Khao Sok National Park: A Natural Paradise in Surat Thani

The Bear Team 7 min read

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Thailand has many great things to see and do, but getting around in nature and sighting the wilderness is beating the list. Therefore, Khao Sok National Park is ideal if you're hoping for an epic trip through Thailand while looking for something to do between the seasides.

It is a relatively unfamiliar natural beauty in Thailand. Touring this park will allow you to encounter Thailand differently. It's like heaven, situated in the Phang Nga region of Thailand, just north of Phuket.

So, if you need to do something varied on your planned trip to Thailand, come and discover this wonderful national park with us.

Stunning Natural Beauty of Surat Thani's National Park

Khao Sok National Park is supposed to be one of Thailand's most stunning national parks. In this park, you can seek Khao Sok Lake, which is surrounded by massive rock formations 900 meters long, and you will be surprised by the old jungle, magnificent views, and fantastic flora and fauna.

Khao Sok National Park is still one of the most spotless, unchanged parks in Thailand. It is a preserved natural resource that, fortunately, still has not been uncovered by mass tourism. This enables you to encounter the natural wildlife in this park. 

In addition, with abundant hiking routes, lots of wildlife, and floating bungalows, this is an outstanding travel destination. So, stay for a few days at Khao Sok National Park and take satisfaction in a trip full of explorations in nature.

 Fun Fact!

To see the Rafflesia flower, you must go around late January or early February when it is in bloom. 

Must-Do Activities at Khao Sok National Park

The Khao Sok National Park offers an abundance of incredible activities and remarkable adventures. 

Chiao Lan Lake Boat Trip

Cheow Lan Lake is a glorious lake in Khao Sok National Park. It is one of the most significant attractions of the region. A boat tour at the reservoir is a must-try for every national park visitor. You can enjoy an inexpressibly beautiful landscape during a trip with the specific longtail boats! 

Waterfalls in the Park

As mentioned, Khao Sok also has some lovely waterfalls. Mai Yai Waterfall is situated alongside the main road and is the sole waterfall within the park that can be reached by car. All others are related to a jungle hike. Moreover, the 7-kilometer Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail is lovely. 

On this trek through the lush green jungle of Khao Sok National Park, you'll encounter multiple waterfalls along the way. Wang Phai Nga, Bang Hau Rat, Tang Nam Gorge, Wing Hin Waterfall, Wang Yao, Bang Lean Nam, Tan Sawan Waterfall, and the Ton Kloi Waterfall – all these slight natural miracles can be explored on the Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail.

Hin Sam Glur Rocks

The milestone and, on top of that, an outstanding picturesic spot in Khao Sok National Park is the Hin Sam Glur rocks. The three barely similar rock shapes sticking out of the lakeside by the side develop an incredible impression. Because of the different sights and shapes, a widespread photo stop is made there on most guided boat tours.

Floating Bungalows

A natural highlight and a must-do in Khao Sok National Park is to spend the night in one of the Floating Bungalows. These floating wooden huts are attached by wooden walkways directly to the lake. Here, you live in the magnificent view and enjoy an enchanted atmosphere that is unusually experienced anywhere else. The environment is different, mainly in the early sunrise and dusk when the fog turns in, and the wildlife is most active.

Elephants in Khao Sok National Park

If you have a keen interest in observing elephants, you can pay a visit to one of the Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuaries located within the National Park. These sanctuaries offer a safe and caring environment for retired working elephants. During a half-day excursion, you'll have the privilege of feeding, interacting with, observing, and even bathing alongside these rescued elephants.

Caves in the National Park

There are many fascinating caves to explore in Khao Sok National Park. Tours to them should not be taken alone, but better as part of a guided group. Some hailstone caves can only be achieved by boat, while others can only be reached by a challenging hike through the forest. 

Khao Sok Jungle Hike

An incredible experience in Khao Sok National Park is embarking on a jungle tour. The finest hiking adventures typically commence at the main entrance near Khao Sok Town. Once there, you'll find a national park map to help you plan your route effectively.

There are numerous well-marked trails within the park that you can navigate with ease. These paths wind through beautiful bamboo forests, leading you to various tropical waterfalls, and you may even have the chance to spot some monkeys, such as macaques and langurs, along the way. One of the most popular routes is the 7-kilometer Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail, which is a prominent choice for many visitors.

Monkey Temple

A captivating and lesser-known attraction is the Monkey Temple, known as Wat Tham Nang Panturath, lovingly maintained by the resident monks. This temple complex is situated on the outskirts of the village of Khao Sok, just a short distance from the park headquarters. While the temple itself may not be particularly grand, what makes it special is the opportunity to encounter numerous monkeys who often appreciate a small treat from visitors.

Incredible Sunsets and Sunrises

To enjoy the beauty of this place, come around early to see the lovely pink hues over the lime structures and hear the national park wake up with the sounds of monkeys and birds in the distance. It’s a great experience.

It is also one of the quiet places you will experience and an excellent place to switch off your mentality. Stargazing at night is also a memorable experience, with visible skies, no sounds, and utter calmness.

Wildlife in Khao Sok National Park

The national park is home to a wide species of tropical wildlife, including Great Hornbills, Asian Elephants, tigers, and long-tailed macaques. The promising time to see wildlife is early in the dawn, no later than 7 a.m., or as the sun is setting around 6 p.m., depending on the time of the year.

 Trivia!

No matter what time of the year, you will constantly have some rain in Khao Sok, usually in the afternoons. But don’t worry- this only enhances the beauty of the surroundings!

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani?

Khao Sok National Park is one of the multiple national parks in Thailand. But this Park is important because it has one of the most aged rainforests in the world.

It is undoubtedly one of the most attractive places in Thailand to visit. In addition to the beautiful landscape, there is a lot of flora and fauna to be found. An absolute highlight is seeing the wildlife in the Park. 

Cheow Lan Lake, known as Khao Sok Lake, is the world-famous must-visit lake. In this part of the Park, you can stop in a bungalow on the lake, which is fabulous. Whether trekking through the jungle, you can visit numerous caves to discover spiders and snakes, bathe through caves, kayak on the lake, go on a safari, or relax by the water; it’s all credible.

How to Visit Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani?

It’s a 2.5-hour minivan drive to the park entrance from Surat Thani. A minibus ticket will go for 300 THB ($10). Public buses also connect Khao Sok from Surat Thani, launching at around 120-220 THB, though you’ll perhaps learn it is much simpler to take a minibus for a few dollars more. 

 Did you know?

The wonderful thing about Khao Sok National Park is that many tourists do not visit it concerning the surrounding destinations. Many travelers come to Thailand to get a kick out of the coast. In this Park, you can do something unique, making it a fantastic place during your trip through Thailand.

Maps & More information 

Khao Sok National Park is different, with its towering limestone peaks rising out of the magnificent emerald water of Cheow Lan Lake. Featuring centuries-old rainforests and limestone karst hills that are so rare in this part of Thailand, this Park is not to be missed.