night tour khao sok

Thai National Parks

Khao sok national park, private tour | 2-days/1-night private tour in cheow lan lake.

Situated between Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Cheow Lan Lake has one of the most beautiful scenic views in Thailand.

The lake deserves more than one night of stay, but if you only can stay one night, you will still be able to enjoy a few activities with this tour. If you truly want to enjoy more of the lake, then a 3D/2N tour is recommended.

With the 2-days/1-night tour in Cheow Lan Lake you will be able to see scenic rock formations, hike to a viewpoint, visit a cave, hike in the jungle, kayak, swim and drive around for wildlife watching. The tour includes a stay in a raft house of your choice, a private guide and a private boat with driver. No others will share the guide or the boat with you during the tour.

Out tours must be booked with "no matter the weather" in mind. We don't find the lake tours suitable for kids under 7 years old, other companies may have a different opinion about age limits.

Raft house options

500 rai floating resort (deluxe).

500 Rai Floating Resort is one of the two top raft houses in the lake, with 15 houses/cabins of various sizes. The raft house is located at the far end of the lake, between Phupha Waree and Krai Son raft houses, with one of the best views in the lake.

Following are the type of rooms;

Copyright 500 Rai

Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort (deluxe)

Panvaree The Greenery is fully booked for the entire July/August months.

While most raft houses in the lake have on average around two dozen bungalows, Panvaree The Greenery Floating Resort have fewer which makes it a relatively quiet place even when the place is fully booked. Quality wise it is no doubt one of the best and most popular raft houses in the lake. The raft house is located in the entrance of Khlong Long tributary.

• Superior 2 pax - For 2 adults or 2 adults + small child (child to share same bed as parents but quoted half price). Room can be with either a double bed or two single beds, unfortunately can't be chosen, either one can be booked depending on availability and other circumstances.
• Family rooms; For 3+ pax

The price for rooms varies depending on week-day, week-end day or holidays.

Copyright Panvaree The Greenery

Phupha Waree Raft House

Phupha Waree is set back in a private alcove just inside Klong Pey, compared to most basic/average raft houses in the lake it is considered a bit better option. The rooms are equipped with 2 joined queen size beds, a private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate 2-4 people. While the smaller rooms will be booked for up to 3 people, the larger rooms will be booked for 4 people.

For the dates concerning high season months, week-ends (Fri-Sat nights) and public holidays, rooms at Phupha Waree should be booked well in advance.

Copyright Phu Pha Waree

Copyright Phupha Waree

Laguna Cheow Lan Raft House

Laguna Cheow Lan is fully booked for the entire July/August months.

Laguna Cheow Lan is located in Khlong Long tributary, in the middle of the lake. Each room have a king size and a single bed, private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate up to 3 people. The beds are on the floor.

(a new increased price will apply for Laguna Cheow Lan from January 2025 onwards)

Copyright Laguna Cheow Lan

Sai Chon Raft House (wooden)

Sai Chon Raft House is a cheaper alternative compared to high end ones, located in Khlong Long tributary of the lake, not too far from the pier. The quality is somewhere between the bamboo and high end options. The rooms can accommodate 2-4 people with king size beds, equipped with fans and has rooms with private bathroom.

Unlike the other raft houses, kayaking is not free at Sai Chon Raft House, rental will cost 200 Baht per kayak. The price is optional, not included in our listed price.

Copyright Sai Chon Raft House

Copyright Sai Chon Raft House, room for 4 people

Krai Son Raft House (bamboo option)

Krai Son Floaint Bungalows are perched at the entrance to Klong Yee at the remote end of the lake. It is equipped with traditional style bamboo bungalows (2 pax, double beds), no fan, with shared bathroom facilities on land next to the raft house. It is the only raft house on the lake with a view of sunrise and sunset. Local attractions include a viewpoint hike which overlooks the entire lake, and it is close by to the Khlong Saeng wildlife sanctuary not too far from Phupha Waree.

Krai Son Raft House doesn't have any kayaks.

Copyright Krai Sorn

Copyright Guide Nid

The following itinerary is just an example. Depending on the location of your raft house, weather conditions, your suggestions or eventual shorter/longer time you may decide to spend at attractions may change the planning. Example; you may decide to do more kayaking, skip some activities for the other, or simply just decide to relax and spend some time with friend(s)/family at the raft house.

• 10 am pickup from Cheow Lan Lake Pier to board your long-tail boat
• Scenic tour of limestone karst formations on the way to your rafthouse
• Check in to the raft house. Enjoy a traditional Thai Lunch prepared with rich southern Thai curries, delicious local vegetables.
• Guided hike to see viewpoints on dry season or to a waterfall on rainy season (optional)
• Afternoon wildlife safari by boat
• Return to the raft house for a swim, relax and enjoy the scenery
• Enjoy a delectable dinner of fish, Thai soup, and veggies.
• Rise before breakfast for the morning mist safari, the best time to see gibbons, macaques, and dusky leaf monkeys
• Return to raft house for breakfast
• Explore the surrounding area by kayak
• Depending on the raft house and it's location, check-out from the raft house is around 9:30 am, tour ends around 10:30 to 11 am

Where & when?

The tour starts at Cheow Lan Lake Pier (Rajjaprabha Dam), 65 km from park headquarters. We can arrange transfers from/to Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ao Nang, Surat Thani and Khao Sok village on request.

The nearest airports are Surat Thani (~1h), Krabi (~2h) and Phuket Airport (~2.5h), you are recommended to arrive to the area a day before the tour start. This tour is not recommended to start the same day when arriving from the islands or to the airport far away.

This tour is operated all year round.

When to book?

High seasons months in the lake are November to April and July/August. Bookings for these months should be done far in advance, earliest possible. Even if some raft houses may still have rooms available days/weeks before, guide availability is more of a concern. The guides may get fully booked months in advance for the busiest times of the year. During the low season months there is less risk of unavailability. 

Panvaree The Greenery superior rooms should be booked at least 6-12 months in advance for the busier months of the year, even the family rooms may get room far in advance. It is one of the most popular raft houses in the lake.

Laguna Cheow Lan should be booked at least 5-6 months in advance, they are constantly fully booked at least 3-4 months ahead.

Phupha Waree can be booked a couple of months ahead, but during the high seasons they may get fully booked most dates 1-3 months ahead. There is greater risk for them to get fully booked during the week-ends.

For the dates concerning high season months from November to mid April, week-ends (Fri-Sat nights) and public holidays, the rooms at Phupha Waree should be booked well in advance. There can be rooms available for the week-days in short notice, but then again, guides may get fully booked.

Sai Chon should also be booked earliest possible for any week-end/holiday concerned dates.

Krai Son tends to have availability for the most year even if booked days/weeks in advance but can be fully booked months in advance for long week-end holidays.

Tour details in short:

• Duration: 2 days/1 night
• Type: Private
• Price: * see price table *
• Group size: 1 or more people
• Grade: Easy
• Transport: Long-tail boat
• Start: 10a m (day 1)
• End: around 10:30 to 11 am (day 2)

What to bring:

• Rain clothing, specially on rainy season
• Personal toiletries
• Sneakers for hiking, sandals for waterfall/cave visit
• Swimming clothing & towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock lotion

The tour will be led by a private guide which means no others will join you while exploring the lake and surrounding areas. The price for this tour package depends on the choice of accommodation and number of people, please see price per person further down.

The prices below do not include entrance fees to the national park.

Displayed prices are per person

Tour rates include:

• Long-tail boat transportation
• Lunch and dinner on day-1, breakfast on day-2
• Drinking water
• Kayaking (at Phupha Waree, 500 Rai, Laguna and Panvaree The Greenery)
• Accident insurance during the tour (covering hospital costs)

Tour rates doesn't include:

• Entrance fees to the park
• Transfer to the lake from the nearby towns

Send enquiry

Reviews from our guests

Rated 4.65 /5 based on 116 customer reviews

By: Kseniya Ribeiro | posted Wed 13 Dec, 2023 | Phupha Waree

5 / 5 stars

Booked this trip to Khao Sok in advance as this was on our to see list while in Thailand. Unfortunately, got unlucky with weather on our first day there. Made the best out of it though and did kayaking in the rain. Lake was super warm to swim in. Food provided was amazing. Our tour guide was great, very communicative. Second day we were able to do a boat safari since it stopped raining. We saw a ton of giant hornbills, different monkeys. It was amazing. We skipped jungle trekking but the boat safari definitely made up for it. Loved overall experience and would recommend it for others. The only complaint is our raft house was making a very annoying noise when we all concentrated in one place (and it’s not that large lol); we had to move the mattresses around so we can sleep in peace.

By: Agata Lacka | posted Wed 6 Dec, 2023 | Sai Chon

Nice stay with super accomodation and good food, our guide Bee very informative and helpful, kind and nice person, strongly reccomend! It was an amazing time, relaxing and with such a perfect views, would live to come back;)

By: James N | posted Sun 3 Dec, 2023 | Phupha Waree

2 / 5 stars

Tour guide June was great.

It's misleading that this is 2D1N tour. check out time is 10AM next day. So it's only 1 day at the lake.

The raft house asked us to checkout at 9AM because there are many visitors. That's a lame excuse. So it's 1night/23hour tour, not a 1N2D tour.

Animal sight seeing is not worthy and boring.

> Tour operator's response

Sorry to hear this tour didn't live up to your expectations.

The information in this tour details page above says it all. I think we have been transparent with all info.

I think you are misunderstanding the concept of a 2D/1N tour including overnight stay. As any other hotel in the world, a room can't be occupied more than around 22 hours when only one night booked, because a bit of time needed to clean up the rooms for the next guests.

Then you are saying your tour ended 9am at "check-out" time. If it ended 9am, then it means you were left at the raft house 9am on your own. You are not mentioning that your boat trip from the raft house to the pier took 1h 20 minutes after the check-out.

To make it clear to all reading this review; It takes around 1h 20 minute boat drive back to the pier from the vicinity of Phupha Waree Raft House. Our guests are always asked if they want to drive around a bit before starting to drive back to the pier to end the tour. Most our guests decide to check-out after the breakfast, much earlier in the morning, do hike, search wildlife and head to the pier to end the tour. So, if someone wait until the exact check-out time, well, then there won't be much time for doing anything before start driving to the pier to end the tour.

Lastly; this is not a zoo, animals choose to "reveal themselves" when it "pleases them". One needs to have a bit of luck to see some impressive wildlife. It simply sounds like you weren't lucky.

We don't give any guarantee for impressive wildlife sighting, nor do we claim our lake tours are pure wildlife oriented. Wildlife search is only one of activities among the others. Chances to see impressive wildlife is more with a 3D/2N tour, even then there is no guarantee. If you had seen an elephant, your opinion about the wildlife bit would probably have been different.

By: Elien Timmerman | posted Mon 27 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

The organization was very good. 2 days before the trekking we got an email with the pickup hour at the hotel, time of arrival at the lake. We also got the phone numbers of the driver and the guide. The communication was very clear.

Once we met our guide Tim, it was a really warm welcome with a very nice chat. Not only about the trekking but also about common life in Thailand, personal life and off course the environment. Tim was an excellent guide, she really looked after us, gave a lot of information and there was also room for jokes. We learned a lot about the lake and the animals, we really enjoyed our stay!

By: Laura Raso | posted Sun 26 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

We had a 2 day 1 night tour and it was wonderful. Our tourguide Ruam made it an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our vacation. We want to thank Thai National Parks and especially Ruam for everything! The best tourguide :)

By: Mikaela Maloney | posted Sun 26 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

We absolutely loved our time at the park and our guide Rungsri (Noom). He was so knowledgeable of the area and was incredibly personable. This was the best part of our vacation and we would recommend to anyone! Thank you for taking good care of us!

By: Cyril De Rivière | posted Sat 25 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

Everything was spectacular. Dont hésitate just go. Food was great, room was great, staff were amazing. A huge huge thank you to Gent ( Jent? ) Our guide who was full of knowledge and all around Amazing.

By: Victoria Fojtl | posted Sat 18 Nov, 2023 | Krai Son (bamboo)

Our guide was really nice and the tour was amazing.

By: Alexandra Guedes | posted Wed 15 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

4 / 5 stars

Khao Sok is indeed beautiful. The tour could be better planned, the hike in the waterfall was amazing but you should warn people to wear watershoes. My snickers were wet for days!!!

We didnt see pratically any animals so I would prefer more walking and less sightseeing.

The guide was great, very funny and nice.

Our apartment was nice but the stairs were broken

Thanks for your feedback. :)

It is not easy with wildlife sighting in the lake, and compared to a 3D/2N tour, chances to see some decreases with 2D/1N tour you have booked. As we always say; it is not a zoo, one need a bit of luck to see some impressive wildlife. I bet your opinion about hiking vs wildlife search would be different if you saw an elephant. :)

The stairs tends to get in poor conditions due to constant rainy conditions in the lake, they get repaired now and then. I expect it will be fixed at some point now that the rainy season is ending. We will forward your feedback to them.

By: Eliana Peluso | posted Wed 15 Nov, 2023 | Phupha Waree

Amazing experience, such an unforgettable place! I wish we spent more time there, I would love to go back! Our guide was really friendly, we really enjoyed the tour, thanks so much!!

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Coral Cave tour

2day 1 night - easy walk, bamboo raft morning and evening safari 

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For the adventurous

Your KHAO SOK adventure

A private trip on the magical Khao Sok Cheow Laan Lake

Khao Sok Private Tours

An authentic experience in nature

If you come for just a day, or enjoy an overnight stay in a comfortable floating bungalow, you will be in the heart of the oldest original rainforest on our planet. 

Join our private tours

On and around the Khao Sok Cheow Laan Lake, for a real experience with a true local guide..

Khao Sok is one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks, with lots of wildlife including hornbill, gibbons, wild elephants, bears and more. Our English-speaking local guide can offer you the best opportunity to see these wild animals and get a unique overview of the environment.

All tours are just for your group - be it a couple, or a family or a bunch of friends – it’s YOUR adventure, we are happy to make it super special just for you…

Cheow Laan Lake borders Khao Sok, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring towering limestone cliffs, breath-taking hiking, original rainforest, wild elephants and ancient cave explorations. A unique travel destination!

No visit to Southern Thailand is complete without a stop off in Khao Sok National Park. We are conveniently located between the travel destinations of Phuket, Krabi, Pang Nga and Koh Samui. 

Off the grid, away from it all ...

Our tours include sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, evening and morning safaris, delicious meals. 

We will take you back to the roots! Away from it all -- and at our lake accommodation -- even totally off the grid. We will take you to beautiful floating bamboo rafthouses surrounded by incredible scenery, or a lake tour with bamboo raft, jungle trekking on foot or even a night in the jungle while sleeping in hammocks and cooking in bamboo. Wildlife spotting is of course part of all our tours. We should see and hear hornbill, monkey, gibbon, sometimes even elephants. But even if you don't, you will see and learn a lot about nature and the Thai local lifestyle.

