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  1. Thailand 🎫
  2. Khao Sok

Discover Khao Sok

About Khao Sok, Thailand

Khao Sok is a protected area in southern Thailand, located within Surat Thani Province. It is part of the Khao Sok National Park, renowned for its lush rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The park encompasses Cheow Lan Lake, a man-made reservoir that adds to its scenic beauty. As a travel destination, Khao Sok offers opportunities for nature exploration, wildlife spotting, and adventure activities, with accessibility and cost considerations important for planning a visit.

Main Points of Interest in Khao Sok
  • Khao Sok National Park: Features trails through dense rainforest, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
  • Cheow Lan Lake: Known for its floating raft houses and breathtaking views of karst formations.
  • Nam Talu Cave: Offers spelunking adventures with guided tours.
  • Khlong Phanom National Park: Adjacent to Khao Sok, provides additional trekking routes and natural landscapes.
Climate and Best Times to Visit Khao Sok

Khao Sok experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and significant rainfall year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is cooler and trails are more accessible. Temperatures generally range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). The rainy season, from May to November, sees heavier rainfall, which can affect outdoor activities.

Budget and Travel Costs in Khao Sok

Khao Sok is relatively budget-friendly compared to urban centers. Prices are approximate and subject to change (approx. 37 THB to 1 USD).

  • Accommodation:
    • Basic Hostel: $10 - $20 USD (370 - 740 THB) per night.
    • Mid-Range Bungalow: $30 - $60 USD (1,100 - 2,200 THB) per night.
  • Food & Drink:
    • Local Eatery Meal: $3 - $6 USD (110 - 220 THB).
    • Resort Dining: $10 - $20 USD (370 - 740 THB).
  • Activities:
    • Guided Trekking Tour: $20 - $50 USD (740 - 1,850 THB).
    • Boat Tour on Cheow Lan Lake: $30 - $70 USD (1,100 - 2,590 THB).
Transportation To and From Khao Sok

Khao Sok is accessible via several transportation options:

  • Nearby Airports: Surat Thani Airport (URT) and Phuket International Airport (HKT) offer flights from major cities.
  • Bus Routes: Regular services connect Khao Sok to Surat Thani, Phuket, and Krabi.
  • Train: Surat Thani Railway Station serves as a major rail hub, with connections to Bangkok and southern destinations.
  • Local Transport: Once in Khao Sok, local buses and taxis facilitate movement within the region.

Top Khao Sok Routes by Transport Type

Bus from Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
14
08:15
16:15
3h50m
$6.99
  4.4
1
15
06:30
13:00
7h52m
$12.91
  4.0
1
19
14:00
16:30
15h10m
$16.71
  4.0
1
9
10:10
17:20
2h0m
$4.65
  4.0
1
9
10:10
17:20
2h6m
$4.65
  4.3
1
8
09:00
17:20
7h30m
$15.50
  3.5
1
8
08:20
16:10
1h44m
$4.62
  4.2
1
2
10:00
17:30
9h25m
$27.89
  4.2
1
1
08:45
08:45
8h15m
$41.02
  5.0
1
2
09:00
13:00
4h30m
$10.03

Ferry from Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
10
06:30
12:00
7h48m
$15.07
  4.0
1
10
06:30
12:00
8h30m
$16.53
  4.1
2
5
10:00
15:30
10h45m
$24.83
  2.0
1
5
09:00
09:30
6h0m
$13.22
  2.0
1
3
09:00
09:30
5h10m
$30.39
1
3
09:00
09:30
5h10m
$30.39
  4.0
1
1
09:00
09:00
4h0m
$10.03
1
1
09:00
09:00
6h30m
$20.66

Train from Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
1
17:00
17:00
14h30m
$41.14

Van from Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
10
06:30
16:00
2h0m
$7.29
  4.7
1
13
06:45
17:45
4h15m
$16.71
  4.5
1
11
07:30
16:00
2h45m
$6.26
  4.1
1
11
07:30
16:00
3h30m
$5.93
  4.8
2
2
15:00
15:00
14h30m
$16.71
  4.0
1
10
06:30
16:00
2h30m
$7.78
  4.2
2
3
09:00
15:30
10h45m
$36.46
  3.8
1
2
09:00
09:20
5h30m
$13.43
  4.5
1
1
14:00
14:00
1h45m
$6.08
  4.8
2
2
09:20
09:30
6h5m
$16.71
  4.3
1
10
06:30
16:00
2h30m
$6.81
  4.8
1
5
06:45
17:45
1h45m
$10.64
  4.6

Bus to Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
20
06:00
14:10
3h0m
$6.99
  4.5
1
15
18:45
19:00
15h30m
$19.72
  3.3
1
7
06:30
14:20
2h0m
$4.65
  4.1
1
8
08:20
15:50
1h53m
$5.17
  4.4
1
11
05:30
14:20
2h0m
$4.65
  4.5
1
2
22:00
22:00
12h30m
$24.28
  4.0
2
8
05:20
14:10
2h12m
$6.68
  4.0
1
3
05:00
11:00
7h0m
$19.20
  3.0

