| Khao Sok
Your Insider’s Guide to Cheow Lan Lake, Jungle Trekking, and Floating Bungalows in Thailand’s Most Stunning National Park
Khao Sok National Park is often considered one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, and for good reason. With its lush jungles, impressive limestone cliffs, and the serene Cheow Lan Lake, this park offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature, and tranquillity. Despite its popularity, Khao Sok has remained relatively untouched thanks to its remote location and the limited number of accommodations, especially on the iconic Cheow Lan Lake. This makes the park an exclusive destination for travellers seeking an authentic and photogenic experience.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Khao Sok. From the best times to visit and how to get there to practical tips, activities, and various ways to explore Cheow Lan Lake – this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
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About Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a hidden gem featuring towering limestone cliffs, dense rainforests, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake. The park is one of Thailand’s most biodiverse areas, offering visitors a rare chance to experience unspoiled natural beauty.
What makes Khao Sok unique isn’t just its breathtaking nature but also the exceptional experiences it offers, such as staying in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. This lake, surrounded by cliffs and jungle, feels almost otherworldly. Wake up to mist hovering over the water and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rainforest. During the day, explore hidden caves, kayak on tranquil waters, or simply soak in the serenity of this remarkable place.
Did you know that Khao Sok is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including elephants? If you’re lucky, you might spot these majestic creatures from a boat in their natural habitat. You’ll also find gibbons, hornbills, and various species of monkeys. The park provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close without disturbing their environment. Additionally, Khao Sok is home to the rare rafflesia plant – one of the largest flowers in the world, which blooms for just a few days each year.
With its combination of adventure, tranquillity, and natural beauty, Khao Sok is a destination you absolutely must include in your trip to Thailand.
Why Visit Khao Sok?
Khao Sok offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Thailand. The park is renowned for its:
Cheow Lan Lake: A magical lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. This emerald-green paradise is the highlight of any trip to Thailand and provides the perfect backdrop for activities such as swimming, kayaking, and exploring caves.
Wildlife: Spot exotic animals like gibbons, hornbills, various monkey species, and maybe even wild elephants. Join activities such as jungle treks, night safaris, and wildlife spotting from a longtail boat on Cheow Lan Lake.
Unique accommodations: Stay in a treehouse deep in the jungle or choose a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Especially the lake accommodations provide a unique experience that immerses you in the natural surroundings.
Rich biodiversity: Khao Sok is one of the world’s oldest rainforests and home to an incredible variety of plants and animals. One of the most fascinating species is the rafflesia plant, a flower that can grow up to one metre in diameter. Its rare and brief bloom adds to the park’s natural allure.
Whether you’re an adventurer eager to explore the jungle, a nature lover hoping to spot rare wildlife, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Khao Sok offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
How to Get to Khao Sok
Although Khao Sok isn’t on the main tourist trail, it’s well-connected to several locations in southern Thailand. Here are the most popular routes:
From Surat Thani: The nearest airport and train station. From Surat Thani, you can take a bus or taxi to Khao Sok, which takes around 2 hours.
From Krabi: Buses and minivans regularly depart for Khao Sok, with a travel time of approximately 2.5 hours.
From Phuket: A bus or taxi ride takes around 3 hours to reach the park.
From Khao Lak: Just 1.5 hours by car and a popular choice for those staying on the west coast.
Tip: Plan your trip carefully and check bus schedules in advance, especially during the low season.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Khao Sok
Khao Sok offers a wide range of activities that highlight the park’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. To fully experience what the park has to offer, we recommend combining jungle adventures with a visit to the world-famous Cheow Lan Lake. Exploring both aspects of the park will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Jungle Adventures
Start your journey by exploring the dense jungle of Khao Sok. Admire impressive flora and fauna, including gibbons, hornbills, and, if you’re lucky, wild elephants. For a unique experience, join guided jungle treks or night safaris.
Stay in a treehouse at Our Jungle House or choose a rustic accommodation like Monkey Mansion – Jungalows and Tours. These accommodations also offer organised excursions, but you can also explore the well-marked trails of the park independently.
Cheow Lan Lake: The Highlight of Khao Sok
After your jungle adventure, it’s time to head to the iconic Cheow Lan Lake, one of the most magical places in Thailand. This enchanting lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle, is a must-see. You can experience it in several ways, depending on your time and preferences:
Option 1: Day Trip to Cheow Lan Lake
If you’re short on time, a day trip is an efficient way to experience the beauty of the lake. Enjoy a longtail boat tour, visit caves such as Pra Kay Petch Cave, and savour a traditional Thai lunch at a floating resort. Tours can be booked directly at accommodations in Khao Sok or in advance through reputable tour operators, like this one.
Option 2: One-Night Stay on the Lake
We recommend dedicating more time to Cheow Lan Lake by staying at least one night in a floating bungalow. Engage in activities like kayaking, swimming, and a morning safari by boat. The morning mist over the water creates a magical atmosphere, and you’ll have a good chance of spotting wildlife, including elephants.
Option 3: Two-Day Stay with Extensive Activities
We opted for a two-day stay on the lake, giving us ample time to explore the surroundings. Such trips can easily be booked through various lake accommodations or via GetYourGuide for organised tours.
Here’s what a tour like this might look like:
Day 1
On the first day, you’ll be expected in the morning at one of the cafés near the park entrance. Before midday, you’ll board a longtail boat that will take you to your floating resort in about an hour. This will be your first encounter with Cheow Lan Lake, known for its emerald-green waters, towering limestone cliffs, and stunning trees growing in all kinds of unique shapes.
