10 Best Things to Do in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

I first visited Thailand 15 years ago, and Khao Sok has been on my Thailand bucket list since then! And I’ve been back many times and it’s still evaded me. Well not anymore.

What a first impression. Khao Sok National Park is one of those places that takes your breath away the moment you arrive.

The dramatic limestone cliffs, sparkling lakes and incredible landscapes. Let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed, and I can’t wait to tell you everything!

Introducing Khao Sok National Park

First and foremost, let’s talk about Khao Sok as a whole. From getting there to the entrance fees, among other things, before going through all of my things to do in Khao Sok.

Getting to Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok is well connected by road and is only a short trip from major tourist areas in southern Thailand like Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, it’s about 2 hours by bus or private taxi, so it’s a good starting point.

Phuket and Krabi are a bit further but you can still get to Khao Sok in 3 to 4 hours. You’ll find many cheap buses or you can opt for a private transfer if you want comfort and flexibility.

If you’re flying, Surat Thani Airport is the nearest and you can then take a direct bus or shuttle to Khao Sok, and that’s probably the most convenient option. We flew to Surat Thani from Bangkok, before heading to Ratchaprapha Marina by bus.

Entrance Fees and Guidelines

Khao Sok National Park entrance fee is 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children at Ratchaprapha Dam. You must pay the entrance fee by cash only so make sure you withdraw before going, true for many places in Thailand.

When visiting, I recommend sticking to the marked trails and following your guides especially if you’re planning to do more challenging hikes or explore caves like Nam Talu.

Littering is strictly prohibited and we were requested to keep a safe distance from the animals, and not to feed them! It’s also forbidden to fly drones anywhere near animals or land where they might be.

Lastly, guided tours are optional but I highly recommend joining one if you want to get the most out of your day out, including spotting rare wildlife and hidden spots.

Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park

The best time to visit Khao Sok National Park is November to February when the weather is cool, dry and perfect to enjoy outdoor activities. The average temperature is between 22°C to 28°C, which is ideal for jungle treks, boat tours and bird-watching.

March to May is hot and humid, the trails are still accessible but expect more heat.

On the other hand, you can expect heavy rainfall during the rainy season (from May to October), and the park is incredibly green but some trails might be closed.

If you don’t mind the occasional downpour and muddy paths, this can be a great time to see the park in its most beautiful state. This is when I travelled and we were very lucky with the weather.

How Long to Stay in Khao Sok?

For a good visit to Khao Sok plan to stay at least 2 days. This will give you time to see the main highlights without feeling rushed.

A typical itinerary would be a boat tour around Cheow Lan Lake, a jungle trek, a visit to caves and maybe a night safari to see nocturnal animals.

If you’re really into nature and want to see more of the park’s wildlife and flora, 4-5 days will give you time to go deeper into the park, visit less-known trails or even camp overnight.

That being said, if you have limited time in this part of Thailand, I recommend taking a day trip from Krabi, which includes all the best spots around the national park.

Where to Stay in Khao Sok?

I stayed at Khao Sok Eco Raft, an amazing floating bungalow with incredibly welcoming people and delicious food. It’s a mid-range option that’s currently going through renovations. Therefore they are closed to bookings. I will update this when they are open again.

However, there are plenty of accommodation options in Khao Sok.

Premium Floating Bungalow: 500 Rai Floating Resort

For a luxurious stay on Cheow Lan Lake, 500 Rai Floating Resort offers a premium floating bungalow experience. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and the emerald waters of Khao Sok, each bungalow is huge and has modern amenities and a private balcony with a view.

You can kayak, swim or just chill right at your doorstep. Perfect for those who want adventure and comfort in a unique setting.

Mid-range Floating Bungalow: Panvaree The Greenery

Panvaree The Greenery is a good mid-range option for staying on the water in Khao Sok. The floating bungalows have cosy rooms with all the essentials, plus a lake view.

The resort offers kayaking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting, which is perfect for nature lovers who want a floating bungalow without breaking the bank and without compromising on beauty and relaxation.

Resort in Khao Lak: Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort

Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort is a beachfront resort for those who want a bit of everything. Located on a beautiful stretch of Khao Lak beach, the resort has stylish rooms, a pool and direct access to a quiet beach.

