Khao Sok National Park
Experience Thailand's ancient rainforest and emerald lake with unforgettable floating bungalow stays and guided jungle adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, best for lake and hiking
Khao Sok National Park
Best Time
Dry season, best for lake and hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Thailand's ancient rainforest and emerald lake with unforgettable floating bungalow stays and guided jungle adventures.
"The most UNIQUE experience you can have in Thailand... Spending a night in a floating bungalow. "
Book Lake Tours in Advance
For floating bungalows, book ahead! Many tours include transport, meals, and activities.
Hire a Local Guide
Essential for safety and spotting wildlife on treks. They know the jungle best!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake
Sleep on the water amidst towering limestone karsts and emerald jungle. Pure magic!
Jungle Trekking with a Local Guide
Khao Sok National Park Rainforest
Explore ancient rainforests, discover hidden waterfalls, and spot diverse wildlife with an expert guide.
Limestone Karsts and Emerald Waters
Cheow Lan Lake
Marvel at the dramatic, jungle-clad limestone cliffs rising from the serene, turquoise lake.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Floating Bungalow Experience
Guides are Your Key to Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Lake Tours in Advance
For floating bungalows, book ahead! Many tours include transport, meals, and activities.
Hire a Local Guide
Essential for safety and spotting wildlife on treks. They know the jungle best! +1
Pack Light for Bungalows
Most tours include meals. Bring essentials, swimwear, and insect repellent.
Embrace Disconnection
Expect limited to no phone signal at the lake. Enjoy being present!
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Lake Tours in Advance
For floating bungalows, book ahead! Many tours include transport, meals, and activities.
Hire a Local Guide
Essential for safety and spotting wildlife on treks. They know the jungle best! +1
Pack Light for Bungalows
Most tours include meals. Bring essentials, swimwear, and insect repellent.
Embrace Disconnection
Expect limited to no phone signal at the lake. Enjoy being present!
Village vs. Lake Experience
Khao Sok village can feel touristy; the lake offers a more immersive nature experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Khao Sok National Park is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake and its floating bungalows. Visitors rave about the unique experience of sleeping on the water and the dramatic limestone karsts. While some find the village touristy and tours pricey, the immersive nature experience and the value of guided treks are consistently highlighted as unforgettable.
"There are a handful of must-see places in Thailand, this is one, without a doubt.
Doesn't matter if it's a day trip or overnight on the floating bungalows, do not miss this.
A damn built in the 80s that basically flooded a whole region, so an artificial, giant lake in a biome that would normally not have one. Witness man playing God.
Caves, jungle walks/hikes, wildlife, lush tropical forest and a cool story of how it all came to be.
Words are hard to describe the enormity of this park and the awe you feel navigating it."
Mack Benz
"It was good to experience and the views are decent but it did rain the first day we were on the tour.
We did the overnight tour and booked it through our hostel (Chillax).
The plan of the tour can change depending on the weather or if the elephants are blocking the path.
We did manage to see elephants but it is not 100% guaranteed."
Calvin
"Khao Sok National Park is truly one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited.
Imagine emerald-green waters, dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the lake, and one of the oldest rainforests in the world — over 160 million years old.
Waking up to the sounds of birds, kayaking in the day, and stargazing at night were experiences I’ll never forget.
The park is well-preserved, the tours are organized, and the local guides are passionate about nature.
It’s the perfect place to disconnect from WiFi, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure and a true digital detox, Khao Sok is a must."
Effah Ezzatee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Surat Thani, you can take a private van or bus directly to Khao Sok National Park. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around 300 THB. Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.
Cheow Lan Lake is accessed via a pier, and you'll need to book a tour that includes boat transportation. Most accommodations in Khao Sok village can arrange tours that include pick-up and boat transfer to the lake. +1
Yes, you can travel from Krabi to Khao Sok. Many travelers take a shuttle or bus, which usually takes around 3-4 hours. Some accommodations can help arrange this transfer.
No, you cannot drive directly to Cheow Lan Lake. Access is primarily by boat from the designated piers. Tours will arrange this boat transfer for you.
From Bangkok, you can fly to Surat Thani or Phuket and then take a bus or van to Khao Sok. Alternatively, overnight buses are available, though they can be less comfortable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main entrance, often referred to as Khao Sok HQ, is located in Khao Sok village. This is where you can purchase park entrance tickets and organize tours if you haven't booked in advance.
The park entrance fee is typically around 200-300 THB per person for foreigners. This fee grants access to certain areas, but guided tours often include this cost.
While you can book tours in Khao Sok village, booking an overnight stay on Cheow Lan Lake in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred accommodation.