Once you arrive at your floating bungalow, it’s time for lunch and relaxation. You can kayak, swim, or simply take in the breathtaking view while unwinding with a refreshing Singha beer in hand. This serene setting allows you to completely relax and offers a unique opportunity to absorb the magic of Cheow Lan Lake.
In the late afternoon, you’ll board the longtail boat again for your first safari. During this tour, you’ll visit highlights of the lake, such as the iconic “Three Sisters”—three striking rock formations rising from the water. You’ll also search for unique wildlife, such as the elusive hornbill. During our tour, we were lucky enough to spot this magnificent bird while visiting the “Three Sisters”—an unforgettable combination in the same place.
After about an hour on the boat, you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner at sunset, followed by an evening of tranquillity by the lake.
Day 2
On the second day, you’ll be up early—around 6:30 am—for one of the most unique safaris you’ll ever experience: a morning boat safari with the chance to spot wild elephants. While sightings are not guaranteed, we were fortunate enough to see these majestic animals ourselves. Even if you don’t spot any wildlife, the experience is unforgettable. The lake at sunrise, with mist hanging low over the trees, is a breathtaking and almost fairytale-like spectacle.
After breakfast and lunch, you’ll board the boat again around midday for a special activity: a visit to the Coral Cave. This turned out to be even more impressive than we had anticipated. After a relatively easy jungle walk of about an hour, you’ll reach a unique bamboo raft that takes you to the entrance of a relatively recently discovered cave.
Inside the Coral Cave, you’ll marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands or even millions of years. Some of the stalagmites sparkle as if covered in diamonds, making the experience even more magical.
Following this extraordinary activity in Khao Sok, you’ll return to your resort for a final dinner and your last night on the lake.
Day 3
On the third day, your stay on the lake comes to an end. You’ll have time for a last swim, kayak, or relaxing moment before the longtail boat picks you up around 9:00 am to take you back to the pier.
Accommodations on Cheow Lan Lake
Where to stay on Cheow Lan Lake? This question can be tricky to answer, as most accommodations on the lake are fairly basic and offer little in terms of luxury. However, there are options to suit different budgets and preferences.
For those seeking luxury, the 500Rai Foating Resort provides a premium experience, though it comes with a hefty price tag. A more affordable alternative is the Panvaree Resort, where we stayed ourselves.
While this resort wouldn’t be considered luxurious on the mainland, it offers a comfortable and unique experience on the lake. The friendly staff go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible, which adds to the charm of this special location.
The setting here is absolutely fantastic! Check out the footage we captured with our drone.
While the food is simple, the breathtaking surroundings more than make up for it. You don’t come here for the resort itself, but for the magic of Cheow Lan Lake – and that never disappoints!
Here are some of the various options to suit different budgets and preferences:
500Rai Floating Resort: As said, this is the luxurious option with spacious bungalows and excellent amenities. Perfect for those seeking comfort, with prices ranging from €300 to €500 per night.
Panvaree Resort and Panvaree The Greenery: A mid-range choice offering unique and comfortable experiences at €150 to €250 per night. Friendly staff and an intimate atmosphere make this a popular choice.
Keeree Warin Resort: A simple yet charming accommodation ideal for budget travellers, with prices averaging €100 to €150 per night.
Smiley Lake House: A budget-friendly option with a laid-back vibe, popular among backpackers. Costs range from €50 to €100 per night.
Best Time to Visit Khao Sok
The best time to visit Khao Sok depends on what you’re looking for. The dry season, from November to April, is perfect for hiking, boat tours, and sunny days. The rainy season, from May to October, brings spectacular waterfalls and lush greenery, but also the possibility of heavy downpours. Activities such as jungle treks and wildlife spotting are still possible, though they may be more challenging.
Tips for Your Visit
Book in advance: Reserve tours and accommodations ahead of time, especially during the high season.
Pack appropriately: Bring suitable clothing, such as hiking shoes, rain gear, and swimwear.
Protect yourself from insects: Use insect repellent containing DEET.
Respect nature: Leave no rubbish behind and adhere to the park’s rules.
Money matters: There are few ATMs in Khao Sok, and credit card facilities are limited, so ensure you carry enough cash.
After Khao Sok: Where to Next?
We recommend planning Khao Sok at the end of your Thailand trip. Southern Thailand is one of the most beautiful regions of the country, and it’s always a good idea to save the highlight of your journey for last. After experiencing the serene nature of Khao Sok, it’s wonderful to continue on to one of Thailand’s stunning beaches. Which destination you choose, however, largely depends on the time of year and the weather conditions.
Depending on the season, you can opt for the west coast (Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi Islands) or the east coast (Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan). Both offer breathtaking beaches, fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities, and a relaxed atmosphere to conclude your Thailand adventure.
Krabi, Phuket, and the Phi Phi Islands (Andaman Sea)
These destinations are ideal during the dry season, from November to April. During this period, the beaches on the west coast are at their most beautiful, with crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched days. During the rainy season (typically May to October), the Andaman Sea islands can experience heavy rainfall and less favourable swimming conditions.
Ko Samui and the Islands in the Gulf of Thailand
For visiting Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao, the dry season from May to October is the best time. During these months, you’ll enjoy calm waters and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season in this region usually falls between November and January, with the possibility of heavy rain and less suitable conditions for beach activities.
Share Your Experiences, Tips, and Questions About Khao Sok
Have you already visited Khao Sok, or are you planning to include this unique destination in your Thailand trip? Share your experiences, tips, or questions below! We’d love to hear from you and are happy to provide additional advice to make your adventure in Khao Sok unforgettable.
Hi! We are Samira & Maurits, two travel enthusiasts with an enormous passion for photography.
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