Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Located in southern Thailand and surrounded by the spectacular, lush landscape of Surat Thani province, lies Khao Sok National Park.

Khao Sok is one of Asia’s most impressive and biodiverse rainforests. Located about a 3-hour drive from Phuket, the rainforest is one of Thailand’s largest national parks, covering an area of over 700 square kilometres.  The national park offers an extensive network of hiking trails, a wealth of outdoor activities, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Rainforest and flora

Khao Sok National Park is famous for its impressive rainforest that extends over huge areas of the park. This rainforest is one of the oldest and most intact in the world and is made up partly of tropical evergreen forest and tropical rainforest.

The trees form a dense canopy that provides shade and creates a protected environment for a wide range of exotic plants and animals.

There are around 200 different species of flowers per hectare, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Asia. Here you’ll find beautiful lianas, orchids, banana plants and bamboo plants, creating a colourful and varied flora.

The forest is also home to many rare and endangered plant species. One of the most well-known is Rafflesia Arnoldii. Rafflesia is a symbol of the province of Surat Thani in Southern Thailand and is known for being the world’s largest flower. This fascinating red/orange flower takes nine months to grow from a small bud to a giant football (some reach 80 cm in diameter).

Wildlife in Khao Sok National Park

The lush rainforest and life-giving river are also home to a multitude of amazing and diverse animals.

If you’re a bird lover, you’ll certainly have something to look forward to. Khao Sok is home to around 400 different bird species, including hornbills, parrots, peacocks and woodhens. The forest is also home to many mammals, including elephants, tapirs, pygmy deer, wild goats, macaque monkeys and wild boar.

Tree trunks and rock formations are habitats for snakes, lizards and frogs.

Every step in the jungle offers the opportunity to come face-to-face with nature’s most enchanting creatures. Deeper in the woods there are leopards and Malayan Sun bears, but you’ll need a bit more luck to spot them.

Cheow Lan Lake

Lake Cheow Lan is a large, emerald-green gem right in the centre of the national park. The lake is around 30 kilometres long and covers an area of 165 km2.

Cheow Lan was formed when the Rajjaprabha Dam was built in 1987. As the area became increasingly flooded by rain and river water, part of the rainforest was converted into a lake. Many animals were moved by boats and helicopters to prevent them from drowning or starving on the new islands, and 385 local families were relocated and compensated.

Today, the lake is surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and cliffs, including the “Three Brothers” – the most famous rock formation on the lake. These impressive formations, which are covered in lush vegetation, create a dramatic backdrop and a picturesque landscape.

Activities and adventure in Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.

Boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake

One of the most popular experiences is a boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake, which winds through the park and allows you to explore the beautiful limestone cliffs and floating bungalows. You can board a traditional longtail boat and let yourself be guided through the lake’s enchanting waterways.

While exploring the hidden corners of Cheow Lan Lake, you may also discover entrances to mysterious caves hidden along the lakeshore. When the boat docks at a quiet spot, you might even be tempted to take a refreshing dip in the clear water.

Hiking

Hiking is also a great way to immerse yourself in the lush jungle of the national park. There are many hiking trails available, and whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, you can find a hiking trail that meets your needs.

You can choose to go on a guided hike through the jungle to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls and natural pools. Along the way, your guide will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna and you’ll have the opportunity to spot the exotic animal species that call the jungle home.

Evening safari in the rainforest

For a one-of-a-kind experience of Khao Sok’s incredible wildlife, we recommend going on an evening safari after the sun has set.

Together with a guide, you can embark on an exciting hike through the jungle and deepen your knowledge of the fascinating nocturnal animals. From bats to monkeys, snakes and spiders – your torch will light the way on this unforgettable evening.

Canoeing on the Sok River

Explore a new world with a Sok River canoe trip. Drift through a scenic gorge with striking cliffs on both sides, forming a natural corridor.

When is the best time to visit Khao Sok?

Khao Sok can be visited year-round, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially between June and November, when it rains more than the remaining months.

If you would like to visit Khao Sok during the dry season, you should book your trip between December and March. However, you should be prepared for the heat, and during this season, temperatures can range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius on average.

Visit the national park between April and October if you want to avoid too many other visitors. During this period, the weather is humid, and you can expect mild temperatures and full waterfalls.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller