Travelers planning a trip to Thailand should consider visiting Khao Sok National Park as part of their itinerary. While it’s easy to spend a full week lounging on the beaches in the Phi Phi Islands (which also offer free things to do for budget travelers) or scuba diving in Koh Tao (home to some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world), there’s more to discover in the country’s south.
Khao Sok National Park is worth spending a few days exploring, as it’s home to some of the most amazing hidden gems in Thailand. Find out more about why it’s worth travelers’ attention and what to know before going.
10 Khao Sok National Park Is Located In Southern Thailand
Beach in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is located in Southern Thailand. It’s on Thailand’s mainland (it’s not an island) and is close to popular destinations like Krabi (which offers plenty of amazing things to do), Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui.
Its location near the islands and beaches of Thailand makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking warmth and sunshine combined with wildlife encounters.
To Know Before Going:
Khao Sok National Park is located in Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand
9 It’s Easy To Get To Khao Sok National Park From Krabi Or Phuket
Train tracks in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is easily accessible from the major hubs in Southern Thailand. Despite the park’s total immersion in the wilderness, travelers can reach it from Krabi in approximately 2 hours or from the the paradise of Phuket in 3 hours.
Buses, minivans, and taxes are all valid transportation options. There is also a night bus each day that stops at Khao Sok National Park.
To Know Before Going:
Surat Thani International Airport is the closest to Khao Sok National Park
8 The Park Is Older Than The Amazon Rainforest
View of the forest from Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
It might surprise travelers to learn that the tropical evergreen rainforest within Khao Sok National Park is the remains of what was the oldest rainforest in the world.
This ecosystem is 160 million years old, making it even older than the Amazon Rainforest in South America.
To Know Before Going:
The park is home to the Rafflesia flower, which is a symbolic flower for Surat Thani Province in Thailand
7 It’s Home To The Largest Virgin Forest In Thailand
Birds eye view of Rajjaprabha Dam in Khao Sok National Park, Suratthani, Thailand
Khao Sok National Park spans 739 square kilometers in Southern Thailand and is also home to the country’s largest virgin forest. A virgin forest is sometimes also called an old-growth forest or a primary forest.
The meaning of this name refers to the fact that the forest had significant growth and life before there was any human interference or disturbance.
To Know Before Going:
Remember to preserve the forest; take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints
6 There Are More Than 300 Species Of Birds In Khao Sok National Park
Female Great Hornbill in Khao Sok National Park
The park is home to 311 species of birds and is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. The size of the bird species within the park varies from large creatures like the Great Hornbill to the petite size of the Common Tailorbird.
Travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the spectacular birds in Khao Sok should pack binoculars, and photographers will want to bring their telephoto lenses.
To Know Before Going:
Early morning is the best time for bird watching and bird photography. Birds are most active right after they wake up
5 The Temperature In The Park Remains Stable Year Round (& There Are Two Seasons)
Dramatic rock formations emerge from the waters in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Travelers can count on fairly predictable temperatures in Khao Sok National Park, regardless of what time of year they visit. The average temperature ranges from 24ºC to 31ºC year round.
There are two seasons in Khao Sok National Park. The dry season is from November to February, while the wet season is from April to October. Humidity levels in the air can be high, especially during the dry season. Travelers should pack outerwear accordingly and stay hydrated while they explore Khao Sok National Park.
To Know Before Going:
These consistent temperatures mean it’s always a good time to visit the park. It’s a great year-round destination
4 No Tigers Have Been Seen In Khao Sok National Park For Decades
An elephant roaming in Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a destination filled with wildlife, from the massive number of bird species to a range of mammals roaming the rainforest. While the park’s website suggests tigers live there, the reality is that no one has seen a tiger inside the park for decades.
It remains one of the few habitats in Thailand that can support a tiger in the wild, however, so it is probable that tigers live in the park but simply away from the areas frequented by humans.
To Know Before Going:
Khao Sok National Park is home to 5% of the world’s wildlife species. But within that 5%, only 30% have been officially identified, ensuring there is much more to be discovered inside the park
Elephant Trekking still occurs in many parts of Thailand, and many tourists remain unaware of the harm this causes the animals involved. Avoid elephant trekking tours and tour companies at all costs. This is an unethical practice. Travelers who wish to see elephants in Thailand can encounter them naturally while exploring Khao Sok National Park or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket or Chiang Mai.
3 It’s An Ideal Family-Friendly Destination In Thailand
Long-tail boat and lakeside raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand
While it might seem like such a wild and remote destination is suitable only for backpackers who seek thrills and adventure, Khao Sok National Park proudly promotes itself as one of the many family-friendly destinations in Thailand.
Accommodation options are varied and comfortable; plus, many of the guided tours allow participants as young as 4 years old.
To Know Before Going:
Contact the park before departure or at the time of booking to ensure activities are suitable for children or seniors within the group
2 Tours In Khao Sok National Park Depart From Most Of Southern Thailand’s Major Hubs
Boat tour in Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park operates some of its own guided tours for travelers who want to join groups or explore the park with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
The good news is that most of these Khao Sok National Park tours even include getting to the park and offering departures from major hubs like Phuket and backpacker-central Krabi.
To Know Before Going:
Tours can be booked through the park’s website
1 Visitors Can Camp In Khao Sok National Park Or Stay In A Lodge
Resort in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
While a national park might sound like a place to camp among the trees, Khao Sok National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, so there is something for everyone.
Travelers who are more comfortable sleeping in an enclosed structure rather than a tent can certainly book at luxury resorts in Khao Sok National Par.
To Know Before Going:
There are many floating eco-lodges, resorts, and treehouse-style rooms to book inside the park.