Ferry to Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
12
06:00
14:00
5h45m
$15.07
  5.0
1
6
09:30
21:00
14h30m
$21.73
  4.0
1
14
00:00
22:00
6h30m
$16.53
  2.0
1
4
09:30
09:30
10h0m
$37.98
  4.5

Train to Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
5
19:50
22:50
10h20m
$22.79
1
2
02:09
02:09
7h1m
$26.13

Van to Khao Sok

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
13
07:00
16:00
3h30m
$10.64
  4.6
1
20
07:30
17:30
2h30m
$7.29
  4.3
1
1
09:30
09:30
1h45m
$6.32
  4.6
1
26
07:00
17:00
3h40m
$8.30
  4.0
1
8
07:00
16:00
5h0m
$13.67
  4.7
1
1
21:00
21:00
11h30m
$21.94
  3.0
1
8
09:00
15:30
5h30m
$17.78
  5.0
1
7
10:30
19:00
1h10m
$8.51
  3.9
1
3
05:30
11:30
6h50m
$16.04
  3.8
2
7
06:00
14:00
5h15m
$15.10
  4.5

Popular Questions

What time does Khao Sok nightlife end?

Khao Sok's nightlife is relatively low-key and typically revolves around local bars and small restaurants. Most venues start winding down by 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The atmosphere is more about relaxing with a drink or enjoying dinner rather than vibrant nightclubs. It's advisable to check with individual establishments for specific closing times, as these can vary slightly. If planning to return to accommodations after dark, consider arranging transportation in advance, as options may be limited late at night.

Is 2 nights in Khao Sok enough?

Two nights in Khao Sok can be sufficient to experience some of the park's highlights, but it might feel rushed. With this timeframe, you can explore the following:

  • Day 1: Arrive and take a guided hike through the rainforest. The park is known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Consider a night safari to experience the park's nocturnal creatures.

  • Day 2: Spend the day at Cheow Lan Lake. You can take a boat tour, swim, and explore limestone caves. Overnight accommodations on the lake in floating bungalows are a unique experience.

  • General Tips: Ensure you have travel arrangements to and from Khao Sok organized, as it is somewhat remote. Pack appropriate clothing for jungle hikes and rain, as weather can be unpredictable.

For a more relaxed experience, consider extending your stay to three nights, allowing for additional activities such as canoeing or visiting nearby waterfalls.

Why go to Khao Sok?

Khao Sok is renowned for its ancient rainforest and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The national park offers various activities, including hiking, bird watching, and visiting the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, known for its limestone cliffs and floating bungalows. Guided tours are available for jungle safaris, where you might spot elephants, gibbons, and hornbills.

Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury treehouses, providing a unique jungle experience.

Dining options in the area include local Thai cuisine with dishes like green curry and pad Thai, often available at small, family-run restaurants.

Transportation to Khao Sok is accessible via Surat Thani or Phuket, with bus and taxi services available. Car rentals offer flexibility for exploring nearby attractions.

Water Cleanliness: Tap water is not safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. Cheow Lan Lake is popular for swimming and kayaking, with water quality monitored for safety.

Always check weather conditions before planning outdoor activities, as the region can experience heavy rainfall, particularly during the rainy season from May to October.

Do you need a car in Khao Sok?

A car is not essential in Khao Sok, as most accommodations offer transportation services to key attractions like the national park entrance and Cheow Lan Lake. Many travelers opt for guided tours, which include transportation. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a scooter is a popular choice and typically costs around 250-300 THB per day ($7-9). This allows easy exploration of nearby areas.

Public transport options are limited; however, local buses and minivans connect Khao Sok with larger towns such as Surat Thani, Krabi, and Phuket. If you plan to explore remote areas or travel at your own pace, renting a car might be convenient. Car rentals are available in nearby cities, with prices starting at approximately 1,000 THB per day ($29).

Roads in the area are generally in good condition, but driving at night is not recommended due to limited street lighting and wildlife crossing.

Can I travel to Khao Sok alone?

Traveling to Khao Sok alone is quite feasible and can be a rewarding experience. Many solo travelers visit the area for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Accommodations range from budget hostels to mid-range bungalows, with prices starting around 500 THB ($14) per night.

Transportation: The nearest airports are Surat Thani and Phuket. From there, you can take a bus or arrange a private transfer to Khao Sok. Buses typically cost around 150-300 THB ($4-8).

Activities: Khao Sok National Park offers various activities such as hiking, canoeing, and guided tours. Joining a group tour is a great way to meet other travelers.

Safety and Tips: Khao Sok is generally safe for solo travelers. It's advisable to carry cash, as ATMs are limited. When hiking or exploring, inform someone of your plans and stick to marked trails.

Water: Avoid tap water; bottled water is recommended. Swimming in the park's lakes and rivers is generally safe, but always check local advisories.