village close to the park, you’ll be able to keep so long as you want, and do excursions for the issues that curiosity you most. It’s one of the best ways to go to the park for those who’re not restricted on time.
Based mostly on our expertise, you want a minimum of two days within the Khao Sok space to essentially take advantage of it, and three or 4 days is best.
Drone pic of Cheow Lan Lake
Lake cruise
Greatest Khao Sok Excursions
GetYourGuide has 2 day excursions to Khao Sok from Phuket that embrace lodge pickup and drop-off, meals, lodging, and excursions within the park.
Or, for those who’re actually restricted on time, additionally they have 1 day excursions to Khao Sok from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak.
Alternatively, for those who’re staying in Khlong Sok village immediately by the park, they’ve day excursions to the lake, jungle trekking, elephant excursions, and extra.
We’ve used GetYourGuide for many excursions and actions around the globe, they usually’re nice. Extremely beneficial!
How To Get To Khao Sok Nationwide Park
• From Phuket
From Phuket, you will get to Khlong Sok village by public bus, shared minivan, or personal taxi.
The bus has 5 departures per day, and it’s a 4 hour journey. The minivan has numerous departures on daily basis, and the journey takes wherever from 2.5 to 4.5 hours. A taxi journey will take 2.5 to three.5 hours, relying on the place you begin in Phuket.
You may verify the schedules and guide tickets for any of those on-line right here.
Minivan
Van seats
We acquired a non-public taxi and had a very good expertise. They introduced us from the Phuket airport to Khao Lak, the place we stayed for just a few days, after which from Khao Lak to Khao Sok Nationwide Park. Every little thing went easily.
After we have been completed at Khao Sok, we took a shared minivan again to Phuket, which was organized by our lodge in Khlong Sok.
• From Krabi
From Krabi, you will get to Khlong Sok by minivan or taxi. There’s no huge bus.
They’ve numerous minivan departures on daily basis from both Ao Nang or Krabi city, and the journey takes about 3 to 4 hours. You may guide right here.
• From Khao Lak
From Khao Lak, you will get to Khlong Sok by bus, minivan, or taxi.
The bus journey takes about 2 hours, whereas the minivan or taxi journey is slightly over 1 hour. You may guide right here.
Bus seats
• From Surat Thani
From Surat Thani, you will get to Khlong Sok by bus, minivan, or taxi. That is the closest airport and start line for visiting the park.
The bus journey takes about 2 to three hours, whereas the minivan is 2 to 2.5 hours. A taxi takes 1.5 to 2 hours. You may guide any of those right here.
• From Bangkok
From Bangkok, the quickest choice can be to fly or take a prepare to Surat Thani, after which get floor transport to Khlong Sok from there.
Getting Round In The Khao Sok Space
When you attain Khlong Sok village, you’ll be able to prepare excursions of the park by means of your lodge or one of many native businesses, or you are able to do some issues independently like we did.
Most of the lodges in Khlong Sok are positioned inside strolling distance of the nationwide park entrance (map right here), so it’s straightforward to do jungle trekking. For transport in all places else, we rented a motorcycle by means of our lodge.
The lake entry is a 1 hour drive from the principle park headquarters and village, and it could possibly solely be explored by longtail boat, so your choices are extra restricted there.
Fingers of the lake
One other leaf monkey
In case you present up early within the morning on the foremost harbor, the Ratchaprapha Marina, you’ll be able to rent a non-public or shared longtail boat on the spot.
We did that one time and there have been huge crowds by late morning. Ready in line for a ship was chaotic and it wasted hours we may’ve spent within the park, so I’d solely suggest this method if you will get there earlier than 9 AM.
The boat costs begin at round 1,700 baht (~$50 USD) for a 2 hour personal tour, which could be fairly economical for those who share it with buddies. Two hours is de facto not lengthy sufficient although, so that you may wish to negotiate and pay additional so you’ll be able to have extra time on the lake.
These are all comparatively economical methods to go to the park, though Khao Sok continues to be type of overpriced in comparison with different locations in Thailand, so there’s no actually low-cost approach to go there, sadly. Khao Sok simply isn’t low-cost.
Boat on Cheow Lan Lake
Large cliffs
Greatest Issues To See & Do In Khao Sok Nationwide Park
• Cheow Lan Lake
One of many foremost points of interest of the park is the Cheow Lan Lake. It’s a pleasant turquoise lake surrounded by limestone mountains, with caves and islands to discover.
Boat excursions on the lake will usually take you to an iconic spot referred to as Khao Sam Kler, the place 3 rock formations stick out of the water, seeming to drift.
Often they’ll additionally take you to a minimum of one cave, which you’ll be able to stroll by means of with flashlights. The cave we visited was referred to as Pra Kie Phet and it had nice views of the lake, nearly like an image body.
We went ashore to see a cave
Pra Kie Phet cave
Within the night, we did slightly facet tour by boat to search for wild elephants.
We have been fortunate to see a mom and child elephant feeding by the sting of the lake, shut sufficient to take photos from our boat! Close to the top of the journey, we additionally noticed a hornbill within the treetops.
Wild elephants!
• Lake Bungalows
One of many nice issues concerning the lake is that there are floating bungalows the place you’ll be able to keep in a single day and get up to see the mist and dawn on the lake.
There are many these floating bungalows scattered round totally different areas of the lake, they usually vary in worth and high quality. A number of the excessive finish locations are stunning, like Panvaree Resort.
Even probably the most fundamental lake lodges are fairly snug, with mattress beds, showers, flush bogs, followers, and electrical shops through solar energy. We stayed at Keeree Tara Rafthouse, which was a bit run down, nevertheless it had all of those requirements, so we didn’t thoughts.
Most significantly, all the lake bungalows have wonderful views of the nationwide park. You must spend a minimum of one evening on the lake. It’s an important expertise!
Floating bungalows on the Cheow Lan Lake (© Panvaree Resort)
• Wildlife Trekking
After we arrived at Khlong Sok, the very very first thing we did was trekking to see animals within the jungle. You are able to do this in a half day, so it’s the right approach to spend a day on the park.
The trekking isn’t very exhausting, and households can do it. There’s a large dust path, nearly like a highway, with jungle on either side.
Often you may dip into the jungle to get a better have a look at some animals, waterfalls, or different issues.
Dusky leaf monkeys
You are able to do brief mountain climbing within the park with no information, however for longer treks previous 3 kilometers, they require you to rent a information. It’s not straightforward to get round this requirement until you’re very sneaky.
It’s type of an annoying rule, however I’ll admit the guides could be useful for navigation, taking photos, and recognizing animals that you just won’t in any other case see, so it’s not all unhealthy.
We noticed monkeys and macaques, lizards, pit vipers, tarantulas, and extra. It was particularly enjoyable seeing the dusky leaf monkeys with their vivid yellow infants.
The animals have been often shut sufficient to snap some nice photos, though it helps to have a little bit of zoom in your digicam.
You may see big rafflesia flowers within the Khao Sok park from December to March, and for those who’re fortunate, you may additionally see clouded leopards, solar bears, and different uncommon animals.
Wagler’s pit viper
• Evening Trekking
Evening trekking with a flashlight is one other good approach to see wildlife at Khao Sok Nationwide Park.
The jungle comes alive after darkish, and the animals are much more lively than in the course of the daytime.
A information is at all times required for evening trekking, which type of is smart, as a result of there are venomous snakes and different animals within the jungle.
Tarantula nest
• Elephant Sanctuary
Khao Sok has an elephant sanctuary the place you’ll be able to bathe the elephants, feed them, and take photos with them.
I do know it’s finest to see animals within the wild the place they belong, however that’s not at all times potential for everybody.
At a sanctuary like this, you’ll be able to work together with elephants up shut, and the cash advantages conservation for these fantastic animals.
Ebook Now: Elephant Sanctuary Tour From Khlong Sok / From Khao Lak
Steered Itinerary
Right here’s a advised itinerary you’ll be able to comply with on your go to to Khao Sok Nationwide Park.
- Day 1: Arrive in Thailand, and switch to Khlong Sok village from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani. Examine into your lodge in Khlong Sok after which spend the afternoon trekking to see animals on the jungle close to the village.
- Day 2: Drive to Ratchaprapha Marina after which take a longtail boat to your lodge on the lake. After check-in and lunch, go for a swim or kayak within the lake, after which be a part of a ship tour to see the enduring 3 peaks, discover a limestone cave, and hopefully see some wild animals. Eat dinner at your lake bungalow after which spend the evening there.
- Day 3: Get up to dawn on the lake, and go on an early morning boat safari to attempt to see extra animals. After breakfast on the lodge, take a ship again to Ratchaprapha Marina, after which drive again to Khlong Sok village.
- Day 4: Do another actions within the Khlong Sok space, like visiting the elephant sanctuary and going bamboo rafting on the river, then switch again to Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Surat Thani to proceed your travels in Thailand.
Turquoise water
Morning reflection
Entrance Payment
There’s a nationwide park charge it’s important to pay per individual, relying on which space of Khao Sok you go to.
- Lake (Adults): 300 baht (~$9)
- Lake (Youngsters 3-14): 150 baht
- Jungle (Adults): 200 baht (~$6)
- Jungle (Youngsters 3-14): 100 baht
These charges are present as of 2024, however could go up over time because the place is so in style.
The park charge is barely payable by money. Nonetheless, some excursions embrace the park charge within the complete worth, so that will prevent from needing to make use of money for it.
Observe that for those who pay the park charge within the night and go evening trekking, then your ticket continues to be legitimate for the following day, so maintain onto it.
Equally, you solely need to pay the park charge as soon as on your lake tour, even for those who spend a number of days on the lake.
Wild macaque
Different Ideas For Khao Sok Park
- What To Convey: For the boat excursions, a waterproof bag or cellphone pouch is a good suggestion to guard your electronics. A energy financial institution can be helpful for charging your cellphone, because the electrical energy is barely accessible within the night on the lake homes.
- Additional Baggage: You probably have any huge baggage, you’ll be able to retailer it at your lodge in Khlong Sok village whilst you go on the boat tour. That’s what we did. The longtail boats often have room for additional baggage for those who completely must convey it, nevertheless it’s extra handy to depart it on the village.
- Cellphone Service: Simply so you already know, many of the lake homes in Khao Sok don’t have dependable WiFi and even cellphone service. Be ready to go with out it.
- Drones: The Thai authorities doesn’t enable drones to be flown wherever at Khao Sok because it’s a nationwide park. Nonetheless, there are many locations you’ll be able to fly legally outdoors the park whereas nonetheless capturing the limestone mountains, and also you might be able to do some little bit of droning contained in the park for those who’re discreet about it and select a secure place to fly.
- Mosquitoes: Khao Sok is taken into account low threat for malaria, and I haven’t heard of any confirmed circumstances right here just lately, however it is best to nonetheless watch out. Put on repellent while you’re outdoors the room, and preserve a fan operating while you sleep. We didn’t take malaria tablets.
Crossing a bamboo department
The three peaks of Khao Sok lake
Different Ideas For Khlong Sok Village
- Motels: There are many snug lodges in Khlong Sok village close to the park. These vary from funds to luxurious. We stayed at Khao-Sok Mattress and Breakfast, and had a very good expertise. The homeowners have been pleasant, they usually have been in a position to prepare a tour, shuttle, and bike rental for us with aggressive costs.
- Eating places: The village is loaded with eating places, cafes, and Thai avenue meals inside strolling distance of the lodges. You received’t have any bother discovering someplace nice to eat.
- Credit score Playing cards: A variety of the lodges and eating places in Khlong Sok don’t settle for bank cards, so that you’ll wish to convey loads of money.
- ATM: There are a number of ATMs within the Khlong Sok village for those who run out of money and must withdraw extra.
Rafflesia signal on the park entrance
When To Go to Khao Sok
Like the remainder of southern Thailand, the climate is heat and humid at Khao Sok all yr lengthy. It follows mainly the identical climate sample as Phuket, though it’s wetter usually.
The dry season is from December to April, in order that’s one of the best time to go to for those who can. You’re extra more likely to have vivid and sunny climate in these months.
The moist season is from Could to October. Although there’s a better probability of rain in these months, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to and have a very good expertise.
Pleased travels!
Is Khao Sok Price It?
Khao Sok is dearer than different vacationer points of interest in Thailand, however I nonetheless suppose it’s value visiting.
I personally loved the surroundings of the Phi Phi islands greater than Khao Sok, however Phi Phi is so overrun with crowds it type of dampens the expertise.
Khao Sok by no means felt as crowded as one thing like Maya Bay. The surroundings is good, the animals are nice, and staying in a bungalow on the lake is a enjoyable and distinctive expertise. General, I actually favored it.
One other photogenic a part of the lake
Extra Thailand Journey Guides
Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this journey information for Khao Sok Nationwide Park in Thailand.
Don’t neglect to take a look at my different journey guides for Thailand and the remainder of the Phuket space!