Why Khao Sok National Park Should Be Your Next Dream Destination (2025 Guide)

Why Khao Sok National Park Should Be Your Next Dream Destination (2025 Guide). (Updated April 2025).

A glimmering lake, wending its way through the limestone karsts of one of the world’s oldest rainforests, which existed for millions of years before humans ever set foot in the country we now know as Thailand. I often wonder what it must have been like for those early peoples, seeing such a momentous view for the first time without the pre-existing expectations from having seen it ten thousand times before in photographs and on screens.

When I first laid eyes on Khao Sok, I realised I’d ventured somewhere truly special. The sight of the vertiginous evergreen columns plunging into smooth aquamarine waters was completely awe-inspiring – even for someone forewarned by a surfeit of almost-identical Insta snaps and countless posters plastered on the walls of Bangkok travel agents. Khao Sok, does (forgive the platitude) have to be seen to be believed. Read on for all the reasons why you need to add this to your bucket list.

Introduction: Welcome to Thailand’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away in the heart of southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and serenity chasers alike. Home to one of the world’s oldest evergreen rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, and the emerald-green Cheow Lan Lake, this otherworldly destination is the kind of place that stays with you forever.

In this 2025 guide, I’ll take you through the must-see highlights of Khao Sok – from wildlife encounters and jungle treks to floating raft houses you’ll never want to leave.

Why Visit Khao Sok National Park in 2025?

🌿 More accessible than ever
🚤 Sustainable ecotourism is thriving
🐘 A chance to see Thailand’s wild side – no crowds, no over-development

What is there to do in Khao Sok National Park?

1) Cruise Cheow Lan Lake by Long-Tail Boat and Gaze at Ancient Rainforest

The best way to appreciate the sheer beauty of Khao Sok is to glide across Cheow Lan Lake in a traditional long-tail boat. Surrounded by towering limestone karsts and prehistoric jungle, this journey feels like stepping into a lost world.

It is said that the rainforest here is even older than the Amazon. Heavy monsoon rainfall and falling vegetation over time lead to erosion, causing the magnificent towers of limestone that the region is so famous for. Taking a boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake will give you first-hand experience of the sheer scale of the landscape.

Catch traditional long-tail boats at Ratchaprapha Marina, complete with a local guide who will take you to the best parts of the lake. You can either splash out on a private boat or find other travellers to split the cost.

👉 Book a tour here: Amazing One Day Trip At Cheow Larn Lake From Khao Lak

2) Sleep in Floating Bungalows (Yes, Really)

Imagine waking up to mist rising off the lake, jungle sounds echoing in the distance, and water lapping gently beneath your feet. Enjoy your morning coffee sitting out on the deck listening to the dawn chorus of jungle birds and with your feet dangling in the water – city life will seem like a distant memory!

Floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake are an unforgettable way to experience the park’s magic. And what better way to fall asleep? Drift off to the gentle rock of your authentic Thai raft house.

Where to stay:

• 500 Rai Floating Resort – for a luxury escape with spa treatments
• Phupha Waree – great value for budget travellers

3) Hike Through Ancient Rainforest & Wildlife Spotting

Khao Sok’s jungle is even older than the Amazon. Its thick canopy and dramatic terrain make it perfect for hiking – whether you’re keen on a peaceful solo wander or a thrilling night safari with a local guide.

For those feeling adventurous, there are plenty of trails winding their way through the jungle, tranquil in the dappled light seeping through the thick bamboo. Make sure to gaze upwards as the path undulates between impossibly tall trees, which will occasionally shake as a gibbon leaps through the canopy above.

The jungles of Khao Sok National Park are home to an abundance of wildlife, from elephants and monkeys to flying foxes, hornbills and even winged lizards.

You are allowed to hike independently (and the trails are easy to follow). However, a guided jungle trek (you can choose from day or night-time treks or even multi-day jungle safaris) will enable you to learn to recognise local plants and the signs and sounds of various creatures living in the rainforest, from the melodies of jungle birds to funnel-shaped tarantula nests.

It’s hard to believe that this rich landscape was only fairly recently under considerable threat – losing up to 3% of biodiversity a year due to overenthusiastic logging in the 70s. Fortunately for the jungle, a group of anti-government insurgents hid out in some caves in the area, and their warfare against the regime also coincidentally helped keep the miners and loggers away for seven years, allowing the wildlife to flourish.

Look out for:

• Dusky langurs
• Flying foxes
• Rare hornbills
• The elusive clouded leopard (very rare, but yes, it lives here!)

👉 Book a guided hike here: Khao Sok Rainforest | Hiking & Bamboo Rafting

4) Explore Hidden Caves and Underground Rivers

Beneath the limestone cliffs lie mysterious caves like Pakarang Cave and Nam Talu, filled with bats, eerie rock formations, and secret underground streams.

There’s more than at first meets the eye in Khao Sok National Park. The landscape is riddled with hidden caves, where formations of calcareous rock form jagged stalagmites and stalactites. Some of these, such as Pakaran Cave and Pra Kay Petch, are only accessible by boat. The formation of the caves is slowly but constantly changing. Water drips down and deposits infinitesimally small amounts of calcium, which gradually builds up into the formations you see before you. There’s life in the caves too – so keep an eye out for cave-dwelling creatures such as bats and spiders!

You can also visit Tham Si Ru, the cave where the communist insurgents hid out in the late 70s. Keen spelunkers may enjoy a guided adventure through Nam Thalu cave. But this is not to be done if you’re at all claustrophobic. It involves wading knee-deep in an underwater stream through half a kilometre of increasingly constrictive underground channel. There’s a risk of flooding in the wrong weather – admittedly not exactly my cup of tea!

Adventure level: Some caves require swimming and can only be accessed in dry season – always go with a guide!

Responsible Travel in Khao Sok

What makes Khao Sok especially unique is its story of survival. In the 1970s, it was a refuge for political insurgents. Their presence kept destructive loggers at bay, and in doing so, helped preserve this fragile ecosystem. Today, local communities lead conservation efforts through sustainable tourism and eco-lodges.

Choose guides and accommodation that support local conservation projects and avoid animal attractions that exploit wildlife.

👉 Read: Is It Ever Ok to Visit Elephant Sanctuaries?

How to get to Khao Sok National Park

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok is often overlooked in favour of the islands. But trust me, you won’t regret going slightly out of your way to pay a visit.

The easiest way to reach Khao Sok is to hire your own car and drive from Khao Lak (1 hour), Surat Thani or Krabi (2 hours) or Phuket (3 hours).

Alternatively, there are local buses, minivans and taxis. Just be aware – the boat wharf at Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Marina) is about an hour’s drive further along Route 401 from Khao Sok Town itself.

• Closest airports: Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket
• Transfer time: Around 2–3 hours by car or minivan
• Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)

👉 Book a day tour from Krabi here: One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi

When to go to Khao Sok National Park

Wet season is, broadly speaking, from late April to December, although the weather can be unpredictable all year round. The most rainfall occurs between June and September.

The tail end of the wet season, if timed right, can be the sweet spot. Enough sunny days but before the main crowds arrive. We went in late October/early November and were lucky with a gloriously sunny day.

The dry season is fairly short, from January to early-April. It’s still best to be prepared with a waterproof jacket just in case!

Need to know

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 300 Baht to enter the national park. (This may already be included if you book a group tour).

Essential Tips for Visiting in 2025

• Book bungalows early – especially from December to February
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen & bug spray
• Avoid feeding or touching wildlife
• Respect the silence of the jungle – and the privacy of local communities

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of emerald lakes, misty mountains, and a true disconnect from the modern world, Khao Sok is calling. In 2025, with better infrastructure and a rising focus on slow, sustainable travel, there’s never been a better time to visit this Thai wonder.

Read my other posts about Thailand here.

Find out more about visiting Khao Sok National Park here.

Or visit the Thai National Parks website here.

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