Explore Thailand

Khao Sok National Park Travel Guide (Know Before You Go)

Here's my feed back and recommendations after spending a few days in Thailand's Khao Sok National Park.

Cheow Lan Lake, Thailand (Khao Sok National Park

I’ve spent several months in Thailand over the years and have fallen in love with its beauty—yet staying at a floating resort on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park is still one of the most beautiful and peaceful encounters with nature I’ve ever had.

I knew getting to Khao Sok’s floating bungalows would be a really long journey for me coming from Missouri, but the journey itself was it's own little adventure —one that made the final reveal even sweeter. After 22 hours in the air (four flights!), I landed in Phuket, caught a three-hour bus into the jungle, and was dropped at the end of a road at dusk in the pouring, as the driver didn't speak any English. Then, out of nowhere a couple of battered taxi trucks roll up, asked each person where we were headed and split us into two groups to start dropping us off one by one.

I overnighted at Our Jungle Camp, woke before sunrise, and hopped in a songthaew (truck taxi, where riders get in the back) to a quiet pier. Long-tail boats were waiting, their engines growling as the first light hit the water. For the next hour we zig-zagged through a maze of limestone karsts that rose straight out of the lake like a watery labyrinth only a local skippers could know the way.

Finally our pilot throttled down and drifted into a hidden cove. There, floating on emerald water, sat a few dozen rustic bungalows with wooden walkways. Kayaks, floaties, pristine beauty in the water and jagged mountains covered in jungle. No electricity—only a generator that kicked on for a couple of evening hours so everyone could top up camera batteries. I hope these places haven't ruined this magical experience by getting solar and star link; because being discounted and looking up at the stars in pure silence is part of what makes this magic.

A floating resort with bungalows in emerald lake water surrounded by giant mountains and surrounded by jungle in Khao Sok National Park.

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand is a lush, ancient rainforest paradise teeming with wildlife, mystical limestone cliffs, and the serene waters of Cheow Lan Lake.

Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and peace-seekers alike will fall in love with its hiking trails, floating bungalows, and jungle safaris. It's a dream destination for those craving an authentic, off-the-grid adventure.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Khao Sok National Park

The ideal time to visit Khao Sok is between November and February. During these cooler, drier months, the weather is perfect for hiking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting, and the park is less humid. It’s also just after the rainy season, so the waterfalls are full and the forest is at its lushest. Crowds are moderate, offering a more peaceful and immersive experience.

Accommodation Options Inside Khao Sok National Park

There’s a wide range of accommodations types, and experiences available for visitors to Khao Sok, from floating resorts on Cheow Lan Lake to jungle eco-resorts and budget-friendly options near the village.

Khao Sok Village: This is the main hub for accommodation and tours, offering a variety of eco-resorts, guesthouses, and jungle lodges. It’s perfect for travelers who want easy access to the park and nearby dining options.
Cheow Lan Lake Floating Bungalows: For a truly unforgettable experience, stay overnight in rustic or luxury floating bungalows on the lake. Wake up to misty mornings and serene waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Surrounding Eco-Resorts: Just outside the village, you'll find more secluded eco-lodges offering a peaceful, upscale retreat deep in the jungle, ideal for those looking to disconnect and relax in nature.

I personally stayed at an eco-resort called Our Jungle Camp, and it did not disappoint. The resort features beautiful treehouses and bamboo bungalows set along a tranquil river, framed by dramatic mountains and dense jungle. It’s the perfect base for anyone wanting an authentic, nature-immersed experience.

Are you backpacking and on a budget?

Dreaming of those dreamy floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake? They’re gorgeous—but the nightly rates can drain your wallet fast. Here’s the workaround of what I chose to do:

Most land-based hotels and jungle lodges have handshake deals with numerous floating resorts. Book a simple room on shore, then ask the front desk about a day-trip package. For a small add-on, you’ll:

Ride the long-tail boat out to a floating resort
Use the resort’s facilities—kayaks, paddleboards, hammock decks, you name it
Join guided lake activities as if you were an overnight guest
Feast on the same all-you-can-eat buffet meals (at most places)
Guided hiking through the lakes jungle (Included)

You get the Instagram-worthy lake time and endless food—without paying the premium nightly rate.

Best Things To Do In Khao Sok National Park

Cheow Lan Lake

Individual floating bungalows on an emerald lake surrounded by Jungle.