We also offer specific tours with a focus on getting to know the local lifestyle. Visit a local village, local house, local market, rubber and fruit plantations, weaving, learn to make bamboo toys and more ... Or just book our 3 day / 2 night tour and get a bit of it all!

- English speaking but locally-born guide. - We try to be as eco friendly as possible. Please use refill bottles.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Tours including 

Private long tail boat

pick up and drop off around khao sok national park area. pick up or drop off anoint place visit private transfer in the website 

Private local guide 

Tour insurance 

National park fee 

Water, fruit, snacks 

Bamboo raft (Coral Cave)

Spare binoculars

Thai lunch (1 day tour)

Longer trips: Meals (4 for 2 day trips, 7 for 3 day trips)

Room as detailed in tour description

waterproof bag 20L for 2 person 

All tours are private – it’s your trip, we are happy to make it special…

Full day tour

All in one day

From B11,352 for 2

2 day 1 night hiking  & wildlife spotting

From B24,263 for 2

Coral cave tour

2 day 1 night

Easy walk, bamboo raft

From B21,924 for 2

Jungle tour

with camping

3 day 2 night

From B38,333  for 2

Wildlife spotting tour

3 days 2 night

From B33,264  for 2

Contact us for private guiding

Birds? Camping? Exploring?

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Hello Leam, thank you so much for a fantastic trip, we enjoyed very much. If you can send the pictures of the animals to us we would like that very much :))

Kathrine and Sine

March 26, 2022

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• 13 January 2024

Your ultimate Khao Sok Travel Guide – Overnight tour to the lake

Thailand highlight: your ultimate khao sok travel guide including the overnight tour to the lake.

• Last Modified: June 2, 2024

Khao Sok National Park was the highlight of my Thailand itinerary. Before travelling to Thailand, Khao Sok National Park was high on my list, especially the overnight tour towards Cheow Larn Lake. Located in southern Thailand, on the mainland, this beautiful destination offers a lush scenery. Next to the beautiful lake, for which you will probably visit Khao Sok National Park, the town is also surprisingly nice to stay. In this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ll explain everything you want to know about your stay and overnight tour. 

Check out my 3-week Thailand itinerary here.

How to get to Khao Sok?

From koh tao, koh phangan or koh samui to khao sok:.

Fortunately, travelling from the islands on the east coast of Thailand to Khao Sok is relatively easy. Multiple boats are departing towards Surat Thani, the main connection on the mainland. I took the 7:00 am speedboat in the morning from Koh Tao , which also stops in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. With this boat, I arrived in Khao Sok at 12:30 pm. The boat to Surat Thani takes between 3 hours (Koh Tao) and 1,5 hours (Koh Samui). It is possible to book your bus combined with your boat ticket at Lomprayah. Busses will wait for you upon arrival of the ferry and you will be directed to the right bus. You can book tickets at many tour offices on the islands, or pre-book your ticket online on 12go.asia .

From Pai , Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Khao Sok:

When you are travelling from or to either northern Thailand or Bangkok, the easiest option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport. From the airport, it is only a 1.5-hour drive to Khao Sok. Unfortunately, it is not possible to pre-book the minivan online on 12go.asia. However, it is possible to heat to the stand of Phantip Travel at the airport upon arrival (you need to arrive before 16:15). A bus ticket costs 300 baht including drop-off at your hotel. In high season this service might not be running, which leaves you to take a taxi (there is a taxi service available at the airport).

From Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Krabi to Khao Sok:

From Koh Phi Phi, you can book a boat + bus combination to Khao Sok. The boat is leaving at 9 am and there is only one daily connection including the bus. Therefore, make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially in high season. From both Phuket and Krabi, busses/vans are running multiple times a day, lasting around 4 hours.

How many days in Khao Sok?

Most tourists visit Khao Sok because of the overnight lake tour. Most tours start in the main town, where you can find accommodation and plenty of restaurants and bars. Because many tours leave in the morning, around 9 am, it is best to spend the night before in Khao Sok. Next to that, if you arrive in the afternoon, you also have the chance to do another afternoon or evening tour in the National Park. However, I think a 2-day/1-night tour of the lake is sufficient. 

Nevertheless, if you want to wind down and spend an additional day remotely, it is possible to book a 3-night/2-day tour. Also, it is possible to continue your journey to the next destination after the tour, as you arrive between 13:30 and 14:30 back at your accommodation. However, if you have the time, I advise spending another day in Khao Sok and continuing your journey the next morning to not stress about making your transfers.

Overnight Cheow Larn Lake Tour from Khao Sok

|| where to book your overnight lake tour.

You can book the overnight lake tour at almost every accommodation in Khao Sok. Most accommodations don’t require prior booking, so you can book the tour upon arrival at your hotel or hostel. When I asked my hotel whether I could book in advance, they mentioned that only booking at the accommodation was possible. Therefore, no stress, it is always possible to join a tour. 

Nevertheless, reach out in advance, i f there is a specific tour you want to join . For example, the Smiley tour is popular with the younger crowd. Bear in mind, that all tours are advertised the same way, however, it depends on the accommodation what type of hut you will be staying in and what the exact tour looks like. At the end of this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve also placed an overview of the best places to stay in Khao Sok.

Also, in this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve described my experiences with the tour. This tour was booked with Tree Tops River Huts and executed by Khao Sok Happy Tour (the tour office is next to the bus stop). 

|| What does the overnight lake tour look like?

As mentioned, almost all overnight lake tours that you can book are pretty similar. The itinerary looks as follows:

Day 1: – Pick up around 09:00 – Drive towards the long tail boat departure point. The drive will be approximately 1 hour. On the way, you stop at a small village with a local market and 7/11 to stock up on snacks and drinks. Also, at most accommodations, you can buy some crisps, sodas and beer – Buy the national park and pier ticket and board the long-tail boat together with your guide – Arrival at the bungalows where you will stay the night and lunch – Free time to swim or canoe  – Afternoon safari where you will board the long-tail boat again. The activity depends on the weather and the tour, but on most occasions, you will visit one of the caves or do a short hike and visit a waterfall.  – Time to relax and have dinner at the bungalow, potentially followed by some drinks with your fellow travellers

Day 2:  – Morning safari at 6:00 or 6:30 to try to find some animals. Get up early so you can also watch the beautiful sunset on the lake!  – Breakfast at the bungalow  – Some more time to relax, swim or canoe and pack your bags – Long-tail boat back to the ‘harbour’  – Drive back to Khao Sok with some lunch on the way and a quick stop at the viewpoint

|| What to expect of the bungalows on the lake

If you book the standard tour (most of the time this costs 2500 baht), you will sleep in basic bungalows. However, there are also more luxury experiences available by booking the luxury tour option or booking a night at one of the overnight bungalows that can be booked through, for example, Booking.com.

However, for me, part of the charm of visiting the lake was staying in a more remote place for a night. I had a small bungalow, with two mattresses on the ground and a little ‘balcony’. There is no toilet or shower in the bungalow. However, on both sides of the accommodation, there is a shared toilet including a shower. As we were staying on the lake for 1 night only, most visitors chose to shower back in their accommodation in Khao Sok. Also, at the shared area lunch and dinner are served and snacks and drinks can be bought. 

Be aware that the bungalows are floating on the water, and therefore you have to be careful walking around.

|| What to pack for the overnight lake tour from Khao Sok

A full Khao Sok Travel Guide should also give some directions on what to bring during your tour. As you will board a long-tail board and sleep in a small bungalow, they expect you to only bring a day-pack. If you book your tour at your accommodation in Khao Sok, they are happy to store your luggage. If you book directly with a tour operator, you can leave your luggage there. 

In my day pack I brought the following:  – Camera  – E-reader – (Head)torch – Bikini – Sunscreen – Set of clean underwear – Rain jacket – Microfiber towel – Long legging – Slippers / Sneakers – Extra pair of clothing – Mosquito spray – Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up wipes, contact lens kit,  – Dry bag/rain cover for your daypack

It is possible to charge your phone in the main area at the beginning of the evening. In that case, don’t forget your phone charger. Alternatively, you can take a power bank or limit the use of your phone ;). There is no wifi at the bungalows and not all providers have coverage at the lake. 

|| Why visit Khao Sok and the Cheow Larn Lake?

The pictures in this Khao Sok Travel Guide already show all reasons why you can’t miss out on the Khao Sok Lake tour, when in Thailand. The lake and its bamboo bungalows are a unique experience and a great way to escape the busy cities. Next to that, it is a jungle, so you can spot different types of animals during your boat safari, such as gibbons and elephants. Lastly, it is a unique experience to wake up on a quiet lake while watching the impressive sunrise.

|| Costs of the Overnight Khao Sok Lake Tour

Most tour providers offer an all-inclusive fee for the 2-days/1-night Cheow Larn Lake Khao Sok overnight lake tour. When researching the tour, I felt that everyone offered the tour for the same price of 2500 baht (around €75). Next to that, there is a single surcharge of  1200 baht , however, when I booked the tour no one asked and I was lucky enough to be placed in a bungalow by myself. 

Next to the tour costs, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to the park as well as a small fee to be able to use the pier with the long-tail boat. The additional costs at the entry of the park are 240 baht per person. Lastly, you have to pay for drinks (besides) water yourself. At our lake resort, a Chang beer cost 80 baht. 

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Khao Sok

I have to admit that I was positively surprised when arriving in Khao Sok (village). Firstly, I had no clue what to expect, except for knowing the main town equals one large street. Nevertheless, in my mind, it was less modern than it turned out to be. Next to some decent Thai restaurants, there are fun bars with happy hour and a couple of great coffee bars. Therefore, I also recommend staying in Khao Sok village before and after your tour, instead of travelling to for example Surat Thani.

|| The Best Restaurants in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe – A backpacker favourite and a great place for a drink, a relaxed afternoon and some dinner. 

2. Pawn’s restaurant – One of the best Thai restaurants in Khao Sok and popular with travellers. Their curries are great.

3. Ciao Pizzeria – If you want to enjoy some non-Thai food, Ciao Pizzaria is a great place to go. They also have some nets to chill next to the restaurant. I was positively surprised by the quality of the pizza.

4. Low Budget Youth Restaurant  – Unfortunately the cook was sick and the restaurant was closed during my time in Khao Sok. Nevertheless, this restaurant receives high ratings and is also popular with backpackers.

|| The best (coffee) bars in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe  – I have to start with Black Stone Cafe again. They have a happy hour with cocktails and it is the perfect place to spend your afternoon with a book or have a drink in the evening.

2. Hungcup Slow Bar  – This coffee bar is located next to the famous Coco Hostel and offers good coffee and breakfast.

3. Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok  – The same coffee bar chain as Hungcup but this coffee bar is located at the end of the main street. The waffles are amazing.

4. Chill out bar  – Also this bar was closed during my time in Khao Sok, however, with so many good reviews it is worth giving a try.

5. The Heaven Bar  – An extensive cocktail and happy hour list, 2 floors and the opportunity to relax on the bean bags next to the water. 

6. Jumanji Bar  – This bar is a late-night bar in Khao Sok and mainly gets active in the high season. If you want to have some late-night drinks, this is the best place to try.

The best hotels in Khao Sok

Tree tops river huts - value for money.

During my stay in Khao Sok, I stayed at Tree Tops River Huts . Especially their riverside bungalows are a real treat as you are near the national park. At dawn, you see plenty of monkeys running around your bungalow. Also, they have a swimming pool and breakfast is included. The price of a bungalow starts at around €30 a night.

Khao Sok Palmview Resort - Local vibe

One of the best-rated accommodations in Khao Sok is the Khao Sok Palmview Resort. This is a charming and peaceful resort, with all the facilities you might need during your stay and very helpful staff. The price of a cottage starts from €17 a night.

Malulee Khao Sok Resort - Great tours

If you have a little bit more to spend, the Malulee Khao Sok Resort is a great option. I especially have heard great stories on the tour that was booked through the Malulee Resort. There is an on-site swimming pool available and bungalows start from €70 a night.

Tanoshi Glamping - Unique Experience

If you are looking for a special experience that is slightly off the beaten track, then a night in Tanoshi Glamping is exactly what you are looking for. You will sleep in a glamping tent while having the opportunity to relax with great views and some tents also offer a luxury bath. A special experience you can get starting from €90 a night.

Coco Hostel - Budget

The most popular hostel for backpackers and budget travellers in Khao Sok is Coco Hostel . All rooms have a balcony and the beds have curtains for more privacy. Also, the bakery next to the hostel is great. A bed in a dorm room starts from €8. 

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Our Khao Sok Lake overnight trip have 2 option, you can choose with nice bungalows with toilet and shower or basic style bungalow to adapt your budget. Ratchaprapa Dam (Cheow Lan Lake) is the main attraction in Khao Sok National Park due to its majestic scenery and wildlife diversity. The stunning limestone formations, The “Gui-Lin” of Thailand, are named after a similar unique landscape in China. An excursion to Khao Sok is highly recommended and not to be missed when visiting Phang-nga province.

An even deeper exploration into the remoteness of the National Park is offered when you join us for this amazing 2 days tour at “Cheow Lan Lake”. Nowhere in Thailand can one find more spectacular setting than the flooded reservoir of 165 sq.km. lake in the heart of the National Park.

• 2 Days 1 Nights or 3 Days 2 Nights
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Khao Sok Lake Overnight:

2 days 1 nigh itinerary:

• 07:30 Pick-up from Khao Lak hotel
• 08:00 Takuapa Pa Market
• 09:30 Elephant bath and Waterfall
• 11:30 Bamboo Rafting & Coffee break
• 13:00 Lunch
• 14:30 View Point at Lake
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• 19:00 Dinner at Floating House
• 20:00 Relaxing
• 07:00 Breakfast
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• 12:00 Lunch at Floating House
• 13:00 Depart from Floating House
• 14:00 Arrive at Pier
• 14:30 to 17:00 Drive back to hotel

3 days 2 nigh itinerary:

• 08:30 Pick-up from your hotel
• 09:00 Stop at Takuapa Market
• 10:00 Bamboo rafting along Sok River
• 10:30 Stop at the cave for coffee & tea break
• 12:00 Lunch at a restaurant
• 13:30 Elephant bath and waterfall
• 15:00 Snacks and Drinks
• 16:00 Check in at Tree house, relax
• 19:00 Diner
• 08:00 Jungle Trekking
• 12:00 Lunch
• 13:00 Depart for Pier
• 14:15 Travel by Long-tail
• 15:00 Check in to Floating House & Relax

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We are khao sok lake (not koh sak) offering overnight tours on cheow lan lake in khao sok national park, thailand. for over 10 years we have been the only local tour operator in the area; proud to share this unique destination with the world. when you book with us you can be sure that you are helping to keep this amazing destination preserved for future generations. learn more about our mission, our tours , and the khao sok lake  floating bungalows that make this a once in a lifetime experience, khao sok lake.

