Khao Sok National Park, situated in the southern part of Thailand
Khao Sok National Park, situated in the southern part of Thailand, stands out as one of the country's largest protected areas. Spanning a mountain range from the Myanmar border to the Phang Nga Bay, which separates Phuket and Krabi, the park was established in 1980 and has since become a popular destination, owing to its stunning tropical landscapes and strategic location. Convenient access is available from Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, and Khao Lak.
To enter the park, foreign visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Khao Sok Park attracts nature enthusiasts seeking to explore its rainforests, caves, karst rocks, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque waterfalls. Among its treasures is the enchanting Cheo Lan Lake. Night safaris, whether on foot, by boat on the lake, or through canoe, kayak, or rafting on the river, are popular activities.
The park's extensive infrastructure caters to a large influx of tourists. Well-maintained highways lead to the protected area, where guesthouses and hotels offer convenient accommodations both near the entrance and within the park.
Travelers can reach Khao Sok National Park independently or as part of organized tours, with options for day trips or overnight stays. The dry season, from December to March, is considered the most favorable time to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Many visitors navigate the park using reviews, maps, and descriptions provided by other tourists. Multiple marked roads and trails simplify exploration, while those desiring guidance can enlist professional guides to uncover the park's hidden corners.
Venturing into the rainforests leaves a lasting impression, with diverse tree and flower species, intoxicating jungle aromas, and the melodious calls of birds. Khao Sok boasts towering trees, some reaching heights equivalent to 16-story buildings, and is home to the world's largest flowers, rafflesia, with diameters exceeding 1 meter and weights up to 8 kilograms.
The park hosts over 300 bird species, 38 bat species in its caves, and a variety of wildlife, including monitor lizards and gibbons. While large lizards are frequently spotted, cautious gibbons tend to avoid close encounters with tourists.
Prominent trails surround the central entrance and the visitor center, with a 7-kilometer route along the Sok River's picturesque valley. This trail, equipped with signs, winds through hilly terrain, requiring at least 5 hours for a round trip.
The stunning Cheo Lan Lake, near the Ratchaprapa Dam, is a highlight of Khao Sok Park. Formed in 1982 during the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, the lake offers boat excursions amidst scenic mountains. Floating raft houses on the lake, priced at 500 baht per night, are a popular accommodation choice, while guesthouses and hotels on the shore range from 1000 to 5000 baht.
For travel to Khao Sok National Park, excursion tours can be booked through Thai travel agencies, starting from 2000 baht. Alternatively, visitors often opt for self-driven or rented cars, enjoying picturesque routes with minimal traffic. The park is approximately 80 km from Khao Lak, 120 km from Surat Thani, and 180 km from Phuket Town, Patong, Krabi Town, and Ao Nang. Taxis and public transport from Phuket Town, as well as mini-buses from Khao Lak, Ao Nang, and Krabi Town, provide additional transportation options.
