Tucked into the wild heart of Surat Thani Province, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most jaw-dropping destinations - a dense, ancient jungle wrapped around a vast emerald lake, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the water and wildlife roams freely in an untouched environment. For many travelers, this is the Thailand they’ve been unknowingly searching for: raw, remote, off-beat, and wonderfully different from the country’s bustling cities or laidback islands.

This sprawling protected area includes one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world (older than the Amazon), home to hornbills, monkeys, gibbons, wild elephants, giant flowers, and everything that rustles in the night. Then there’s Cheow Lan Lake, an impossibly beautiful man-made reservoir where floating bungalows sway on emerald water beneath towering limestone karsts.

Whether you’re here for jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, or taking a longtail boat deep into the lake, Khao Sok National Park delivers the kind of adventure most people don’t realise Thailand still offers. It’s a place where eco-resorts hide among palm trees, where electricity is limited, where nights hum with jungle calls, and where travelers slow down, breathe deeply, and feel close to nature again.

And for us, Khao Sok National Park stands out as one of the most memorable places we've explored in Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park - Three Sisters — *“Three Sisters”, Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Floating Villas — *Floating bungalows*

Khao Sok National Park - Jurrasic Park — *Khao Sok National Park*

Khao Sok National Park - Landscapes — *Khao Sok National Park*

Our Experience Visiting Khao Sok

We decided to visit Khao Sok National Park after repeatedly seeing photos of dramatic limestone cliffs and misty lakes on social media, often described as one of Thailand’s best hidden gems. Travelers kept saying it was like stepping into Jurassic Park or Thailand’s “last great wilderness”. Those kinds of claims usually come with a bit of exaggeration, but Khao Sok lived up to every bit of the hype.

We visited after exploring Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, making our way south toward Phuket. From Koh Samui, we took the speedboat back to the mainland and organized a private transfer directly to our accommodation near the national park. The closer we got, the greener everything became. Villages turned into winding jungle roads, and the cliffs started appearing through the mist like giant stone pillars.

Khao Sok National Park - Boat Trip — *Longtail boat tour to Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Kat — *Having fun at Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Karsts — *Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Cave — *Exploring caves at Khao Sok*

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Khao Sok Palmview Resort, a simple budget-friendly spot surrounded by palm trees. The wooden cottages were basic but charming, equipped with fans and mosquito nets but no air-conditioning. In this part of Thailand, it gets very hot, so travelers who prefer comfort should consider splurging on something more luxurious. But for backpackers or budget travelers, Palmview is perfect: quiet, clean, friendly, and just a five-minute walk to the small town that borders the park.

The town itself is exactly what you hope for in a gateway to a jungle paradise: small restaurants, tour providers, cozy bars, a few cats wandering around, and the kind of relaxed energy that tells you everyone here is on their own adventure.

Our Full-Day Tour

We spent two nights at Palmview and dedicated our full day to exploring Cheow Lan Lake on a small-group tour. Booking a tour in Khao Sok is incredibly easy, you don’t need to reserve anything in advance. Nearly every accommodation and tour provider in the area can organize longtail boat trips, jungle treks, night safaris, and more. Our full-day tour included:

Shuttle transfer from the town to the national park entrance
Longtail boat tour through Cheow Lan Lake
A stop at the iconic “Three Sisters” limestone cliffs
Lunch at floating bungalows in the middle of the lake
A guided visit to Pra Kai Petch Cave, famous for its caverns, narrow passageways, and bats
A chance to kayak on the lake
Plenty of time to soak up views that truly look like scenes from a prehistoric world.

Drifting across Cheow Lan Lake was one of the most surreal experiences we’ve had in Thailand. The water is an extraordinary shade of emerald, and the limestone cliffs rise vertically from the lake, rugged and covered in dense forest that spills down their edges. The scenery is so vast that, even as the park becomes more popular, it’s easy to feel like you have it all to yourself. The only thing we regret? Not staying overnight in one of the floating bungalows. But that’s already locked in for next time.

Khao Sok National Park - Boat Tour — *Boat tour in Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Pra Kai Petch Cave — *Pra Kai Petch Cave*

Khao Sok National Park - Sunset — *Sunset at the end of the tour*

Best Things to Do in Khao Sok National Park

1. Take a Longtail Boat Tour Through Cheow Lan Lake

If you only experience one activity in Khao Sok National Park, make it a boat journey across the breathtaking expanse of Cheow Lan Lake. This is the park’s crown jewel - a vast emerald reservoir surrounded by towering limestone karsts, remote jungle shores, and hidden coves that feel almost untouched by time. Gliding across the water in a traditional longtail boat is the best way to understand just how enormous and dramatic this landscape truly is. The lake stretches for more than 165 square kilometres, and every turn reveals new cliffs, new colours, and new layers of rainforest rising above the water.