Though we now operate independently, Khao Sok Lake owes our success to the efforts of our home office in Kuraburi.  Andaman Discoveries  has been a leader in  Sustainable Tourism  for over 14 years and continues to work in this important field everyday. With the cooperation of our partners in  Ban Ta Khun  near  Cheow Lan Lake   we can offer you the opportunity to support the local economy by traveling responsibly. Join us in our efforts and discover these charming  floating bungalows  of Southern Thailand. Check out what unique   Lake Tours  await you at this once in a lifetime destination!

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

No visit to Southern Thailand is complete without a stop off in Khao Sok National Park. We are conveniently positioned between the travel destinations of Phuket, Krabi, Pang Nga and Koh Samui. A visit to  Cheow Lan Lake  is a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring towering limestone cliffs, breathtaking hiking, ancient jungle, wild elephants and ancient cave explorations at thi unique travel destination!

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Essential Guide to Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour, The Best Experience in Thailand

• Post author: Elyse
• Post category: Thailand
• Post last modified: 18/07/2022
• Post comments: 16 Comments

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Home » Travel Guides » Thailand » Essential Guide to Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour, The Best Experience in Thailand

Thailand has it all and Khao Sok National Park is a one-of-a-kind destination. Here you can get closer to wildlife, kayak between giant limestone cliffs, hike through the jungle and sleep in one of Cheow Lan lake’s floating bungalows. This guide includes all the information you need to understand the area and how to book a Khao Sok 2 day 1 night tour.

When I was in Phuket and trying to plan a trip to Khao Sok National Park I was seriously finding it so difficult. This was partly due to the pandemic and Thailand only recently completely reopening, so some properties were still closed. But I also wasn’t getting clear information on booking a trip, the location of the floating bungalows and how I could reach them!

I also spoke with a few local travel agents in Phuket. They all had the same brochure for a Khao Sok tour, and although their package looked beautiful the price was 9,900THB per person for 2 day 1-night tour of Khao Sok (280USD). Plus, this included return transfers to Phuket and we weren’t planning to go back there. 

I had in my head that I was going to Khao Sok during this trip but I didn’t want to completely break my budget in the first couple of weeks. So I needed to find another way. Then after lots of research and reading blogs, I found a couple of recommendations for a company called  Smileys .

So I emailed them and within a few hours, I had the most helpful response & knew this was the way to go.

In this guide, I will be giving you a full run down on Khao Sok National Park, the booking process with Smileys, prices, transport, tour details and what to pack. I hope this guide answers all your questions and gives you the information you need to plan your trip.

(This wasn’t a sponsored trip, I just loved Khao Sok and believe Smileys is an awesome company to go with).

Where is Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Khao Sok National Park is located in Southern Thailand in the Provence of Surat Thani. The area still hasn’t been discovered by mass tourism and that in part has to do with the location. But I believe this just makes it even more worth the effort.

When I began planning my trip to Khao Sok it took me a minute to get my bearings on where all the points of interest are located.

So Khao Sok Village, also known as Khlong Sok Village, is located about 4.5 hours away from Phuket and this is the beginning of the National Park. But then it’s a further 60km drive to Cheow Lan Lake Pier where you will get on a boat to the floating bungalows.

However, this isn’t as hard as it sounds and most travellers (including me) spend 1 night in Khao Sok Village to break up the journey before starting a tour.

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

As I mentioned above from Phuket to Khao Sok it’s a few hours’ drive. There are buses from Phuket Terminal 1 and 2 that depart for Khao Sok Village. 

Bus Terminal 1

This terminal is closer to Phuket Town and it’s very easy to get a local bus here (40THB). From the bus stop in Phuket Town, it’s only a short walk to Terminal 1. Although from T1 there aren’t any direct buses to Khao Sok Village, you would need to change buses in Phangnga.

Bus Terminal 2

Located further away from town, the easiest way to reach Terminal 2 from the west coast of Phuket is by taxi or Tuk Tuk.

From Karon Beach, we booked a Tuk Tuk and he drove us to T2 for 600THB. This terminal has direct buses to Khao Sok Village but they only depart in the morning. 

So we knew that Terminal 2 had direct buses and with nothing booked. We arrived at the station around midday and that was when the staff advised us that all the direct buses had left for the day. Doh!

Not to worry though, there was a bus about to depart for Phangnga, and from there we would transfer to a minibus to Khao Sok Village.

We departed terminal 2 at 12:20, this trip cost 100THB per person and arrived at Phangnga at 14:00.

Then we waited at Phangnga Bus Terminal for just over an hour. The minivan to Khao Sok Village cost 290THB per person and took 2.5 hours. The last bus from Phangnga to Khao Sok leaves at 4 pm.

When the bus arrives at Khao Sok Village it will drop everyone off at the beginning of the main road. There will be plenty of taxis available to take everyone to their accommodation and the drivers quoted 50THB per person. 

We considered walking after all the sitting down we’d done that day, and the walk was only 1km. But a driver insisted and said he would drive us for 60THB total, an offer we couldn’t refuse! 

I always found booking bus & train tickets in Thailand cheaper when purchasing directly at the station. Although, if you’d prefer having everything pre-booked and more organized I would recommend booking online at 12Go .

Information on Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour

As I mentioned above I had pre-booked this trip a few days prior with Smileys via email or you could always DM them on Instagram.

This tour was seriously one of the best things I’ve ever done in Thailand. The whole national park and particularly Cheow Lan lake is absolutely stunning. 

Our Boat left Cheow Lan Lake Pier and took just under 2 hours to reach the lake house, and we were stopping & slowing down along the way to enjoy the scenery.

The limestone cliffs towering out of the emerald lake, covered in lush jungle, and filled with amazing amounts of wildlife were so magical to see. Cheow Lan Lake is a man-made lake, created in the 80s. I found this so hard to believe because the lake is massive.

Smileys Lake House / Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

Sleeping at Smileys Lake House & waking up surrounded by all this was the absolute best, Khao Sok floating bungalows are the most unique way to experience this part of Thailand!

The Lake House bungalows were basic but had everything we needed. Including electricity & phone charging ports, hot water, an outdoor private ensuite, comfortable mattresses on the floor and direct access to the lake. Our room also had heaps of floor-to-ceiling windows so the fantastic view was never obstructed. 

The bungalow we stayed in was to the right of the dining area (if you were looking at smileys) and these were bigger and looked newer compared to the others. So maybe try and request the right side when booking.

In the middle of the lake house was a large dining hall and this is also where the boats dock. All the meals provided during the tour were included in the price.

I’m Vegan and had mentioned this while I was booking the tour. As soon as we checked in our tour guide “Kit-Kat” (who was awesome by the way) confirmed this with me and always ensured I had plenty of food. Which I did, I was so impressed with all the meals, everything was delicious & even being vegan I still had so much variety. 

During the first day, we had time for swimming & kayaking. The Kayaks are tied to the deck and are free to use. The water is so beautiful & very warm, I loved it but some people complained it was too warm and not at all refreshing.

Hot Tip; when swimming in the lake wearing a life jacket upside down (clip it up and put your legs in the arm holes), is by far the most comfortable way to float around the lake. 

Other Activities in Khao Sok National Park

On both days of the tour, your guide will take you on a longtail boat safari, one in the late afternoon & another early the following day.

I loved these trips, comfortable & relaxing, then, of course, the scenery is beautiful. Before I even arrived at Khao Sok I was determined to see a Hornbill during our trip. And I couldn’t believe it when we saw two flying close by before the boat had even left Smileys for our first safari. 

I was so excited!

Then the next morning we saw around 10 more hornbills, along with monkeys jumping through the trees & Bison on the river banks. 

We didn’t get overly close to any of these animals but close enough to see them all clearly. 

Now, this part of the itinerary I must have skimmed over because I didn’t know what we were in for with a Khao Sok jungle Safari. 

On day 2 of the tour we did nearly a 5km hike through the jungle and also went caving. 

The hike along with Nam Ta Lu Nature Trail was beautiful but since there was recent rainfall parts of the trail were pretty slippery and so many leeches! Unfortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife during this hike, we could hear Gibbons so there is definitely plenty out there. 

Then at the halfway point of the hike, we entreated Nam Talu Cave, it was pitch black and so many bats flew above.

A word of warning about Nam Talu Cave, there are sections of this cave that are very narrow (but never was the roof of the cave low) and you will get completely soaked, at one point the water was up to my neck.

Coming out to the other side of the cave was a relief and also felt like a great achievement. This ended up being one of my favourite parts of the tour.

The Cave isn’t open all year round and usually closes from June 1st to December 14th. During those months there’s heavy rainfall so would be unsafe to go all the way into the cave.

And, if visiting during this time groups are usually taken to a nearby waterfall instead.

Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour Itinerary

This was the itinerary we did and it can also be found on Smileys website .

08:30-8:45 pick up from your hotel in Khao Sok 09:00 minivan transfer to Cheow Lan lake 10:00 stop at 7/11 shop (ATM available) 10:30 local boat transfer to Smiley lake houses. On the way visiting Guilin of Thailand rocks Noon lunch and free time 17:00 evening boat safari 19:00 dinner

06:30 morning boat safari 08:00 breakfast 09:00 Nam Taloo cave trekking Noon lunch 14:00 local boat transfer to Cheow Lan lake pier 15:00 minivan transfer to Khao Sok Village

Instead of going back to the Village, we were dropped at a local bus station after the tour as we were travelling to Surat Thani City. So if you didn’t want to return to town just mention it to your tour guide and they can organise alternative transfers for you. 

But if you were returning to Khao Sok Village, you could leave most of your luggage stored at your accommodation and just take a small overnight bag to the lake.

How Much Does a Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour Cost?

The whole tour, including food and activities, cost 2,500THB per person. Plus, 1 night’s accommodation at Smileys bungalows with breakfast was 740THB, we paid for this in cash on arrival.

Then when you get to Cheow Lan Lake Pier you’ll be required to pay 300THB for National Park fees and a 20THB Pier fee, per person. 

So total for 2 nights and 2 days, two adults cost approximately 175 U.S dollars.  

In my option for the service & experiences we were given, this is a bloody bargain! 

Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

I would recommend to anyone booking this tour to also stay the night before in Khao Sok Village, regardless of where you will be travelling from. There’s always the chance of delays with transport and as the tour starts early morning it’s better to already be in town.

When I booked the Khao Sok 2 day 1 night tour, I also booked the night before at Smileys Bungalows. I just figured it was easier getting everything booked at once and the room was only 500THB + 120THB if you wanted breakfast.

Our room at Smileys bungalows was very comfortable & clean. The Wi-Fi in the dining area was amazing, a much better connection than what I was getting in Phuket. And, I took advantage of this as there’s no wifi or signal on the lake. 

Khao Sok Village is one long road lined with restaurants, bars, a few shops and heaps of accommodation options. Plus there were also ATM facilities and a convenience store.

Even if you choose not to book this tour with Smileys to get the full Khao Sok experience you need to spend at least one night in one of Cheow Lan lake’s floating bungalows. Depending on your budget there is also a couple of more up-market bungalows on the lake.

Panvaree Resort – these bungalows include a proper bed & ensuite, T.v and air conditioning. 

500 Rai Floating Resort – the bungalows here also include a bed & ensuite, and a private patio.

Packing List For Khao Sok National Park 2 Day 1 Night Tour

Water Shoes – these are a must while caving, your shoes will 100% be getting very wet. 

Waterproof/Dry Bag – also very useful when caving to keep your items dry. At times the water was deep and wouldn’t have been possible to just hold everything above your head. 

Portable Charger – the bungalows do have charging ports but the occasional power outage is also very possible, so at least you’d have this as a backup. 

Head Torch – another one for caving, I was luckily able to borrow someone else’s head touch but I would have been in trouble without on. 

Bathers – obviously you wouldn’t want to miss out on swimming in the lake. 

Hat & Sunscreen – it can get very hot & sunny so remember to be sun smart. 

Padlock – the bungalow door didn’t lock so if you’re concerned about your belongings it would be best to bring your own padlock. 

GoPro – the only camera you’ll be able to use while caving, plus it’s fun to take out on the kayak as well.

Drink Bottle – you will be able to refill your bottle with drinking water at Smileys and this will of course cut down the use of plastic bottles. 

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park

When people asked this question the first thing that comes to mind is why not? This is such a beautiful part of Thailand, away from any hustle & bustle. And, you won’t be asked once if you want to have a look in anyone’s shop!

This is an untouched part of Thailand and for such a reasonable price I would highly recommend you to visit & soak in all the natural beauty. 

My Final Thoughts On The Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

I loved everything about these 2 days, from the service, the bungalows, food and company. Then of course the location, it was a real pinch-me moment seeing so many limestone cliffs towering out of the water, covered in flora and fauna. 

I seriously loved it and Smileys was an awesome company to go with. I hope this guide has convinced you to visit Khao Sok National Park and has answered all your questions. Although, if you do have any more please comment below or send me an email. 

Thanks for reading,

Happy Travels 

Where should you visit after Khao Sok? My suggestion is to head north to Thailand’s first resort destination, Hua Hin . 

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Then when it comes to booking accommodation; if you’re after a hostel the best place to search is HostelWorld. Or, if you’d prefer a hotel or resort,  Booking.com or Agoda  are two of the best sites out there, they consistently return cheap rates.

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Before you book though don’t forget to activate your  Rakuten browser extension so you get cashback on these bookings. 

Don’t know what Rakuten is? Read my guide here!

And, Don’t Forget Travel Insurance 

Unfortunately, everything doesn’t always go to plan but travel insurance will protect you when it comes to illness, injury, theft & cancellation. I never travel overseas without travel insurance, it’s just not worth the risk! 

Cover-More is a trusted company and they also have COVID-19 benefits available. 

Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.

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This post has 16 comments.

I always love reading your articles. They always transport me right to the destination. You’re so descriptive! And, those bungalows look like something I would love… To me, the price seems quite fair. I like that you included the price as sometimes I’m so unsure about booking unfamiliar places! Smileys sound great and I’m so pleased you had a good experience! I’ll definitely be saving this for if I ever plan a trip there.

Thank you so much Trea, really appreciate your comment. I always like to include prices as it’s such a big factor for some

Thailand looks like such an awesome destination! Thank you for sharing your detailed itinerary, it makes me want to go. 🙂

I was so disappointed with Phucket when I visited a few years ago, but as someone who loves natures, I really should have discovered Khao Sok National Park and gone there instead. It looks lovely and I am so glad you found a good tour group to go with. That can really make or break a trip!

If you didn’t enjoy the tourist and busyness of Phuket, you should definitely check out Khao Sok, it’s so beautiful

This trip looks awesome. The on-the-lake bungalows sound like fun, and the wildlife viewing plentiful.

Your photos are incredible. What a thorough and thoughtful guide to visiting Khao Sok–great to know that you were even able to get some solid wifi while you were there!

We had a busy visit to Thailand but I now wish we stayed longer and visited Khao Sok National Park. I would love to explore those limestone cliffs. And sleeping in a floating bungalow sounds like a lot of fun and a wonderful way to enjoy your surroundings. Good thing you were persistent and found a good option with Smileys to visit. What an interesting experience in the Nam Talu Cave. A great guide to help others to enjoy this treat in Thailand.

