Khao Sok National Park

Evergreen rainforest older than the Amazon, where you can stay in floating houses among the karst peaks of Cheow Lan Lake and trek the jungle in search of rafflesia and hornbills.

Khao Sok National Park lies in Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand, in the inland mountains between Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Samui. Established in 1980 and covering about 739 km², it protects evergreen rainforest older than the Amazon, towering limestone karst peaks, and wildlife including hornbills, gibbons, sun bears and Rafflesia kerrii, one of the world's largest flowers. The park has two core areas: Khao Sok village in the southwest (the park headquarters, on Highway 401) is the hub for accommodation and activities, where you can walk the main trail to waterfalls, float down the Sok River, take night jungle walks and search for rafflesia; about 60 km to the northeast, Cheow Lan Lake was formed by the Ratchaprapha Dam, with karst peaks rising from its emerald waters — touring the lake by longtail boat, staying in floating houses and exploring Coral Cave and Nam Talu Cave are the signature experiences. Seasons: the dry season from December to April is the most comfortable time for hiking and lake trips; during the May–October rainy season the forest is at its greenest, but trails are slippery, leeches are plentiful, and caves such as Nam Talu close. Getting there: minibuses run directly to Khao Sok village from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Surat Thani (2–3 hours); trips to Cheow Lan Lake depart from the village or the dam pier. Stay 2–3 days, including one night in a floating house on the lake. National park admission for foreigners is about 300 baht, valid for the day; wear leech socks and bring insect repellent and a dry bag for the jungle.

Top sights

• Cheow Lan Lake – An artificial lake of 165 square kilometers, created by a dam built in 1982. Limestone karst peaks rise straight from the water, earning it…
• Cheow Lan Floating Raft Houses – Bamboo and timber bungalows floating in the lake's coves. Jump off the deck to swim, paddle a kayak, and listen to gibbons and rainforest i…
• Khao Sok Main Trail – The main trail heads from the park headquarters deep into the rainforest along the Sok River, passing several waterfalls and pools. It can…
• Three Rocks (Khao Sam Kloe) – Three limestone peaks rising from the lake, the most iconic postcard view of Cheow Lan Lake and a must-stop on boat tours.
• Coral Cave (Tham Pakarang) – A cave of stalactites and stalagmites in a limestone hill in the lake, with calcite formations that look like coral. It is a standard stop…
• Nam Talu Cave – A limestone cave with an underground river running through the mountain. Visitors wade and swim through with headlamps, making it Khao Sok’…
• Sok River Tubing & Bamboo Rafting – Float down the Sok River on a tube or bamboo raft, with limestone cliffs and rainforest reflected in the water. Monkeys and kingfishers are…
• Rafflesia Trail – A guided trek into the rainforest to search for Rafflesia kerrii, a world-class giant flower up to 80 cm across.
• Ton Kloy Waterfall – A waterfall and large pool at the end of the main trail, the farthest point reachable on a self-guided hike, with emerald pools for swimmin…
• Sip-et Chan Waterfall – A multi-tiered cascade known as the “Eleven-Tier Waterfall,” reached by climbing over rocks and crossing streams, with a dense rainforest a…
• Wing Hin Waterfall – The first waterfall on the main trail, about 2.5 km in, with an easy path that suits short hikes and families with children.
• Bang Hua Raet Waterfall – A waterfall and deep pool on the Sok River about 3 km along the main trail, with a sandy-bank river bend ideal for swimming and rest.
• Ratchaprapha Dam Viewpoint – The dam at the entrance to Cheow Lan Lake, offering views over the peaks and lake, and the departure pier for all lake boat tours.
• Khao Sok Night Jungle Walk – A night adventure with a guide and flashlights to find tree frogs, stick insects, scorpions, and slow lorises in the rainforest at the park…
• Tham Si Ru Cave – A limestone cave on the southwest shore of Cheow Lan Lake where four passages meet. It was once a hideout for guerrillas and is a standard…

Where to eat

• Pawn's Family Thai Restaurant – Khao Sok village's most popular family-run Thai restaurant, famous for its Massaman curry. Prices are low, and dinner r…
• Bamboo Bistro – A family-run café built entirely of bamboo, serving Thai dishes plus pizza and pasta. The terrace looks out over limest…
• Rafflesia Café – A café on the Sok River in Khao Sok, known for breakfast. Pancakes, roti and fresh coffee are popular with hikers, maki…

Itineraries

• Khao Lak, Khao Sok Rainforest & Krabi – Arrive in Phuket, cruise the Similan Islands, stay in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok, and fly out of Krabi.