Tours at Khao Sok National Park Thailand
Come and see the great nature of Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok got a lot of flora and fauna and is the oldest evergreen rainforest in Thailand. All tours are operated by Khao Sok Tour, one of the most experienced and reliable tour operators in Southern Thailand. All tours are join-in tours, but the groups are kept as small as possible.
About Khao Sok National Park
Below some facts about Khao Sok National Park. When you stay here forget the traffic, noise and pollution, the only things that might awake you at night are the sounds of frogs, monkeys and the noise of the unspoiled jungle habitat. We need to be carefull with our nature.
- Size
- Location
- Climate
- Geography
- Consist of..
- Wildlife
- Logging
- Plantations/Poaching
- Uncontrolled tourism
- History
The National Park covers an area of 739 km2.
Thanks to two other protected areas (Klong Saers and Khlong Nakha) next to Khao Sok the actual protected area measures almost 4000 km2.
Khao Sok National Park is situated in the southern part of Thailand. It belongs to the Surratani province, about 70 km south-west from Surratani Town. However, Khao Sok borders to the Phang Nga province and is very good accessable from Phang Nga as well. Due to the central location and the sheer size of the Park, it can be accessed from Krabi as well.
Khao Sok is the wettest area in all of Thailand, because it is situated at the mountain ridge separating the west coast from the east coast. Winds from both Thailand's gulf in the east and from the Andaman Sea in the west blow monsoon rain into the area. It can rain as much as 3500 mm (3,5 m) in one year.
Late December to early February is the driest period with just a little or no rainfall.
The dominant forest is lowland rainforest. The rainforest in Southeast Asia is 160 million years old, which makes it the oldest rainforest on earth.
Khao Sok is well known for its beautiful limestone mountains.The highest limestone peak is 960 m high, but the normal height is 400-600m.
40% foothill rainforest, 27% rainforest plants, 15% limestone crag vegetation, 15% lowland scrub, 3% rainforest at 600-1000m.
The nature has more in common with the Malaysian forest than the forest in the north of Thailand. The forest in Khao Sok is taller, darker, more humid and evergreen.
There are approximately 200 different floral spices per hectare.
Mammals: 48 spices, Birds: 188 spices, Bats: 38 spices, Reptiles: Not known. Insects: Not know.
Thailand lost almost 75 % of its forest during the 20th century. Illegal logging: Logging1989 saw the creation of a law that totally banded logging in Thai rainforest. Even so, illegal logging with the help of elephants is still practiced in the Khao Sok area. The elephant is often preferred over modern technology, because the elephant can move through the forest very quietly.
Let us use the rubber plantations as an example: Rubber trees stop producing latex after 35 years, so they need to be cut down and replaced by new trees. During this replanting, it can be tempting to illegally expand the plantations ever so slightly.
The illegal trade of wild animals, both living and dead, is a big and profitable business. Animals of all kinds are taken out of their natural habitat, to be used in medicine, in the restaurant business, as pets, as tourist attractions and decorations.
A huge number of visitors enter Khao Sok every year and not everybody cares about preservation of nature.
If the number of visitors increases too much, there is a danger that the wildlife will be driven away by too many people trekking the trails criss-crossing the park.
You are of course welcome, but please help preserve the national park. Do not litter, or remove anything from the park, and follow advice from the locals and your guide.
*345 million years ago...
Khao Sok was covered in a delta system (similar to today's Mississippi delta).
The landmasses started to erode and mudstone and soil fell into the delta. This made both the rivers and the sea shallow and corals and other organism where developed.
*280-55 million years ago...
More eroded mudstone and soil fell into the delta, and this created the limestone we see today.
Fossils from this period tell us that the sea was warm at that time and that Khao Sok was part of a huge coral reef, stretching all the way from China to Borneo. The coral reef was 5 times bigger than today's 'Great Barrier Reef' in Australia.
Granite mixed with limestone and other chemicals, and a lot of tin and tungsten was made.