Thanks so much for your comment Linda

This national park looks like heaven on earth! I’m obsessing over Thailand right now!

Khao Sok NP sounds like a fabulous place to visit in a stunning part of the world. I can’t wait to go back to Thailand! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

The wanderlust is real – this looks like the perfect itinerary! This national park? Ugh heaven!!

So glad you like it, Samantha. It was seriously the best

Thanks for the info. We are planning for Khao sok this Christmas. Our only concern is we are still not sure about our itinerary. So we are exploring ‘Book Now – Pay Later’ option. Is that possible? We don’t want pay and commit as we are not sure about our dates…

Hey Santosh, thanks for your comment. This is exciting. I don’t believe this would be a problem, I booked my trip last minute and didn’t pay anything until I arrived. Maybe just email Smiley Bungalows and see what their availability is looking like?

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Khao Sok Night Safari

As the sun sets over Khao Sok the jungle symphony begins and the jungle comes alive. There is no better time for a Night Safari! Let our expert guides navigate you through a 2-hour hike and introduce you to the amazing animals that inhabit the jungle. From bats to insects, frogs, to deer, and even the elusive jungle cat. Your flashlight will light the way on this exploratory journey. The night safari can take place in our jungle or the national park, depending on conditions.

Information

• Departure: 7:30pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• National Park Entrance Fees of 300THB - 150THB per Adult - Child are not included.
• Taxes: Additional 7% government VAT tax will be added.

What's Included

• Drinking water

What To Bring

• Light hiking shoes
• Insect repellent

Special Notes

Per Person - Based on minimum of 2 People

You can choose to safari in the national park or through our 25 acres of private rainforest. If you choose the national park the park entrance fee of ฿300 per person is not included in the tour cost.

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Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Khao Sok National Park

From what to pack and details about the accommodation, to the amazing activities on offer, read this before visiting Khao Sok National Park, Thailand. 

If you want to take in Thailand’s raw beauty, then a trip to Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list. With epic limestone cliffs, a bright emerald lake and a chance to get up close to wildlife, our time in Khao Sok was the highlight of our trip to Thailand. 

In all honesty, we had several dilemmas about whether to visit Khao Sok National Park on our recent holiday. We were only in Thailand for just over two weeks, and from our research it seemed like it was awkward to get to. To really soak it up we’d need two or three days there, with some big travel days at either end. We wondered whether it was worth it, or whether we should skip it and enjoy our trip at a slower pace.

So what happened? Well… we went for it! The adventure won, and what an incredible adventure it turned out to be! I’m SOOOOOO happy we visited. Khao Sok is genuinely one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been on my travels. The colours, the landscapes, the rawness – it’s a very special place. It reminded me a little of another favourite – Raja Ampat (a.k.a Indonesia’s secret paradise!)

When we were researching our trip, we had lots of questions. While there are lots of great posts around, I couldn’t find one that covered absolutely everything. So, that’s what I’ve attempted to do. I really hope you find this Khao Sok travel guide helpful. It’s taken me a long time to put together, but you’ll find lots of info on what to expect on your trip, what to pack and how to make the most of it. As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment at the bottom of the post or send me an email. 

Planning your trip to Khao Sok National Park? Here are a few quick highlights:

The Ultimate Guide To Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

How to get to khao sok national park.

The majority of people travel by minibus to the town of Khlong Sok. The small town has several guesthouses and hotels, perfect for travellers keen to explore the region. After spending a few days in Ao Nang, we booked onto a bus from Krabi, while others reached the area from Khao Lak or Surat Thani – the closest airport to Khao Sok National Park.

A week before arriving in Khlong Sok, we contacted our hotel to check there was availability for on the 2 day/1 night tour of Khao Sok . We reserved two spots and then paid on arrival. We knew the tour included a few boat trips, accommodation and meals, but there was a lack of detailed information on what to expect.

If I was doing the trip again, I’d book this tour in advance so I had peace of mind it was taken care of. There are a few options you can look at via my preferred booking platform GetYourGuide. There’s this this Khao Sok tour where you stay in treehouses or this organised tour which departs from Khao Lak or Krabi, where you stay in raft houses on the lake itself.

Information About The 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of Khao Sok National Park

The two day / one night tour is the most popular option for visitors wanting to explore Khao Sok National Park. For me, this felt like the perfect amount of time to soak up what the park has to offer. It gives you the freedom to immerse yourself in the impressive scenery, enjoy a few activities and stay overnight in a floating bungalow.

You might have spotted that there are tours to Khao Sok, but I wouldn’t recommend them as I feel like you’d be missing a lot! The evening and early morning is when there’s an air of magic to the lake experience. You might only visit this special place once in your lifetime, so make the most of it and stay overnight.

How much does the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park cost?

We booked the tour through our hotel in Khlong Sok. We researched a few options online, but as the rate seemed to be standard across all of the tour operators, we decided it’d be nice to support our hotel. That way, we could also chat to them to confirm all of the key information once we’d checked in. 

The Khao Sok tour includes all transport (bus from Khlong Sok and the boat over the lake), lunch and dinner on the first day, plus breakfast and a snack lunch on the second day. It also includes one night’s accommodation in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. In terms of activities it includes a few boat and cave tours while in the national park.

There’s usually a charge of 300 THB per person to enter Khao Sok National Park. This was included in our tour price, but this wasn’t the case for everyone in our group, so it’s something worth checking when you book.

Obviously, if you do decide to book in advance, you can check the prices of the tours here .

What is the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park ?

I should probably add a disclaimer here, that not all tours will be exactly the same, and where you visit and the accommodation your stay in will depend on your tour operator. However, from my pre-trip research, most of the trips sounded pretty similar to one another.

As a guide, here’s how our tour was structured:

Day 1 – Khao Sok National Park Tour Schedule

Morning: Pickups from Khlong Sok village. One hour drive to Ban Ta Khun.

Stop in Ban Ta Khun market area where you can buy items including snacks, drinks, waterproof bags, head torches and sandals. We were told it would be a good idea to stock up on snacks if you get hungry often, or spirits if you don’t drink beer (as that’s all that’s available for sale at the floating bungalows).

Short drive Ratchaprapa Dam for Cheow Lan pier, then board a boat to the floating bungalows. The boat trip accommodation took around 45 minutes.

Check into accommodation and then enjoy a group lunch in the main restaurant area. Food throughout the trip was great and included curries, fish, rice and vegetables.

Afternoon: 5 minute boat trip to the start of the jungle / cave hike.

2-3 hours hike through the jungle to Nam Talu Cave. Then an adventure through the cave (more on that below!) and then back to the boats.

Relax time at the floating bungalows before the night safari and dinner, with options of swimming and kayaking

Night safari to see wildlife and landscapes

Evening: Group dinner – again more great curry and fish, followed by drinks (optional!) and bed.

Day 2 – Khao Sok National Park Tour Schedule

Morning: Early morning boat trip

Breakfast – pancakes, fruit and coffee

Relax time before checkout with options of swimming and kayaking

Boat trip to Pra Kay Petch Cave to see stalagmites and stalagtites

Boat trip to see the scenery of Cheow Lan Lake including a stop at the three limestone hills (iconic view!)

Stop off at a beach on the lake for a picnic lunch of rice packs and fresh fruit, before heading back to the pier and catching a transfer back to Khlong Sok village.

Who books the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park ?

I loved how mixed the group was for our trip to Khao Sok. Our tour group consisted of 22 people, aged between 21 – 65. There were a mix of nationalities too, including English, Dutch, Australian, German, Russian and Ukrainian. We were travelling as a couple, but there were small groups of friends, a few other couples and a mother and daughter. The tour guide gave all instructions in English.

Tell me more about the activities on the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park…

In addition to the boat trips to get to and from our accommodation, our tour included two cave tours and two boat trips.

Nam Talu Cave Hike

The hike to the entrance of Nam Talu Cave took around an hour, and involved walking along paths carved through bamboo forests, and crossing several streams and rivers. The route is very pretty, and it wasn’t long before I felt fully immersed in the nature of the national park.

At the entrance of Nam Talu Cave, we were equipped with head torches, and everyone packed essential items into dry bags. The cave is 850m long, and the route through is a dark, wet one! We spotted bats, frogs and spiders along the journey.

While you don’t need to be at peak fitness levels, you do need to be open to adventures and happy to clamber, walk and swim! If you’re claustrophobic, scared of the dark or not confident in the water, I’d avoid this element of the trip. I wore a bikini and water shoes for the cave trek (more on what to pack below), as it was really wet!

It took around one hour to reach the other end of the cave, and although I found it challenging and a little scary at times, it was one of those rewarding travel experiences that I’m SO happy I did!

Pra Kay Petch Cave 

On day two, we visited Pra Kay Petch Cave. This was a much more relaxed adventure. It took just 15 minutes to walk through the cave, and inside were a beautiful array of stalagmites and stalactites.

Boat Safaris In Khao Sok National Park

We went on two longtail boat safaris – in the evening of the first day, and early morning the next day. They were described as safaris as there was a chance we’d see some incredible wildlife.

We did! There were lots of monkeys playing by the shore, plus we saw a few beavers and plenty of birds. I wouldn’t say it’s the most wildlife-rich place I’ve ever been, but it’s always amazing to see animals in their natural habitats.

Other activities in Khao Sok National Park

No matter where you’re staying, you can enjoy regular jumps into the lake, along with plenty of swimming and kayaking. It was definitely a refreshing way to wake up and a wonderful way to take in the landscapes.

If you don’t fancy the longer trip, you can also book day trips like this one to Khao Sok , which includes a bit of time kayaking.

Khao Sok National Park Packing List : Useful Items

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Khao Sok National Park, then the best thing to do is decant your essentials into an overnight bag, and store your main backpack or suitcase at your hotel in Khlong Sok.

In addition to basics like clothes and toiletries, here are a few items I’d recommend packing if possible:

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one . If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this , that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen , which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here . 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy in Khao Sok. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum . 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun . It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Check the forecast before you go. There are occasionally sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack . It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle   – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the  Chilly’s water bottles . I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality!

Power bank – I’d 100% recommend taking a portable battery pack with you as charging anything here is difficult! I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment , which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges multiple items at once, using plugs or USB and can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets! You probably won’t be able to charge items in Khao Sok if you’re in a basic bungalow, but I’d still recommend one for your time in Thailand.

Dry bag – For this trip I bought a dry bag like this . It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. It was especially useful for the cave trip! These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

Water shoes – These are essential for the cave trip, but you can hire them at the accommodation or buy in the market if you don’t want to get them in advance.

Head torch  – also available to hire or borrow in Khao Sok.

Padlock – the doors of the bungalows didn’t lock, so bring a padlock if you’re nervous about leaving any of your belongings unattended.

I’d also recommend charging everything before your trip e.g. camera batteries, kindle, phone.

An unexpected moment in Khao Sok

Do you want to hear something funny about our trip? As we were heading to Surat Thani Airport straight after our tour, we arranged with the tour guides that we’d take all of our luggage on the trip, rather than decanting down to an overnight bag for the tour as most people do.

There was a big misunderstanding, and when we arrived at the pier on the lake, we discovered our suitcases had been put in the tour operator’s office overnight. They thought we wanted them to take care of them!

So we arrived at the floating bungalows without any essentials. No toothpaste, no change of clothes… just cameras, suncream, phones and what we were wearing! We managed, but it wasn’t ideal as you can imagine. If you’re planning to arrange something similar – check everyone understands the plan!

What are the floating bungalows like in Khao Sok National Park?

So, here’s where my experience might vary from what you find. As we booked via our hotel in Khlong Sok, we didn’t know which raft house we’d be taken to on the Cheow Lan Lake. To be honest, I was expecting to rough it for a night in pretty basic accommodation, but I was a little surprised by just HOW basic it was. That’s not me being a princess!

Our bungalow had one big double mattress on the floor, with a mosquito net over it… and that was it. There were a couple of sheets, and a light outside.

It didn’t lock (hence why I mention a padlock might be useful if you’re worried about the security of any of your belongings). There wasn’t a fan either, but we managed to sleep ok as the temperatures were more comfortable by the evening.

The bathroom situation was a little tricky too. There were two on either side of the site, but to reach them you had to walk across floating planks and then clamber up the side of a hill. There were toilets and showers there, but the water was cold.

However, it wasn’t all basic. The food in the restaurant was flavoursome and plentiful. 

Some of the photos I saw of the accommodation on similar tours looked a little bit less basic, so take that into consideration when you’re making arrangements. To be honest, I really didn’t mind any of it as it was only for one night, and the overall experience was totally incredible, so please don’t let what I’ve said put you off. Just lower your expectations for the accommodation!

There are a few luxurious options on the lake, if you’re looking for somewhere with a few more amenities. 

Luxury places to stay in Khao Sok National Park (Cheow Lan Lake): 

500 Rai Floating Resort – The smartest option on the lake, rooms here come with AC and en-suite bathrooms. Some have outdoor jacuzzis, plus there’s a pool and restaurants on site. 

Panvaree Resort – Rooms here have proper beds, balconies, terraces, en-suite bathrooms, plus a TV and fridge. 

Overall thoughts on the two day / one night tour of Khao Sok National Park

WOW, wow and wow!! I think the photos speak for themselves, but this is such a stunning area of natural beauty – you just HAVE to visit if you get the chance. It’s not the easiest place to get to, it’s not the most luxurious of experiences, but as soon as you get there, you’ll realise you made the right decision. I absolutely loved it!

While some of my blog content is sponsored, our trip to Thailand was a holiday, and 100% funded by us! I’ve written about this experience because I felt so passionately about sharing it – I just couldn’t keep it to myself. Any questions, please leave them in the comments below or send me an email. 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

13 thoughts on “Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Khao Sok National Park”

Hi can you let me know from where did you book the package.? can you share me the link or name of the tour operator I am planning to visit Khao Sok in Feb 2020 will be staying at Ao Nang so also help me in way yo reach the village from Ao Nang

Hi there – I booked through Green Valley Resort where I was staying!

Thanks so much for this great post! So informative. I’ve been trying to figure out for the Nam Talu Cave tour if it’s possible for someone who doesn’t’ swim to go part of the way. How far along on the route is the area where someone would need to swim? And would it be ok if they stayed back while other people went ahead? Or do you think they could get across with a life vest? Thanks so much for any insights!

Thanks Monica! I wouldn’t risk going on it if you or someone in your party can’t swim. Water levels may vary a bit throughout the year but there was a little bit of swimming when I went, and I just worry that you wouldn’t enjoy it if you were worrying about it! I’m not totally sure if there’s an option to wear a life vest instead. A few of our group were claustraphobic or couldn’t swim, so stayed in the jungle area outside the cave. Personally, I’d skip the excursion in favour of some kayaking or something else, as it’s a longish activity to be waiting around for people, esp in a mozzie filled jungle!

