The Secret's Out on Khao Sok...But You Can Still Get There First
Thailand's not so hidden gem has wild elephants and diving to sunken villages
Forget elephant camps – Thailand has a wilder side where you might spot elephants roaming free on a gorgeous lake safari. Think towering limestone karsts like a mini Ha Long Bay (without the crowds!) in the heart of an ancient rainforest.
That's Khao Sok National Park, the hidden gem that adventurous travelers are calling the next big thing. It might become the next Phuket or Phi PhiI Islands, but for now, the secret's still safe. Here's how to experience it before the crowds catch on.
Why Khao Sok Rocks
This place is an adventurer's playground. Think jungle treks leading to hidden caves, traditional longboat rides across a vibrant turquoise lake, and maybe even spending a night in a floating hut surrounded by nature. This is Thailand unplugged, a chance to explore untouched landscapes and get a glimpse of incredible wildlife.
Getting There: No Sweat
The nearest airport to Khao Sok is in Surat Thani (URT). You can also easily reach Khao Sok from Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) airports. It's approximately a 3-hour drive from either Phuket or Krabi, making it a convenient addition to your Thailand itinerary. From the airports, you can take taxis, private transfers, or buses to reach Khao Sok.
Where to Crash (in Style!)
Go for cozy riverside bungalows, treehouses, eco-lodges with epic views, or the truly special floating huts right on the lake. Just picture waking up to the sound of gibbons in the distance!
Pro tip: the floating huts are pretty basic with just a mattress, but the views are unforgettable.
Activities: The Sky's the Limit
Usually people will do a day tour or two to explore the lake, and stay overnight in a raft house. Here's what you can expect to find in Khao Sok.
- Cheow Lan Lake Safari: A must-do. Boat tours on longtail boats will take you for a jungle trek, visit to the caves and around the lake to spot wildlife!
- Stay in a Floating Bungalow: Those unique floating bungalow stays are the ultimate Khao Sok experience. Fair warning: they're very basic!
- Jungle Trekking: Explore lush paths teeming with wildlife and see if you can spot some hidden waterfalls.
- Wildlife: During your lake safari, keep your eyes peeled for gibbons, wild elephants, exotic bird species... the list goes on! Wild elephants aren't easy to spot as they're in the jungle, so stay a couple of nights to maximise your chances.
- Cave Adventures: Delve into the depths of Nam Talu Cave or Coral Cave. You'll be knee deep in water, and it feels like an Indiana Jones adventure!
- Pure Chill: Slow down and soak in the tranquility of Khao Sok by the lake. It's the perfect place to truly unwind.
- Spot the world's largest flower: Khao Sok National Park is one of the places where you might potentially spot the Rafflesia, a gigantic flower and the world's largest! Its blooms are unpredictable, so ask local guides about your chances when you visit.
- Discover a Submerged World: Diving in Khao Sok For a completely unique experience, explore Cheow Lan Lake as a diver! Stunning rock formations, submerged forests, and even flooded villages create an underwater playground like no other. We'd recommend this only for intermediate to advanced divers.
A Taste of Something Different: Jungle Cooking & River Cruises
Want experiences that go beyond the 'been there, done that'? Here are our faves in Khao Sok:
- Jungle Cooking Experience: A hilarious and authentic cooking class tucked into a vibrant jungle farm. Prepare dishes using fire, learn Thai kitchen secrets, and get all your Thai herb questions answered by the entertaining guide, Yoo.
- 2D1N Cheow Lan Lake River Cruise & Caving: Discover the local secrets of the caves and spot wildlife (think playful monkeys or wild elephants if you're lucky!) while cruising Cheow Lan Lake. The stay is basic, but we promise it's full of heart.
Pro Tips for Visiting Khao Sok National Park
- Timing: Plan for the dry season (November to April) for ideal conditions. Avoid rainy season and high season (December to February).
- The Khao Sok Boom: Be warned, this destination is gaining popularity rapidly – a visit right now will be all the more amazing without the masses. Avoid high season as it gets very crowded then!
- Lake Logistics: This lake is massive, and most tours visit just one section. If you want to see more, you'll need to factor in multiple separate excursions.
- Entrance Fee: Note that there's an entrance fee for the park - check your trip inclusions to see if it's covered!
Planning a Trip: Your Perfect Long Weekend Escape
Khao Sok fits perfectly into a long weekend adventure. Fly into Phuket or Krabi, enjoy a night exploring, then dedicate two nights to the serenity of Khao Sok. This gives you enough time for a jungle trek, a memorable lake experience, and the chance to truly unwind before heading to your next destination.
Khao Sok National Park offers a raw, unspoiled side of Thailand that's just waiting to be explored. It's a perfect chilled 2-3 day trip for nature and wildlife lovers. Just remember to skip high season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Khao Sok is special for its ancient rainforest, dramatic limestone cliffs rising from Khao Sok Lake, incredible wildlife (like wild elephants!), and opportunities for unique activities like jungle cooking classes with locals like Yoo. Looking for a less-crowded alternative to some of Thailand's busier spots? This is it!
The nearest airports are Surat Thani (URT) and Krabi (KBV). From Bangkok, take a flight to either and transfer to Khao Sok by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Khao Lak is closer, while Koh Samui involves a ferry ride with additional transport. Phuket is about 3 hours drive away.
The must-do activity at Khao Sok is doing a day trip on a traditional longboat, which will include jungle treks, spotting wildlife, and exploring caves.
Want something less typical? Go for a jungle cooking class or explore the underwater world on a diving trip. If you stay overnight, you can also go on a night safari in Khao Sok for a special wildlife experience. Night safaris in Khao Sok offer a unique way to discover a different side of the jungle and its nocturnal wildlife. Ask your accommodation or local tour operators about recommended options and what kind of animals you might spot.
You can also see local life by biking or cycling around Khao Sok Village. Though we'd skip the elephant sanctuary as they allow the wildlife to interact with people - which raises red flags.
Khao Sok has varied lodgings: riverside bungalows, resorts, eco-friendly stays, or the iconic floating huts on Khao Sok Lake!
