KHAO SAK NATIONAL PARK
Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand is a nature-based destination known for its ancient rainforests, dramatic limestone karsts, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake. Tourism activities center on outdoor adventures such as jungle trekking, wildlife watching, and water activities on the lake, including kayaking, boating, and staying in floating bungalows. Visitors can also explore caves, visit waterfalls, and stay in accommodations from jungle glamping to small, family-run bungalows.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
- Khao Sam Kloe
- Nam Talu Cave
- Cheow Lan Lake
- Pra Kie Phet Cave
- Krai Sorn Viewpoint
- Wing Hin Waterfall
- Khao Sok Bamboo rafting.
- Rajjaprabha Dam
- Jungle trekking
- Cheow Lan Lake tours
- Night safari
- Elephant sanctuary
POPULAR MARKETS:
- Khao Sok village Local stalls: You can find fresh Thai food, including grilled meats and spring rolls, along with handmade crafts and t-shirts.
- Bang Niang Market: This the most famous market in the area offerings Souvenirs, handicrafts, t-shirts, and a wide variety of local food like seafood skewers, spring rolls, and fresh fruits.
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
- Local connection: Supports local culture by choosing restaurants and lodges that employ local staff and use local ingredients.
- Responsible tourism: Learn about local conservation efforts, such as the “Rainforest Rising” project at Anurak Lodge, which replants indigenous trees to support local wildlife.
- Community interaction: Engage in experiences like cooking classes, which connect you to the community and the traditional way of life in the region.
- Local ingredients: Savor authentic Thai dishes like jungle curry, made with fresh herbs and spices grown on-site or sourced from local farmers.
- Jungle cooking: Participate in hands-on cooking classes to learn how to prepare local dishes, a popular activity in the area.
- Sustainable dining: Many lodges, like Anurak Lodge, practice sustainability by composting food waste to grow their own herbs and vegetables, which are then used in their kitchen.
- Aromatics and spices: Experience the defining characteristics of Thai cuisine, which are known for their aromatic flavors and spicy heat.
- Diverse offerings: While local cuisine is a highlight, expect to find international dishes on the menu as well, catering to a variety of tastes.
WHY VISIT:
Khao Sok National Park for its breathtaking natural beauty, including towering limestone cliffs, ancient rainforests, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, and for its adventure activities like jungle trekking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The park is also a haven for biodiversity, home to unique flora and fauna such as the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, and various species of animals like gibbons, hornbills, and wild elephants.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From the Surath Thani & Phuket to Khao Sak National Park you can take a bus or Car.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
December to April: The least rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Trekking, kayaking, wildlife spotting (especially large mammals near the lake), and cave exploration.
May to November: The “green season” brings vibrant, lush scenery, and fewer tourists. River tubing (due to high water levels), seeing full and powerful waterfalls, and bird watching.
October or April: These months are transitions between the dry and wet seasons, offering a mix of both.