Love your post and thank you, we want to do the same trip but we are staying in ao nang, and we’re looking to book the trip from here. As far as you are aware is it the same 2 day 1 night tour but we will just get the bus from (and back) to our ao nang hotel ? Kind regards Debra

Hi Debra, Thanks for your message! I actually started in Ao Nang, but it’s quite a long way to get to the nearest village to Khao Sok where the tours start from. After quite a bit of research we discovered the best option was to get a minibus to Khlong Sok, then start the 2 day / 1 night tour from there the next day. Ao Nang is pretty far so I don’t think it’d be easy to do in a shorter timeframe. Hope that helps – it’s worth the effort!

Thanks for the informative post! Just wondering a few things. What time did your tour end at on the second day? I’m just wondering if you stayed another night, or did you leave the same day for Surat Thani? We’re hoping to head to Ko Samui the same day, or is that too much travel do you think? Also, did you just book the tour with the hotel when you arrived?

Thanks a million, Maríosa

Hi Mariosa – hope I’m not too late replying. Our tour ended after lunchtime on the 2nd day. We got dropped in a nearby town to catch a bus, but most people headed back to the village where we started the tour from. I think it’s a lot to think about and plan, but it’s definitely possible to do back to back journeys. Just check all the times in advance as best you can. We booked the tour with the hotel before we arrived (via email) and then paid when we checked in. Hope that helps! Genuinely one of my fave places in the world so don’t miss it!

Hi, are there any ways I can book like this trip not with the Resort you were in? I’m just a backpacker. Thanks❤️

It’s best to go on a tour as the transport part can be tricky otherwise. You can try to arrange directly with one of the accommodations on the lake. They can then organise transport to pick you up.

Hello there, I know it’s 2023 but I was wondering if you could answer a question. If I wanted to stay three nights in Khlong Sok village and Khao Sok national park (one stop on my backpacking journey), should I book three nights at the hotel, and then book a 2D/1N tour OR should I book one night at a hotel, book the tour (which is one night) and then book another night back in Khlong Sok village. Basically what I’m trying to say is, is the your included in your ‘three night’ stay at the hotel, or are they separate I guess? – I’m very sorry if this is too confusing to understand, I’m just trying to budget as best as possible.

Also, whenever I seem to try and find hotels/places to stay around Khlong Sok village on google, all that comes up is Khoa Sok National Park accommodations in the lake. Is there a way around this, or do I need to just be more specific with my searches.

Thank you so much,

Hi Nye, Thanks for your message. I’m not sure I totally understand but when we visited we booked a hotel in Khlong Sok, then went on the 2D/1N tour as a separate arrangement. It wasn’t one of the nights included in the tour. If you’re struggling to find accommodation I’d recommend using Booking.com and dragging around the map to find Khlong Sok. Sometimes places don’t come up on their own, but you should be able to find it. I hope that helps! Chloe

I completely understand your question and wondering if you did end up booking 3nights or 1 night then tour then 1 night again? I’m in the process of planning my own trip.

Also thankyou for this post Chloe, very informative.

Cheers, Emily

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Khao Sok Lake Tours

Enjoy the amazing Cheow Lan Lake tours in the Khao Sok National Park

The Khao Sok National Park, located in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, is a stunning and diverse natural area that offers a range of tours and activities for visitors. Here are some popular tours you can enjoy at Khao Sok National Park:

• Take a boat tour on the picturesque Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush rainforest.
• Visit the stunning Guilin of Thailand, a group of limestone karst formations rising from the water.
• Explore caves and marvel at the natural beauty of the lake.
• Khao Sok is known for its dense rainforest, and there are various trekking trails catering to different fitness levels.
• Guided jungle treks allow you to discover the rich biodiversity, including various plant and animal species.
• Longer treks may include overnight stays in the jungle, providing a unique and immersive experience.
• Some tour operators offer ethical elephant experiences, where you can interact with and learn about these majestic creatures in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• Avoid tours that involve riding elephants, as this practice is often considered harmful to the animals.
• Paddle through the Sok River or Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and vibrant greenery.
• Canoeing and kayaking allow you to explore the park at a relaxed pace, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape.
• Khao Sok is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species inhabiting the park.
• Guided bird-watching tours can help you spot a variety of colorful and exotic birds.
• Embark on a night safari to witness the nocturnal wildlife of Khao Sok.
• With the help of a guide, you may spot unique creatures such as night-active insects, frogs, and maybe even some elusive mammals.
• Enjoy a relaxing day by Sok River, where you can swim, tube, or simply appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
• Hike to one of the viewpoints within the park for breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest and limestone formations.

The Best tours in Khao Sok

The most amazing tours in the Khao Sok National Park by Jungle Huts.

Khao Sok Lake Tours by Jungle Huts in the Khao Sok National Park offers you a wide variety of tours: Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir , Bamboo rafting tour , trekking, Rafflesia tour and many more! Contact us .

The Cheow Lan Lake, also known as Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir, is a stunning freshwater lake located within Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. The lake was created in 1982 when the Ratchaprapha Dam was constructed across the Phuket River. This reservoir submerged a vast area of lush jungle and limestone cliffs, resulting in the formation of Cheow Lan Lake.

Cheow Lan lake tour 3 day 2 nights

This tour could easily become the highlight of your Thailand holiday. We take you to the reservoir that was created behind the Ratchaprapha dam. We cross the crystal clear green water by longtail boat rugged lime stone cliffs towering on either side. Trekking includes passing through Namtaloo cave (Water Cave). We stay at one of the floating raft houses in tranquil surroundings…

This is a 3 day 2 nights amazing tour which includes a room in our resort Khao Sok Jungle Huts for 1 night with breakfast and also a night safari on the first night. The second night will be spent at Cheaow Lan Lake in the Khao Sok National Park.

• Price: 3,099 baht / person
• Price does not include the National Park entrance fee, which costs 220 baht

Bamboo Rafting Tour

You can raft on a bamboo raft for about 1 hour. Spot snakes, monkeys, gibbons and many more. Observe the nature of the Khlong Sok River.

• Price for 1 people: 1.200 baht
• Two people or more, price 700 baht each
• The price includes everything. There is no extra money to pay.

Overnight trip on the lake 2 Days 1 Night

Longtail boat ride on one of the most beautiful and unique lakes in the world, the Cheow Lan Lake. Enjoy kayaking, relax and swim Overnight at the lake in the heart of nature.

Khao Sok National Park

“Please feel free to contact us for more information and reservation”

✓ Price 2500 baht per person (minimum 2 persons) ✓ The price does not includes the park entrance fee of 240 baht per person.

Full Day Exploration Lake trip

Explore the Cheow Lan Lake in the jungle by local long tail boat. The lake is surrounded by Limestone Mountains and cliffs covered in tropical rainforest that rise up from the shore of the lake and disappear into the far distance.

✓ Price 1500 baht per person

✓ The price does not includes the park entrance fee of 240 baht per person.

Here are some key features and information about Cheow Lan Lake:

1. Location: Cheow Lan Lake is situated in Khao Sok National Park, which is part of the Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand. The park is known for its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, and dramatic limestone formations.


2. Size and Depth: The lake is expansive, covering an area of about 165 square kilometers. It is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle. The depth of the lake varies, with some areas reaching depths of over 100 meters.


3. Flora and Fauna : The lake and its surrounding areas are rich in biodiversity. The rainforest around the lake is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and numerous fish species in the lake. The park is also known for its diverse and unique flora.


4. Activities: Cheow Lan Lake is a popular destination for ecotourism and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, exploring the limestone karsts and hidden coves. The lake’s clear waters make it suitable for swimming and kayaking. Jungle treks and wildlife watching are also popular activities in the surrounding rainforest.


5. Accommodations : There are floating raft houses and lodges available on the lake, providing visitors with a unique accommodation experience. Staying in these floating accommodations allows guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the lake and its surroundings.


6. Access: The most common way to access Cheow Lan Lake is through the town of Khao Sok. From there, visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake and its attractions. The lake is relatively remote, surrounded by the dense rainforest of Khao Sok National Park.


Cheow Lan Lake is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is considered one of Thailand’s hidden gems, offering a peaceful and pristine natural environment for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Khao Sok National Park, 2-day, 1-night tour

Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand consists of dense, untouched jungle and a massive man-made lake.  Towering over the lake are impressive forested cliffs and a number of bare treetops also stick out of the water.  Visitors to Khao Sok National Park most commonly take part in a 2-day and 1-night tour from nearby Khlong Sok town. Part of the tour is one of the most unique experiences in Thailand: staying overnight in floating accommodation on the lake! 

These are my tips and experiences for an amazing trip to beautiful Khao Sok, Thailand when I embarked on the 2-day, 1-night tour of the national park as well. 

Starting at Khlong Sok village - How to get to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Khlong Sok is a small village in Surat Thani providence and the most popular starting point for the 2-day, 1 night tour to Khao Sok National Park . 

Khlong Sok can easily be reached from other tourist locations within Thailand, with many tourist hubs in southern Thailand like Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, and even Bangkok offering direct transport by bus or van to Khlong Sok/Khao Sok National Park.

Khlong Sok is a peaceful village surrounded by nature and just bordering Khao Sok National Park. In fact, at one edge of the village is a remote entrance to the park which as a number of walking trails leading from it.  Most of the  accommodation here can help tourists secure tickets for the 2-day, 1-night tour of Khao Sok National Park or other tour options as well.

Where to stay in Khlong Sok

Here are a number of incredible options for places to stay near Khao Sok National Park! All located in or around Khlong Sok village in Surat Thani providence, these hostels and hotels put you right at the starting point to Khao Sok National Park tours. 

Budget Accommodation Options :

• Coco Khao Sok Hostel – a popular hostel known for its friendly staff, a travel sustainable property with tour desk and restaurant attached.
• Chillax Khaosok Hostel – this sleek, modern hostel will provide a comfortable night’s sleep before heading on a Khao Sok tour. Beautiful limestone cliff views from the terrace too! 
• Khao Sok River & Jungle Resort  – offers romantic cabin accommodations with balconies and river views. 
• Khaosok Riverside Cottages – located a short distance away from Khlong Sok, these secluded cottages are right on the river and surrounded by the jungle that Khao Sok is famous for. 
• Rock and Tree Resort – this resort was built to blend into the natural scenery, with fun perks like tree houses and water features
• Khao Sok Jasmine Garden Resort – this luxurious stay has air-conditioned bungalows with attached bathrooms. With gorgeous mountain views and a pool, what’s not to love! 

Khao Sok National Park Tour Options - Book ahead!

For piece of mind, secure your Khao Sok National Park tour ahead of time! The 2-day, 1-night tour is one of the most popular tour options, and with limited overwater accommodation in the park, it’s best to book ahead. Here are a number of Khao Sok National Park tour options, including day-trips and multi-night trips too. 

Click the tour links below to check the latest prices and availability:

2-day, 1-night Khao Sok National Park tour with overwater bungalow accommodation

2-day, 1-night Khao Sok National Park tour with treehouse accommodation

Full-day Khao Sok National Park lake and caves tour (10 hours)

LUXURY 3-day, 2-night Khao Sok National Park tour with overwater cabin accommodation

Khao Sok National Park 2-day, 1-night tour option

In Khlong Sok I booked the  2-day, 1-night tour from the tour desk at my hostel, for  2400 baht (about $72 USD). Visitors have to pay an additional 300 baht ($9) for the entry to the national park while on the tour.

The 2-day, 1-night tour I embarked on included breakfast, a boat ride to Cheow Lan lake, lunch, a jungle and cave hike, and dinner the first day. You spend a night on the lake  on floating bungalow accommodation . The next day, the tour includes a sunrise boat safari, breakfast, a boat tour with more caving, and lunch before getting dropped off again in Khlong Sok around 3pm.

Day 1 - Floating bungalows, lake and cave tour

First thing in the morning I was greeted with a wonderful breakfast at the hostel, and given a rain poncho by the Khao Sok tour operator in case of rain. I was then picked up by a minivan that went to a number of other accommodations around town until it was at max capacity.

The first stop on the tour was a local market partway to Khao Sok National Park. This wasn’t explained to us as being part of the itinerary, but the driver stopped here to pick up fresh fruits that we ended up having for dinner. It gave us a chance to buy some snacks for the road, and anything we may have forgotten to pack for the trip. 

We were then dropped off at the entrance to Khao Sok National park, at a port for Thai longboats. Here we paid our national park entrance fee, got our tickets, then boarded the longboards and set off on the lake. The geological cliff formations surrounding us were incredible. The mountains and limestone cliffs stick out so drastically from the deep blue lake, it looks like they were just dropped there.

After an hour on the boat, we reached our floating bungalow accommodation in Khao Sok National Park! Two huge rows of identical bungalows were connected in the middle by a large common area, and everything was floating on the water. The tour guide assigned us four-bed or two-bed bungalows, and we were given some time to unpack and unwind. 

After lunch we went back on the longboats for the jungle and cave trek portion of the tour. We were told to wear swimsuits because in the cave there would be some portions where we need to swim. Gulp.

The hike through the jungle at Khao Sok National Park was beautiful and there were many sections where the trail crossed a river. I was glad to be wearing my Chacos (sandals with a hiking boot sole), and I recommend wearing waterproof shoes for this tour as well. 

Right before the entrance to the cave, the guide told us to leave our bags and clothes we want to keep dry around a designated tree, and that anyone who is nervous about dark, small spaces should sit this one out. We were then given head lamps, although there were only enough for about 2/3 of the participants. Tip: Bring your own head lamp!!

We descended into the cave, some people barefoot, and followed a little river into the darkness.

At first the water was ankle deep. Gradually the light from the entrance of the cave faded away, and the water got up to my knees and started moving faster. 

It was exhilarating taking each step in the dark, not knowing how deep the water is beneath you or how stable your footing would be. Even pointing the headlamp down at my feet, it was impossible to tell how far down I could drop. I was holding on to the rocks around me for dear life! People were alternating between screaming and laughing as they continually lost their footing with the gush of the river.

Occasionally the guide would point something out in the cave – big spider-cricket bugs that were hiding between the rocks, or small bats that were flying in circles above us.

Towards the end of the cave was when the river trail got insane. The guide led us through a small lagoon, where I took a step forward and suddenly there was no footing below me. I doggie-paddled five seconds and reached the other end where I saw the people climb up out of the water. Luckily the rocks are easy to grab onto, to keep your head above water until you can hoist yourself up to shallower waters.

The next portion of the cave was a steep staircase wide enough only for one person. I had to grab on to a rope on one side to keep my balance as the river cascaded past my legs. I almost took a serious tumble here when I slipped on a rock below. The only thing that kept me from creating a domino effect with the others down the waterfall was that I was holding on to the rope.

I do not know how it was possible for 50+ people to go through this dangerous cave-river in almost complete darkness, without one person twisting their ankle or otherwise injuring themselves. In the end, we all made it!

After existing the cave and grabbing our belongings, we took the same jungle trail back to the longboat. The driver took us a scenic way over the lake back to the overwater bungalows.

