Established in 1980, Khao Sok National Park contains mountains, a lake, waterfalls, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hike through the jungle, take a speed boat ride, or spend some time kayaking or canoeing. Cheow Lan Lake, in the heart of the park, is a major draw; surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs and jungle, it offers raft houses and luxury tents for visitors who want to spend the night in the park.
The park offers a variety of full-day or multi-day excursions. Park tours typically depart from the city of Surat Thani or the small village of Khao Sok. Day trips tend to combine a short hike with a ride on both a speedboat and traditional wooden raft.
Bring your bathing suit and a towel if you want to swim in the lake; many tours include an opportunity to spend time in the water.
You’ll want sturdy shoes and insect repellant to hike through the rainforest.
There are a couple of accommodation options and a restaurant inside the park but very little else. In the village outside the park, you’ll find ATMs, shops, and lots of hostels and hotels.
The closest airport to Khao Sok National Park is Surat Thani, which is a 1.5-hour drive from the park. Flights from Bangkok arrive daily. You can also reach the park from Phuket airport by bus; the drive takes approximately 4 hours.
Unless you’re staying overnight or participating in a night tour, access to the park is generally restricted to daylight hours. Visit in winter and spring for the best weather; the area is particularly humid and rainy from June through November.
The small city of Surat Thani primarily serves as a gateway to Khao Sok National Park, but it also boasts its own attractions. On your way to (or from) the park, stop to enjoy the Surat Thani Night Market, where vendors cram the streets with stalls selling Thai street food; the Surat Thani Pillar Shrine, which was built in traditional Lanna style; and the uninhabited island of Koh Lamphu, which sits in the Tapi River.