*66 millions years ago...
Today's landscape was founded. The limestone was forced upwards when the Indian land-plate crashed into the Eurasian plate. (This happened at the same time as the Himalayan was formed. As the Himalayan Mountain rose, Thailand was moved southeastwards).
The ice age never affected Khao Sok much. The ice never reached this far south in Asia, leaving the landscape and the rivers as they where. When the ice melted again, more water than ever floated into the rivers of Khao Sok, making the flora even richer than it was before.
That is why the rainforest in Khao Sok is older than the forests of Central America and the Amazons, which were covered with ice.
*50 000 - 37 000 years ago...
At this time Khao Sok's mountains belonged to the same mountain ridge as Borneo.
Evidence has been found of human habitation on Borneo from this period. It is believed that the same people inhabited Khao Sok as well, since the landscape, with all its caves, fruits, plants and animals, was similar to Borneo's landscape.
*In 1800...
The first historical evidence of human inhabitants in Khao Sok is from 1800. It was during the rule of Rama II and the conflict between Burma and Thailand. A group of survivors from the west coast were forced to hide away in the forest. They discovered the richness of the forest and quickly learned agriculture, fishing and hunting in order to survive.
Quite a lot of the forest was cut down to make room for the growing population.
*In 1944...
A deadly epidemic swept trough the same group of people. The few survivors moved away and the old village was named 'Ban Sop' -The village of the dead.
The jungle could rest for a while.
*In 1961...
A road was build straight across the area, to connect Surrathani on the east coast and Phang Nga on the west coast.
Many people settled down along the road and cut down trees and vegetation to give room for houses and plantations. The area was rich with tin and timber, and the government began to sell properties for logging and minding.
It was a big loss for the forest.
*In 1971...
It was discovered that the old delta system was nearly intact and Khao Sok was considered as a possible el-supply for southern Thailand. The area was inspected furthered and people started to realize the wealth of vegetation, animals, limestone mountains and waterfalls. It was decided that all logging and minding should stop, but it took many years before this actually came into effect.
*In 1976 - 1980...
A group of communistic students failed to make the changes they wanted in the community, and ended up being considered outlaws. They camped far inside the jungle to avoid the army, which was looking for them.
These conflicts made part of the human population in Khao Sok disappear and the rainforest had a chance to breathe.
*In 1980...
Khao Sok was official established as Thailand's 22nd national park on the 22nd of December and measured 645 km2.
Later the same year, the borders of the national park were changed to make it possible to flood an area inside Khao Sok, to build the Rachabrapha dam. The dam still supplies large parts of Southern Thailand with electricity.
A huge rescue operation to save the wildlife took place before the flooding. More than 1300 birds, mammals and reptiles was captured and moved away from the area. Sadly, the operation was aimed more at helping on the human consciousness, than to actually save the wildlife. A majority of the animals died during the relocation.
It was a major blow to the wildlife.
*In 2001...
The national park was extended from 645 km2 to 739 km2. The number of wild animals is constantly increasing, and the area surrounding the Rachabrapha dam (the Cheo Larn lake) is once again full of life.
*In 2012...
You visited Khao Sok and had the time of your life :-)
Tour 1: CANOEING on the Sok River ( 1 hour. )
Description: Canoeing is very relaxing way the see a different side of khao sok. let our guide take you on a canoe safari along the Sok River.With it's natural beauty of the evergreen rainforest and limestone karsts,
Canoeing is an ideal place for bird spotting. Many snaked can be seen curled around the branched on trees along the Sok river.Early in the morning or late in the afternoon long tail macaque monkeys can be seen.
If you would like to have a go at canoeing yourself our guide will only be to pleased to let you try
Price:
- 1 person 1,500 THB / person
- 2 person 800 THB / person
Program:
- Canoeing along the Sok River for about 1 hours.
- Pick up at end point.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- Drinking water included.
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Tour 2: TUBING on the Sok River.