We had a bit more down time to swim or take kayaks out onto the lake or relax in the common area before the buffet dinner was served. The chefs made a vegetarian and a meat version of a number of different Thai curries and fried rice as well. They brought around some fresh caught fish that they had grilled, and put one on each table. For dessert there was the fruit from the market!

In the evening some people were buying and drinking beers (they even had buckets of alcohol available… because Thailand). Since the next morning there would be a sunrise longboat safari, most people went to bed early. 

Day 2 - A boat safari, lake ride, and exploring a dry cave

As the sun was coming up on the next morning of the 2-day, 1-night Khao Sok National Park tour, even before breakfast, we embarked on the longboats onto the lake. The morning wind on the boat was COLD, and there was a mist floating above the surface of the lake.

This longboat tour had a wildlife spotter sitting at the front of the boat with a paddle, looking around alertly at the trees and over the surface of the water. He pointed out to us some massive toucans, two different species of monkeys, and some other large birds. At one point he pointed to the trees and yelled “Lady Gaga! Lady Gaga!” Turns out he was referring to a family of monkeys who had a circle design on their face.

We had breakfast back at the overwater bungalows, then we packed up our bags to head back to the mainland.

On the way back the tour continued to another cave. This one was a small ‘dry’ cave with stalagmites and stalactites, bats, and a pool of water with some elusive cave fish in it. 

For one last stop on the way back to the longboat port, we passed by a famous geological structure of three limestone cliffs sticking straight out of the water. Known as the “three sisters”, the boat circled around them for a bit so everyone could take pictures.

We went back in the minivan then were dropped off at a small viewpoint for lunch. The guides passed out little pack lunches for all of us that had fried noodles in it, and they gave us some pineapples as well. We had about 45 minutes to wander around the rest area where there were great views of the lake and a Buddhist temple at the top of a small hill.

After this it was a straight drive back to town!

I had a 4:30pm pickup for an overnight bus to Bangkok, so I was glad that we made it back to Khlong Sok town around 2pm, earlier than planned.

Overall, I thought the tour was a great value. Although it is on the expensive side for a budget traveler, I would never have had the same experience if I decided to just hike around Khao Sok National Park on my own.

Since it was so different from other Thailand activities like island-hopping and exploring cities, splurging on a tour like this was a nice change. For anyone visiting southern Thailand and who wants to spend some adventurous, detoxing time in nature, I highly recommend this 2-day, 1-night tour to Khao Sok National Park ! 

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• 2 days overnight Khao Sok lake tour
• 3 days 2 nights Khao Sok lake tour
• How to get here?

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฿ 2,999.00

First night at Khao Sok village and second night on the lake

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Shared Private (+2000 THB)
• Regular lake house New lake house (+900 THB per person)
• Please choose Without extra tour Elephant bath & feeding Night safari Bamboo rafting Tubing Canoeing
• Please choose Back to Khao Sok (included) Joint ticket Private taxi
• Please choose Khao Sok – Krabi town (350 THB/person) Khao Sok – Ao Nang (500 THB/person) Khao Sok – Phuket (850 THB/person) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani town (350 THB/ person) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani airport (350 THB/person) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani pier (350 THB/person) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani train station (350 THB/person) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani bus station (350 THB/person) Cheowlan lake – Phuket (850 THB/person)
• Please choose Khao Sok – Krabi town (2800 THB) Khao Sok – Ao Nang (3000 THB) Khao Sok – Khao Lak (2500 THB) Khao Sok – Donsak (3000 THB) Khao Sok – Ranong (3800 THB) Cheowlan lake – Krabi town (2800 THB) Cheowlan lake – Ao Nang (3000 THB) Cheowlan lake – Donsak (2800 THB) Cheowlan lake – Phuket town (3500 THB) Cheowlan lake – Phuket airport (3200 THB) Cheowlan lake – Phuket (3800 THB) Cheowlan lake – Koh Lanta (5500 THB) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani town (1900 THB) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani airport (1900 THB) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani pier (1900 THB) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani train station (1900 THB) Cheowlan lake – Surat Thani bus station (1900 THB)

All amounts paid under this booking are non-refundable .

• Description

A wonderful tour in the scenic landscapes of the Ratchaprapha lake with safaris and an adventurous jungle and cave trekking. Enjoy the peacefulness of a night in the floating bungalows on the lake!

Price 2999 THB / adult (from 12 years old) 1999 THB / child (5-11 years old)

Cheow Lan lake pier cleaning fee 40 THB/person

National park fee 300 THB / adult (from 15 years old) 150 THB / child (3-14 years old) Free / infant (0-2 years old)

Duration 2 days and 1 night

TOUR DETAILS

Day 1 Arrive to Khao Sok and check in 9.00AM – 2.30PM to  Smiley stone bungalow  or  Smiley dome camp (depends on availability - can’t choose). If you will check in later, then it is not possible to have extra activities. Extra tour by your choice :

• Elephant bath & feeding: 4200 THB/adult and 2900 THB/child
• Night safari: 3600 THB/person and 2300THB/child
• Bamboo rafting: 3800 THB/person and 2400 THB/child
• Tubing: 3500 THB/person and 2250 THB/child
• Canoeing: 3600 THB/person and 2600 THB/child

Prices are in total 3 days 2 nights Khao Sok lake tour + extra tour by your choice.

Day 2 08:00 breakfast 09:00 minivan transfer to Cheow Lan lake 10:20 stop at 7/11 shop (ATM available) 11:30 local boat transfer to Smiley lake houses. On the way visiting Guilin of Thailand rocks 12:30 lunch and free time (relax, swimming, kayaking) 17:00 evening boat trip 19:00 dinner 23:00 sleeping time

Day 3 : 06:30 morning mist boat safari (looking for giant hornbills, monkeys and gibbons in the trees) 08:00 breakfast 08:40 Nam Taloo cave trekking (dry season only) 12:00 lunch 13:30 local boat transfer to Cheow Lan lake pier 15:00 minivan transfer to Khao Sok national park 16:00 arrive back to Khao Sok town and bring your back to your hotel

Tour ends after 16:00PM

After tour ends, we can arrange share a minibus or private taxi to Surat Thani town, Surat Thani airport, Donsak pier (go to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Krabi, Ao Nang, Khao lak, Phuket.

Noted: Koh Tao sleeping boat only!

If you want use public bus to Phuket you will need to stay one more night at Khao Sok and next day use joint public bus.

Remark : If you need to go to Suratthani or private taxi please bring everything come to Lake House the due to the fact that you can take a minibus directly

– Accommodation in the Lake house – 5 times meals (2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 1 x dinner) – Insurance – Water, tea and coffee – Kayaking – Nam Taloo cave trekking (dry season only) – Morning boat safari – Evening boat safari – Minivan transfer from Khao Sok park to the Cheow Lan lake and back – Local boat transfer to the Lakes houses and back

After tour end where do you want to travel next?

Please choose between joint ticket or private taxi , we have 2 options

Option 1 joint ticket after tour end

 ◦ Khao Sok - Krabi 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Khao Sok - Ao Nang 500 baht/pax

 ◦ Khao Sok - khao lak 280 baht/pax

 ◦ Khao Sok - Phuket 850 baht/pax (minimum 4 persons)

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Suratthani town 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Suratthani airport 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Suratthani pier (Sleeping boat ) 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Suratthani train station 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Suratthani bus station 350 baht/pax

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Donsak 850 baht/pax (minimum 3 persons)

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Phuket 850 baht/pax (minimum 4 persons)

Option 2 private taxi

 ◦ Khao Sok - Krabi  2,800 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake- Krabi 2,800 baht

 ◦ Khao Sok - Ao Nang 3,000 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Ao Nang 3,000 baht

 ◦ Khao Sok - Khao Lak 2,500 baht

 ◦ Khao Sok - Donsak 3,000 baht

 ◦ Cheawlan lake - Donsak 2,800 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Phuket town 3,500 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Phuket airport 3,200 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Phuket Patong 3,800 baht

 ◦ Cheowlan lake - Koh Lanta 5,500 baht

 ◦ Khao Sok - Ranong 3,800 baht

Elephant feeding and bathing 2 hours. Minimum 2 persons. Included: guide, cooking class for elephants, tea, coffee, water and fruits

Price: 1200 THB per person Duration:  2 Hr. Start : anytime before 16PM.

As the name of the tour says, our guides will take you to a walk in the jungle at night. This is the best time to see animals as most of them are active during the night!

Price: 600 THB per person + 200 THB per person national park fee Duration:  2 Hr. Start : 19:30PM

A nice Bamboo rafting by Sok river to admire its peaceful landscape. Sok river is a perfect place to relax yourself. You will enjoy beautiful views along the river. Most commonly seen animals for example are birds. The view of limestone, cliffs, mountains.

Price: 800 THB per person Duration: 1-2 Hr. Start : anytime before 16PM.

Want to enjoy a nice time and enjoy the Sok river? Then go tubing with us! Our guides will lead you down the river and provide tubes for everyone! The starting point is 200 m from Smiley Bungalows. We will then pick you up at the end point by car and drive you back to where we started.

This tour is unavailable during the dry season as there isn’t enough water in the river. During the raining season it is a thrill with strong currents and high water level!

Price: 500 THB per person Duration: 30 min – 2 h (depending on the river’s current)  Start : anytime before 16PM.

A nice Canoeing tour down the Sok river to admire its peaceful landscapes. Sok River is a perfect place to relax yourself. You will enjoy beautiful views along the river. Most commonly seen animals for example are birds and fish. Moreover, the view of limestone cliffs, mountain range and wide sky are amazing.

This tour might be unavailable during the dry season if there isn't enough water in the river.

Price: 600 THB per person Duration: 30 min – 2 h (depending on the river’s current)  Start : anytime before 16PM.

Smileys is amazing! Isolating you’re self from wifi and the craziness of the cities and towns is an awesome experience! The rooms are small and rugged but add a awesome touch the the whole suclusion vibe! I love it! Awesome for backpackers and families looking for some time to decompress!​  Connor

If you’re looking to get away and relax, swim in beautiful fresh water, kayak and explore and wake up to the sound of nature, this is the place to go. By far one of my favorite places to stay in Thailand. The staff are always ready to help you and chat with a smile on their face and just want you to enjoy the experience as much as they do.​  Jasmine

Our overnight trip to Smiley lake house was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Thailand. During the afternoon hike through jungle to caves we experienced a tropical thunderstorm and torrential rain, however the guides did a fantastic job to keep moods high and led us to amazing walk/swim through a cave. There was a good mix of activities and time to swim and relax. The highlight of the experience was the enthusiastic, funny and high spirited staff.  Gregor

About Smiley Stone Bungalows

About Smiley Dome Camp

Remaining balance Remaining balance will be paid only in cash during check in.

What is not included? - National park fee 300 THB / adult (from 15 years old), 150 THB / child (3-14 years old). - Cheow Lan lake pier cleaning fee 40 THB/person.

What is pick up time? 8:30AM please come to the meeting point at Smiley Dome Camp –  Google Maps . 10:30AM from Chew Lan lake pier.  Google Maps where to come .

Where is meeting point at Cheow Lan pier? Please come before before 10:30AM.  Google Maps where to come . When you arrive at lake pier please go and buy national park tickets. Then take a pictures of your self and send it to our guide +66 89871 5744 (WhatsApp) or +66 64786 4138 (WhatsApp). Around 10:45AM our guide will pick you up from Tourist Police kiosk.

What to bring to Khao Sok Lake house? Bug spray Sun cream Flashlight / headlamp Shoes and socks for trekking Money Clothes to change Swimsuits Sunglasses Hat Camera

Cellular network and internet In good weather conditions WiFi and AIS cellular network will be available.

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KHAO SOK TRAVEL

SURAT THANI-THAILAND

Khao Sok  Travel & Tourism DISCOVER THE KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK With a history of 160 million years, Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Ready to explore the best parts of Khao Sok? Discover tours, activities, and experiences recommended by fellow travelers. We also offer private tour packages for a more personal and exclusive experience. Book your unforgettable journey with Khao Sok Travel now!

Khao sok is an incredible national park in southern thailand full of limestone cliffs, caves , waterfalls , and some of the best-preserved jungle habitat in the country,  the forests here are so thick they're almost inaccessible, but a dam has created a huge reservoir right in the middle of the park. traveling by boat on cheow lan lake lets you get right up close to the jungle. most people book either a one-day tour   two-day  or a three-day   visit with an overnight. stay at one of the floating bungalows on the lake. these trips usually include a jungle trek , a cave visit , birdwatching , and a wildlife safari by boat. the caves are really cool and even better in the dry season when you can explore deeper inside them. khao sok is one of the rainiest parts of thailand and even in the dry season, there's a good chance you'll get rain. definitely don't let that stop you. if you're interested in visiting khao sok , check our website for everything you need to know about planning your trip..

Enjoy one of our carefully curated adventure to be cherished forever. Don't let these offers get away and save more!

Travel ideas, how do you like to travel, khao sok national park tour packages from phuket, khao lak, krabi, samui, and bangkok explore khao sok national park with our tour packages, offering trips from various locations including phuket, khao lak, krabi, samui, and bangkok. choose between a two-day, one-night trip or a three-day, two-night adventure. whether you prefer traveling with a group of like-minded travelers or a private tour with a companion, we have options for you. select the type of trip that suits you best below..

Book now   for our travel packages available from Sep 1st to Oct 30th, 2024.

Book your package now Family-Friendly (Book for 4 or more people)

Sep - Oct 2024.

THE CAVES In Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park There is a beautiful

cave Filled with stalagmites and stalactites

at Tham Prai Kai Phet, Tham Pakarang

and traveling through the cave exciting

at Tham Nam Thalu...

Tham Nam Thalu  Cave Package 2 Days 1 Night   Price 4, 900 THB per person

EXPLORE OUR TOURS

Khao Sok National Park Experience is one of our most popular Khao Sok tours.

Spend a relaxing day at a floating resort. A day trip or trekking is a must.  Rafting along Sok River

in the morning and a longtail boat. Ride through the majestic Chiew Larn Lake (Khao Sok Lake).

Surat Thani is exploring. Plan your visit with us today.

Book your perfect stay in Khao Sok National Park

Don't miss out on your preferred hotel. Book now while there's still space.

Magical Mountain View Resort

Nestled on a mountain, surrounded by lush forests and limestone hills with captivatinshapes

Khaosok Boutique Camps The experience goes beyond the charming accommodations.

KHAO SOK PACKAGE

Traveler's choice stay in a tree house khao sok or stay on a floating bungalow in the lake. private 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights or 4 days 3 nights packages.  reserve with us, more activities, all meals, and private boat transfers. great value, book now..

