Khao Sok National Park | Surat Thani

Khao Sok National Park – A Paradise of Rainforests and Limestone Mountains

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most popular and biodiverse national parks, located in the southern part of the country, in Surat Thani Province. Known for its tropical rainforest, limestone mountains, karst formations, and clear turquoise lakes, Khao Sok offers a stunning natural landscape and a wide variety of outdoor activities. It is considered one of the oldest rainforests in the world, predating the Amazon and other tropical forests by millions of years.

Overview of Khao Sok National Park

• Location: Khao Sok National Park is located in Surat Thani Province, in southern Thailand, about 150 km from Phuket and 80 km from Surat Thani city. It is easily accessible from both coastal areas like Khao Lak, Phuket, and Krabi.
• Size: The park covers an area of approximately 739 square kilometers, including dense rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, valleys, rivers, and the famous Cheow Lan Lake.
• Established: The park was established in 1980 to protect the region’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

Key Features of Khao Sok National Park

1. Rainforests and Biodiversity

• Khao Sok is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, teeming with plant and animal species. The park's biodiversity is incredibly rich, with over 300 species of birds, wildlife, and a variety of flora.
  • Flora: The park is known for its lush rainforests, tropical trees, and unique species of orchids, ferns, and flowers. Some trees are hundreds of years old, and the forest floor is rich with plant life.
  • Fauna: Wildlife in Khao Sok includes elephants, tigers, gibbons, langurs, deer, and wild boar. The park is a hotspot for birdwatching with species like hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles.

2. Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapa Dam)

• Cheow Lan Lake is one of Khao Sok’s most famous features, created by the Ratchaprapa Dam. The lake is surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, which rise steeply from the water, creating a truly spectacular landscape.
  • The lake covers an area of 165 square kilometers and is a key part of the park’s ecosystem.
  • Activities: Visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, fishing, and even overnight stays in floating bamboo rafts or floating hotels. The lake is also a great spot for exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.

3. Limestone Karsts and Caves

• Khao Sok National Park features some of the most dramatic limestone karst formations in Thailand. These towering peaks rise up to 1,000 meters above the jungle floor, creating a maze of valleys and cliffs.
  • Cave Exploration: The park is home to several impressive caves, such as Soi Sawan Cave, which can be explored on foot. The caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, creating a fascinating underground world.
  • The karst formations also create unique ecosystems with species adapted to the isolated environments.

4. Wildlife Watching and Eco-Tours

• Khao Sok is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers a variety of guided eco-tours that take visitors deep into the forest to spot wildlife and explore the park’s diverse habitats.
  • Jungle Safaris: You can embark on a jungle trek with a guide, where you might encounter gibbons, elephants, and various smaller mammals. Night safaris are also popular for spotting nocturnal creatures like leopards and civets.
  • Birdwatching: With over 300 species of birds, including hornbills and trogons, Khao Sok is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

5. Hiking and Nature Trails

• Khao Sok offers a range of hiking trails for all levels of fitness. Some trails take you through the dense rainforest, while others offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
  • The Forest Trail: This trail takes you through the heart of the rainforest and allows you to see many of the park's natural wonders.
  • The Bang Hoi Trail: A more advanced trail, taking visitors through rugged terrain to explore remote waterfalls and highland ecosystems.

Accommodation in Khao Sok National Park

• Floating Bungalows: One of the most unique accommodations in the park is the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. These bungalows are accessible by boat and offer a tranquil escape surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
• Jungle Lodges and Resorts: There are various eco-friendly resorts and lodge accommodations around the park that provide comfortable stays close to nature, some of which are situated near the park entrance or along the lake.
• Camping: For those seeking an even more immersive experience, camping in the park is an option. The park has designated camping areas, and visitors can experience a night under the stars in the jungle.

Activities in Khao Sok National Park

1. Boat Tours on Cheow Lan Lake: Explore the stunning limestone karsts and remote islands, with opportunities to swim and kayak in the clear waters.
2. Jungle Trekking: Guided treks allow visitors to explore the park’s dense rainforests, learn about local flora and fauna, and spot wildlife.
3. Cave Exploration: Visit the famous caves in the park, including Soi Sawan Cave and Khao Sok Cave, to see fascinating rock formations.
4. Wildlife Watching: Enjoy wildlife safaris and night tours to spot animals in their natural habitats.
5. Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through the calm waters of Cheow Lan Lake, exploring its tranquil shores and hidden coves.

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

• By Car: From Surat Thani, take Highway 401 south to Khao Sok. The drive takes about 2 hours.
• By Bus: There are daily buses from Surat Thani to Khao Sok. The bus journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• By Train: The nearest train station to Khao Sok is Surat Thani. From there, visitors can take a bus or private transport to the park.
• From Phuket: The drive from Phuket to Khao Sok takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park

• Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities, trekking, and boat tours.
• Rainy Season (May to October): The park experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which makes trekking and some activities more challenging. However, the lush greenery and waterfalls are at their peak during this time, and it’s still a great time to visit if you enjoy fewer crowds.

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park?

• Natural Beauty: The park offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Thailand, with lush rainforests, limestone peaks, and the serene Cheow Lan Lake.
• Diverse Wildlife: Khao Sok is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to spot gibbons, elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.
• Outdoor Adventures: Whether you’re looking for a jungle trek, kayaking, cave exploration, or just relaxing by the lake, Khao Sok offers an array of exciting outdoor activities.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, Khao Sok maintains a peaceful atmosphere, providing a true escape into nature.

Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and wildlife. With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and range of activities, it offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Thailand’s wilderness.