khao sok guided tour

THE 10 BEST Khao Sok National Park Tours & Excursions

Khao sok national park tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Amazing One Day Trip At Cheow Larn Lake From Khao Lak

2. One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi

3. Khao Sok: Full Day Bamboo Rafting Tour from Khao Lak

4. Khao Sok National Park Hiking and Canoeing Day Tour From Khao Lak

5. Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class

6. Overnight Packages at Khaosok National Park and Cheowlan Lake

7. Khao Sok Wildlife 2 Days

8. South Thailand: See it All in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

9. Half Day Khao Sok River Tour By Canoe From Khao Lak

10. An Inundation in Khao Sok’s Natural Splendour

11. Khao Sok Full Day Tour: Sarasin Bridge, Khao Sok Park Trekking & Rafting, etc.

12. Khao Sok, wonderful South

13. 3-Day Private Khao Sok Safari from Phuket, Surat Thani or Krabi

14. Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake Experience

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Best Seller - Surin Islands Snorkeling Trip from Khao Lak

2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Wow Andaman Day Trip to Similan Islands from Phuket

Phuket to Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour

Wow Andaman Day Trip to Similan Islands from Khao Lak

Best Seller - Similan Islands Snorkeling Trip From Khao Lak

Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Islands Tour By Seastar Andaman From Khao Lak

Similan Islands Snorkel Tour by SeaStar Andaman from Phuket

Amazing 3 Temples

Surin Islands Snorkeling Trip from Phuket

Riverside Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour

Similan Islands Snorkeling Trip From Phuket

Similan Islands Snorkeling Day Trip By Love Andaman From Phuket

Off Road Safari Khao Lak

James Bond & Khai Islands Speedboat Day Tour From Khao Lak

Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Tour with ATV Bike and Lunch

Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speed Catamaran From Khao Lak

Full-Day Sea Kayaking Adventure in Ao Thalane Bay from Krabi

Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt from Khao Lak

Similan Islands Snorkel Tour by Fantastic Similan Travel from Khao Lak

Similan Islands Snorkeling Day Trip By Love Andaman From Khao Lak

Surin Islands Snorkel Tour by SeaStar Andaman from Khao Lak

Similan Islands Snorkeling VIP Tour From Phuket

Khao Lak Eco-Safari: Elephants, Tsunami Museum, and Turtles

Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak

Thai'd Up Zip Line Adventures in Krabi

YONA Beach Club: Phuket's Most Incredible Boat Experience

Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour By Sea Star Andaman From Khao Lak

Similan Islands Snorkeling VIP Tour From Khao Lak

Surin Islands Snorkel Tour by SeaStar Andaman from Phuket

What travelers are saying.

• One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi
• Amazing One Day Trip At Cheow Larn Lake From Khao Lak
• Khao Sok: Full Day Bamboo Rafting Tour from Khao Lak
• Khao Sok National Park Hiking and Canoeing Day Tour From Khao Lak
• Khao Sok Wildlife 2 Days

• Khao Sok Tours

Book Your Activities & Experiences

There's plenty to do in Khao Sok! We offer a wide variety of group and private tours across Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake. Join our professional guides and spot Gibbons, Horbills and monkeys on a jungle trek or relax on a tube down the river. Any pickups or activities you would like to do on the day of check-in, and any activities you would like to do on the lake (even if after the day of check-in) should be booked in advance. Learn more about Our Jungle Camp´s Tour Terms & Conditions

Kids Activities at Our Jungle Life Camp

Take this opportunity to let your children* explore the natural world through a variety of our experiential learning activities offered at Jungle Life Camp (JLC), our Environmental Education unit that is funded and subsidised by…

Elephant Care Program

This is a 4-5 hours dedicated Elephant Care program, which will allow guests to experience a daily routine of the domesticated Asian Elephant in Thailand. Our trusted Elephant Sanctuary partner who´s family is caring for…

Join-In Cheow Lan Lake Explorer

Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most tranquil and stunning destinations to visit. Join us on our extended overnight trip to fully experience the wonder of this unique environment. Walk along…

Half Day – Half Night Hike – Khao Sok National Park

Make the most of your time in Khao Sok with Our Jungle Resorts Half Day - Half Night Adventure into Khao Sok National Park. This afternoon to evening tour is the perfect option for the…

Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting

Touring the Sok River via Bamboo Raft is one of the oldest forms of transport in Thailand, in the past, this form of transportation was used to connect the Chinese trading town of Takuapa with…

Bamboo Cooking at Our Jungle

Join us for Our Jungle Camp´s Jungle Dinner - Bamboo Cooking Experience. Meet your guide at 16:30 pm at our reception, he will teach you about the local craft of bamboo cooking. You will learn,…

Cheow Lan Lake Khao Sok Full Day Tour

Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park is a land before time, with over 100 islands on the lake bounded by the majestic limestone cliffs. Let our expert guides take you on a full-day…

Cheow Lan Lake Khao Sok Overnight Tour

Cheow Lan Lake is in the heart of Khao Sok National Park and there is no better way to experience this unique location than a Cheow Lan Overnight Lake tour. This tour offers a hiking…

Elephant Experience Khao Sok

The Elephant has been a significant part of Thai culture for centuries, and the Ethical Elephant Experience in Khao Sok is an educational adventure that will take visitors up to 2.5 hours with the gentle…

Overnight Jungle Camping Trek

Truly experience the amazing jungle in one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Khao Sok National Park. On this 2-day 1-night hike and camp activity, your expert guide will take you on a true adventure, learning…

Birdwatching Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok is a Birdwatchers, or "Twitcher's," dream, with a diversity of birdlife all year round. The question is what bird are you into. Let our experienced guide take you on a journey of discovery…

Khao Sok Night Safari

As the sun sets over Khao Sok the jungle symphony begins and the jungle comes alive. There is no better time for a Night Safari! Let our expert guides navigate you through a 2-hour hike…

Canoe Tours Khao Sok

Let the gentle currents and our expert guides navigate your way along the river by canoe—you will witness the amazing jungle, limestone cliffs, and fantastic bird & animal life as you journey down the river.…

Full Day Hike Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park is a hiker's paradise—remote, jungle, ridges, waterfalls, flora and fauna. Our expert guides can discuss which remote corner you would love to hike through. Our Jungle Camp’s personal favourite is hiking…

Half Day Hike Khao Sok

Khao Sok National Park is a hiker's dream, and a short hike is sometimes all you need. Our Jungle Camp offers half day hikes for everybody from the adventurous to the beginner.  Let our expert…

River Tubing Khao Sok

Tubing in Khao Sok is the best way to gently float down the river and experience Khao Sok from a different perspective. You will pass beneath limestone cliffs, majestic jungle trees, and the occasional rope…

Half Day Raft, Trek, and Caving Adventure

Join us for a half-day adventure at Our Jungle Resorts in Khao Sok, where you'll experience the perfect blend of activity and relaxation. This exciting journey includes a scenic mountain hike, an exploration of the…

Rafflesia Hike Khao Sok National Park

Like the naturalist from a bygone era, we go in search of the world’s largest flower found in the deeper parts of Khao Sok National Park. This challenging 5-hour hike will see you trek through…

Khao Sok Thai Massage

You cannot stay in Thailand without experiencing a Thai massage from Our Jungle Camp masseuses. You can either have a traditional Thai massage or an oil massage. Both are highly recommended and richly rewarding. The…

Thai Cooking Class

For those inspired by local cuisines, here’s a chance to experience Thai cooking firsthand with one of our local Khao Sok chefs at Our Jungle Cooking facilities. In a 1.5-hour session, you’ll pick up some…

Hot Springs and Viewpoint of Khao Sok

Only 40 minutes away by car a wonderful natural hot springs park awaits you. Perfect on a rainy day or when you just want to unwind while soaking in the warm healing waters. Located away…

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Khao Sok Jungle Huts

Budget Accommodation Guesthouse in Khao Sok

Tours and Activities

Guided tours in khao sok.

