Khao Sok is one of those rare destinations in Thailand that’s both exotic and easily accessible; a hidden gem lying in plain sight. Boasting world-class nature, vibrant culture and mouth-watering food, Khao Sok National Park provides its own twist on what makes Thailand unique. To get the best out of your visit to Khao Sok, take a look at the essential things you need to know about visiting Khao Sok.
How To Get To Khao Sok
Khao Sok feels like it is out of the way. However, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from anywhere in Southern Thailand. Since it sits in the middle of the Thai peninsula, a visit to the jungle of Khao Sok is the perfect way to break up travel between the beaches and islands of the west coast and east coast.
By private taxi it takes about 3 hours from Krabi, Phuket or Don Sak (where ferries land from Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao). All of these destinations provide public transport options as well. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable way to arrive in Khao Sok.
Public buses stop where the main highway meets the edge of town. This is around 2 kilometres from the park entrance. Some hotels offer free pickup from the bus stop. However, if you haven’t arranged to be picked up, you can get a ride with a Song Taew (covered truck) for 50 baht per person.
Even if you’re not in Southern Thailand, there are multiple daily flights to Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Where to Stay
Khao Sok may not offer 5 or 6-star luxury, but is that necessary when visiting the jungle? There are tons of accommodation options that provide guests with comfort while keeping them in touch with the amazing surroundings. As with most places, location is key. The main road running between the bus stop and the national park entrance has many shops, restaurants and hotels. However, it’s important to remember this area is busy, therefore not as quiet.
Those looking for something more relaxed should look into accommodation that’s off the main road or on another “soi” where you can take in the full range of what Khao Sok has to offer. The Sok River, which runs out of the park and meanders through the town. It is a great feature of the area. A lot of nice accommodations provide views of the river and the forested hills that really add to the ambience. The higher-end options are a dream come true for nature lovers: actual treehouses.
Our Jungle Camp is set in a beautiful location along the river with cliff views and it supports nature education programs for local school children. Khao Sok Riverside Cottages offers a similar experience at a great value. Set along the river a few kilometres past the main town, it’s tucked away in its own quiet corner of the jungle. It has beautiful rooms made from locally sourced wood. The friendly team at Riverside can also organize a Khao Sok tour.
If you’re looking for something even more affordable, but with a private room, Khao Sok Green Mountain View has a great location. Keep in mind that all 3 of these basic but comfortable resorts are in forest areas. They are equipped with fans and hot water. Although mosquito nets are provided, you can still expect to see insects and small lizards on occasion, as it’s their natural environment.
For those who are not looking to rough it, one place to check is Riverfront Resort. It is located right on the main road where it meets the river. The rooms are built in a more modern style of concrete construction with air-conditioning. For backpackers, a few hostels have popped up on the main road. Many offering beds from 200 baht per night. These places are surprisingly clean and comfortable especially considering how little they cost. Khao Sok Coco Hostel and Sunshine hostel are good options.
What to do
There are so many great things to see that we could hardly tell you everything in one article! As it’s the jungle, it’s important to keep in mind that certain activities are better during the dry season (Nov – Apr). With others during the rainy season (May-Oct).
Hiking
As part of one of the largest protected forests in SE Asia, Khao Sok national park offers some of the best hiking trails in all of Thailand. There are two different trails right at the entrance to the national park. They offer several options for half- and full-day hikes along the river. For more intrepid hikers, there are also options to see the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, from around February – May, or even do jungle camping. Though a shorter trail is available for independent hikers, we highly recommend hiring a guide so you can learn about the unique plants and animals that live in this part of the world.
Canoeing and Tubing
During the wet season, the river comes to life and is an excellent route through some of the most beautiful corners of Khao Sok. If you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you have good chances of spotting some wildlife hanging out along the riverbanks.
Visiting the Lake
About one hour away from Khao Sok town is one of the park’s most popular attractions, Cheow Lan Lake. All trips include a visit to one of the floating raft houses, a tour by long-tail boat and a hike to a cave, viewpoint, or waterfall. Though most visitors just visit for a day, you can also do an overnight trip and stay on the lake’s floating bungalows.
Cultural Activities
Khao Sok and the surrounding area has a rich history that many locals are happy to share with visitors. You can learn more about Khao Sok by taking a jungle cooking class, organising a village visit, or visiting an elephant sanctuary (obviously, we don’t recommend riding them).
For more information on the best things to do when visiting Khao Sok, check out this blog about Khao Sok National Park activities.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind in peace and quiet, or prefer a deep jungle adventure, Khao Sok has something to offer for single travellers, couples and families. We hope this guide helps you discover this hidden gem for yourself!
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