Introduction
Khao Sok is one of the most spectacular National Parks in Thailand. Covering 739 square km and featuring rainforest, waterfalls, limestone karst mountains and the incredible Cheow Larn Lake. If you’re a nature lover, it is a must for the itinerary. It is thought to be one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world and in it you will find an abundance of wildlife. The small town at the edge of the National Park, whilst still very small and local, has seen a real increase in accommodation options in recent years, so there is a bit of choice these days. Khao Sok really is one of the most beautiful and exciting places to visit, especially if you have a sense of adventure!
Map of the Town
Where To Stay in Khao Sok
The majority of accommodation options are found in the small village by the visitor centre entrance to the National Park. However, some of the best options can be found a little bit further out by the Sok River. One really important thing to consider is the range and quality of the activities on offer wherever you choose to stay. Of course, you don’t have to book activities through your accommodation, but it really is the easiest way to do it, so it’s worth taking the time to check reviews and prices for what they are offering.
Also, you will need to consider how much you want to stay in the jungle. The accommodation options by the river are more wild; you’ll be surrounded by nature, which can be super cool, but expect plenty of bugs and lizards in your room. Whilst accommodation in the village is more convenient and slightly removed from the jungle, but that’s arguably not quite as exciting. So, you’ll need to figure out the balance that works for you.
In the village
Sunshine Khao Sok
If you are on a backpacker budget, Sunshine is a solid option. You can get a bed in a 4-bed dorm, with a balcony, for around 200B (£5) a night.
Monkey Mansion Jungalows
This is a good option if you’re looking for a bungalow to yourself but are still on a budget. Basic bungalows are 400B (£10) whilst the more deluxe ones are around 600B (£15).
Montania Lifestyle Hotel.
If you really want to splash out you could head to Montania. The bungalows are amazing, as is the swimming pool in the beautiful gardens. A standard chalet will set you back around 2000B (£50), whilst the deluxe option goes to around 2600B (£65).
Outside the Village
Khao Sok Good View Resort
Found a little outside of the village, but still along the main road. Good View might not be as swanky as Montania but it still has the home comforts and swimming pool you would expect at a luxury resort but at a slightly more affordable price. Plus, as the name would suggest, you get amazing views. Deluxe double rooms are 1800B (£45).
Our Jungle House
If you want to be more immersed in nature, by the Sok River, then Our Jungle House is a solid option. It claims to be the oldest resort in Khao Sok and always gets great reviews for both its accommodation and activities. They have bungalows as well as some super cool tree houses. Each are all individually designed and have a unique feel. The bungalows range in price from 1100B (£27) to 2100B (£52) for ones by the riverside. While the tree houses range from 2200B (£54) to 3200B (£80) for an incredible and huge teak tree house with stunning views.
Our Recommendation
Khao Sok Riverside Cottages
I’ve stayed at Riverside Cottages twice and loved it both times. Its built right by the Sok River and takes a very eco-friendly approach. One of the best things about Riverside cottages are the staff. It’s a family-run place and the staff really make you feel welcome.
It’s very chilled out here, and if that’s your vibe you will want to make use of the on-site massage hut (my partner said it was the best massage she’d ever had). For those who want to get out having adventures, I have enjoyed every one of the activities Riverside booked for me.
The food in the restaurant is good, as are the cocktails. Expect to spend your dinner being watched by lizards whilst chipmunks run around above your head! They run a regular shuttle bus down to the village, which is handy for grabbing supplies or if you want an evening out.
Overall, Riverside wont be for everyone as it really is in the heart of nature, but if that’s your thing then I whole heartedly recommend it.
Wooden bungalows among the trees of the garden from 675B (£16) or down closer to the river from 900B (£22).
What To Do in Khao Sok
Obviously, the main thing to do in Khao Sok is to get out into the National Park and experience the jungle. Almost every accommodation will offer a range of similar activities.
Trekking
The National Park is huge so there are no shortage of trekking tour options, from short half-day treks to 3-day trips where you camp out in the jungle. There’s also more specific hike options, such as night trekking or bird watching tours.
A lot of people like to take the hike to find the Rafflesia. The elusive flower is the largest in the world and is not known to grow in many places. Whatever trek you decide to take, you’re fairly likely to spot some amazing wildlife. Khao Sok is home to gibbons, elephants, tapirs, pangolins, tigers, pythons, hornbills and much, much more.