Khao Sok Jungle Huts has been operating tours for more than ten years. Our guides are reliable, act responsibly and speak English fluently.

While there are many things to do that don’t require the assistance of a guide, the gems of Khao Sok National Park can only be explored on a guided tour.

Below is a list of some of the tours that we offer. Plus the amazing “Cheow Lan Lake Tour” which you can see here .

One day trekking

Here is a sample itinerary:

– 9.00 a.m. Departure – on this tour we will trek through the rainforest and you will see many different species of flora, butterflies and birds such as the Great Hornbill. Some animals we may encounter are: monkeys, dusky langurs, wild bear etc. – 10.30 a.m. Arrive at Bang Hua Read where you will find many huge rocks for sun bathing and a swimming hole. – 11.30 a.m. Continue trek to Wang Yaow for lunch, relaxing and swimming. – 1.00 p.m. Depart from Wang Yaow trekking to Tang Nam where the Sok river has eroded a dramatic gorge through the rock and has created a deep swimming pool. Swimming and relaxing. – 3.00 p.m. Return to Khao Sok Jungle Huts Track and Trail Office. – 5.00 p.m. Arrive at office.

Other destinations include Tan Sawan waterfall and Sipet Chan waterfall.

Price: 1,200 baht / person

Two days, one night camping

Tour itinerary:

– 9.00 a.m. Departure towards Tan Sawan waterfall. Along the trail we can probably present you a wide range of animals and fantastic scenery of vegetation. – 11.00 a.m. Arrive at Bang Hua Read a place which offers many big rocks for sun bathing and a refreshing swimming hole. We have lunch. Time to relax. – 1.30 p.m. Continue trek towards Tan Sawan. – 3.30 p.m. Looking for a nice place to stay overnight nearby the river. (We know some). Preparing the sleeping places (either hammock or tent). Furnish the cooking utilities out of fresh bamboo. – 6.30 p.m. Cooking, BBQ, eating relaxing. – 8.00 p.m. Night safari. If you dare…

– 8.30 a.m. Breakfast – 10.00 a.m. Depart towards Tan Sawan – 12.30 p.m. Arrive at Tan Sawan waterfall. Time for lunch and relaxation. – 1.30 p.m. Depart trekking through the rainforest passing the Rafflesia flower (when in season). – 4.00 p.m. Arrival at Khao Sok Jungle Huts

Price: 2,500 baht / person

Elephant trekking

Price: 800 baht / person

Night safari

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will see many different animals, however the night is the best time to find them. During some nights we are lucky to encounter several species of mammals like barking deer, mouse deer, wild pigs, porcupines civets, long-tailed macaques, slow lori etc.

To give you an idea of what to expect, more photos taken on some of our tours can be found in the gallery

Price: 700 baht / person

Canoeing on the Sok River tour

With our canoeing tour you have a opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Sok River, spotting birds, monkeys and even snakes curled on trees.

Price: (2 hours) 800 baht per person.

Other tours we offer

– Tubing: 500 baht per person – Rafflesia Flower Trek 700 baht per person

Activities in the National Park have an additional fee of 300 baht in concept of entrance fee

Khao Sok Lake Tours

Enjoy the amazing Cheow Lan Lake tours in the Khao Sok National Park

The Khao Sok National Park, located in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, is a stunning and diverse natural area that offers a range of tours and activities for visitors. Here are some popular tours you can enjoy at Khao Sok National Park:

• Take a boat tour on the picturesque Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush rainforest.
• Visit the stunning Guilin of Thailand, a group of limestone karst formations rising from the water.
• Explore caves and marvel at the natural beauty of the lake.
• Khao Sok is known for its dense rainforest, and there are various trekking trails catering to different fitness levels.
• Guided jungle treks allow you to discover the rich biodiversity, including various plant and animal species.
• Longer treks may include overnight stays in the jungle, providing a unique and immersive experience.
• Some tour operators offer ethical elephant experiences, where you can interact with and learn about these majestic creatures in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• Avoid tours that involve riding elephants, as this practice is often considered harmful to the animals.
• Paddle through the Sok River or Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and vibrant greenery.
• Canoeing and kayaking allow you to explore the park at a relaxed pace, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape.
• Khao Sok is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species inhabiting the park.
• Guided bird-watching tours can help you spot a variety of colorful and exotic birds.
• Embark on a night safari to witness the nocturnal wildlife of Khao Sok.
• With the help of a guide, you may spot unique creatures such as night-active insects, frogs, and maybe even some elusive mammals.
• Enjoy a relaxing day by Sok River, where you can swim, tube, or simply appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
• Hike to one of the viewpoints within the park for breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest and limestone formations.

The Best tours in Khao Sok

The most amazing tours in the Khao Sok National Park by Jungle Huts.

Khao Sok Lake Tours by Jungle Huts in the Khao Sok National Park offers you a wide variety of tours: Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir , Bamboo rafting tour , trekking, Rafflesia tour and many more! Contact us .

The Cheow Lan Lake, also known as Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir, is a stunning freshwater lake located within Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. The lake was created in 1982 when the Ratchaprapha Dam was constructed across the Phuket River. This reservoir submerged a vast area of lush jungle and limestone cliffs, resulting in the formation of Cheow Lan Lake.

Cheow Lan lake tour 3 day 2 nights

This tour could easily become the highlight of your Thailand holiday. We take you to the reservoir that was created behind the Ratchaprapha dam. We cross the crystal clear green water by longtail boat rugged lime stone cliffs towering on either side. Trekking includes passing through Namtaloo cave (Water Cave). We stay at one of the floating raft houses in tranquil surroundings…

This is a 3 day 2 nights amazing tour which includes a room in our resort Khao Sok Jungle Huts for 1 night with breakfast and also a night safari on the first night. The second night will be spent at Cheaow Lan Lake in the Khao Sok National Park.

• Price: 3,099 baht / person
• Price does not include the National Park entrance fee, which costs 220 baht

Bamboo Rafting Tour

You can raft on a bamboo raft for about 1 hour. Spot snakes, monkeys, gibbons and many more. Observe the nature of the Khlong Sok River.

• Price for 1 people: 1.200 baht
• Two people or more, price 700 baht each
• The price includes everything. There is no extra money to pay.

Overnight trip on the lake 2 Days 1 Night

Longtail boat ride on one of the most beautiful and unique lakes in the world, the Cheow Lan Lake. Enjoy kayaking, relax and swim Overnight at the lake in the heart of nature.

Khao Sok National Park

“Please feel free to contact us for more information and reservation”

✓ Price 2500 baht per person (minimum 2 persons) ✓ The price does not includes the park entrance fee of 240 baht per person.

Full Day Exploration Lake trip

Explore the Cheow Lan Lake in the jungle by local long tail boat. The lake is surrounded by Limestone Mountains and cliffs covered in tropical rainforest that rise up from the shore of the lake and disappear into the far distance.

✓ Price 1500 baht per person

✓ The price does not includes the park entrance fee of 240 baht per person.

Here are some key features and information about Cheow Lan Lake:

1. Location: Cheow Lan Lake is situated in Khao Sok National Park, which is part of the Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand. The park is known for its ancient rainforest, diverse wildlife, and dramatic limestone formations.


2. Size and Depth: The lake is expansive, covering an area of about 165 square kilometers. It is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle. The depth of the lake varies, with some areas reaching depths of over 100 meters.


3. Flora and Fauna : The lake and its surrounding areas are rich in biodiversity. The rainforest around the lake is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and numerous fish species in the lake. The park is also known for its diverse and unique flora.