Seeing animals hiking in the swamp

2 Days 1 Night

FOCUSING ON WILDLIFE 

3 Days 2 Nights

FOREST & LAKE 

Visit forests and lakes of Khaosok National Park

Places of breathtaking

LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE

THE FULL CHEOW LARN LAKE EXPERIENCE

Wonders of Khao Sok Lake

Pakarang Cave - View Point

Full Lake Experience

CHEOW LARN LAKE

A Breathtaking

Trekking Experiences overnight in the forest

KHAO SOK NATIONAL  PARK

Super Save Pack Cave Trek Khao Sok

Trekking Experiences

Overnight Tree House

HIKE IN THE TROPICAL RAIN FOREST

Experiences 4Days 3Nights Package Overnight River Floating Resort & Tree House

UNSEEN SURAT THANI-KHAO SOK

Welcome to our floating accommodations on the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake.

Our floating house accommodations come in a variety of styles to suit your preferences. Whether you seek a luxurious floating house or a more simplistic one, all our accommodations are fully equipped with modern amenities and offer stunning views of the Cheow Lan Lake.

The Best Floating Bungalows

at Cheow Larn Lake

Panvaree Resort

Book now   for our travel packages available from July 1st to July 30th, 2024.  

KHAOSOK NATIONAL PARK

Khao sok is an incredible national park in southern thailand full of limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and some of the best-preserved jungle habitats in the country. the forests here are so thick they're almost inaccessible, but a dam has created a huge reservoir in the middle of the park.  traveling by boat on cheow lan lake lets you get right up close to the jungle..

Wild elephants in Cheow Lan Lak e Appeared for tourists to be amazing.

UNSEEN Khao Sok Experiences 4Days 3Nights Package Overnight River Floating Resort & Tree House

Cheow Lan Lake And Nam Rad Emerald Pool

Hike To One Of The Many Viewpoints At Thamma Park

Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest, Surat Thani

Romantic Sunset Cruise (Private)Take a romantic sunset cruise on a long-tail boat to Khao Sok Lake. and enjoy sparkling wine with appetizers Watch the sunset on the lake

Trek to the Rafflesia Flower Khao Sok National Park

Transportation – How to get to Khao Sok

FIND OUT HOW TO GET TO KHAO SOK FROM HERE: BY PLANE, BUS, VAN FROM ANYWHERE IN THAILAND. TO TRAVEL TO KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE TRIP YOU WANT,

KHAO SOK TRAVEL WISHES YOU A SAFE TRIP.

In 2023, more than 1,000 new routes were added and are ready for booking. These are buses and trains in Southern  Thailand , buses, vans, and ferries in Koh Samui , trains in Bangkok, trains in Surat Thani , charters in Koh Tao , ferries in Koh Phangan , trains and buses in Hadyai , ferries, flights, and charters in Koh Samui , buses in Surat Thani , vans and buses in Khao Sok , flights, ferries, and buses in Phuket , trains in Surat Thani , charters, ferries, buses, and flights in Krabi , trains, buses, and vans in Khao Sok .

Special   for Visitors 

18-Hole Green Fee

2,500  

Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

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Khao Sok National Park Rainforest Safari

Price per group

Khao Sok National Park Tours

Khao Sok National Park is located a couple of hours north of Krabi Town in the neighbouring province of Surat Thani.

Khao Sok National Park is Thailand as it always was. One of the largest areas of unspoiled rainforest in Asia. The area is home to thousands of species of animals, trees and plants that exist nowhere else.

The National Park area has been protected from any sort of development by the fact that the only access to a large part of it is by boat and the only accomodation in the Park is, to be honest, rather primitive. But its this  that has allowed the park to retain its unspoiled beauty and even the raft house accomodation in itself has a charm that makes this trip an experience of a lifetime. Where else in the world can you truly escape the modern world? Khao Sok really is one of the most remote places on Earth.

While in the park you can enjoy rafting, kayaking and trekking in places that really very few people ever visit. Accomodation and tour groups are strictly limited to avoid the wildlife being over exposed. A guided tour of Khao Sok National Park is essential to know the places where the best of the wildlife and plantlife can be found in this vast place.

The landscape is dominated by the limestone mountains that surround it, if you trek to the top of one of these you will get to see a sight unparalelled anywhere.

If you take the 2 Day/ One Night program, the Resort is just outside the park area but still in an area of real Natural beauty. The accomodation is simple but comfortable and feedback has always been positive. The rooms are en suite bungalows.

Tour Description

This is real rainforest and there are bugs and leeches. Its best when walking through the jungle to wear full length clothing and sensible footwear. The rainforest can be a harsh environment.

What's Included

Includes: all transfers, insurance, english speaking guide, elephant ride, canoeing, all meals, accommodation

3 Day and 2 night trips, including a stay within the lake, are also available at some times of year, please enquire for details.

All times in the itinerary may vary. Pick up times will vary depending on your hotel location, please let us know your hotel for a more accurate time.

Tour Itinerary

Khao sok jungle tour 2 days 1 night .

08.00 -Transfer from your hotel.

10.40 -Arrive to canoe camp.

11.00 -Canoeing along the Sok River enjoying beautiful views of limestone

mountains, you can also swim and at one place there is a swing over the river which is a really fun thing to do.

12.30 -Set menu lunch served with fresh seasonal fruits and soft drinks. (Halal available on request).

13.30 -Enjoy elephant trekking to one of the waterfalls.

15.00 -Stop at Scenic Viewpoint and get some really must-have photos.

15.30 -Check in and stay overnight at bungalow.

19.00 -Set menu dinner at the restaurant of bungalow.

08.00 -Breakfast at the restaurant.

09.00 -Jungle treking by foot into the Khao Sok National Park.

12.00 -Check out

13.00 -Set menu lunch serve with fresh seasonal fruits and soft drinks at canoe camp.

14.00 -Visit The Monkey Cave Temple. You'll soon see where it gets it's name from!

16.30 -Arrive to your hotel.

There is a minimum of 4 guests on this trip. If your group is less than 4, please contact us and we will enquire. Prices are also based on 2 persons sharing a room so there will be a single room supplement if you are a solo traveller or if you require single rooms.

Child Rate is for children aged 3 - 11 years old.

Children below 3 years old go for free but if the group is full, they would have to travel in the minibus on your knee. (Group sizes are normally 8 or less persons though, so, normally not a problem.)

Khao Sok Jungle 1 Day Tour

Tour itinerary. ( 08.00 am. ? 17.30 pm.).

11.00 -Canoeing along at Sok River enjoy magnificent views of limestone

mountains enjoy swinging into the river on rope the rope swing.

12.30 -Set menu lunch served with fresh seasonal fruits and soft drinks.

13.30 -Enjoy elephant trekking to jungle forest

15.00 -Stop at Scenic Viewpoint. Not to be missed photo opportunity :)

15.40 -Visit Monkey Cave Temple.

17.30 -Arrive back at your hotel.

There is a minimum of 2 guests on this trip. If you are a solo traveller, please contact us and we will enquire. Prices are also based on 2 persons sharing a room so there will be a single room supplement.

Children below 3 years old go for free but if the group is full, they would have to travel in the minibus on your knee. 

• Khao Sok Tour 2 days 1 night
• Cheow Larn Lake 2 days 1 night
• Khao Sok 3 Days 2 Nights jungle & Lake discovery
• Khao Sok 3 days 2 nights jungle & Lake Overnight
• One day Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting
• One day Khao Sok Canoeing tour
• One day Khao Lak Bamboo Rafting
• One day Cheow Larn Lake Tour
• Information

Khao Sok 2 days 1 night Tour Package

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Trip itinerary for Khao Sok 2 days 1 night tour package from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi.

Day 1: Elephant bathing + Overnight in Khao Sok (L+D)

07.30-08.30 a.m. Pick-up from your hotel in Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi by air-conditioned vehicle. (Departure time varies by hotel location.)

Dropped by Sarasin Bridge to take a little relax or toilet.

Visited Tsunami Memorial Site (Tor. 813)

Visited Monkey Cave temple

Arrived at Khaosok Elephant Camp and enjoy spending time with elephant bathing.

Stopped at Khaosok a scenic viewpoint. (Great panoramic view of Khaosok)

12.00 pm. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Started Bamboo rafting down the river of Khaosok (chance to spot a flora & fauna, limestone cliff mountains along the way) (approximate 0.45-1 hrs.)

14.00 pm. Check in at accommodation in Khao Sok (Air-Con room)

19.00 pm. Dinner then pleasuring with the sounds of the jungle.

Day 2: Khao Sok Jungle hiking+ transfer to Phuket (B+L)

07.00-08.30 a.m. Breakfast.

09.00 a.m. Jungle Hiking on foot in Khaosok National Park , an inland haven tucked away from the thronging beach crowds, Khaosok is Thailand’s secret jewel. This ancient rain-forest dates

back 160 million years and it wears its age well. Enchanting Plants, Flowers, Butterfly,

Birds, Squirrels, Reptiles, etc. awaits your discovery. (Approximate 3- hrs.)

Back to the camps, shower, check out.

12.00 pm. Lunch at a local restaurant. 

Depart from Khaosok back to your hotel in Phuket or Krabi Province with a pleasant trip!

The tour price included:

Round trip hotel transfer from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak (Main tourist area)

1 Night accommodation (twin/triple sharing)

Tour Guide, Accident Insurance

Meals as in the itinerary (B,L,D)

Bamboo rafting & paddle guide

Elephant bathing

National park fees.

What to bring

Camera, Sun block lotion

Sun glasses, Suitable shoes

Hat or cap, Extra clothes & Towel

All programs are subject to change depend on the weather condition.

Extra pay 500 THB./person on peak season (25 Dec.-5 Jan., 12-15 Apr.)

Minimum 2 persons is required to operate above tour programs.

Child age 12 years old & older considered as adult price.

All programs are included national park fee.

Extra pay 2,000 THB. for single supplement.

All times given above are varies.

Cancellation Policy

• 70% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes less than 7 days but not less than 5 days before your scheduled arrival.
• 100% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes less than 5 days before your scheduled arrival.

Related Tours

Khao Sok 3 days 2 nights Jungle & Lake overnight

Khao Sok tour package 3 days 2 nights Jungle & Lake sightseeing

Khao Sok National Park | The Ultimate Adventure Travel Guide

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

The ultimate destination for nature lovers who want to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in one of the most unique natural surroundings in the world. You’ll feel like you traveled back through time as you experience one of the most majestic places in Thailand at Khao Sok National Park.

Not so long ago, we mentioned that  jungle trekking in Indonesia  and coming face-to-face with orangutans in the wild was THE most unforgettable experience we’ve had. Now we can add another to the list: witnessing the otherworldly beauty of Khao Sok and hiking through a water cave. Read on to find out how you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure for yourself.

If it’s your first time travelling to Thailand, make sure you read our  7 Krabi travel tips . We may have written it specifically for Krabi, but most of the tips are applicable for travelling anywhere in Thailand.

We share useful tips like how much to budget daily, whether it is card friendly and even how to rent a scooter in Thailand.

Why Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks and a magical hidden gem destination. The locals often compare its landscapes to Guilin in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam, but for those like us who love our fantasy movies, it is better known for its Jurassic Park/Avatar-like scenery.

And the cherry on top? A fraction of the tourists compared to Guilin and Halong Bay. And you don’t need a tourist visa to visit Thailand for most nationalities.

That means no more photos with tourists holding giant iPads in your photo’s background, and no queuing for tourists visas at the airport.

Now that’s what we call a win-win situation.

Top Things To Do in Khao Sok National Park

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do and explore in Khao Sok. From jungle trekking (guided and non-guided), visiting elephant sanctuaries to relaxing in natural hot springs and tubing down the river.

However the top, ‘not-to-be-missed’ attraction is the Khao Sok Lake Tour . Why? Because this is where you will be transported to Jurassic Park (without the dinosaurs), and for the more adventurous types, experience hiking through a water cave!

This was definitely the highlight of our trip and an experience we would do again!

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

There are 3 ways to get to Khao Sok National Park. The easiest, but most expensive way is by private taxi transfer . This costs around €80 in total (max 4 people) and includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Phuket to Khao Sok.

The second option is to share a bus transfer from Phuket town to Khao Sok. This option costs €24 per person in a comfortable, air-conditioned van.

The last option to get to Khao Sok is by public transport. It’s the cheapest but also most adventurous option (mostly because of the language barrier). This costs a fraction of the price at around 220 Thai Baht per person or €6.50 .

Make sure you read our Thailand Transportation guide if it’s your first time. Otherwise, here’s how you get from Phuket to Khao Sok via public transport.

Getting from Phuket to Khao Sok by Public Bus

• Head to the central bus station in Phuket town (refer to map)
• Go to the ticket desk and purchase a bus ticket from Phuket to Khao Sok
• Buses leave every hour from 7AM to 3PM so make sure you arrive at least 40 minutes before the hour to purchase your ticket (tickets can’t be purchased online and space is given on a first-come-first serve basis)
• Depending on the bus, you may need to change buses at Takua Pa (just ask the desk to double check)
• The entire trip should take 4 hours and you will arrive at the main bus station at Khao Sok town and VOILA!

Getting from Phuket or Khao Lak to Khao Sok

Want to head straight from the beach to the rain forests but it’s too much of a mission? Don’t worry, there is an easy way to get to Khao Sok from Khao Lak and Phuket!

It will take a few hours hours to get there, but we promise it is worth it. Book a day trip from Phuket to Khao Sok or a transfer from Khao Lak to Khao Sok  online and save yourself time and hassle later.

Khao Sok National Park Tours: Overnight Tour vs Day Tour

The absolute must-do Khao Sok National Park tour, is the Cheow Lan Lake Tour . You can just do the day tour or stay overnight on a floating bungalow for 1 or 2 nights.

We highly recommend staying over for at least one night to make the most out of this unique experience. That way, your tours won’t be as rushed, you have a higher chance at spotting wildlife and you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in the lake with many toothless fish.

We actually opted to stay over for an extra night (2 nights, 3 days) so we could have an entire day to ourselves, kayaking from island to island, swimming in the lake and have time to appreciate the lake and its beautiful surroundings.

If you’re short on time, then a day tour is better than nothing. If you’re arriving by bus from Phuket, stay the night in Khao Sok village and book your day tour for the following day. Find out how much it costs and what it includes below.

Cost of Khao Sok Lake Day Tour

1500 Thai Baht (€42) per person and 750 Thai Baht (€21) for children under 120cm tall.

What Does the Day Tour Include

• Jungle trekking through Tham Nam Ta Lu (Water Cave) or coral cave (depends on the season and water level) with an expert guide
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• Thai set lunch
• Drinking water
• Local Travel guide (English speaking)
• Long tail boat

Excluded items:

• Khao Sok National Park fee (300 Thai Baht per person)
• Other drinks (i.e. soda, beer, happy buckets, etc.)

Save Me For Later

Price of Khao Sok Lake Overnight Tour

2500 Thai Baht (€70) per person and 1250 Thai Baht (€35) for children under 120cm tall – this is for 1 night and 2 days and includes the floating bungalows accommodation and all meals.

The kayaks and tubes are free to use. Sounds like a great deal but don’t be fooled by these innocent boats. They can end friendships and relationships.

If you want to extend your stay by an extra night like we did, it costs an extra 1500 Thai Baht per person and includes all meals for the extra day.