Cheow Larn Lake
One of the most famous features of Khao Sok is Cheow Larn Lake. It was actually man-made in 1987 in order to power a hydroelectric dam. The move was controversial at the time, but the results today are undeniably breathtaking.
The emerald blue water stretches over 165 square km, encasing amazing limestone karsts and surrounded by lush jungle. The lake makes for an excellent day trip, but many people choose to stay overnight on floating chalets to fully explore the area.
River Canoeing
The Sok River is really beautiful and teeming with wildlife. The best way to see it is by going on a leisurely canoe trip. The trips organised by Riverside Cottages are really good fun and can be arranged at fairly short notice.
Your guide will gently paddle you down the river, stopping to point out any animals they spot, such as snakes, macaques, and various fish and bird species. At the half way point you will stop for a break where you can go for a swim, before having a coffee made over a campfire in a bamboo pipe.
If you’re feeling more adventurous you could opt for tubing instead. Either way, a great way to spend an afternoon in Khao Sok.
Jungle Cooking Class
A Thai cooking class with a twist. Learn how to cook dishes using traditional methods with a friendly local instructor on their family farm. Instead of going to the market to collect ingredients, you’ll be taken down to the farm to pick fresh vegetables and herbs. Then you will learn how to cook rice in a banana leaf and make traditional thai dishes over hot coals. This blog describes the class arranged by Riverside Cottages.
Elephant Retirement Home
I wouldn’t normally recommend visiting elephants. I have been to a ‘sanctuary’ in the past in Kanchanaburi and, whilst it was amazing to see elephants so close, it was very sad to see them performing tricks and having to carry visitors around all day. Nowadays I wouldn’t visit an elephant attraction, or recommend one.
However, the elephant retirement home that Riverside Cottages have established, in partnership with a local family, might be the exception. It is home to 54 year old Somboon, a retired male elephant.
There is no riding or performing. Simply feeding and bathing. I have not been personally, but it seems like a genuinely ethical way to get close to one of these giants so, if that’s always been on your bucket list, maybe this is the place to do it. More info can be found here.
Where To Eat & Drink
Khao Sok village is tiny, so choice is a little limited. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few nice spots to find some good food and a couple of cold beers. For Thai food, the best place is probably the long-running Pawn’s on the main stretch. If you want something with a bit more of a kick, from the Isaan region, head to Lap Roi-Et a bit further up by the entrance to the park.
Surprisingly, there are a number of pizza places in Khao Sok and the pick of the bunch seems to be Chao Italian Ristorante. Their pizzas are tasty and they do some pretty good Thai dishes too. If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for a fresh coffee and a bit of lunch, Rafflesia Cafe, just by the small bridge is your best bet.
Khao Sok is not the place to be if you’re after a big party, but there a few bars in the village for a beer or two in the evening. Khao Sok Bistro & Bar is a nice place to watch the sunset, with great views from their second floor terrace. This is probably the liveliest bar in the village, with pool tables, live football on the tv and a decent cocktail menu. Khao Sok Rasta is also good fun.
How To Get To/From Khao Sok
The nearest airport is Surat Thani (around 1.5 hour drive), though Krabi (2 hours) and Phuket (2.5-3 hours) are fairly nearby too. Most accommodation options will be happy to arrange transport for you from Surat Thani airport. Alternatively, you can make the journey yourself using public transport. This guide on how to do that is very thorough. Surat Thani is also the closest train station, if you prefer not to fly.
Wherever you are coming from, there are likely to be regular minivans that will take you to Khao Sok (speak to your accommodation in advance and they will usually be able to book onward travel for you). If you do this, you will get dropped at Khao Sok Bus Stop, which is at the opposite end of the village road. Your accommodation should be happy to come and collect you from here for free. This is where having a Thai SIM card really comes in handy so that you can give them a call when you arrive. But if you let them know exactly where you’re coming from and at what time they should be able to figure it out if you can’t call.
Travelling on from Khao Sok is much the same. Minivans depart the Bus Stop all day for other parts of the country, or to get you to the airport. Again, check with you accommodation in advance and they will normally be happy to book this for you.