With plenty of in-house dining and snorkelling, perfect for families and couples looking for a chill tropical vacation just a short drive from Khao Sok National Park.

10 Fun Things to Do in Khao Sok

Now that you know more about Khao Sok, let’s get through the main part of this article – the activities and my top things to do in Khao Sok!

Go Kayaking at Khao Sok

Start the day with a peaceful morning kayaking, surrounding yourselves with limestone cliffs, jungle, and the sounds of nature. Or why not head out for sunset?

Early morning is best for wildlife spotting as the riverbanks come alive with birds, monkeys and other animals starting their day.

Kayak rentals are usually available at your accommodation and you can opt for guided tours if you want to learn more about the local ecosystem. Kayaks were free at Khao Sok Eco Raft.

The water is very gentle so it’s suitable for all skill levels, so don’t worry if you have little experience kayaking.

Visit Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary

Ever wanted to get up close with elephants (who hasn’t?)? Khao Sok’s elephant sanctuary is the perfect way to do it in an ethical way.

These sanctuaries are for rescued elephants, where they can live and roam free. You’ll feed them, learn about their personalities and even give them a mud bath. That’s right, you’ll be in there with the elephants splashing around in the water!

A far cry from elephant riding, you’ll be helping these animals live life as it should be. The catch? The tours always sell out quickly, and I recommend booking as soon as possible.

Scenic Boat Trips at Khao Sok National Park

Another thing that is potentially organised by your accommodation, taking a boat trip at Khao Sok is a must. You can also do this as part of a day tour.

The boat tour takes several hours and will take you through towering rock formations that rise from the water like natural skyscrapers. If you’ve been to other parts of Asia before, these are similar to those you’ll find in Halong Bay in Vietnam or Palawan in the Philippines.

You can stop to swim or snorkel in the clear water. Many tours also visit hidden caves like Nam Talu or Coral Cave where you can see stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers.

There’s plenty of wildlife around the lake so keep an eye out for birds, monkeys and even wild elephants near the shore.

Some tours offer overnight options where you can stay in a floating bungalow like the ones listed above. Staying overnight in one of these was a massive highlight and highly recommended.

Day Trip Adventures in Khao Sok National Park

A day trip to Khao Sok National Park is a mix of adventure and nature exploration, and I am assuming you’re not planning to stay overnight.

A typical day trip can start with a guided trek through the jungle where you will see unique flora like giant Rafflesia flowers and maybe wildlife such as gibbons or hornbills.

Some day trips include visits to caves like Nam Talu or Coral Cave where you can explore underground rivers and limestone formations.

If you are lucky you might see some of the park’s wildlife like elephants or clouded leopards. Most day trips include a boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake where you can take a swim along the shore.

Want to know more about the scenic boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake? Read below, because this is yet another of the fun things to do in Khao Sok National Park.

Explore the Caves (Coral Cave or Nam Talu Cave)

Khao Sok National Park is home to some incredible cave systems, with Coral Cave and Nam Talu Cave being two standout spots. If you’re an adventurer like me, this is the place to be! We visited Coral Cave and I plan to see Nam Talu next time.

First of all, Nam Talu Cave is famous for its underground river and the overall experience of wading through water-filled passages. It’s a challenging trek that involves climbing and trekking through narrow spaces.

On the other hand, Coral Cave is known for its stunning coral-like stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a shorter, more accessible cave that’s perfect for those who want to experience a cave’s beauty without the intensity of Nam Talu.

And to get to Coral Cave you’ll trek through the jungle before taking a bamboo raft to the cave’s entrance!

Both caves offer a unique perspective on the natural side within Khao Sok’s limestone mountains, and it’s better than seeing the rock formations from afar.

Elephant and Wildlife Spotting on Safari Tours

Khao Sok’s biodiversity makes it one of the best places in Thailand for spotting wildlife, and you just can’t skip a guided safari tour – one of the best ways to experience it.

These tours are your chance to see animals like elephants in their natural habitat, along with gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive clouded leopard if you’re lucky.

Daytime safaris take you through the jungle, where guides help you track animals and explain the unique ecosystem.

There’s more. Night safaris provide a completely different experience, as the forest comes alive with nocturnal animals like civets, slow lorises, and owls.

Some safaris also include visits to elephant sanctuaries, where you can observe them up close and learn about efforts to protect and conserve Thailand’s wild elephant population.

Swimming in the Lake

We previously mentioned the iconic boat trips around Cheow Lan Lake, but swimming is just as fun!

The Cheow Lan Lake looks like it’s been photoshopped but it’s all real, and having a dip here is simply a must. The photos below speak for themselves.

I swam directly from my bungalow first thing in the morning and last thing at night every day. What a refreshing and peaceful way to start and finish the day.

The clear waters surrounded by those towering limestone cliffs is the perfect swimming spot. Whether you’re stopping for a swim on a boat trip or from your floating bungalow, the water is cool and perfect for a lazy float.

Night Safari and Wildlife Watching

To see Khao Sok from a different perspective, a night safari is where the jungle comes alive at night.

As the sun sets, you’ll grab your head torch, jump in a truck or on foot with your guide and get ready for a whole different side of nature.

You might see slow-moving lorises, bats flying through the trees or civets sneaking through the forest floor. The sounds of the jungle at night are just as exciting, frogs, insects and who knows what rustling in the bushes.

The best part is you never know what’s around the corner so every rustle or flash of movement keeps you on your toes.

Hiking and Trekking in Khao Sok

If you love trekking through wild untouched landscapes then Khao Sok is your place.

There are numerous hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park, and you’ll find plenty of options whether you’re a beginner or experienced hiker.

With trails that wind through dense jungle, past towering cliffs and around crystal clear rivers, hiking here feels like being on a movie set.

I personally recommend the Ton Kloi Waterfall trail, which is 12.7km out and back and is not the hardest challenge out there, yet it’s fun enough for a few hours in nature.

Just don’t forget your insect repellent and plenty of water, it’s hot and humid in this part of southeast Asia.

Bamboo Rafting Along the River

Last but not least for these things to do in Khao Sok National Park is Bamboo rafting, and it’s as relaxing as it gets.

Imagine drifting down a calm river on a handmade bamboo raft surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and jungle.

The best way to enjoy the experience is to book a tour with a local guide. You can just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

It’s the perfect way to take in the scenery at your own pace without breaking a sweat. Don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before, bamboo rafting is super easy and the river is gentle so it’s smooth sailing, especially if you’re the passenger.

Khao Sok National Park – FAQ

Now that we know all the fun things to do in Khao Sok National Park, let’s answer some questions that you might have as a first-timer.

Are Guided Tours of Khao Sok Worth it?

Yes, guided tours in Khao Sok are worth it especially if you are short on time or want to get the most out of your visit.

Local guides know the park really well and can take you to hidden spots you would never find on your own. They will help you spot wildlife, explain the park’s flora and fauna and keep you safe on more challenging treks or cave explorations.

What Wildlife is There in Khao Sok?

Khao Sok is a wildlife paradise with animals that call the jungle home. You have gibbons swinging through the trees, hornbills flying overhead and even the rare clouded leopard hiding in the undergrowth.

Elephants roam free in some areas and if you are lucky, you might see them on a safari tour. Alternatively, go to the elephant sanctuary in Khao Sok, one of the best in the country.

Civets, slow lorises and plenty of reptiles like snakes and water lizards. And let’s not forget the many colourful birds and butterflies that make the jungle come alive.

Is One Day in Khao Sok Enough?

One day in Khao Sok gives you a taster but it’s definitely not enough to see everything the park has to offer.

You could fit in a boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake or a short jungle trek but you would miss out on the deeper experiences like cave tours, wildlife safaris or staying in a floating bungalow.

If you are short on time, a day is better than nothing but ideally plan to stay at least 2 or 3 days to really take it all in.

Conclusion

Khao Sok National Park is packed with things to do if you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy adventures. Plus, it’s not one of these very touristy places like in the rest of the country.

You’ll get to go kayaking at sunrise or sunset, explore cave systems, or cruise around on a longtail boat.

Throw in some wildlife spotting and a peaceful swim in the emerald waters, and you’ve got the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

Thank you for reading until the end and I hope this post was helpful in planning your trip to Khao Sok National Park.

This campaign was in partnership with the Tourism Authority or Thailand, and the itinerary organised by Tru Travels. As always, thoughts and opinions were my own and this is one of the best places I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.