Most travelers join a full-day tour, which usually includes a stop at the iconic Three Sisters rock formations, time to swim or kayak in the still emerald water, a visit to a cave such as Pra Kai Petch, and a freshly cooked Thai lunch at one of the floating bungalows. The experience is both adventurous and peaceful, giving you plenty of moments to simply sit back and take in the surroundings.

Morning tours can feel more atmospheric, with higher chances of mist or light fog depending on the season, while the jungle slowly wakes up in a chorus of birds and insects. When we visited in February, conditions were clear and bright. Afternoon tours are warmer and perfect for photography as shadows stretch across the lake. Either way, it’s an unforgettable journey through one of Thailand’s most mesmerising landscapes.

Khao Sok National Park - Unique Scenery — *Incredible landscapes*

Khao Sok National Park - Kayaking — *Kayaking*

Khao Sok National Park - Three Sisters Viewpoint — *“Three Sisters”, Khao Sok*

2. Go Jungle Trekking

Khao Sok National Park is home to one of the world’s oldest evergreen rainforests, a living, breathing ecosystem that feels incredibly alive the moment you step beneath its canopy. This is true deep jungle - thick layers of vegetation, ancient trees wrapped in vines, dense undergrowth, and the constant soundtrack of insects, birds, and rustling leaves. Trekking here is the best way to experience the park’s raw beauty up close, giving you the chance to see parts of the forest that boats and bungalows can’t reach. There are a variety of trekking options, depending on your fitness level and how adventurous you want to be.

Short Half-Day Hikes: These hikes near the park entrance take you along well-marked trails past rivers, large trees, and viewpoints.
Full-Day Guided Treks: Venture deeper into the jungle, where the forest becomes thicker, wilder, and more atmospheric.
Wildlife-Focused Treks: Being with park rangers increases your chances of spotting rare animals, as guides can identify calls, tracks, and movement in the canopy.
Wet Season Treks (May - November): Offers lush scenery, flowing waterfalls, and vibrant plant life, though trails can be slippery.

Wildlife encounters are common. Expect to see colorful birds, lizards, and butterflies drifting between shafts of sunlight. If luck is on your side, you might spot hornbills gliding overhead or even hear gibbons singing in the distance. Trekking with a guide not only keeps you safe but enriches the experience, helping you notice the small details and hidden life that make this rainforest so extraordinary.

3. Stay Overnight in a Floating Bungalow

Staying overnight in a floating bungalow is the most iconic and unforgettable experience in Khao Sok National Park. It’s the kind of moment that defines a Thailand trip: falling asleep above still, jade-green water with jungle silhouettes rising all around you, and waking to absolute calm as the first light spills across the limestone cliffs. These raft houses sit directly on Cheow Lan Lake, far from any roads or towns, so the sense of isolation and immersion in nature is extraordinary.

Mornings are peaceful as the cliffs glow gold and the lake remains glassy and quiet. At night, you’ll drift off to the sound of geckos, soft jungle calls, and - during the wet season - the gentle patter of rainfall echoing across the water. Even a single night feels dreamlike. It’s a rare chance to disconnect, slow down, and experience Khao Sok in its purest form.

Khao Sok National Park - Floating Bungalows — *Floating bungalows*

Khao Sok National Park - Limestone Karsts — *Limestone karsts of Khao Sok*

4. Visit the Ethical Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary

A visit to the Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most meaningful and ethical wildlife experiences you can have in the region. This sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and caring for elephants that previously worked in logging or tourism, giving them a safe, natural environment to roam, feed, and live without riding, chains, or performances. Here, the focus is on education, respect, and responsible interaction.

During your visit, you’ll learn about each elephant’s story, help prepare their food, walk alongside them as they explore their surroundings, and watch them enjoy mud baths or splash in the river, completely on their own terms. The sanctuary places animal welfare above everything else, ensuring that both visitors and elephants can interact in an ethical and sustainable way.

It’s an emotional and eye-opening experience, offering a deeper understanding of Thailand’s relationship with elephants and the importance of supporting rehabilitation efforts. If you want to engage with elephants responsibly in Khao Sok, this sanctuary is the place to do it.