Yes, there are various tours including day trips to the lake, overnight stays on floating bungalows, jungle treks, and night safaris. You can often book these through your accommodation or local tour operators. +1
Many tours include transportation from Khao Sok village, boat trips on Cheow Lan Lake, kayaking, jungle trekking with a guide, meals, and accommodation on floating bungalows. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The absolute must-dos are staying overnight on a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake and taking a guided jungle trek. Kayaking on the lake and night safaris are also highly recommended. +1
It is strongly advised to hike with a guide for safety. The park has dense jungle, potentially dangerous wildlife, and it's easy to get lost. Guides are knowledgeable and ensure your well-being. +1
Khao Sok is home to diverse wildlife including gibbons, macaques, hornbills, monitor lizards, and if you're very lucky, elephants or tapirs. Night safaris offer a chance to see nocturnal creatures.
Staying on a floating bungalow is a unique experience. You'll wake up to stunning lake views, enjoy meals provided by the resort, and have direct access to swimming and kayaking. Expect basic but comfortable accommodations. +1
Generally, there is very little to no phone signal or Wi-Fi at the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. This is part of the appeal for many, offering a chance to disconnect.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, most overnight tours on Cheow Lan Lake include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Day tours typically include lunch.
The food at the floating bungalows is usually traditional Thai cuisine, often served buffet-style. Expect fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.
Khao Sok village has numerous restaurants and food stalls offering a variety of Thai dishes. However, some travelers find the food in the village to be mediocre and overpriced.
Most Thai restaurants can accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests if you communicate your needs clearly. It's always good to mention this when booking tours or ordering food.
Eating in Khao Sok village can be a bit more expensive than in other parts of Thailand due to its popularity with tourists. Meals at the floating bungalows are usually included in the tour price.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic limestone karsts rising from Cheow Lan Lake are the prime photo subjects. Sunrise and sunset over the lake, misty mornings, and the lush jungle offer incredible photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and karsts. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Waterproof protection for your gear is advisable due to humidity and potential rain.
Absolutely! The floating bungalows themselves are photogenic, and the surrounding scenery provides endless photo opportunities. Be mindful of other guests and the natural environment.
Generally, there are no strict photography restrictions for personal use. However, always be respectful of the environment and wildlife, and avoid using flash photography on animals.
Early mornings for mist and soft light, and late afternoons for golden hour are ideal. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic karsts still look impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When booking, look for tours that explicitly cater to families or mention kid-friendly activities. Ensure the jungle treks are not too strenuous. The novelty of sleeping on the water and the abundance of nature can be incredibly engaging for younger travelers. Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for everyone.
🎒 Budget Backpackers
Look for day tours that include a boat trip and lunch on the lake, which are generally cheaper than overnight stays. You can also explore hiking trails near the village with a less expensive local guide. Shopping around in the village for tour prices can help you find better deals.
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
Opt for a tour that offers slightly more comfortable bungalows or private decks for an enhanced romantic getaway. The serene environment and the feeling of being immersed in nature create a perfect backdrop for a memorable trip for two.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Cheow Lan Lake
An overnight stay on a floating bungalow is the ultimate way to experience the lake. These simple accommodations are built on rafts and offer direct access to the water for swimming and kayaking. Waking up to the serene silence, broken only by the sounds of nature, and watching the mist rise from the lake is an unforgettable experience. Many tours include meals and activities like guided jungle treks and wildlife spotting.
Getting to the lake involves a boat ride from one of the piers, and most tours will arrange this. While the lake is stunning, remember that it is a protected area, and responsible tourism is encouraged. Avoid leaving any trash behind and respect the natural environment.
Navigating Khao Sok Village
While convenient for organizing tours and finding accommodation, some visitors find the village to be overly tourist-oriented, with a less authentic feel compared to other parts of Thailand. Food quality can be inconsistent, and prices might be higher than in less touristy areas. However, it remains a practical base for accessing the park's main attractions.
Key services in the village include tour booking agencies, ATMs, and convenience stores. It's a good place to shop around for tours if you haven't booked in advance, but be prepared for a lively, sometimes crowded, atmosphere. The main park entrance (Khao Sok HQ) is also located here.
The Importance of Local Guides
Guides possess intimate knowledge of the park's flora and fauna, pointing out medicinal plants, identifying animal tracks, and understanding the behavior of local wildlife. They can also navigate the trails safely, preventing visitors from getting lost. Many guides, like Jaja, are described as 'real-life Tarzan' figures, showcasing incredible skills and deep respect for nature.
Booking a guided tour is highly recommended for jungle treks and night safaris. While it adds to the cost, the experience and safety it provides are invaluable. The fees also contribute to the park's conservation efforts and support the local community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit