Khao Sok is one of Thailand's many great national parks. It is in the south of the country, close to the islands, in a province called Surat Thani. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world (over 100 million years old!). Despite the seniority of the place, it was only in 1980 that the park was officially opened as a regulated site for visitors.
Khao Sok Park is known among travelers for its impressive waterfalls, mysterious caves and a unique mountain landscape. The element that perhaps most distinguishes it from the rest of the natural strongholds in the country is the mountain peaks made of limestone. These took their form after many years of heavy monsoons that fell in the region.
When should you visit Khao Sok?
the rainy season In the region it rains between the months of April and December, the heaviest rains fall between June and September. At such times the paths in the park may be quite slippery, muddy and difficult to navigate. In addition, in the wet season, leeches and other various pests thrive for them, which are less pleasant to encounter. The glass is half full this season is the gushing waterfalls, spectacular in their beauty.
In the months of January to April there is a window of time when the weather becomes ideal for a trip to the park. This period is considered the dry season of the region. However, even in the dry season it rains here and there, so it's a good idea to have a raincoat, boots and pants and shirts with long sleeves against the leeches.
How do you get to Khao Sok?
The closest city to the park is Surat Thani. From there you can purchase guided tours including transportation to the park or arrive independently by taxi. It is a metropolis with many means of transportation and relatively good availability, so to get there you can choose between flights, ferry, bus, train or minibus from different destinations in the country - Crabby, Phuket, Ku Tao, Khao Lak, Kosmoy And more.
Prices
An entrance ticket to the park costs 300 baht. Entrance is included in most tours that can be purchased at tour agencies in Surat Thani.
What is there to do in Khao Sok?
The park is huge in size and covers an area of about 700 square kilometers. These are divided into two areas - the famous Cheow Lan Lake and the city of Khlong Sok. There is a lot to do in the city and its surroundings: hiking trails, mountain climbing, fishing, omega, rafting, swimming in waterfalls, camping in nature, jungle tours and canoeing... these are just some of the park's attractions, so you can easily spend whole days there.
Those who like to travel independently and plan their own schedule will be happy to discover that the park has many well-marked routes. For the benefit of those who like to be guided, there are many group tours as well as local, English-speaking guides available for hire on the spot.
The large lake in the park is an attraction in itself, as it offers, beyond its spectacular beauty, an unusual accommodation option - floating bungalows. This is a recommended and unique experience, you can spend the night in a discount cabin on the surface of the calm waters of the lake, when you are surrounded by forests, mountains and pastoral sounds of nature. Many tours include accommodation in the floating bungalows, after a busy schedule of activities in the park.
wild life
In Khao Sok Park there is not only a lot to do, but also a lot to see! The vegetation and wild life in the place are varied and magnificent in their beauty, just as if they were taken from a movie on the "National Geographic" channel. There are over 300 species of birds, reptiles, insects, water creatures and mammals in the park. Bears, deer, giant lizards and other friends that until now you may have only seen on TV will pass you by without fear. In addition, the park has abundant and colorful vegetation, with many trees, shrubs and special flowers. If you're lucky, you can also see the Rafflesia flower in the park - the largest and most fragrant flower in the world!
Accommodation in Khao Sok area
Most travelers choose to spend the night in or near the park for at least a night or two. Die-hard nature lovers stay for a week or even ten days. The park has a variety of accommodation options, with various conditions and prices - in the jungle, on the banks of a river, in cabins floating on the lake, in open space, in tent camps. You can get all the information about these options at the park's visitor center.
If you chose to go camping, the place offers a tent rental service, mosquito nets and accommodation equipment. If you are interested in spending the night in more comfortable conditions, the place offers wooden houses at several points in the park, some of which even include a private pool in the yard.