Khao Sok National Park - Elephant Sanctuary — *© Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary*

Khao Sok National Park - Ethical Elephant Sanctuary — *© Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary*

5. Join a Nighttime Safari

When daylight fades, Khao Sok National Park reveals a completely different personality. The jungle awakens in the dark, and joining a nighttime safari - either on foot or by boat - is one of the most immersive ways to feel that transformation. The air becomes cooler, the forest grows louder, and creatures that hide during the day begin to emerge from the shadows.

Guided night safaris may take you along quiet forest paths, across small bridges, or through areas near the river where wildlife is most active. With a guide's trained eye, you’ll have the chance to spot animals many travelers never see in daylight, including civets, porcupines, slow lorises, bats, night birds, frogs, tree-dwelling reptiles, and an impressive array of insects. The glow of your flashlight often reflects off tiny eyes in the trees, giving you a glimpse of the forest’s hidden residents.

6. Visit the Waterfalls

Khao Sok National Park is home to a beautiful network of waterfalls that reveal a different side of the rainforest - cool, shaded, and shaped by centuries of flowing water. Each waterfall has its own character, and visiting them is a great way to break up boat tours with refreshing pockets of nature. The hikes range from easy strolls to longer, more rewarding trails, giving travelers of all fitness levels something to enjoy.

Mae Yai Waterfall is the most accessible and often the first one visitors see, located right off the main road on the approach to Cheow Lan Lake. It’s tall, photogenic, and powerful during the wet season, making it a quick but worthwhile stop.

From the park entrance, the trail system leads toward Wing Hin Waterfall, known for its cascade over smooth boulders and the calm pools beneath it, perfect for cooling off after a humid jungle walk. Continuing deeper, Bang Hua Rat Waterfall offers a lively series of small drops and fast-flowing water, surrounded by dense forest. Further along the same trail, Sip Et Chan Waterfall stretches over multiple tiers, with shallow pools ideal for resting.

The wet season (May - November) brings these waterfalls to life with dramatic flow, while the dry season offers easier, less slippery trails and quieter forest scenery. Either way, the journey to each waterfall is just as enjoyable as the destination - immersing you in the lush beauty that makes Khao Sok one of Thailand’s most remarkable rainforest environments.

Where to Stay Near Khao Sok National Park

Budget: Khao Sok Palmview Resort

Khao Sok Palmview Resort is where we stayed, and we’d recommend it to budget travelers, backpackers, or anyone who likes rustic comfort at a good price. The wooden cottages are simple but surrounded by palms, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The biggest trade-off is the lack of air-conditioning but the fans, mosquito nets, and natural shade help. Palmview is also walking distance to restaurants, cafes, tour operators, and the park entrance roadway.

Khao Sok National Park - Palmview Resort Cottages — *Khao Sok Palmview Resort*

Khao Sok National Park - Palmview Resort — *Khao Sok Palmview Resort*

Khao Sok National Park - Palmview Sign — *Khao Sok Palmview Resort*

Mid-Range: Our Jungle House

One of the most iconic places to stay near Khao Sok is Our Jungle House. Built among ancient trees and towering limestone cliffs, this eco-lodge blends nature, comfort, and sustainability. Treehouses, stunning views, and an eco-friendly ethos make it ideal for romantic getaways or those who want style without losing the jungle vibe.

Floating Bungalows: 500 Rai Floating Resort

For travelers willing to splurge, 500 Rai Floating Resort is the ultimate Khao Sok experience. Think: overwater villas, panoramic lake views, private balconies, stylish rooms, and the best sunrise on the lake. It’s one of the most scenic stays in all of Thailand.

When to Visit Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a true year-round destination, but the experience you get changes dramatically depending on the season. Each period brings its own character to the rainforest, from bright, dry days ideal for exploring to lush, rain-drenched landscapes that feel wilder and more alive.

Dry Season (December – April)

This is the most popular time to visit, offering the most reliable weather for boat tours, trekking, and kayaking. Rainfall is minimal, lake conditions are calm, and visibility is excellent for photography. Trails are easier to navigate, humidity is slightly lower, and the skies tend to be clear and bright - perfect for longtail boat tours on Cheow Lan Lake. Because conditions are so favourable, this period attracts the highest number of visitors, especially around Christmas, New Year, and early February.

Khao Sok National Park - Hidden Gem — *Khao Sok in February*

Khao Sok National Park - Boat Tour Views — *Khao Sok in February*

Green Season (May – November)

The monsoon months bring afternoon showers, dramatic cloud formations, and a rainforest that feels at its most vibrant. Waterfalls surge with new life, wildlife activity increases, and the entire park becomes rich with colour, texture, and sound. While you should expect some wet weather, mornings are often clear, and Cheow Lan Lake takes on a moody, atmospheric beauty with low clouds drifting between the cliffs. Crowds drop significantly, making this a great time for travelers seeking solitude.

How Many Days to Spend in Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok offers a wide range of activities, and how long you stay will shape the type of experience you have. Even a short visit is rewarding, but extra time allows you to explore the park more deeply and at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

1 Night / 2 Days

Perfect for travelers who are short on time. You can do a longtail boat tour of Cheow Lan Lake, enjoy the views, and get a quick feel for the surrounding jungle. It’s a great introduction to the park but doesn’t leave room for trekking or additional activities.

2 Nights / 3 Days (Recommended)

This is the ideal length for most travelers. You’ll have one full day to explore Cheow Lan Lake and another day to enjoy jungle trekking, visit the elephant sanctuary, or simply relax in town. With two nights, the trip feels balanced, not rushed, and you’ll get to experience more of what makes Khao Sok special.

3 Nights or More

Best for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the park. With three nights or more, you can stay overnight on the lake, join a nighttime safari, try multiple treks, and spend time at an eco-lodge or treehouse resort. This slower style of travel lets you enjoy the park’s natural beauty without feeling like you’re cramming everything into a tight schedule.

Khao Sok National Park - Tour to the Park — *Taking a tour in Khao Sok*

Khao Sok National Park - Kayak — *Kayaking by the bungalows*

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok sits almost perfectly between Thailand’s Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand, which makes it surprisingly accessible no matter which direction you’re traveling from. Although it feels remote once you arrive, getting there is straightforward thanks to the steady flow of transfers, ferries, and regional flights that connect the area to Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, and the islands.

From Phuket

Traveling from Phuket is one of the most common routes. Minivans and private transfers run daily from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, and the airport. The journey typically takes 2.5 - 3 hours, depending on traffic and pick-up points. Private transfers are more comfortable and faster, while shared vans are budget-friendly and easy to book through local agencies or hotels.

From Krabi or Ao Nang

Krabi and Ao Nang also offer very convenient access. Shared minivans make the 2.5 - 3 hour journey several times a day, stopping at guesthouses and main road pick-up points. Private transfers are available for travelers who prefer a more comfortable door-to-door journey.

From Surat Thani

Surat Thani is the closest major hub. Whether you arrive by bus, train, or plane, transfers to Khao Sok take around 1.5 - 2 hours. You can book transport from Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani Town, or Donsak Pier (where ferries from the islands arrive). This is often the fastest and most seamless route.

From Koh Samui

The most popular way to reach Khao Sok from the islands is to take a speedboat or ferry from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Donsak Pier on the mainland, then continue by road. Once you arrive at the pier, it’s easy to arrange either a private transfer or a shared minivan that will take you directly to Khao Sok Town or straight to your accommodation. The entire journey is straightforward and typically takes 6 - 7 hours, depending on ferry schedules and road conditions.

From Bangkok

The quickest option from Bangkok is flying to either Phuket or Surat Thani, then transferring by road. Budget travelers can take an overnight bus or train to Surat Thani and continue by minivan. Once you arrive in Thailand, most accommodations can easily arrange transfers for you, making the entire journey smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

Tips for Visiting Khao Sok National Park

Bring Cash: ATMs are very limited in the small town, and many tours, restaurants, and smaller accommodations prefer cash payments.
Pack for the Heat: It gets extremely hot, especially during jungle treks. Bring breathable clothing, sunscreen, electrolytes, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Protect Against Mosquitoes: Repellent is essential, and long sleeves in the evening help keep bites to a minimum.
Book Floating Bungalows Early: Luxury options often sell out in advance, while budget raft houses can usually be arranged last minute.
Wear Proper Shoes: Trails can be muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes make a big difference.
Respect the Wildlife: This is one of Thailand’s last strongholds for many species. Keep your distance, stay quiet, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Visit Responsibly: Choose ethical elephant sanctuaries, avoid loud music, minimise waste, and leave no trace.

Khao Sok National Park - Tree — *Khao Sok National Park*

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Khao Sok National Park