Description:
Tubing, Is a very relaxing and fun way to see a different side of Khao Sok.
Along the journey you have the chance to see the natural beauty of Khao Sok, with it's riverside bungalows, evergreen rainforest and karsts.
The Sok river is an ideal place for bird spotting. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon long tail macaque monkeys can be seen.
Price:
- 1 person 1,000 THB / person
- 2 person 500 THB / person
Trip: 1 hour in rainy season and 2 hours in summer
Program:
- Tubbing along the Sok River for about 1 to 3 hours.
- Pick up at end point.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- Drinking water included.
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Tour 3: Bamboo Rafting.
Description:
In today´s environment, the Khao Sok region boats one of the most spectacular routes through the towering limestone cliffs via Bamboo Raft.
During the slow-paced rafting adventure, visitors will be able to fully soak in the surrounding scenery while on the lookout for the riverbank roaming wildlife.
Each Raft can support a maximum of 2 guests, while the floats are handmade, they are surprisingly stable and maneuverable. But don´t worry you will be accompanied by your local captain, who will safely steer you through the ancient trading route. Half-way through the journey, you will stop and disembark from the raft at a small cave, where hot water will be boiled over an open fire for your picturesque coffee experience.
Price:
- 1 person 1,500 THB / person
- 2 person 800 THB / person
Trip: 1 hour in rainy season and 2 hours in summer
Program:
- Pick up at end point.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- Drinking water included.
- Coffee.
Tour 4: ELEPHANT TREKKING 45 minutes
Description:
Experience the rainforest from high on one of the world largest but most gentle animals. Our elephant camp is a 15 minutes car ride away. The elephant will take you through rivers rubber plantation, and evergreen rainforest.
The elephant will bring you to the waterfall where you can swim and relax before retuning on the elephant.
Price:
- 1 person 1,800 THB / person
- 2 person 1,000 THB / person
Trip: 45 Minutes.
Program:
- Elephant trek
- Time to feed your elephant and learn about these gentle giants.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- On the way back stop at the waterfall and viewpoint.
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Price:
- 1 person 3,000 THB / person
- 2 person 1,800 THB / person
Trip: 1.30 - 2 Hours.
Program:
- Drinking water include.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
SPECIAL ELEPHANT CARE EXPERIENCE
 | 1.Your guide will explain the history and life of the Asian elephant as well as provide general information, including an important safety briefing |
 | 2.You will be able to prepare food her and then feed her. |
 | 3.Following by mud spa and go through The water sprinkler tunnel then Swim with your elephant in the water |
 | 4.After you have showered and changed, we will recharge your batteries with refreshment including delicious tropic fresh fruit. |
Tour 6: Elephant Bathing
Description:
Arrive at our park a short walk across the river. You and your local guide will search for your local guide for your elephant and it’s mahout (elephant caretaker) You will get the opportunity to learn how an elephant is cared for, and help feed the elephant with some fresh fruit
After feed, you will visit our farm to plant some food future visitors, then walk back to the river to help your elephant take a bath.
After bathing, you will make tradition snack with our neighbors some will be for you and some you can feed to your elephant friend.
Price:
- 1 person 2,000 THB / person
- 2 person 1,200 THB / person
Trip: 1 Hour.
Program:
- Drinking water include.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
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Tour 7: Elephant trek and Bathing
Description:
Experience the rainforest from high on one of the world largest but most gentle animals. Our elephant camp is a 15 minutes car ride away. The elephant will take you through rivers rubber plantation, and evergreen rainforest.
The elephant will bring you to the waterfall where you can swim and relax before retuning on the elephant.
Price:
- 1 person 3,000 THB / person
- 2 person 1,800 THB / person
Trip: 1 Hour 30 Minutes.
Program:
- Drinking water include.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
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Tour 8: Night Safari.
Description: Many of Khao Sok's wild animals are nocturnal. Sleeping in the heat of the day hunting by night.
Let an experienced night safari guide take walking at night.
