Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This is one of Thailand's most popular parks for foreign visitors but at the same time is unspoiled and uncrowded. The national park is home to a number of eco-resorts offering room, food, and tours. The park is includes a large rainforest and exception steep limestone mountains. There are also rivers and waterfalls. Tours include jungle treks, elephant experience, kayaking and tubing on the river. The most popular tour in the area is to the Rajaprapa reservoir, also known as Khao Sok Lake. Here guests can sleep on rafthouses at the edge of the jungle and enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking in pristine forest. Day trips are also available. In addition to observing numerous tropical birds including majestic hornbills, Asian buffalo and elephants are often seen, and tapirs and other jungle animals more rarely. The area can be reached easily from airports in Phuket (2 hours away) and Surathani airport (1.5 hours away).
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Khao Sok National Park

The area

Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • Ciara D
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely Incredible - best experience ever!
    This was the most amazing part of our trip to Thailand. It was absolutely stunning and such a fun experience. We booked with Thai National Parks directly to stay in Phupha Waree and were so glad we did - we had a private guide, Em who absolutely made our stay what it was. We also had an incredible boat driver Nu who came with us on all the adventures. We saw incredible scenery, climbed a waterfall, kayaked and swam from our floating hut and saw amazing wildlife, including so many types of monkeys and even a wild Elephant! Would highly recommend this place and booking via Thai National Parks too!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 23, 2023
  • Sharon C
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved Khao Sok
    The Khao Sok Lake, which is actually a reservoir, became the pinnacle of our journey through Surat Thani province. Our guide (Sam), who showed immense pride in his lake, guided us through his most cherished locations during a two-hour tour. This lake, along with the adjacent forests, forms part of a protected natural area. We wished we had more time to delve deeper into its beauty.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 27, 2023
  • Dan K
    The Hague, The Netherlands8,839 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most beautiful place in the world
    Our second visit. This time with (young) children and during NYE. Booked a private tour that took is directly to the lake, as opposed to wasting time in ‘Khqo Sok Village’ or Khlong Sok, to be more precise. To me, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The lake, although artificial, and its surroundings are part of one of the most oldest rainforests in the world. Our private guide was amazing. Although we did not see them, we did hear elephants and got up to 2-3 metres of the herd while they were feeding in on fresh bamboo in the jungle. Furthermore, we saw hornbills, bats and monkeys. People complaining about ‘not seeing wildlife’ should realise that it’s a massive national park and not a zoo. We will be back again to see more of this magnificent national park. Which is actually managed by two agencies, rather than one. The other one being run by locals, rather then the Department of Thai National Park (I did not know this).
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 7, 2024
  • Sanjay202
    London, United Kingdom119 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing 2 days in the park
    Amzing time staying in floating huts and spending 2 days in this beautiful park. we took the boat to floating huts. No hot water but apart from that no complaints. it was an amazing 2 days of our trip.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 13, 2024
  • David D
    Devon, United Kingdom26,576 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bamboo rafting in National Park, amazing experience
    Tuesday 23th January and we visited Khao Sok National Park. One of the activities that we enjoyed was a bamboo raft ride along the Sok River. On arrival at the raft departure point we clambered down the riverbank to our awaiting raft and navigator The rafts were constructed with large bamboo poles bound together, with two wooden chairs, one in front of the other on top. Once settled in our seats our Raftman pushed off with his flexible bamboo punting pole. As we gently glided down the River it was an opportunity to sit back, relax enjoying the scenery and the calmness of the experience As we moved down the river the water lapped over the raft poles and our feet when the river became a bit choppy. Part way down the river we stopped for coffee/tea break. We scaled up the riverbank up to the makeshift cafe where we waited for our drinks to be made. The water was boiled in bamboo poles resting over the flames. When made the drinks were served in small bamboo pole cups with a small crafted bamboo spoons, which we were allowed to take away with us. The coffee was surprisingly good and it was all another enjoyable feature of this wonderful adventure. After our refreshment break we returned to our rafts and proceed down the River enjoying the undisturbed natural and beautiful National Park. Along the way the Raftman, with his limited English, pointed out a mountain top with two protruding rock formations, which resembled Mickey Mouse's head. With a squint and some imagination, yes it was there, as result it is known as Mickey Mouse Mountain. All too soon, it took over an hour, and our adventure on the River was over. It was a wonderful and much enjoyed experience.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 26, 2024
  • Hell P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    เขาสกพาเพลิน Khao Sok Pa Ploen
    บรรยากาศธรรมชาติ วิวดีมาก อุทยานน้ำสวย ที่พักอยู่บนน้ำมีเรือคานูให้พายเล่น เราสามารถเล่นน้ำหน้าที่พักได้มีวิวภูเขาให้ถ่ายรูปคือสวยมากๆประเทศไทยมีธรรมชาติสวยๆ อยากให้ทุกคนที่อ่านมาเปิดประสบการณ์ด้วยตนเองแล้วจะประทับใจแบบเราที่เดินทางไปพักผ่อนแบบคนเดียวชิวๆ Natural atmosphere, very good view, beautiful water park. The accommodation is on the water and there are canoes for paddling. We can play in the water in front of the accommodation. There is a mountain view for taking photos, which is very beautiful. Thailand has beautiful nature. I want everyone who reads to open up the experience for themselves and be impressed like we were when we traveled to relax alone.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 5, 2024
  • Geraldine V
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One night 2 day lake tour
    Our Khao Sok lake tour with Leam from Khao Sok Private tours was absolutely the highlight of our holiday to Thailand. (August) Long boats, lake swimming, waterfalls, coral cave, kayaking, jungle hike.A private tour enabled us to tailor the activities and accomodation to make the most of our time and was definitely worth it. A family of 5 (18, 15, 11) we were so well looked after from the moment we were picked up at Jungle House. Leam told us so much about the history of Cheow Laan Lake, his own life, local flora fauna and wildlife so we felt we learned so much more about Thailand. He introduced us to some delicious Thai food along our journey - sticky rice and chicken and rambutans. Leam was a very warm, knowledgeable and amusing host. We stayed one night at prai wan raft house and loved swimming in the lake, kayaking, watching local wildlife. Amazing raft house accomodation. Leam looked after us on a waterfall walk and a coral cave walk...both amazing experiences, including the wooden raft across a small lagoon. You may be fortunate enough to see wildlife in the wild! This was the most amazing family adventure that we will remember and treasure. If you want to see this area of Thailand you will not regret booking a tour with Leam and Khao Sok Private tours.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 10, 2024
  • BasBecks
    Waalwijk, The Netherlands35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Khao Sok National Park tour
    Khao Sok and the lake are really amazing to visist. After a 2 hour road trip from Khao Lak you step is n the traditional longtail boat (lifejackets are mandatory en are available for free). Not wearing a lifejacket can set you back 5000 baht. You will go by boat to a cave. The cave is nothing special bit part of the tour. After that you get a hike through the rainforrest. Wear hiking shoes and high socks because of the leeches. After your hike it is time for lunch at the floating restaurant. Fresh and good food. And when you are done you can go for a swim. But remember: wear a lifejacket.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 13, 2024
  • Elena H
    Munich, Germany16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do
    The nature trail was a beautiful walk through the jungle with lots of wildlife to see: monkeys, snakes, lizards, butterflies, birds, …, and mosquitoes. Don’t forget to bring your insect repellent. It was humid and pretty warm, so when we reached the ‘pool’ in the river, swimming was a must -> bring swimwear! And enough water.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,417 reviews
Excellent
929
Very good
290
Average
110
Poor
48
Terrible
40

yachtmasterjohn
Palma de Mallorca, Spain252 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
I know and love Thailand having traveled almost everywhere during more than 20 visits. I came to Khao Sok following glowing reports from a friend.

I flew from Bangkok to Surat Thani, the closest airport, then took the 45 minute bus ride to Surat Thani bus station, waited 20 minutes and then took the 2:20 minibus ride to Khao Sok. Annoyance number 1, the mini bus passes almost in front of the airport on its journey. A waste of almost 2 hours. If there are a number of you it might be sensible to negotiate a taxi ride directly from the airport.

The biggest attraction of Khao Sok is Chiao Lan lake / reservoir. Almost everyone will want to spend a day or even two there. Annoyance number 2, the lake is exactly half way between Surat Thani airport and Khao Sok village. So the next day, you have to get into another mini bus and travel for another 90 minutes or so to arrive the boat pier.

The one day lake tour is awful, two hours in a mini bus each way, followed by 5 hours sitting on a hard wooden bench in a very noisy cramped long tail boat. “Now is the time to take photos, see the rock that looks like Batman, now is the time to walk to the cave, now is the time to hike, now is the time to lunch, after lunch you will have time to swim or kayak”. If you want to be herded round like a schoolchild you will enjoy it. If you’re an independent traveler you will hate it.

The lunch however is good 😊

Park fees are expensive at 300 baht each, each day you enter, that will mount up if you are a family of 4.

From the street that is Khao Sok, there are lots of restaurants, laundry, massage & ATMs. It’s not a town or village, it’s a street. There is no temple, no school, no market.

The walk from Khao Sok to the waterfall at Sip Et Chang is challenging but worthwhile. You must be an experienced hiker and if you plan on doing it alone as I did bring plenty of water. The trail is very difficult to follow in parts and I spent a large portion of the day completely lost despite having MapsME to assist.

If you want to go tubing or kayaking you won’t be able to do so for more than 20 minutes in the dry season as the river level is too low.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jonatan G
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
It use to be the best place in Thailand.
But now Thais treat you like garbage. They rise the prices. They don’t care what you want. The boat will not stop on the lake for you to enjoy it or have a swim. Now its forbidden. You have to wear safety vest all the time even when you want to swim by the lakehouse.

Bad experience. I’m dossapointed this time.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Boorack
Warsaw, Poland205 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Solo
A visit to this place is an experience that stays with you for life. be sure to stay overnight in a water house, go on a trip to the waterfall (I advise u to rent special rubber shoes) and a trip on the lake. remember that it is in the middle of a national park: bring a power bank and be prepared for high prices (no ATMs nearby or pay by card)
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

scoutts
Leamington Spa, UK245 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
I would actually review this as good rather than average but not as good as very good. Yes the National Park is beautiful and we enjoyed a private boat trip on the lake / reservoir. But compared to other areas and places we have visited in Thailand we felt that the boat trip was too expensive for what it was. We paid just under 4000 bart for a three hour private boat trip to include a cave visit; this included the National Park entrance fee which we are more than happy with. The negative for us was an hours wait at a restaurant by the floating huts which at 11:20am was a waste of time. The trip to the cave was interesting but definitely not for anyone with mobility issues; it’s dark, wet & slippery. Our young guide was pleasant and helpful but we wished we’d booked a 2hr trip instead. I would also recommend booking a boat trip where you’re happy to be part of a group as this is cheaper. You can also book everything at the Pier when you get there.
Written January 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Miriam R
London80 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Having seen another review on here, we did a private day tour of the lake and caves with KhaoSokPrivateTour, run by Leam. Our guide was Eddy and he was superb. He explained very clearly what we would be doing during our day (which also included an amazing lunch, swimming and kayaking) and he speaks excellent English. The best part was how much time and effort Eddy went to to help us spot elephants on the edge of the lake - we did glimpse them in the end and it was amazing! We also got to see monkeys, sea otters, hornbills and an eagle. Eddy is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife in Khao Sok. We did not feel rushed at any point and had a brilliant day.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rotti
Germany41 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
The place itself is stunningly beautiful, the problem are the Tours. It is hard to go on your own, so we took a one day lake tour. Honestly it is a wasted money. The "whole day" trip takes you first to the market where you train your patience wheil waiting. Then you have a fast, but long and after 20min boring ride to the lunch. What is supposed to be 30min trek is 2 hour trek beacuse of screaming people who are too scared to walk on a normal forest ground. In the cave everyone is screaming (even though is nothing scary), so we decided to leave back to the boat and enjoyed a peaceful junge.

The guides are grumpy, no one speaks english and they seem to be angry with everyone there.

Another thing, you have to wear stinky lifevest on the boat, otherwise you have to pay 5000 THB. Its about safety, they say.. providing no helmets in the cave, seems its more about money, but yeah.. thats how they do it.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fearless12294158983
Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
We had a beautiful time at Khao Sok National Park. The views, guide, and activities were amazing. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and we appreciated how well conserved and protected the animals and forest were.

The only problems we had were the accommodations. We feel that the price we paid for our stay Khao Sok was far more expensive than any 4/5 star accommodations in Thailand, yet the Khao Sok rooms are 1 star.

For the price we paid (Phupha Waree raft house) we expected a comfortable, modern room that accommodates tourists. However, we were shocked that there was no proper shower but instead a loose shower head attached next to the toilet. It's a toilet shower. There's holes in the floors so it really does not come with 'normal' sophisticated bathroom systems.

The bed is just a low quality mattress on the ground, this was so uncomfortable that it hurts your back as you feel the wires in it. The pillows are old, the walls have not been painted in forever, it's squashed, dirty, and just not well maintained.

The temperature was about 36 degrees and one of the hottest days ever experienced in Thailand when we went.. yet the aircons do not work in the rooms due to the park not having electricity during certain times. Again, for the price we paid the lack of systems and basic services an accommodation should have was shocking. It was extremely difficult to enjoy our stay without the aircon.

The food is not well protected. Breakfast was infested with flies and bees and the staff seem to be very normal about it. The other meals are a set menu without considering if people don't eat certain things.

It's difficult to give this feedback because the park is so stunning. But I'm afraid a lot of tourists won't be able to 'rough it out' and come experience it because the accommodation is so difficult to handle. We wouldn't recommend it if you're a traveller who can't cope with less than a 3 star stay. Its tough!

It seems like what your signing on for is an authentic local experience..as a tourist you need to be the understanding one and embrace it. The guides are really amazing and they talk to you about their life in the villages and you learn a lot. But you can't expect that the staff and people running the raft houses to understand the standard that foreigners are used to with rooms, bathrooms, and food.

We made the most of it and perhaps the highest tier accommodation there is more bearable. But we would have given Khao Sok a 5/5 if the accommodations can just be upgraded.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Siriyaporn L
Bangkok, Thailand66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
We stayed at Billion View Homestay near Khao Sok National Park for 2 nights. During that time we drove to the lake which was 1 hour away. We made an appointment with Mr Tor who arranged for our boat trip at the lake. The trip would include our lunch and Pakarang cave. We started our boat trip around 10 am from the pier at Racchaprapa dam. The long tail boat ride took us more than half an hour to the pier across the lake. Then we had to walk around 1.5 km through the forest where we saw elephant foot prints and a dusky langur and her baby on the tree. We took a short ride on the motor raft to Pakarang cave which was beautiful and not as dark or damp as other underground caves. After finished the cave tour which was led by one of the national park staff, the long tail boat took us to have very delicious lunch on the floating raft. After lunch, we could swim or canoe in the lake but we did not do either. We just sat and enjoyed the view. Around 3 pm we were on the long tail boat again and had a ride to see the spectacular small islands in the lake. We finished our boat trip at 4 pm. We had a wonderful trip, and would recommend this to anyone who loves beautiful nature and the outdoors.
Written January 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lachlan c
Gosford, Australia2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
I stayed on the lake doing the 2 day 1/night tour. $2500bht is expensive for a solo backpacker but after much research totally worth it! I would recommend this to anyone travelling Thailand. You really can't get this tour cheaper. But I stayed in Khao Sok Hostel and they deducted my first night accommodation off the price so it was good.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

stevie
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
Absolutely beautiful. A great way to spend a day or couple days in the floating chalets. The emerald water and vertical rock out crops are something from a dream. Take a long boat tour, a nice thing being you can book out an entire boat for your private group. And make sure to support the local vendors. The jungle is dense in some areas, others allow swimming (life jackets provided). The chalets are quaint, the ones we were at were aimed at adults. If you can, take 3 days to
explore, highly recommend if you the chill nature type.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 746
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Khao Sok National Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Surat Thani HotelsSurat Thani Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Surat Thani
All things to do in Surat Thani
Day Trips in Surat Thani
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars