Explore Khao Sok National Park with Real-Life Tarzan
Bear Grylls got nothing on Khao Sok's real-life Tarzan!
Meet legendary Khao Sok local guide Jaja, a real-life Tarzan who can literally smell the air and tell which animal is nearby. With his man bun, machete in hand, and bottles strapped to his belt, Jaja’s exactly the jungle guy you’d want by your side if you were ever stranded in the forest.
We found Jaja while searching for something different to do in Thailand, and this jungle adventure on Seek Sophie turned out to be one of the best things we did. Definitely not the typical “walk through some trees” kind of trek.
He led us deep into the forest, spotting things we never would’ve noticed without him, like a stick insect perfectly camouflaged way up in the canopy, or a snake hiding among leaves, something that we would’ve 100% walked right past. It honestly felt like he had a third eye in the jungle, seeing a whole world that was invisible to us.
At one point, he whipped out his machete, cut down a bamboo, sliced it open, and got us drinking fresh water straight out of it in just minutes. Then, he showed us how to make bamboo cups and spoons - then we even brewed coffee in it and drank straight from our bamboo cups!
Besides being the best nature guide ever, Jaja is also a seriously good chef. He cooked us a yummy bamboo meal — red curry, chicken and rice — over a fire he built in the middle of the jungle. After our bellies were full, we followed him on a night safari.
Sometimes you can spot civets or even slow lorises here, but we weren’t that lucky this time, just a few nocturnal bugs, snakes, and frogs. Still, walking through the dark with nothing but our headlamps and Jaja’s pointing things out felt like we were seeing a completely different and secret side of the forest.
If you’re heading to Khao Sok, there are a few different ways you can explore with Jaja depending on how much time you have. We did the day-to-night trek with bamboo cooking and a night safari, but you can also go for longer or shorter options: like a 2D1N camping with Jaja (yes you will sleep in hammocks in the forest!) or a simple bamboo dinner + night safari combo, or just a day trek on its own.
What made this experience with him extra special though, is the story of how he became a guide. Jaja used to be one of Khao Sok’s most skilled hunters. By 9 years old, he already knew how to track animals and survive alone in the forest. But as he grew older, he started questioning why he was hunting the very animals he loved so much. So he stopped hunting completely, learned English while working as a waiter, and eventually turned his forest skills toward protecting the jungle instead.
Now, he brings travellers into his backyard through this Seek Sophie experience, but the best part is… he’s not doing it alone! Jaja also teaches other ex-hunters to become nature guides, turning a community of former hunters into protectors of the jungle.
It’s also a good reminder of how important responsible tourism is for places like this. It’s not just about doing something cool and raw, it actually helps locals make a living in a way that protects the wildlife and rainforest instead of harming it. If travellers don’t choose these kinds of experiences, many guides might have no choice but to turn back to less sustainable ways of surviving.
It’s such a wholesome thing to learn about, and we’re so happy to play a small part in this meaningful work that keeps both the people and the forest thriving.
Check out our Khao Sok National Park hiking video here! 👇
See our full guide to exploring Khao Sok National Park here 👇
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Khao Sok National Park Experiences FAQs
Can I swim in Cheow Lan lake?
Yes! The water is deep, clean, and great for swimming. Most floating rafthouses have roped-off swim areas for safety.
Most rafthouses also provide kayaks or canoes for guests to use, usually for free. The lake is deep, though, so wear a life jacket, supervise children closely and only swim or kayak in the areas recommended by your host.
Are the floating accommodations on Cheow Lan Lake comfortable?
It depends on which one you choose. Most are around 1–3-star standard rather than truly luxurious, and many of the basic rafthouses are government-owned.
The simplest options may have a mattress on the floor, shared bathrooms, no air-conditioning and electricity for only a few hours each day. Mid-range rafthouses usually have proper beds and may have private bathrooms, while a small number of premium stays offer air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
There’s usually no Wi-Fi and mobile reception can be patchy. Most rafthouse packages include your boat transfer, meals and activities, but check the exact inclusions before booking. Location also matters: some rafthouses are closer to caves or waterfalls, while others are better placed for wildlife spotting.
Is Khao Sok Lake worth an overnight stay, or is a day trip enough?
We’d definitely stay overnight in Cheow Lan Lake if you can. A day trip lets you see the limestone cliffs and take a short lake cruise, but it can feel rushed. You’ll also miss the quieter early mornings and evenings, which are some of the best times to spot wildlife.
With an overnight stay, you can wake up surrounded by misty cliffs, jump into the lake from your rafthouse and kayak before the day-trippers arrive. A 2D1N stay gives you a good taste of the lake, but we’d recommend 3D2N if you want time for boat safaris, caves, swimming and simply enjoying the view.
Is Khao Sok suitable for families with young children?
Yes! Activities like boat safaris, river tubing, and short hikes are great for kids. Ideally, children should be comfortable with hiking and swimming since there’s a lot of water around, but it’s up to the parents to decide what’s best for their little ones.
Note that the floating rafthouses open directly onto deep water, so young children need supervision and should wear life jackets around the lake. We’d also choose a more comfortable rafthouse with proper beds and a private bathroom, and check the tour’s minimum age before booking. More adventurous activities, such as the wet Nam Talu Cave trek, may not be suitable for younger children.
What is the difference between a rafthouse and a boathouse in Khao Sok?
They’re the same thing. You may see them called floating rafthouses, floating bungalows or boathouses. They all refer to the floating accommodation on Cheow Lan Lake.
They’re stationary cabins floating on the lake rather than boats that travel around. You’ll take a longtail boat from Ratchaprapha Dam Pier to reach them.
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