Khao Sok National Park Travel Guide 2025: Floating Hotels & Jungle Treks

If you're searching for a destination that combines ancient rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, and abundant wildlife, look no further than Khao Sok National Park. Located in Southern Thailand, this national treasure is often called the "Jurassic Park of Thailand"—and once you see its scenery, you’ll understand why.
 

As a local guide who has explored this lush park for years, I can confidently say that Khao Sok is one of the most untouched and enchanting ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer or a peace-seeking nature lover, this park offers an unforgettable experience.

What Is Khao Sok National Park?

Founded in 1980, Khao Sok National Park covers 739 square kilometers of evergreen rainforest, part of a much larger protected area that includes wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves. It’s home to Cheow Lan Lake, dramatic karst formations, rare wildlife, and what is believed to be the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world—even older than the Amazon.

Situated in Surat Thani Province, the park lies between popular tourist hubs like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, making it a convenient yet vastly underappreciated stop for travelers.

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park?

🌿 Experience one of the world's oldest rainforests

🛶 Cruise through the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake

🐘 Spot rare animals like gibbons, hornbills, and wild elephants

🏕 Stay overnight in floating raft houses

🌄 Trek deep into misty jungle valleys

🕳 Explore hidden caves and rivers

Unlike Thailand’s famous beaches or temples, Khao Sok offers a deep immersion into nature—a place where time slows down and silence is filled with birdsong and rustling leaves.

Main Attractions in Khao Sok National Park

1. Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam)

This man-made lake, created in 1982, is the park’s crown jewel. With over 100 limestone islets, the scenery resembles a tropical Halong Bay—but far more tranquil.

What to Do on the Lake:

🛶 Take a longtail boat tour through karst formations

🏕 Stay overnight in floating bungalows

🐟 Swim, kayak, or fish in the lake

📸 Watch mist rise over the water at sunrise

Popular Spots on Cheow Lan Lake:

Guilin Viewpoint (Three Brothers Rock): Iconic limestone peaks

Nam Talu Cave: A water-filled cave adventure (seasonal)

Pra Kay Petch Cave: Stunning stalactite formations

2. Jungle Trekking

Khao Sok’s trails vary from beginner-friendly walks to multi-day hikes through deep jungle.

Common Trekking Routes:

Half-day hike to Ton Kloi Waterfall

Full-day trek to Wing Hin or Bang Hua Rat Waterfall

Night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife

Most treks are led by experienced local guides, and you’ll have the chance to see giant trees, wild orchids, and maybe even the elusive Rafflesia kerrii—the world’s largest flower (blooms Jan–Mar).

3. Wildlife Watching

With its diverse ecosystems, Khao Sok is home to a wide array of wildlife:

🐘 Wild Asian elephants

🐒 Dusky langurs, macaques, and gibbons

🐆 Clouded leopards (rare)

🐦 Over 300 bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers

🦎 Monitor lizards, snakes, frogs, and insects

Many visitors also enjoy night safaris, which offer a chance to hear and spot creatures of the rainforest after dark.

4. Canoeing and River Tubing

Float gently down the Sok River with a guided canoe or tubing tour.

🛶 Enjoy close-up views of jungle wildlife

☁️ Misty mornings are especially scenic

🧘 Relaxing pace, suitable for all ages

5. Elephant-Friendly Experiences

While Khao Sok is known for its wild elephants, you can also visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, like Elephant Hills, where guests interact with rescued elephants—no riding, no chains, just feeding, bathing, and learning.

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

📍 Location: Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand

Closest Airports:

Surat Thani (URT) – ~2 hrs

Phuket (HKT) – ~2.5 hrs

Krabi (KBV) – ~2.5 hrs

Transportation Options:

🚗 Private transfer from Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani

🚌 Minivan or bus from major towns (Surat Thani, Khao Lak, Krabi)

🚐 Tour packages that include transportation and accommodation

Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

🎟 Foreigners: 300 THB adults / 150 THB children

🎟 Thai citizens: 60 THB adults / 30 THB children

🕗 Open daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

1. Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake

🏕 Panvaree Resort – Comfortable floating rooms

🛶 500 Rai Resort – Luxury eco-retreat

🏞 Smiley Lake House – Budget-friendly, basic amenities

⚠️ Note: No Wi-Fi, limited electricity—perfect for digital detox.

2. Near Khao Sok Village (Main Entrance)

🌴 Khao Sok Nature Resort

🍃 Our Jungle House – Treehouse-style lodges

🐦 The Bliss Khao Sok – Modern bungalows in a jungle setting

What to Bring to Khao Sok

👟 Hiking shoes or sandals

🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent

🎒 Daypack for treks

🩱 Swimsuit and quick-dry clothes

💡 Flashlight or headlamp

📷 Waterproof camera or case

🧘 An open mind and sense of adventure

Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park

Rain can make some cave tours unsafe, but it also enhances waterfalls and the park’s mystical atmosphere.

Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Khao Sok

Day 1:

Arrive at Khao Sok village

Afternoon canoe tour on Sok River

Dinner and night safari

Day 2:

Depart for Cheow Lan Lake

Boat tour and visit to caves

Stay overnight in floating bungalow

Day 3:

Morning kayaking on the lake

Hike to a jungle viewpoint

Return to town in the afternoon

Combine with Other Destinations

Khao Sok is a perfect midpoint in Southern Thailand itineraries:

🏖 Phuket – 2.5 hrs west

🌅 Krabi / Ao Nang – 2.5 hrs south

🏝 Koh Samui / Koh Phangan – via ferry from Surat Thani

🏞 Khao Lak – 1.5 hrs away

Why Khao Sok National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List

Khao Sok offers a rare opportunity to experience untouched Southeast Asian wilderness without the crowds. With its prehistoric rainforest, peaceful lake bungalows, and genuine wildlife encounters, this national park isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey into ancient nature.

Unlike Thailand’s bustling islands or temples, Khao Sok gives travelers something deeper: a connection to the earth, a chance to slow down, and a memory that will linger long after you’ve left.