4. Activities: Cheow Lan Lake is a popular destination for ecotourism and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, exploring the limestone karsts and hidden coves. The lake’s clear waters make it suitable for swimming and kayaking. Jungle treks and wildlife watching are also popular activities in the surrounding rainforest.


5. Accommodations : There are floating raft houses and lodges available on the lake, providing visitors with a unique accommodation experience. Staying in these floating accommodations allows guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the lake and its surroundings.


6. Access: The most common way to access Cheow Lan Lake is through the town of Khao Sok. From there, visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake and its attractions. The lake is relatively remote, surrounded by the dense rainforest of Khao Sok National Park.


Cheow Lan Lake is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is considered one of Thailand’s hidden gems, offering a peaceful and pristine natural environment for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Tour to Khao Sok National Park: Thailand’s Ultimate Hidden Gem

Khao Sok National Park is an enormous national park in Thailand that belongs to one of Thailand’s best-hidden gems. The park is home to wild elephants, gibbons, hornbill birds, and even black tigers! During a Khao Sok National Park tour, you will stay in a raft house on Cheow Lan Lake, a man-made lake, originated by flooding the jungle to build a dam that now creates power for the entire region.

3-day Khao Sok National Park Tour

Ready to be disconnected from the world for a few days? Ready to wake up in the morning mist of the jungle while the gibbons are shouting to each other? Pure Magic!

Here are all your hotel options in Khao Sok.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is huge, about 739 square kilometers. It’s good the know that the village is not the same as Cheow Lan Lake. These are actually about a 1-hour drive removed from each other. Make sure to book a raft on the lake.

Read:   Full guide Khao Sok National Park

The Lake was created just 30 years ago after flooding, when hundreds of limestone islands were created, which gives this lake its unique look.

Price of staying in Khao Sok 

The price of a bungalow changes by the kind of comfort you choose. A Bamboo bungalow will cost you anywhere between $75 – $178 per night, whereas luxury bungalows range from $250 – $400 per person. These stays include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guided tours, and trekkings.

Their own raft restaurant offers incredible Thai cuisine. Literally, the best we have had in Thailand. We will promise you this area is worth every single dollar!

In the morning you can explore on your own with a kayak during the morning mist and see the monkeys jumping around in the jungle.

Must-read: Krabi Travel Guide – Best Things To Do

A day in Khao Sok National Park

To spend the day, you will do incredible things like exploring the surreal area by boat, hiking through the jungle, spotting wild elephants, monkeys, cows, deer, and pigs during a wildlife safari on a boat, and exploring a cave.

Book an unforgettable tour via the guys at khaosoklake.com .

If you’re lucky, you can have lunch at one of the few super small fishing villages, also located on the water.

Every corner you will pass with the boat on a Khao Sok National Park tour becomes more and more impressive.

At night, the sky shows countless stars. Maybe the best part, almost no mosquitoes on the water where you are staying.

Of course, it can be done cheaper but this is just a once in a lifetime experience you shouldn’t save those few dollars on.

Tip: Don’t forget it’s so green for a reason. It can rain quite often in the jungle.

Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

Staying on the lake is doable for every kind of budget, with beautiful guesthouses and hotels close to the park.

Hotels in Khao Sok 😴

Alternatively, to really immerse yourself in nature, you can sleep on the floor in a dorm raft house, or you can have a private raft house including a bed- and bathroom. On the day of writing this, you can’t find any raft houses on Booking or Agoda.

We booked our stay at Praiwan Raft House and Khao Sok National Park tour via khaosoklake.com . Praiwan Raft house is a lovely family who gives you that ‘home away from home’ feeling. The raft house is located at the end of the lake, a unique location. Which means you won’t see many boats passing by.

Read:   Full Guide Khao Sok National Park

Booking a Khao Sok National Park tour

Get a great stay and unforgettable tour in one package via the guys of  khaosoklake.com .

How to get to Khao Sok National Park

It takes 1.5 to a 2-hour drive to the entrance pier of Khao Sok national park from both Krabi and the Surat Thani airport.

The entrance to the park is 300 Baht. From here, your guide and the driver will pick you up for a 30-minute boat ride to your raft house.

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Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Great post|! I am heading to Thailand on my own in December and can’t decide between spending an extra couple of days in Chiang Mai area and doing a trek or an overnight stay at Doi Inathanon, or going to Khao Sok for a couple of nights before heading to the Islands. What would you recommend? I just wondered if the logisitics of getting to and from J=Kaho SOk might taake up too much time when I am only in Thailand for 2 weeks?

Hey Sarah! Doi Inthanon will be the easiest as it’s closer to Chiang Mai. But if you’re keen to go to Khao Sok National Park, we’d recommend flying to Surat Thani to save time. However, both national parks are beautiful, so you won’t be disappointed whichever you decide. Have an amazing trip! :)

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answer the call of the wild

Whether you are on armchair explorer vicariously visiting Khao Sok or a rugged adventure about to embark on a trek traversing the park' s uncharted terrain, you are about to enter part of the oldest and richest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth.

The world has spared few places as wild, wonderful or wildly diverse as Khao Sok National Park. Together with two wildlife sanctuaries (Klong Saen & Klong Nakkha) and two adjacent national parks (Sri Phang nga and Klong Phanom Nat. Parks),

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Address: 6/2 Moo 6 T.Klong Sok, A. Phanom, Suratthani 84250 Thailand

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Thai National Parks

Khao sok national park, private tour | 2-days/1-night private tour in cheow lan lake.

For the August dates, the rooms are rapidly getting fully booked at the average and high end raft houses. You are recommended to book earliest possible. Guide availability may also be an issue in time.

Situated between Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Cheow Lan Lake has one of the most beautiful scenic views in Thailand.

The lake deserves more than one night of stay, but if you only can stay one night, you will still be able to enjoy a few activities with this tour. If you truly want to enjoy more of the lake, then a 3D/2N tour is recommended.

With the 2-days/1-night tour in Cheow Lan Lake you will be able to see scenic rock formations, hike to a viewpoint, visit a cave, hike in the jungle, kayak, swim and drive around for wildlife watching. The tour includes a stay in a raft house of your choice, a private guide and a private boat with driver. No others will share the guide or the boat with you during the tour.

Out tours must be booked with "no matter the weather" in mind. We don't find the lake tours suitable for kids under 7 years old, other companies may have a different opinion about age limits.

Raft house options

500 rai (deluxe).

500 Rai is one of the two top raft houses in the lake, with 15 houses/cabins of various sizes. The raft house is located at the far end of the lake, between Phupha Waree and Krai Son raft houses, with one of the best views in the lake.

Following are the type of rooms;

Copyright 500 Rai

Panvaree The Greenery Raft House (deluxe)

While most raft houses in the lake have on average around two dozen bungalows, Panvaree The Greenery Raft House have fewer which makes it a relatively quiet place even when the place is fully booked. Quality wise it is no doubt one of the best and most popular raft houses in the lake. The raft house is located in the entrance of Khlong Long tributary.

• Superior 2 pax - For 2 adults or 2 adults + small child (child to share same bed as parents but quoted half price). Room can be with either a double bed or two single beds, unfortunately can't be chosen, either one can be booked depending on availability and other circumstances.
• Family rooms; For 3+ pax

The price for rooms varies depending on week-day, week-end day or holidays.

Copyright Panvaree The Greenery

Phupha Waree Raft House

Phupha Waree is set back in a private alcove just inside Klong Pey, compared to most basic/average raft houses in the lake it is considered a bit better option. The rooms are equipped with 2 queen size beds, a private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate 2-4 people. While the smaller rooms will be booked for up to 3 people, the larger rooms will be booked for 4 people.