What Does the Overnight Tour Include

• Morning jungle safari tour by long tail boat
• Visit Pra Kay Petch Cave (dry cave)
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• 1 night’s accommodation on raft house (2 person/room)
• Free use of kayaks and tubes
• A towel each

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

The price for the Khao Sok Lake tours are standardized, whether you book from a tour operator or from your hotel. But there may be differences in the type of hotel you get and whether or not the tour operator provides water shoes, head lamps and water bags so you don’t need to buy them yourself.

Make sure to ask which hotel it is, especially if you want your own bathroom. The bamboo bungalows look very pretty and romantic, but none of them have their own bathrooms, so you’ll need a torch to get to the loo at night.

If you don’t want to hike to the bathroom (ok, maybe ‘hike is over exaggerating) then make sure your tour operator books you to stay at  Smiley Bungalows . The accommodation is also very basic, but each bungalow has its own bathroom attached to each unit.

If it’s a special occasion and you don’t mind paying more, there are also some luxurious options available:

• Khao Sok National Park Overnight Stay in a Treehouse Bungalow (includes meals and excursions)
• 3 Day Floating Resort on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok (includes meals and excursions)
• 2 Day / 1 Night stay Cheow Lan Lake and Wildlife Tour (includes meals and transfer)

Before making those hotel bookings, read our Travel For Cheap Guide to find out how we save up to 53% booking flights, hotels and car rental.

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows Review

This part is more for managing expectations rather than a review. The floating bungalow on the lake is very basic. You’re on a lake after all, surrounded by one of the most ancient rainforests in the world. At least you don’t need to set up your own camp and dig a hole to handle your business right?

At Smiley Bungalows , each unit can sleep up to 3-4 people but the minimum is 2 in each unit. So you may be paired with someone if you’re travelling solo.There is no A/C, but there is a fan in the room. The shower is cold to lukewarm at best.

We found the accommodation to be more than sufficient. The only thing that can be improved is cleanliness. The bed sheets and pillow cases are not changed on a daily basis even though new people arrive every day (we’re only slightly OCD…).

If you’re addicted to the internet, you going to have to detox here as there is no cellphone signal or wi-fi. As internet addicts ourselves, we can tell you that it wasn’t so bad and was actually quite liberating. To conserve electricity, the rooms only have electricity between 6PM and 6AM, but you can charge your phones and cameras at the dining/bar area anytime of the day.

What to Pack for the Khao Sok National Park Tour

• Water shoes/comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy
• Headlamps (if your tour operator doesn’t provide them)
• Costume/bikini/speedo (whatever you fancy)
• A set of dry clothes for the second day
• Mosquito spray
• Leech spray (only necessary when you go during monsoon season)
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap)
• Extra toilet paper
• Dry bag (25 litre is the most versatile size)

We would recommend you pack everything into your dry bag and leave the rest of your luggage at your accommodation’s reception or storage area. Some tour operators will even store your luggage for you. It is important that you only take what you need.

We recommend getting the  Ocean Pack 25 litre dry bag , as it is the most versatile. If you love adventure, particularly ones that involve water, this bag will come very handy for all your future trips.

In Khao Sok town, they cost around 400 Thai Baht (€11) but you can also buy it on Amazon. There are cheaper dry bags, but the quality is not great and won’t last as long as Ocean Pack. We’ve had ours for 9 years and it’s still in perfect condition.

What Shoes to Wear For Khao Sok Lake Tour

If you don’t want to ruin your trainers, you can rent rubber shoes for the jungle trek for 50 Thai Baht (€1.40) at Smiley Bungalows. They will give you more grip than trainers, so we would recommend you rent these rather than wear your trainers.

We wore our usual  Mares Dive Booties  for the entire hike. They are meant for diving, but we use them for all our water sport activities and even hike with them when the terrain is muddy and slippery. We absolutely love that they are super lightweight, versatile and very resilient. We’ve have had ours for over 6 years and besides a small hole in the front, they work perfectly and are easy to clean.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:

• SafetyWing  (best for everyone)
• AXA  (for US residents)
• Outbacker  (for UK residents)
• Allianz  (for Germany residents)

Khao Sok National Park Itinerary

Hiking through water cave.

This was no doubt the highlight of the trip and one that shouldn’t be missed. Your tour operator will take you for a short, long tail boat ride to the start of the hiking trail through the rainforest, to get to the entrance of the cave. It’s a short 3km walk to the entrance of the cave, which was not difficult at all and mostly flat.

When you get to the cave, that’s when the real adventure and fun begins. It was our first experience hiking through a pitch black cave, with only our headlamps to guide us, amongst bats, frogs, spiders and who knows what else (eeek!).

And to add to the adventure, the water in some parts of the cave are over 2 meters deep, which means we had to muster all the doggy paddling skills we had to manoeuvre ourselves through some very narrow sections of the cave.

It was one of the most exhilarating experiences we’ve had to date and we would do it again in a heartbeat!

Morning Jungle Safari Tour in Khao Sok National Park

Early morning wake up at 5:30AM to start your morning safari around the lake. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you’ll get to see the most magnificent sunrise, peeking out between the majestic limestone cliffs.

Thereafter, it’s a 90 minute lake safari tour with the chance of spotting some wildlife. We saw monkeys, a large monitor lizard, a variety of birds and a family of river otters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see gibbons, elephants and cobras that often hang in the tree branches.

Pra Kay Petch Cave Hike in Khao Sok

A small cave you will visit on your way back to the Ratchaprapha Marina. This cave is dry and much easier to navigate through than Water Cave, but also less exciting. The highlight of this cave is seeing coral rocks that are thousands of years old, spotting snake eggs and even a live snake! Don’t worry, they’ll be long gone by the time your brain figures out what you just saw.

Where To Book Khao Sok National Park Tours

The price of the tour is pretty much standardised but what the type of experience you’ll get will differ. Some tour operators are only able to book the bamboo hut floating bungalows, which has a communal bathroom to share amongst all the units.

Other tour operators will be able to book you into floating bungalows like Smiley’s where you can have a bit more privacy with your own bathroom. With or without bathroom, both tour packages will cost exactly the same. So take your pick based on your personal preference.

Khao Sok National Park Hotels

We booked our tour at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel  (renamed from Khao Sok Royal Cliff Resort and Spa) where we stayed overnight before going on the Khao Sok Lake Tour.

The price of the tour cost exactly the same as what the tour operators were selling. The difference was that the hotel had kindly arrange to pack toiletries and extra toilet paper for us to take with, so that we didn’t have to buy.

The hotel also kept our luggage safe in their storage room while we were on the Lake Tour so we didn’t have to pay for accommodation we wouldn’t use.

If you would like to stay at the Bamboo Huts, you can book directly with Sunny from Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . When you book with him, he includes the rubber shoes that you can use for the cave as well as a dry bag. He is also an amazing guy to speak to and ask for recommendations on the best places to visit in Thailand.

Besides being super friendly, he is also very honest and will tell you which tours you should or shouldn’t go on, even if it means you don’t book the tour with him.

It was honestly so refreshing to meet and befriend him. Someone who wants travellers to come and enjoy every moment in his home country, rather than just trying to make a quick buck off tourists. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have enjoyed Khao Sok as much as we did and be able to share all these travel tips with you.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Khao Sok National Park

We stayed for 4 days and were only able to visit the Monkey Temple (actual name Wat Tham Phanthurat), explore Khao Sok town and do the 2 night, 3 day Khao Sok Lake Tour. If you want to jungle trek in Khao Sok National Park or visit an elephant sanctuary, then you’ll need an extra day or two.

We stayed at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel , which we enjoyed thoroughly. It’s a great option for couples or families as they have a big garden and a lovely pool too.

If you’re travelling alone or looking for a more budget friendly option, check out  Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . It’s very affordable and you get great value for money.

Is there Malaria in Khao Sok National Park

No, but there are mosquitoes, so make sure you get some bug spray. But don’t worry, you’ll get a good night’s rest at the floating bungalows as there are no mosquitoes there.

Is Khao Sok A Family Vacation Destination?

All the activities on the lake tour are kid friendly except for the water cave. There are several points in the water cave where it is more than a meter deep and the deepest section is around 2 meters deep, so children (and adults) need to be strong swimmers.

Best Time of Year to Visit Khao Sok National Park

The best time of the year to visit Khao Sok is outside the rainy season, between November and April. But with that being said, it may rain even in the dry season since the province receives some of the highest rainfall in Thailand.

You’ll need some luck with the weather because some of the activities are weather dependent, like hiking through the water cave.

If it looks like it will rain or is raining, then that leg of the trip will either have to be cancelled or postponed. No one wants a repeat of the Thai soccer team cave rescue mission (unless you want to sign a deal with Netflix).

Best Places To Visit In Thailand

We loved every moment in Khao Sok, from its friendly people to its unique, mystical natural scenery. If you’re on an extended trip in Thailand, why not explore more of its beautiful landscapes and other hidden gems? We have a complete  guide on how to get around Thailand  using its extensive public transport system. This is how we got to some of the  most beautiful beaches in Thailand  on the island of Koh Phangan.

If you like a bit more adventure and want to experience some of the most exciting hiking adventures in Thailand, then check out our  3 day itinerary in Krabi . If you’re more of a water baby,  why not scuba dive  around the Similan and Surin Islands? It is voted as one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world.

Make sure to read our  first scuba dive liveaboard experience in Thailand  before chartering on your own adventure.

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10 Things To Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park In Thailand

T ravelers planning a trip to Thailand should consider visiting Khao Sok National Park as part of their itinerary. While it’s easy to spend a full week lounging on the beaches in the Phi Phi Islands (which also offer free things to do for budget travelers) or scuba diving in Koh Tao (home to some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world ), there’s more to discover in the country’s south.

Khao Sok National Park is worth spending a few days exploring, as it's home to some of the most amazing hidden gems in Thailand . Find out more about why it's worth travelers' attention and what to know before going.

Related: Thailand's Dragon Temple Is Real, & Here's How To Get There

Khao Sok National Park Is Located In Southern Thailand

Khao Sok National Park is located in Southern Thailand. It’s on Thailand’s mainland (it’s not an island) and is close to popular destinations like Krabi (which offers plenty of amazing things to do) , Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui.

Its location near the islands and beaches of Thailand makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking warmth and sunshine combined with wildlife encounters.

• To Know Before Going: Khao Sok National Park is located in Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand

Related: 10 Things To Do In Pattaya City: Complete Guide To Beaches, Nightlife, & Resorts In Thailand

It’s Easy To Get To Khao Sok National Park From Krabi Or Phuket

Khao Sok National Park is easily accessible from the major hubs in Southern Thailand. Despite the park’s total immersion in the wilderness, travelers can reach it from Krabi in approximately 2 hours or from the the paradise of Phuket in 3 hours.

Buses, minivans, and taxes are all valid transportation options. There is also a night bus each day that stops at Khao Sok National Park.

• To Know Before Going: Surat Thani International Airport is the closest to Khao Sok National Park

The Park Is Older Than The Amazon Rainforest

It might surprise travelers to learn that the tropical evergreen rainforest within Khao Sok National Park is the remains of what was the oldest rainforest in the world.

This ecosystem is 160 million years old, making it even older than the Amazon Rainforest in South America.

• To Know Before Going: The park is home to the Rafflesia flower, which is a symbolic flower for Surat Thani Province in Thailand

Related: Thailand Guide: Bucket-List Must-Do Things In Phuket

It’s Home To The Largest Virgin Forest In Thailand

Khao Sok National Park spans 739 square kilometers in Southern Thailand and is also home to the country’s largest virgin forest. A virgin forest is sometimes also called an old-growth forest or a primary forest.

The meaning of this name refers to the fact that the forest had significant growth and life before there was any human interference or disturbance.

• To Know Before Going: Remember to preserve the forest; take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints

There Are More Than 300 Species Of Birds In Khao Sok National Park

The park is home to 311 species of birds and is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. The size of the bird species within the park varies from large creatures like the Great Hornbill to the petite size of the Common Tailorbird.

Travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the spectacular birds in Khao Sok should pack binoculars, and photographers will want to bring their telephoto lenses.

• To Know Before Going: Early morning is the best time for bird watching and bird photography. Birds are most active right after they wake up

The Temperature In The Park Remains Stable Year Round (& There Are Two Seasons)

Travelers can count on fairly predictable temperatures in Khao Sok National Park, regardless of what time of year they visit. The average temperature ranges from 24ºC to 31ºC year round.

There are two seasons in Khao Sok National Park. The dry season is from November to February, while the wet season is from April to October. Humidity levels in the air can be high, especially during the dry season. Travelers should pack outerwear accordingly and stay hydrated while they explore Khao Sok National Park.

• To Know Before Going: These consistent temperatures mean it’s always a good time to visit the park. It’s a great year-round destination

No Tigers Have Been Seen In Khao Sok National Park For Decades

Khao Sok National Park is a destination filled with wildlife, from the massive number of bird species to a range of mammals roaming the rainforest. While the park’s website suggests tigers live there, the reality is that no one has seen a tiger inside the park for decades.

It remains one of the few habitats in Thailand that can support a tiger in the wild, however, so it is probable that tigers live in the park but simply away from the areas frequented by humans.

• To Know Before Going: Khao Sok National Park is home to 5% of the world’s wildlife species. But within that 5%, only 30% have been officially identified, ensuring there is much more to be discovered inside the park

Elephant Trekking still occurs in many parts of Thailand, and many tourists remain unaware of the harm this causes the animals involved. Avoid elephant trekking tours and tour companies at all costs . This is an unethical practice. Travelers who wish to see elephants in Thailand can encounter them naturally while exploring Khao Sok National Park or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket or Chiang Mai.

It’s An Ideal Family-Friendly Destination In Thailand

While it might seem like such a wild and remote destination is suitable only for backpackers who seek thrills and adventure, Khao Sok National Park proudly promotes itself as one of the many family-friendly destinations in Thailand.

Accommodation options are varied and comfortable; plus, many of the guided tours allow participants as young as 4 years old.

• To Know Before Going: Contact the park before departure or at the time of booking to ensure activities are suitable for children or seniors within the group

Tours In Khao Sok National Park Depart From Most Of Southern Thailand’s Major Hubs

Khao Sok National Park operates some of its own guided tours for travelers who want to join groups or explore the park with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

The good news is that most of these Khao Sok National Park tours even include getting to the park and offering departures from major hubs like Phuket and backpacker-central Krabi.

• To Know Before Going: Tours can be booked through the park’s website

Related: This Is How Far You Can Get With $100 USD In Thailand

Visitors Can Camp In Khao Sok National Park Or Stay In A Lodge

While a national park might sound like a place to camp among the trees, Khao Sok National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, so there is something for everyone.

Travelers who are more comfortable sleeping in an enclosed structure rather than a tent can certainly book at luxury resorts in Khao Sok National Par.

• To Know Before Going: There are many floating eco-lodges, resorts, and treehouse-style rooms to book inside the park.