Exploring the Majestic Khao Sok National Park – Nature's Haven in Thailand

When Thailand is mentioned, most travelers envision ancient, magnificent temples, and dreamy island paradises. However, few are aware of Thailand's pristine forests, notably the Khao Sok National Park - dubbed Thailand's terrestrial paradise. If you're a nature enthusiast, visiting Khao Sok National Park is a must in your lifetime.

Where is Khao Sok National Park Located?

Khao Sok National Park is situated in the southern region of Thailand. This national park serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of rare species and is a favored destination for nature-loving tourists.

The precise location of Khao Sok National Park is nestled within the districts of Phanom and Ban Ta Khun in Surat Thani province, Thailand. Encompassing a vast area of 741.01 km2, Khao Sok National Park stands as the largest virgin forest in southern Thailand. According to numerous studies, this forest area boasts a long-standing history and greater biodiversity than the Amazon rainforest.

Khao Sok National Park is situated in Ban Ta Khun district, Surat Thani province (Image source: Collection)

Established officially in 1980, Khao Sok National Park gradually evolved into a renowned tourist destination with its magnificent natural landscapes. From cascading waterfalls and serene lakes to hidden caves and limestone karst formations emerging from the water, visitors are constantly surprised by the park's beauty. This is why many refer to Khao Sok National Park with the enchanting title of 'Thailand's Emerald Forest'.

When is the Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park features a tropical savanna climate influenced by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the climate here is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to December, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C. Meanwhile, the dry season begins from January to the end of April, with the highest temperatures reaching 27°C.

From January to March is the ideal time to explore Khao Sok National Park (Image source: Collection)

Overall, the weather in Khao Sok National Park is not overly harsh, making it suitable for jungle expeditions and overnight camping. Based on travel experiences in Thailand, it's advisable not to visit Khao Sok National Park during the rainy season, especially from May to September. This period experiences prolonged heavy rainfall, directly affecting your recreational activities and sightseeing.

Instead, you can plan your visit from January to March. If you visit the national park during this period, you'll have the opportunity to admire many rare and vibrant flowers. Additionally, you can vividly experience the abundant vitality of the natural landscapes here.

What are the Opening Hours of Khao Sok National Park?

A unique aspect is that the park opens every day with minimal schedule changes. Therefore, visitors can rest assured about the park's opening hours.

The opening hours of Khao Sok National Park are as follows:

• Khao Sok National Park: From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (except Mondays, when there may be adjustments to the schedule).

• Convenience store in the park: From 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The store operates only during the tourist season.

• Souvenir shop, snack, and beverage area: From 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Entrance Ticket Prices for Khao Sok National Park

The entrance tickets are divided into 2 types: Tickets for Thai citizens and tickets for foreigners.

The entrance fees for Khao Sok National Park are as follows:

• For Thai citizens: Adult ticket is 40 baht (28,000 VND/ticket), child ticket is 20 baht (14,000 VND/ticket).

• For foreigners: Adult ticket is 300 baht (207,000 VND/ticket), child ticket is 150 baht (104,000 VND/ticket).

Exciting Experiences at Khao Sok National Park

It's no coincidence that Khao Sok National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here are some exciting experiences at Khao Sok National Park that you should know about.

Admire the Beauty of Cheow Larn Lake

Cheow Larn Lake is one of the most beautiful attractions in Khao Sok National Park. This picturesque lake covers an area of 165 km2, surrounded by towering limestone mountains.

Few know that the reservoir was created by a massive dam in 1982. Blending with the crystal-clear water is the pristine limestone forest emerging on the lake's surface. Together, they create a picturesque landscape that mesmerizes everyone with its mystical and magnificent beauty.

Cruising on Cheow Larn Lake is one of the most incredible experiences (Image source: Collection)

Sitting on a traditional wooden boat, you have the opportunity to admire the unique beauty of Cheow Larn Lake. Whether you're a nature lover or not, the enchanting and serene scenery of Cheow Larn Lake can captivate and stir your emotions.

Explore the Romantic Tropical Rainforest

It's truly incomplete to visit Khao Sok National Park without experiencing jungle trekking. Khao Sok National Park boasts stunning trails with majestic waterfalls and rare flowers showcasing their vibrant colors. The more you explore the tropical rainforest, the more fascinating experiences you'll have.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to admire the romantic beauty of the tropical rainforest and connect with nature. Here, the fatigue and pressures of daily life will be eased by the cool breeze, lush greenery of trees, and mountains.

Exploring the tropical jungle is the quickest way to connect with the wild nature (Image source: Collection)

Discover the Magnificent Caves

Exploring Khao Sok National Park becomes more captivating with cave exploration activities. Venturing through prehistoric limestone cliffs are magnificent caves formed millions of years ago.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to step back in time, returning to the past to admire the pristine caves in a dark, misty environment. This is an exhilarating experience that takes you from fascination to fear, to the utmost chill.

Play with the Super Friendly Elephants

One of the most impressive aspects is that the elephants in Khao Sok National Park are raised in a natural environment. They are not exploited or used for commercial purposes or enrichment. This is considered a rare and commendable feat that few places can achieve like Khao Sok National Park.

Playing with elephants is a favorite activity among many international visitors (Image source: Collection)

Because the elephants are trained using the 'no harm' method, visitors can freely enjoy interacting with them. Your encounters and interactions with the elephants contribute significantly to the development and conservation of Khao Sok National Park. This promises to be one of the unforgettable experiences in this exploration journey.

Meet Wild Animals

Not only can you interact with elephants, but you also have the opportunity to meet over 350 species of animals living in the national park. Khao Sok National Park is home to various species of wildlife, including birds and mammals living in the lush primary forest.

Furthermore, above the forest layers is the habitat of rare insects such as Scolopendra cataracta - the only amphibious centipede recently discovered.

Not only that, as you venture deeper into the tropical jungle, you can easily encounter wild animals such as: gaur, tapir, wild boar, clouded leopard, and serow,...

Camp Overnight

Although the village of Klong Sok is not lacking in resorts and comfortable guesthouses. However, camping overnight by Cheow Larn Lake is truly the most memorable experience.

Overnight camping in Khao Sok National Park is also known as Rainforest Camp. This is a unique accommodation model with high tents nestled amidst the jungle. However, the facilities of Rainforest Camp are not inferior to guesthouses. On the contrary, this accommodation facility boasts many modern amenities, including private bathrooms, luxurious beds, and fancy restaurants.

If you want to combine overnight camping with resort tourism, don't hesitate to book your room today!

Resort tourism combined with camping by the lake helps visitors get closer to nature more than ever before (Image source: Collection)

Important Notes for Khao Sok National Park Tourists

For a fulfilling trip to Khao Sok National Park, consider the following tips:

• The cost of hiring a local guide is 500 baht (345,000 VND) for half a day and 1000 baht (690,000 VND) for a full day.

• Prepare a handheld map to navigate and avoid getting lost in the jungle. Some trails are dead ends, so don't hesitate to ask locals for directions!

• Absolutely do not disturb wild animals as it's very dangerous.

• Don't forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, and a jacket to protect your skin from UV rays.

• Also, pack some specialized medicines like cold medicine, bandages, etc., to protect your health.

• Maintain general hygiene and do not litter in the forest.

Khao Sok National Park is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Apart from admiring the beauty, visitors can also trek, explore caves, and kayak on Cheow Larn Lake. It promises to be a memorable experience for you and your family.

Don't hesitate to include this new destination in your upcoming trip to Thailand. If you need to book affordable package tours in Thailand, please contact the Mytour hotline Mytour for free advice!