Cheow Lan Lake is the crown jewel of Khao Sok. This man-made lake, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and dense jungle, is a must-visit for anyone coming to the park. Take a longtail boat tour across the emerald waters, swim in hidden coves, and stay overnight in charming floating bungalows for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jungle Trekking

Venture deep into one of the oldest rainforests in the world on a guided jungle trek. Trails vary from easy half-day walks to multi-day expeditions. Along the way, you'll encounter towering trees, vibrant plants, waterfalls, and possibly even spot wildlife like monkeys, hornbills, and the elusive clouded leopard. You might even see one of the parks estimated 100+ wild elephants.

Night Safari

Furry animal that looks like a squirrel but is striped like a tiger and has the head of a mongoose.

When the sun sets, the jungle comes alive in a whole new way. A night safari gives you the chance to explore the forest under the stars, using flashlights to spot nocturnal creatures such as civets, slow lorises, frogs, and insects. It’s a thrilling and unique experience that highlights the richness of Khao Sok’s biodiversity.

Cave Exploration

Looking out to the lake from the inside of a cave where the cave mouth has jagged rocked at it's entrance.

Khao Sok is home to several incredible caves. Nam Talu Cave is famous for its river that runs through the cave—ideal for adventure seekers who don’t mind getting wet! Coral Cave offers stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and is more family-friendly. Exploring these caves adds an exciting, otherworldly dimension to your visit.

Canoeing and Kayaking

A person kayaking in a red kayak on a lake surrounded by mountains covered in lush jungle.

Paddling down the Sok River is a peaceful way to see the park's beauty up close. You’ll float past towering cliffs, dense jungle, and perhaps even spot wildlife drinking at the riverbanks. Guided canoe tours are available, often led by local guides who can point out hidden creatures and share stories about the park.

Wildlife Watching

A black gibbon with a white face is standing on a tree limb with it's baby holding on to it's belly.

Khao Sok National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. Wildlife enthusiasts can hope to see a variety of species such as gibbons, elephants, hornbills, and even the rare Rafflesia flower, one of the world’s largest and stinkiest blooms. Birdwatching is particularly popular here, thanks to the park's vibrant bird population.

Jungle Camping

A few tourist are walking up a trail in the jungle with local Thai jungle guides.

For a truly immersive experience, consider embarking on an overnight jungle camping adventure. Led by expert local guides, you'll trek deep into the rainforest, learning about edible plants, natural remedies, and wildlife tracking along the way. After reaching a secluded campsite—often near a waterfall or stream—you'll set up a hammock between trees and enjoy a traditional jungle dinner cooked over an open fire, often using bamboo as cookware. As night falls, the sounds of the jungle create a natural symphony, and you might embark on a night safari to spot nocturnal creatures. Waking up to the calls of gibbons and the rustling of leaves offers a profound connection to nature. This experience is ideal for those seeking adventure and a deeper understanding of the rainforest ecosystem.

Elephant Sanctuaries

Two elephants are standing in a creek surrounded by jungle getting a bath from a person throwing water on them with a bucket.

Elephants have long been an important part of Thailand’s culture and history, and in Khao Sok National Park, visitors have the opportunity to interact with these incredible animals in a variety of ways.

There are both traditional elephant camps, where activities like riding and bathing are offered, and ethical sanctuaries that focus more on observation, feeding, and walking alongside elephants without riding.

Traditional Elephant Camps: Some camps in Khao Sok still offer elephant rides, allowing visitors to experience what has been a traditional activity in Thailand for generations. If you choose to participate, it's important to select camps that prioritize the elephants' health and treat them with respect.
Ethical Sanctuaries: Other facilities focus on a more hands-off approach, offering experiences like feeding, bathing, and walking with elephants without riding. These sanctuaries are designed to give elephants a more natural lifestyle and encourage education about elephant conservation.

Is There Any Nightlife In Khao Sok National Park?

Nightlife here is all about connecting with nature. While you won't find nightclubs or bars, evening entertainment often includes riverside dinners, jungle night walks, or chilling out under starry skies at your resort’s open-air lounge. It’s tranquil, authentic, and focused on relaxation and nature appreciation. This is not a place where you go to party. While most resorts, and restaurants do serve alcohol, this is one place where you won't hear any loud music playing.

What Is The Food Scene Like In Khao Sok National Park

A person standing in a jungle holding a white tray that has a pine apple quartered in 4 pieces and sliced up ready to eat.

Expect hearty Thai cuisine with a local twist—think spicy curries, fresh river fish, coconut-based dishes, and loads of tropical fruits. Many eco-resorts and guesthouses offer homemade meals, and some even host Thai cooking classes. Dining is generally casual, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful.

Getting Around Khao Sok National Park

Two Thai stye long tail boats on a beautiful lake that is surrounded by a mountainous jungle.

Transportation is simple and rustic. Within the park and Khao Sok Village, walking and bicycles are common. To reach Cheow Lan Lake or embark on tours, longtail boats and minivans organized by local tour operators are the main modes of transport. Taxis and tuk-tuks are rare, so arranging transfers through accommodations is recommended.

How Many Nights Is Needed To Visit Khao Sok National Park?

Plan for at least 3 to 4 nights to fully experience the magic. This gives you time for a jungle trek, a lake overnight stay, a cave adventure, and some peaceful downtime surrounded by nature’s beauty.

How To Get To Khao Sok National Park

Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park Transpiration Options

Overnight VIP bus – There are tons of VIP bus services that will take you from Bangkok to different locations in Khao Sok, with prices ranging from $22usd to $40 USD. Duration is approx. 15 hours.
Sleeper train + minivan – Board the train at Krung Thep Aphiwat and go to Surat Thani, then hop on the yellow minivan for a two-hour ride to the park. You can do a sleeper train, or go during the day time and see the Thai countryside by train.
Fly & ride combo
- Bangkok → Surat Thani (URT) – 1 h 15 m on Thai AirAsia, Nok or Lion. Vans meet every flight; the 75 km drive takes 1½-2 h and costs THB 300-350.
- Bangkok → Phuket (HKT) – 1 h 30 m, dozens of daily departures; buses/minivans zip north to the park in about 2½ h.
Rent a Bike – 740 km south on Hwy 4, then west on Rte 401. Nine-hour asphalt run, handy if you want to chase waterfalls on your own schedule. (No formal citation—standard road atlas route.) If you love riding on two wheels, it's a beautiful drive, but Southeast Asia is not the place for one to try and learn.

Already island-hopping in the Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan, Koh Tao)?

Ferry → minivan joint ticket is king:

Morning ferry from Samui’s Nathon (or Pha-Ngan/Tao) to Donsak Pier – 1½-2 h on Lomprayah, Raja, Songserm.
Pier-side bus/minivan straight to Khao Sok – operators like Phantip bundle the ride, total 4-5 h road time.
Door-to-door journey lands you at your jungle bungalow in about six hours for THB 650-800.

Just tell one of the many people selling transportation on the island, that you want all 3 in one, so that you don't have to figure things out when you get to Surat Thani as there's much more chaos going on there than on the islands which move in a much slower pace.

Time- & wallet-saving tip

Skip the marathon overland leg from Bangkok—fly to Surat Thani or Phuket, then grab the shuttle van.

Promo fares on Thai AirAsia often dip below THB 700-1,000 (≈US $20-30), just a few dollars more than a train-plus-bus combo but you’ll shave 8-10 hours off the trip.
Vans from both airports run all day, so jungle check-in is still possible by lunch.

Bottom line—an hour in the air beats a night on the highway, and your wallet barely notices the difference.

Is Khao Sok A More Expensive Region of Thailand?

Compared to Thailand’s major tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket, or Koh Samui, Khao Sok is relatively affordable. However, it can feel slightly more expensive than some other rural areas of the country because it’s a protected national park and a more specialized eco-tourism destination.

Accommodation prices vary widely—budget guesthouses in Khao Sok Village start around $10–$20 per night, while floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake and eco-luxury resorts can range from $100 to $300+ per night depending on amenities. Guided tours, jungle treks, and lake excursions often include meals and can cost anywhere from $30 to $150 depending on the length and type of experience.

Dining in the village is generally very affordable, with meals at local restaurants costing between $2 to $7. However, if you stay at more remote lake accommodations, food and drinks are usually included in the package or cost a bit more due to the logistics of getting supplies there.

In short: Khao Sok is accessible for budget travelers, but those looking for premium experiences like floating hotels and private tours should expect mid-range pricing by Thai standards. Still, for the unique experiences it offers, it’s considered excellent value for money.