Khao Sok National Park lies in Surat Thani province in southern Thailand and covers more than 700 square kilometres of rainforest, limestone peaks and lake. The main draw is Cheow Lan Lake, where a long-tail boat moves between karst cliffs that rise straight from the water. Guided jungle walks explain the plants and wildlife, caves are home to bats, and some visitors spend the night in floating bungalows on the lake. Go for a day on the water, or stay a few nights to cover the trails.
From a 1980 park to a lake from 1987
Khao Sok was established in 1980 as Thailand's 22nd national park. It covers 739 square kilometres across Phanom District and Ban Takhun District in Surat Thani province.
Cheow Lan Lake is a reservoir that formed when the Ratchaprapha Dam was built in 1987. The water filled a valley of limestone mountains and rainforest, so the lake is man-made even though the cliffs and forest around it are not. Villages in the valley were moved before the flooding, and their remains lie beneath the water.
The park holds one of the oldest evergreen rainforests on Earth. Its forest, cliffs and caves are older than the lake by a very long margin.
Wildlife and the Rafflesia flower
Khao Sok is home to wild elephants, gibbons, gaur, serow, banteng, dusky langurs, Malayan sun bears, leopards and tigers. Tigers and leopards are rare, so most visitors see birds, monkeys and signs of other animals. More than 180 bird species have been recorded here, and hornbills and eagles are often seen near the viewpoint hike close to the Krai Son station.
The Rafflesia is a giant, fragrant flower that blooms in the park. The bloom usually falls between November and March, with the peak in January and February. Each flower lasts only three to five days, so finding one is a matter of luck even in season.
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and watch from the trail or the boat.
Getting onto Cheow Lan Lake
Boats leave from Ban Ta Khun village, where floating bungalows sit on the lake. You can also board at Ratchaprapha Pier, also called Cheow Lan Lake Pier. Hire a boat at the pier or arrange one in advance. The entrance fee is also collected at the pier.
Organised day tours often include hotel pick-up and drop-off. From Khao Sok village, the drive takes about 1.5 hours each way. Some day tours include a cave stop before lunch.
On the lake, a viewpoint called Khao Sam Kloe sits in the middle of the dam. Kayaking and canoeing are also possible, and bamboo rafting on the Sok River lets you pass the limestone karsts at a slower pace.
Staying on the water
Floating bungalows and raft stays are the most direct way to spend time on the lake. Early mornings bring mist over the water, and the light in the late afternoon suits photography. Sleeping on a raft in the middle of the dam needs advance booking.
The Krai Son station is managed by the national park. It offers free tea and coffee, access to a diving platform, and a location close to the best viewpoint hike on the lake.
Tourist service points in the park have restaurants and shops, and floating complexes serve meals. For a simple day, bring water and snacks for the boat.
Getting there
Minivans from Surat Thani pass through Khao Sok on their way to Phang Nga. They run about every hour between 9:30 in the morning and 5:30 in the afternoon, so you can continue onward from a jungle tour the same day.
Surat Thani airport is about 1.5 hours away by road. Khao Sok is northeast of Khao Lak, and it is easy to reach from Phang Nga.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Foreign adults have paid 200 baht and foreign children 100 baht, and Thai visitors pay less. Fees can change, so check the amount at the pier when you arrive.
How do you reach Cheow Lan Lake?
Boats leave from Ban Ta Khun village or Ratchaprapha Pier. You can hire a long-tail boat in advance or find one at the pier. Organised tours often include hotel pick-up.
How long do you need?
A full-day boat tour covers the lake highlights. Allow two to three days if you want to hike the trails, kayak and go birdwatching.
When can you see the Rafflesia flower?
The bloom usually falls between November and March, with the peak in January and February. Each flower lasts only three to five days.