There are many different varieties of fruit farms in the area and it is here many wild animals can be seen at night.
You have the chance to see civet cats, slow loris, wild pigs, deer or maybe even a spotted leopard cat.
Price:
- 1 person 1,200 THB / person
- 2 person 700 THB / person
( Without national park fees. 300 THB)
Trip: 2-3 Hours.
Program:
- Jungle night safari.
- Time to about learn about the various wildlife.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- Drinking water included.
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Tour 9: Half day or 1 day jungle trek.
Description: Trek trough Khao Sok with an experienced English speaking guide. Choose between a mountain trek or a waterfall trek.
The advantage of having a guide is the local guides have knowledge of the jungle it's trees, flowers and plants.
The guides have walked the trails many times in the past and their eyes are more adjusted to the rainforest.
The guides can spots small insects lizards you would never see.
Various snakes are frequently seen on the trails. You have the chance to see civet cats, slow loris, wild pigs, deer or maybe even a spotted leopard cat.
Depart 9 am. We begin by trekking to Khao Sok National Park and it's rainforest. You will get the chance to see the true side of Khao Sok Rainforest with all of it's flowers and fauna along the start of the trail.
You can see many tree growing plants that attatch themselves to trees to get more high for survival.
We stop at Bong Le Ap Nam waterfall for lunch.
After lunch we continue our trek to Ton Gloy waterfall.
Along the way you can see many of Khao Sok biggest trees, dipterocasp and fig trees.
The trail follows the course of the river. So you can stop to swim any time.
Price: Half day
- 1 person 1,200 THB / person
- 2 person 700 THB / person
Price: 1 day
- 1 person 2,000 THB / person
- 2 person 1,200 THB / person
( Without national park fees. 300 THB)
Trip: 3-4 Hours.( Half day) / 6-7 Hours.(1 day)
Program:
- Transfer to the National Park
- Half or full day Jungle trek
- Lunch at the waterfall.
- Time for swimming.
- Transfer back to Tree House.
- Drinking water included.
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Tour 10: Full Day Lake tour Diamond cave.
Description: IF you have a full day and you wish to really appreciate Chiew Larn Lake by relaxing into the beauty, spotting wildlife, and embracing the tranquility of Khao sok National park. 1 Day Lake Tour activities including boating around the scenic lake, hiking to the swamp forest, exploring a cave, swimming, kayaking and relaxing amidst the amazing scenery.
Schedule
| 08.30 - 08.45 AM | Pick up form Khaosok treehouse resort to Ratchapra dam (Chiewlarn Lake) |
| 09.30 AM | Arrive to ratchaprapa dam pier (Chiewlarn Lake) |
| 10.00 AM | Take a long tail boat to explore the lake, enjoy the spectacular limestone scenic |
| 10.45 AM |
Arrive to the highlight Chiewlarn Lake ( the 3 limestone ) Admiring the scenic / take photo then continue on a long tail boat ride to the cave |
| 11.00 AM |
Arrive to Diamond cave ( stalacmite & stalactite cave ) Then explore the cave for 30 minutes. |
| 11.30 AM | Finish caving and take a long tail boat ( 10 mins ) to the trekking spot Trekking to the swamp forest ( about 30 mins walk / way ) |
| 12.30 PM | Finish trekking then take a long tail boat to a floating restaurant |
| 12.45 PM | Arrive to the floating restaurant where you will have lunch and relax |
| 13.30 PM | Relax by swimming, kayaking or sun bathing for 1-2 hours |
| 15.30 PM | Depart the floating restaurant back to the lake pier |
| 16.30 PM | Arrive to the pier and take a minivan back to Khao sok |
| 17.30 PM | Arrive back to Khaosok treehouse resort |
** The program may slightly changes due to the weather dependency. **
Diamond cave is a relaxing program with the easy trekking trail, visit the dry beautiful stalactite and stalamite cave, and a more convenient raft house to relax during the free time. Child-friendly program.
Price:Join trip
- 1,500 THB / person
Price:Private
- 1-2 persons This price is 13,000 THB.
- 3-4 persons This price is 16,000 THB.
- 5-6 persons This price is 19,000 THB.
- 7-8 persons This price is 22,000 THB.
- 9-10 persons This price is 25,000 THB.
What to bring / What to wear
Clothes : Comfy clothes for the day, bathing suit, a set of dry clothes to wear after swimming, small towel
Footwear : closed toe shoes for caving & trekking, flip flops ( free time or on the boat ride )
Other : Toiletries, mosquito repellent, snacks, camera and batteries, book or music ( if have ), money for personal expense
What’s provided on tour
- Drinking water
- lunch
- kayaks
Inclusion : English speaking guide
** Exlucion : ** Nationnal park admission fee ( 340 THB per person)
Notes:
- On the way to the lake, there is stop at 7-11 ( last chance for you to use ATM, get supplies / necessities e.g. medication, mosquito repellent, snacks, sunscreen)
- The Nation Park entrances for 1 day Lake Tour – Diamond cave program that visitors of Lake Tour need to pay directly to the park officer is 300 THB / adult and 150 THB per child under 14 year old
Additionally, the fee of pier using 40 baht / person and 20 baht per child under 14 year old. for the local government will be collected from the client.
Click on photo to enlarge |
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Tour 11: 2 Day 1 Night Lake tour Diamond cave.
Description: IF you have a full day and you wish to really appreciate Chiew Larn Lake by relaxing into the beauty, spotting wildlife, and embracing the tranquility of Khao sok National park. 2 Day 1 Night Lake Tour activities including boating around the scenic lake, hiking to the swamp forest, exploring a cave, swimming, kayaking and relaxing amidst the amazing scenery.
Schedule
| DAY 1 | |
| 09.00 AM | Pick up at Khao Sok Tree House Resort to "Chiewlarn Lake" |
| 10.30 AM | Arrive to the pier , Take Longtail Boat sightseeing beautiful scenery of limestone which standining among the lake. |
| 12.00 AM | Check in at the floating rafthouse , you will have lunch and relax , swimming , canoeing and trekking in the jungle 1 – 1.5 hrs. |
| Take a Longtail boat go to Daimond Cave then explore the cave 20-30 minutes. | |
| 04.00 PM | Sight Seeing afternoon atmosphere and some animal by Longtail boat. |
| 06.00 PM | Return to floating rafthouse. |
| 07.30 PM | Dinner. |
| DAY 2 | |
| 12.30 PM | Finish trekking then take a long tail boat to a floating restaurant |
| 07.00 AM | Morning Safari by Longtail boat. |
| 08.30 AM | Breakfast. |
| 09.30 AM | Checking out from floating rafthouse after that go to "Guilin" is symbol of the Lake. |
| 11.00 AM | Arrive at the pier. |
| 11.30 AM | Lunch. |
| 01.30 PM | Arrive at the Khao Sok Tree House Resort. |
** The program may slightly changes due to the weather dependency. **
Price:
Please choose Private bathroom or not private bathroom
Private bathroom- 1 person 3,200 THB / person
- 2 person 2,700 THB / person
- 1 person 3,000 THB / person
- 2 person 2,500 THB / person
What to bring / What to wear
Clothes : Comfy clothes for the day, bathing suit, a set of dry clothes to wear after swimming, small towel
Footwear : closed toe shoes for caving & trekking, flip flops ( free time or on the boat ride )
Other : Toiletries, torch or headlamp, mosquito repellent, snacks, camera and batteries, book or music ( if have ), money for personal expense
What’s provided on tour
- 4 Meals ( 2xlunch, 1x dinner, 1 beakfast)
- transports
- kayaks
- drinking water
- 1 night accommodation
Inclusion : English speaking guide
** Exlucion : ** Nationnal park admission fee & pier fee (300+40 THB per person)
Notes:
- On the way to the lake, there is stop at 7-11 ( last chance for you to use ATM, get supplies / necessities e.g. medication, mosquito repellent, snacks, sunscreen)
- Floating bungalows with the shared bathrooms and toilets are provided. One bungalow is for 2 person share. If a client wish to stay 1 person per 1 bungalow there is an additional cost of 500 baht / person.
- The Nation Park entrances for 1 day Lake Tour – Diamond cave program that visitors of Lake Tour need to pay directly to the park officer is 300 THB / adult and 150 THB per child under 14 year old
Additionally, the fee of pier using 40 baht / person and 20 baht per child under 14 year old. for the local government will be collected from the client.
Click on photo to enlarge |
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Tour 12: Khao Sok ATV.
Description: Our trip is more than driving an ATV, you will enjoy the jungle adventure. Drive for exploring also enjoying the beautiful scenery of Khao Sok tropical rainforest, you will experience the folk way of life (Plam & Rubber plantations)
Different kind of plants, wildlife and animals you might be have a good chance to see while driving ATV.
Price: Half day
- Rider 1,500 THB / person
- Passenger +700 THB / person Child 1-4 years free
OPEN 07.30 AM – 18.30 PM (Every Day)
ROUTE Trip: tour 1.5 – 2 Hour
Program:
- 1) Pre-Test Area ( Performance Test )
- 2) Relax ( 3-5 Minute )
- 3) Khao sok view point
REMARK :
- Soft drink / Water / Snack / Fruit (Free)- Customer bring sunscreen protection, Mosquito repellent, camera, raincoat
Round ( pick up 15 Minute Before tour )
- 1ST -> 08.00 AM
- 2nd -> 10.30 AM
- 3rd -> 13.00 PM
- 4th -> 15.30 PM
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Tour 13: Jungle Cooking Experience.
At Rungfah Farmstay
Experience authentic jungle cooking at our organic farm!
Description: How do you prepare a typical Thai curry ?
What are the ingredients? Is it possible to cook rice without a pot ?
Find out in unique jungle cooking class! You’ll get to learn about Thai herbs, plants , and help collect the ingredients as we make a
delicious meal to together. Are you ready for a culinary discovery in an unforgettable atmosphere ?
Please Choose 09.00 AM. Or 16.00 PM.
Pick up time before 15 minute
Price: 1 day
- 1 person 1,800 THB / person
- 2 person 900 THB / person
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Additional information
Notes: For the overnight tours and jungle trekking it is advisable to wear sandals with straps, shorts and a t shirt. Training shoes are also ok. Big walking boots are not advicable. The trails are easy going and you will get wet. Your boots will just fill up with water. The cave hve some intersting highlights like large stalagtites, stalagmites, rocks with crytal and some waterfalls. There are places where the water is to deep to wade. You will have to swim about 5 to 10 meters. Don't worry it is not dangerous and our guide can take care of your valuables. You will spend about 1 hour inside the cave, so you need a torch, headlight or flashlight. On exit of the cave, you will trek to the rafthouse where you can relax and swim and change to dry clothes.
When we go trekking through the cave, we suggest that you only bring your flashlight, water bottle and camera. (preferable in waterproof bag). The rest you can leave at the raft house or at Khao Sok Tree House Resort. Departure: about 8 am. Arrival back at Tree House: 7 pm. Have breakfast before you leave !
General information for all tours. Please read this section carefully. On each tour you will go into the (deep) jungle and on some tours in caves. Below is a list what to bring on EACH tour.
- Sandals with straps. NO BIG hiking boots.
- Always 1 set of dry clothes.
- Dry bag, waterproof bag as you will get wet.
- No valuables. Just a bit of pocket money to buy beer, sigarettes, extra soft drinks, etc.
- insect repellant.
- Hat.
- Swim wear.
For overnight trips, camping, jungle treks overnight.
- 1 extra set of dry clothes.
- Flash light, head light, torch.
- Small first aid kit.
- Insect repellant.
- Long sleeve and long pants.