For the dates concerning high season months, week-ends (Fri-Sat nights) and public holidays, rooms at Phupha Waree should be booked well in advance.

Copyright Phu Pha Waree

Copyright Phupha Waree

Laguna Cheow Lan

Laguna Cheow Lan is located in Khlong Long tributary, in the middle of the lake. Each room have a king size and a single bed, private bathroom, a/c, balcony and can accommodate up to 3 people. The beds are on the floor.

Copyright Laguna Cheow Lan

Sai Chon Raft House (wooden)

Sai Chon Raft House is a cheaper alternative compared to high end ones, located in Khlong Long tributary of the lake, not too far from the pier. The quality is somewhere between the bamboo and high end options. The rooms can accommodate 2-4 people with king size beds, equipped with fans and has rooms with private bathroom.

Copyright Sai Chon Raft House

Copyright Sai Chon Raft House, room for 4 people

Krai Son Raft House (bamboo option, basic stay)

Krai Son is perched at the entrance to Klong Yee at the remote end of the lake. It is equipped with traditional style bamboo bungalows (2 pax, double beds), no fan, with shared bathroom facilities on land next to the raft house. It is the only raft house on the lake with a view of sunrise and sunset. Local attractions include a viewpoint hike which overlooks the entire lake, and it is close by to the Khlong Saeng wildlife sanctuary not too far from Phupha Waree.

Copyright Krai Sorn

Copyright Guide Nid

The following itinerary is just an example. Depending on the location of your raft house, weather conditions, your suggestions or eventual shorter/longer time you may decide to spend at attractions may change the planning. Example; you may decide to do more kayaking, skip some activities for the other, or simply just decide to relax and spend some time with friend(s)/family at the raft house.

• 10 am pickup from Cheow Lan Lake Pier to board your long-tail boat
• Scenic tour of limestone karst formations on the way to your rafthouse
• Check in to the raft house. Enjoy a traditional Thai Lunch prepared with rich southern Thai curries, delicious local vegetables.
• Guided hike to see viewpoints on dry season or to a waterfall on rainy season (optional)
• Afternoon wildlife safari by boat
• Return to the raft house for a swim, relax and enjoy the scenery
• Enjoy a delectable dinner of fish, Thai soup, and veggies.
• Rise before breakfast for the morning mist safari, the best time to see gibbons, macaques, and dusky leaf monkeys
• Return to raft house for breakfast
• Explore the surrounding area by kayak
• Depending on the raft house and it's location, check-out from the raft house is around 9:30 am, tour ends around 10:30 to 11 am

Where & when?

The tour starts at Cheow Lan Lake Pier (Rajjaprabha Dam), 65 km from park headquarters. We can arrange transfers from/to Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ao Nang, Surat Thani and Khao Sok village on request.

The nearest airports are Surat Thani (~1h), Krabi (~2h) and Phuket Airport (~2.5h), you are recommended to arrive to the area a day before the tour start. This tour is not recommended to start the same day when arriving from the islands or to the airport far away.

This tour is operated all year round.

When to book?

High seasons months in the lake are November to April and July/August. Bookings for these months should be done far in advance, earliest possible. Even if some raft houses may still have rooms available days/weeks before, guide availability is more of a concern. The guides may get fully booked months in advance for the busiest times of the year. During the low season months there is less risk of unavailability. 

Panvaree The Greenery superior rooms should be booked at least 6-12 months in advance for the busier months of the year, even the family rooms may get room far in advance. It is one of the most popular raft houses in the lake.

Laguna Cheow Lan should be booked at least 5-6 months in advance, they are constantly fully booked at least 3-4 months ahead.

Phupha Waree can be booked a couple of months ahead, but during the high seasons they may get fully booked most dates 1-3 months ahead. There is greater risk for them to get fully booked during the week-ends.

For the dates concerning high season months from November to mid April, week-ends (Fri-Sat nights) and public holidays, the rooms at Phupha Waree should be booked well in advance. There can be rooms available for the week-days in short notice, but then again, guides may get fully booked.

Sai Chon should also be booked earliest possible for any week-end/holiday concerned dates.

Krai Son tends to have availability for the most year even if booked days/weeks in advance but can be fully booked months in advance for long week-end holidays.

Tour details in short:

• Duration: 2 days/1 night
• Type: Private
• Price: * see price table *
• Group size: 1 or more people
• Grade: Easy
• Transport: Long-tail boat
• Start: 10a m (day 1)
• End: around 10:30 to 11 am (day 2)

What to bring:

• Rain clothing, specially on rainy season
• Personal toiletries
• Sneakers for hiking, sandals for waterfall/cave visit
• Swimming clothing & towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock lotion

The tour will be led by a private guide which means no others will join you while exploring the lake and surrounding areas. The price for this tour package depends on the choice of accommodation and number of people, please see price per person further down.

The prices below do not include entrance fees to the national park.

Displayed prices are per person

Tour rates include:

• Long-tail boat transportation
• Lunch and dinner on day-1, breakfast on day-2
• Drinking water
• Accident insurance during the tour (covering hospital costs)

Tour rates doesn't include:

• Entrance fees to the park
• Transfer to the lake from the nearby towns

Send enquiry

Reviews from our guests

Rated 4.63 /5 based on 105 customer reviews

By: World Wild Hearts | posted Sun 16 Apr, 2023 | Sai Chon

5 / 5 stars

A video review from one of our guests. This clip wasn't promoted by us, nor were we informed in advance about it.

Review by; World Wild Hearts

By: Kirsten Smith | posted Thu 28 Mar, 2024 | Sai Chon

3 / 5 stars

The beauty of the park is without question a stunning display of nature at her finest. The hut comfortable enough for one night and the food average watered down Thai food.

I was sorely disappointed to realize that I paid four times as much as everyone else who had the exact same tour and overnight stay. I didn’t realize I could have booked one from a hostel for 2500 THB and have good company the whole time. Instead I paid $300 US dollars for the opportunity to sit in a boat alone, dine alone, and hike alone. It was very isolating. My guide skipped the morning “trek” aka walk because there are so many people so we will go later and do a better one without so many people. I trusted him. Then I ended up wasting the entire day sitting around or swimming while he wanted to leave to “trek at 5pm and I said, enough - I am bored and you said we would trek and it will be dark at 6. So he said ok and we went at 3:30 on an 30’min walk in the woods. Not a trek which I expected a decent hour or two hike into the woods. My guide said, if you trust me I’ll take you out early to see the animals…ok so got up early —- with everyone else as that is the program for everyone! I felt duped. It soured my experience as I felt isolated and misled. When I booked this, I went though the park system who I thought I could trust. I said I wanted to do an overnight and asked if there was room since trip advisor only had trips from Krabi. They said yes but there was no explanation that I was paying to do the tour privately vs a group at a serious 4x premium over other options. I wasn’t told about those options. I could have done the day tour instead of overnight with friends who went the same day for even less cost and at least had the company of friends. I think the park service needs to tell the public what the options are or this is an expensive and lonely excursion.

> Tour operator's response

Hi Kirsten!

You have clearly missed the point this is a private tour, it is clearly stated in this page above this is a private tour. If you rather have booked a shared one to share with up to 12-18 people in one boat, that is really yourself to blame. There is not much we can help with the loneliness if you preferred to have others to join you, because this is a private tour.

I am not sure why you would book the very first tour you came across and then later complain about the price. It is like you go to one shop and buy an iPhone, and then the next to find out the next shop is selling a much cheaper Android variation (the cheapest one in the market), and complain to the first shop about the price difference.

Then also, you are a solo traveller. No matter if you are a solo or a couple, a guide and a boat will be at your service for 2 days, then the price won't be too different from the total price for 2 people. You can't compare a private tour price to a group tour.

Khao Sok Lake is surrounded by steep mountains and cliffs, there are no extensively long trails and longer hikes are not possible.

This is a national park, not a zoo. One can be unlucky with impressive animals sightings like elephants, gaurs etc. And the chances get smaller with a 2D/1N tour vs a 3D/2N tour.

By: Janice Santikarn | posted Thu 28 Mar, 2024 | 500 Rai

4 / 5 stars

A wonderful one night stay at the 500 Rai raft hotel. Service, food and staff all fantastic. The only complaint is we visited when the weather was very very hot and the AC could not cope with that amount of heat. It took a long time to cool down the room - however, once it was cool, it was fine. Our guide(Hnum) was wonderful - fun, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Highly recommend this tour.

By: Philip Van Hout | posted Thu 28 Mar, 2024 | Phupha Waree

The 2 day/1 night tour was a really nice experience. The guide, Pla, was very friendly and attentfull. She brought some sticky rice sticks in bamboo and some big beers for us to enjoy. Her English was not that very good, but she could express herself so we could understand what she was saying. We had bad luck with spotting and seeing wild animals except for some small monkeys. The beds in the Phupha Waree were springy and the sheets were itchy. Therefore 4/5 stars.

By: Sheila Grosman | posted Sun 17 Mar, 2024 | Panvaree

We loved khao sok national park so much. It was definitely the highlight of our trip to Thailand. Ann was an amazing tourguide and made the experience even better. Thank you so much for your help, everything was organized perfectly! We expected it to be great but this exceeded our expectations! *

By: Tamas Fabian | posted Fri 15 Mar, 2024 | Sai Chon

It was amazing, thank you.

By: Lauren van Maanen | posted Thu 14 Mar, 2024 | Phupha Waree

The private tour was lovely, it’s all worth your money not the be in a big group. Beautiful location, food was amazing. Our guide Aon was great. Rooms are good, beds are rockhard but okay for one night.

By: Marta Kania | posted Mon 11 Mar, 2024 | Sai Chon

Everything was top of the top. From the customer service to the actual trips organization and the timing, including professional guide. Fully recommended.

By: Angela Farrelly | posted Fri 8 Mar, 2024 | Phupha Waree

A beautiful environment, so peaceful. Our Guide was very attentive and ensured that we had everything we needed. Staying in our chalet was fantastic as was the food.

By: Lola Boussier | posted Tue 5 Mar, 2024 | Krai Son (bamboo)

It was an exceptional experience.

TOUR & PACKAGE PROGRAMS

Our Khao Sok tour packages help you to get the most from your Khao Sok visit and at the best price!

Enjoy our national park tours and experience the wonders of the Khao Sok national park. Spend the day trekking in the pristine jungle. Take a Khao Sok national park day trip or extend it to a 2-day tour. Khao Sok lake tours can include overnight accommodation on floating bungalows! Get to know an elephant, and discover the spectacular animals and plants in this unspoiled paradise. 

1 Day Trip Khao Sok Discovery (Elephant Bathing, Canoeing)

from ฿ 3,600           

Full Day Tour Khao Sok National Park Elephant Bathing  Canoeing

1 Day Trip Khao Sok Discovery (Elephant Bathing, Bamboo rafting)

Full Day Tour Khao Sok National Park Elephant Bathing  Bamboo Rafting

1 Day Trip Khao Sok (Jungle Hiking, Canoeing)

1 Day Trip Khao Sok (Jungle Hiking,Bamboo Rafting)

1 day trip cheow-lan lake explorer.

from ฿5,680          

Full Day Tour Cheow Lan Lake Bamboo Rafting

2 Days 1 Night Khaosok Jungle Discovery

(Overnight At Khaosok Boutique Hideaway)

from ฿8,900     

2 Days 1 Night tour Khaosok National Park Elephant Bathing Jungle Discovery

2 Days 1 Night Cheow Lan Lake Explorer (Overnight At The Raft House)

from ฿11,800          

2 Days 1 Night Tour Khao Sok National Park Elephant Bathing Lake Explorer

2Days 1Night Cheow Larn Lake Discovery

from ฿10,250  

2 Days 1 Night tour Khaosok National Park Elephant Bathing Lake Discovery

3 Days 2 Nights Jungle & Lake Discovery

                       from ฿15,300            

3 Days 2 Night tour Khao Sok National Park Elephant Bathing Jungle & Lake Discovery

3 Days 2 Nights Jungle & Lake Explorer

                              from ฿16,800  

3 Days 2 Nights tour Khao Sok National Park Elephant Bathing Lake & jungle Explorer

Khao Sok National Park | The Ultimate Adventure Travel Guide

• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024
• by Post author: Chloe Smulian

The ultimate destination for nature lovers who want to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in one of the most unique natural surroundings in the world. You’ll feel like you traveled back through time as you experience one of the most majestic places in Thailand at Khao Sok National Park.

Not so long ago, we mentioned that  jungle trekking in Indonesia  and coming face-to-face with orangutans in the wild was THE most unforgettable experience we’ve had. Now we can add another to the list: witnessing the otherworldly beauty of Khao Sok and hiking through a water cave. Read on to find out how you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure for yourself.

If it’s your first time travelling to Thailand, make sure you read our  7 Krabi travel tips . We may have written it specifically for Krabi, but most of the tips are applicable for travelling anywhere in Thailand.

We share useful tips like how much to budget daily, whether it is card friendly and even how to rent a scooter in Thailand.

In this guide

Why khao sok national park, top things to do in khao sok national park, getting from phuket to khao sok by public bus, getting from phuket or khao lak to khao sok, cost of khao sok lake day tour, what does the day tour include, price of khao sok lake overnight tour, what does the overnight tour include, khao sok floating bungalows review, what shoes to wear for khao sok lake tour, hiking through water cave, morning jungle safari tour in khao sok national park, pra kay petch cave hike in khao sok, where to book khao sok national park tours, khao sok national park hotels, how many days should you stay in khao sok national park, is there malaria in khao sok national park, is khao sok a family vacation destination, best time of year to visit khao sok national park, best places to visit in thailand.

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks and a magical hidden gem destination. The locals often compare its landscapes to Guilin in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam, but for those like us who love our fantasy movies, it is better known for its Jurassic Park/Avatar-like scenery.

And the cherry on top? A fraction of the tourists compared to Guilin and Halong Bay. And you don’t need a tourist visa to visit Thailand for most nationalities.

That means no more photos with tourists holding giant iPads in your photo’s background, and no queuing for tourists visas at the airport.

Now that’s what we call a win-win situation.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do and explore in Khao Sok. From jungle trekking (guided and non-guided), visiting elephant sanctuaries to relaxing in natural hot springs and tubing down the river.

However the top, ‘not-to-be-missed’ attraction is the Khao Sok Lake Tour . Why? Because this is where you will be transported to Jurassic Park (without the dinosaurs), and for the more adventurous types, experience hiking through a water cave!

This was definitely the highlight of our trip and an experience we would do again!

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

There are 3 ways to get to Khao Sok National Park. The easiest, but most expensive way is by private taxi transfer . This costs around €80 in total (max 4 people) and includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Phuket to Khao Sok.

The second option is to share a bus transfer from Phuket town to Khao Sok. This option costs €24 per person in a comfortable, air-conditioned van.

The last option to get to Khao Sok is by public transport. It’s the cheapest but also most adventurous option (mostly because of the language barrier). This costs a fraction of the price at around 220 Thai Baht per person or €6.50 .

Make sure you read our Thailand Transportation guide if it’s your first time. Otherwise, here’s how you get from Phuket to Khao Sok via public transport.

• Head to the central bus station in Phuket town (refer to map)
• Go to the ticket desk and purchase a bus ticket from Phuket to Khao Sok
• Buses leave every hour from 7AM to 3PM so make sure you arrive at least 40 minutes before the hour to purchase your ticket (tickets can’t be purchased online and space is given on a first-come-first serve basis)
• Depending on the bus, you may need to change buses at Takua Pa (just ask the desk to double check)
• The entire trip should take 4 hours and you will arrive at the main bus station at Khao Sok town and VOILA!

Want to head straight from the beach to the rain forests but it’s too much of a mission? Don’t worry, there is an easy way to get to Khao Sok from Khao Lak and Phuket!

It will take a few hours hours to get there, but we promise it is worth it. Book a day trip from Phuket to Khao Sok or a transfer from Khao Lak to Khao Sok  online and save yourself time and hassle later.

Khao Sok National Park Tours: Overnight Tour vs Day Tour

The absolute must-do Khao Sok National Park tour, is the Cheow Lan Lake Tour . You can just do the day tour or stay overnight on a floating bungalow for 1 or 2 nights.

We highly recommend staying over for at least one night to make the most out of this unique experience. That way, your tours won’t be as rushed, you have a higher chance at spotting wildlife and you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in the lake with many toothless fish.

We actually opted to stay over for an extra night (2 nights, 3 days) so we could have an entire day to ourselves, kayaking from island to island, swimming in the lake and have time to appreciate the lake and its beautiful surroundings.

If you’re short on time, then a day tour is better than nothing. If you’re arriving by bus from Phuket, stay the night in Khao Sok village and book your day tour for the following day. Find out how much it costs and what it includes below.

1500 Thai Baht (€42) per person and 750 Thai Baht (€21) for children under 120cm tall.

• Jungle trekking through Tham Nam Ta Lu (Water Cave) or coral cave (depends on the season and water level) with an expert guide
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• Thai set lunch
• Drinking water
• Local Travel guide (English speaking)
• Long tail boat

Excluded items:

• Khao Sok National Park fee (300 Thai Baht per person)
• Other drinks (i.e. soda, beer, happy buckets, etc.)

Save Me For Later

2500 Thai Baht (€70) per person and 1250 Thai Baht (€35) for children under 120cm tall – this is for 1 night and 2 days and includes the floating bungalows accommodation and all meals.

The kayaks and tubes are free to use. Sounds like a great deal but don’t be fooled by these innocent boats. They can end friendships and relationships.

If you want to extend your stay by an extra night like we did, it costs an extra 1500 Thai Baht per person and includes all meals for the extra day.

• Morning jungle safari tour by long tail boat
• Visit Pra Kay Petch Cave (dry cave)
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• 1 night’s accommodation on raft house (2 person/room)
• Free use of kayaks and tubes
• A towel each

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

The price for the Khao Sok Lake tours are standardized, whether you book from a tour operator or from your hotel. But there may be differences in the type of hotel you get and whether or not the tour operator provides water shoes, head lamps and water bags so you don’t need to buy them yourself.

Make sure to ask which hotel it is, especially if you want your own bathroom. The bamboo bungalows look very pretty and romantic, but none of them have their own bathrooms, so you’ll need a torch to get to the loo at night.

If you don’t want to hike to the bathroom (ok, maybe ‘hike is over exaggerating) then make sure your tour operator books you to stay at  Smiley Bungalows . The accommodation is also very basic, but each bungalow has its own bathroom attached to each unit.

If it’s a special occasion and you don’t mind paying more, there are also some luxurious options available:

• Khao Sok National Park Overnight Stay in a Treehouse Bungalow (includes meals and excursions)
• 3 Day Floating Resort on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok (includes meals and excursions)
• 2 Day / 1 Night stay Cheow Lan Lake and Wildlife Tour (includes meals and transfer)

Before making those hotel bookings, read our Travel For Cheap Guide to find out how we save up to 53% booking flights, hotels and car rental.

This part is more for managing expectations rather than a review. The floating bungalow on the lake is very basic. You’re on a lake after all, surrounded by one of the most ancient rainforests in the world. At least you don’t need to set up your own camp and dig a hole to handle your business right?

At Smiley Bungalows , each unit can sleep up to 3-4 people but the minimum is 2 in each unit. So you may be paired with someone if you’re travelling solo.There is no A/C, but there is a fan in the room. The shower is cold to lukewarm at best.

We found the accommodation to be more than sufficient. The only thing that can be improved is cleanliness. The bed sheets and pillow cases are not changed on a daily basis even though new people arrive every day (we’re only slightly OCD…).

If you’re addicted to the internet, you going to have to detox here as there is no cellphone signal or wi-fi. As internet addicts ourselves, we can tell you that it wasn’t so bad and was actually quite liberating. To conserve electricity, the rooms only have electricity between 6PM and 6AM, but you can charge your phones and cameras at the dining/bar area anytime of the day.

What to Pack for the Khao Sok National Park Tour

• Water shoes/comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy
• Headlamps (if your tour operator doesn’t provide them)
• Costume/bikini/speedo (whatever you fancy)
• A set of dry clothes for the second day
• Mosquito spray
• Leech spray (only necessary when you go during monsoon season)
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap)
• Extra toilet paper
• Dry bag (25 litre is the most versatile size)

We would recommend you pack everything into your dry bag and leave the rest of your luggage at your accommodation’s reception or storage area. Some tour operators will even store your luggage for you. It is important that you only take what you need.

We recommend getting the  Ocean Pack 25 litre dry bag , as it is the most versatile. If you love adventure, particularly ones that involve water, this bag will come very handy for all your future trips.

In Khao Sok town, they cost around 400 Thai Baht (€11) but you can also buy it on Amazon. There are cheaper dry bags, but the quality is not great and won’t last as long as Ocean Pack. We’ve had ours for 9 years and it’s still in perfect condition.

If you don’t want to ruin your trainers, you can rent rubber shoes for the jungle trek for 50 Thai Baht (€1.40) at Smiley Bungalows. They will give you more grip than trainers, so we would recommend you rent these rather than wear your trainers.

We wore our usual  Mares Dive Booties  for the entire hike. They are meant for diving, but we use them for all our water sport activities and even hike with them when the terrain is muddy and slippery. We absolutely love that they are super lightweight, versatile and very resilient. We’ve have had ours for over 6 years and besides a small hole in the front, they work perfectly and are easy to clean.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:

• SafetyWing  (best for everyone)
• AXA  (for US residents)
• Outbacker  (for UK residents)
• Allianz  (for Germany residents)

Khao Sok National Park Itinerary

This was no doubt the highlight of the trip and one that shouldn’t be missed. Your tour operator will take you for a short, long tail boat ride to the start of the hiking trail through the rainforest, to get to the entrance of the cave. It’s a short 3km walk to the entrance of the cave, which was not difficult at all and mostly flat.

When you get to the cave, that’s when the real adventure and fun begins. It was our first experience hiking through a pitch black cave, with only our headlamps to guide us, amongst bats, frogs, spiders and who knows what else (eeek!).

And to add to the adventure, the water in some parts of the cave are over 2 meters deep, which means we had to muster all the doggy paddling skills we had to manoeuvre ourselves through some very narrow sections of the cave.

It was one of the most exhilarating experiences we’ve had to date and we would do it again in a heartbeat!

Early morning wake up at 5:30AM to start your morning safari around the lake. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you’ll get to see the most magnificent sunrise, peeking out between the majestic limestone cliffs.

Thereafter, it’s a 90 minute lake safari tour with the chance of spotting some wildlife. We saw monkeys, a large monitor lizard, a variety of birds and a family of river otters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see gibbons, elephants and cobras that often hang in the tree branches.

A small cave you will visit on your way back to the Ratchaprapha Marina. This cave is dry and much easier to navigate through than Water Cave, but also less exciting. The highlight of this cave is seeing coral rocks that are thousands of years old, spotting snake eggs and even a live snake! Don’t worry, they’ll be long gone by the time your brain figures out what you just saw.

The price of the tour is pretty much standardised but what the type of experience you’ll get will differ. Some tour operators are only able to book the bamboo hut floating bungalows, which has a communal bathroom to share amongst all the units.

Other tour operators will be able to book you into floating bungalows like Smiley’s where you can have a bit more privacy with your own bathroom. With or without bathroom, both tour packages will cost exactly the same. So take your pick based on your personal preference.

We booked our tour at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel  (renamed from Khao Sok Royal Cliff Resort and Spa) where we stayed overnight before going on the Khao Sok Lake Tour.

The price of the tour cost exactly the same as what the tour operators were selling. The difference was that the hotel had kindly arrange to pack toiletries and extra toilet paper for us to take with, so that we didn’t have to buy.

The hotel also kept our luggage safe in their storage room while we were on the Lake Tour so we didn’t have to pay for accommodation we wouldn’t use.

If you would like to stay at the Bamboo Huts, you can book directly with Sunny from Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . When you book with him, he includes the rubber shoes that you can use for the cave as well as a dry bag. He is also an amazing guy to speak to and ask for recommendations on the best places to visit in Thailand.

Besides being super friendly, he is also very honest and will tell you which tours you should or shouldn’t go on, even if it means you don’t book the tour with him.

It was honestly so refreshing to meet and befriend him. Someone who wants travellers to come and enjoy every moment in his home country, rather than just trying to make a quick buck off tourists. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have enjoyed Khao Sok as much as we did and be able to share all these travel tips with you.

We stayed for 4 days and were only able to visit the Monkey Temple (actual name Wat Tham Phanthurat), explore Khao Sok town and do the 2 night, 3 day Khao Sok Lake Tour. If you want to jungle trek in Khao Sok National Park or visit an elephant sanctuary, then you’ll need an extra day or two.

We stayed at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel , which we enjoyed thoroughly. It’s a great option for couples or families as they have a big garden and a lovely pool too.

If you’re travelling alone or looking for a more budget friendly option, check out  Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . It’s very affordable and you get great value for money.

No, but there are mosquitoes, so make sure you get some bug spray. But don’t worry, you’ll get a good night’s rest at the floating bungalows as there are no mosquitoes there.

All the activities on the lake tour are kid friendly except for the water cave. There are several points in the water cave where it is more than a meter deep and the deepest section is around 2 meters deep, so children (and adults) need to be strong swimmers.

The best time of the year to visit Khao Sok is outside the rainy season, between November and April. But with that being said, it may rain even in the dry season since the province receives some of the highest rainfall in Thailand.

You’ll need some luck with the weather because some of the activities are weather dependent, like hiking through the water cave.

If it looks like it will rain or is raining, then that leg of the trip will either have to be cancelled or postponed. No one wants a repeat of the Thai soccer team cave rescue mission (unless you want to sign a deal with Netflix).

We loved every moment in Khao Sok, from its friendly people to its unique, mystical natural scenery. If you’re on an extended trip in Thailand, why not explore more of its beautiful landscapes and other hidden gems? We have a complete  guide on how to get around Thailand  using its extensive public transport system. This is how we got to some of the  most beautiful beaches in Thailand  on the island of Koh Phangan.

If you like a bit more adventure and want to experience some of the most exciting hiking adventures in Thailand, then check out our  3 day itinerary in Krabi . If you’re more of a water baby,  why not scuba dive  around the Similan and Surin Islands? It is voted as one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world.

Make sure to read our  first scuba dive liveaboard experience in Thailand  before chartering on your own adventure.

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On and around the Khao Sok Cheow Laan Lake, for a real experience with a true local guide..

Khao Sok is one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks, with lots of wildlife including hornbill, gibbons, wild elephants, bears and more. Our English-speaking local guide can offer you the best opportunity to see these wild animals and get a unique overview of the environment.

All tours are just for your group - be it a couple, or a family or a bunch of friends – it’s YOUR adventure, we are happy to make it super special just for you…

Cheow Laan Lake borders Khao Sok, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience featuring towering limestone cliffs, breath-taking hiking, original rainforest, wild elephants and ancient cave explorations. A unique travel destination!

No visit to Southern Thailand is complete without a stop off in Khao Sok National Park. We are conveniently located between the travel destinations of Phuket, Krabi, Pang Nga and Koh Samui. 

Off the grid, away from it all ...

Our tours include sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, evening and morning safaris, delicious meals. 

We will take you back to the roots! Away from it all -- and at our lake accommodation -- even totally off the grid. We will take you to beautiful floating bamboo rafthouses surrounded by incredible scenery, or a lake tour with bamboo raft, jungle trekking on foot or even a night in the jungle while sleeping in hammocks and cooking in bamboo. Wildlife spotting is of course part of all our tours. We should see and hear hornbill, monkey, gibbon, sometimes even elephants. But even if you don't, you will see and learn a lot about nature and the Thai local lifestyle.

We also offer specific tours with a focus on getting to know the local lifestyle. Visit a local village, local house, local market, rubber and fruit plantations, weaving, learn to make bamboo toys and more ... Or just book our 3 day / 2 night tour and get a bit of it all!

- English speaking but locally-born guide. - We try to be as eco friendly as possible. Please use refill bottles.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Tours include

Private pick up by minibus (from Khao Sok area)

   Other pickups available – email an enquiry

Private longtail boat

Private local guide 

Tour insurance 

National park fee 

Water, fruit, snacks 

Bamboo raft (Coral Cave)

Spare binoculars

Thai lunch (1 day tour)

Longer trips: Meals (4 for 2 day trips, 7 for 3 day trips)

Room as detailed in tour description

Photographs provided after trip by email

All tours are private – it’s your trip, we are happy to make it special…

Full day tour

All in one day

From B13,692 for 2

2 day 1 night hiking  & wildlife spotting

From B25,592 for 2

Coral cave tour

2 day 1 night

Easy walk, bamboo raft

From B21,924 for 2

Jungle tour

with camping

3 day 2 night

From B34,216 for 2

Wildlife spotting tour

3 days 2 night

From B39,312  for 2

Contact us for private guiding

Birds? Camping? Exploring?

We look forward to hearing from you

Professional Guides

Beautiful Trails

Lifelong Memories

Hear from our explorers

Hello Leam, thank you so much for a fantastic trip, we enjoyed very much. If you can send the pictures of the animals to us we would like that very much :))

Kathrine and Sine

March 26, 2022

More about private tours

• Oct 25, 2023

please check available date on website.

• Sep 30, 2023

Private transfer

• May 16, 2023

what to bring in the raining season

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Khao Sok National Park: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

Water sports, best hikes and trails, where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, tips for your visit, khao sok national park.

Khao Sok National Park in Thailand combines an aquatic and wilderness experience into one expansive park. Covering 285 square miles in Surat Thani Province south of Phuket , the park consists of a 64 square-mile artificial reservoir (Cheow Lan Lake) surrounded by karst cliffs and old-growth jungle.

The Ratchaprapha Dam that created the reservoir was completed in 1982. Prior to the dam’s completion and Khao Sok’s gazetting as a National Park, the area was overrun by Communist rebels, who were able to prevent loggers and miners from stripping the countryside bare. Thankfully free of rebels today, Khao Sok’s jungle and lake represent two different zones in the park, with two different experiences depending on which one you visit.

Visitors to the park must pay an entrance fee of THB 300 (about $9) upon entry. Between the official park activities and arranged itineraries from your Khlong Sok hotel or resort, you can create a Khao Sok to-do list that squeezes the most out of the jungle-covered karst landscape.

From the visitors’ center, you can pitch a tent, explore the jungle trails, and find your way to the park’s waterfalls and caves. From the Ratchaprapha Dam entrance, you can book boat safaris that explore the jungle skirting the lakeshore and the majestic karst cliffs rising from the water. Guided treks through the park can be arranged at the visitors’ center. Beyond the regular daytime treks, you can also arrange a “night safari”, where guides take visitors around well-established short trails after dark. Expect to encounter nocturnal animals like pygmy deer, slow loris, and a glorious chorus of grasshoppers and cicadas.

Private tour companies around Khlong Sok (and the hotels, by extension) can arrange other tours, like visits to the Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary and their four rescue elephants; jungle cooking lessons using rustic materials like bamboo cylinders over glowing charcoal; and cycling tours of the Khao Sok countryside.

lkunl/Getty Images

The Sok River is accessible from the Visitors’ Center. Private tour companies can arrange canoe, rafting or rubber-tubing expeditions down the river, where you can paddle or drift with the current and enjoy the jungle sights and sounds while you float by.

Visitors to Cheow Lan Lake have far more watersports options available to them, and a much more striking backdrop to their activities: the karst cliffs and glowing emerald waters look glorious, particularly when seen from a kayak you’re paddling yourself.

Motorized tourist boats can also take tourists around the lake’s many corners. Regular lake tours make the most of the awesome lake views, while boat safaris hover closer to shore, all the better to spot native wildlife like longtail macaques, great hornbills, or even elephants pausing to take a drink!

Trekkers hitting the hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park will find the experience to be well worth the challenge. And it really is challenging, at least for the longer trails. For instance, the waterfalls are at their most scenic during the rainy season between May and November, and are a major attraction for hikers—but the rains also bring mud and leeches.

Beyond a few marked self-guided trails, the park requires that you hire experienced guides to take you through the longer ones. Guides charge THB 600 (about $18) for a half-day’s hike, and can be hired either at the Visitors’ Center, through private travel companies, or your local hotel.

The trails range from moderate to difficult. Threats from tigers and boa constrictors are rare, but the monkeys can be aggressive to visitors. Bring plenty of drinking water and mosquito repellent.

Wear loose-fitting long pants, long-sleeved hiking shirts , and hiking sandals . Hiking boots will only get wet and very, very heavy along the way.

• Khao Sok Main Trail: The first section of this 2.8-mile trail extends east from the park’s western entrance, skirting the Sok River and going through thick jungle. This part is easy, and can be easily attempted by beginners. That’s not the case once you get past the halfway point, guarded by a ranger station. The trail gets muddier, and more dangerous for the less sure-footed, until the trail’s end at Ton Kloi Waterfall.
• Bang Man Cave Trail: This scenic but challenging trail begins at the Bang Man Village and takes visitors right through a cave at one point. Hikes may be canceled without notice on account of the weather—heavy rains can flood the cave, killing any hikers foolish enough to be stuck inside.
• Orchid Trail: starting at the Main Trail, the three-mile Orchid Trail veers south and crosses the Sok River through parts of the jungle that are overgrown with wild orchids and the Rafflesia, if you go during its blooming season from November to March.
• Sip Et Chan Trail: starting at the park entrance, the Sip Et Chan Trail goes some 2.5 miles north along the Bang Laen River through thick jungle. Birds like bamboo woodpeckers and great hornbills may be spotted by trekkers along the way. The trail ends at the Sip Et Chan Waterfall, an 11-tiered waterfall where you can stop for a picnic before heading back.

Wuttisak Promchoo/Getty Images

The campsite next to the Visitors’ Center sits at the head of two trails into the park, and is the perfect balance of price and location for a full Khao Sok experience. Expect only basic, cold-water shower and toilet facilities and a rudimentary cafe in the premises. Tents, blankets, pillows, sheets and sleeping bags are also available for rent.

Outside the park gates, a few private properties offer camping and glamping experiences with a little more comfort.

• Khai Jungle Experience : located just beyond the park entrance, this campsite offers a choice of tents or bamboo huts, set in the proprietor’s own back yard. Breakfast and dinner are also available, served from the outdoor kitchen. Rates start at THB 250 ($7.50).
• Khaosok Boutique Camps : Just off Highway 401 some six miles from the Visitors’ Center, this camping-style resort provides guests with air-conditioned tents with furnished decks and bathrooms en suite. Its hillside location offers great views of the surrounding landscape. Other onsite facilities include a restaurant, cafe, and outdoor swimming pool. Rates start at around THB 1,800 ($53.50).
• Tanoshi Glamping : Guests stay in large luxury tents with built-in hammocks and terraces overlooking Surat Thani. Located six miles from the park entrance, Tanoshi compensates for the distance with creature comforts and tour packages for trekking and other activities in Khao Sok.

You can choose from two types of park-run accommodations within the park grounds: the basic accommodations around the visitors’ center, and the floating cabins on Cheow Lan Lake. If you’d like to sample the private accommodations outside park limits, you’ll have more to choose from, for as high (or as low) a budget as you can manage.

Most of your accommodation options off the visitors’ center can be found in the nearest town, Khlong Sok. Your budget options (hostel beds or private rooms at budget hotels) can go for as low as THB 300 in Khlong Sok. The more you can afford to pay, the more varied (and more comfortable) your options: from bamboo huts to treehouses to luxury villas.

All Khlong Sok accommodations provide access to paid tours, car and driver packages, and boat trips to the lake.

• Anurak Community Lodge : Don’t expect hotel-style comforts like a swimming pool or in-room TV. Instead, Anurak Community Lodge promises closeness to nature through stilted bungalows nestled close to the jungle. Prices start at THB 1,800 baht ($53.50) a night.
• Baan Khao Sok Resort : This family-owned resort is a comfortable budget-boutique hotel in Khlong Sok, with garden bungalows and treehouses starting at THB 1,500 ($44.50) a night.
• Montania Lifestyle Hotel : The establishment’s Thai-style villas and swimming pool overlooking the valley are among the Montania’s top draws: a great example of the kind of inexpensive luxury you can expect in Khlong Sok. Prices start at THB 1,800 baht ($53.50) a night.

Visitors to Cheow Lan Lake can stay on the waters, by booking a floating bungalow from either the Park or from private rafthouses. When you stay on a floating bungalow, you can take in the waters as you please: dive into the lake right from your bungalow; go kayaking; or enjoy the gorgous karst backdrop.

• Nang Prai : This is Cheow Lan’s most popular park-run rafthouse, due to its central lake location and views of the karst cliffs that have granted it the nickname “Little Guilin”. Basic accommodations, but you can’t beat the view.
• Khlong Kha : Set at the southernmost part of Cheow Lan Lake, Klong Ka is another park-run rafthouse with basic but scenic bamboo bungalows. Modern-style rooms are available, but are often booked long in advance.
• Keeree Warin Deluxe Floating Villas : like Krai Son, Keeeree Warin enjoys the wildlife-driven advantages of its Klong Yee location; unlike the park-run rafthouses, this private establishment offers two-storey deluxe floating bungalows and electricity that doesn’t cut out late at night!
• 500 Rai Floating Resort : this privately-owned rafthouse offers both “family” and “honeymoon” floating villas on Klong Long on the western end of Cheow Lan Lake. Their bigger villas are recommended for larger groups, and those with extra money to pay for creature comforts like air-conditioning, hot showers, and wooden finishes.

Chakkraphong Jinthawet/Getty Images

There are two entrances into Khao Sok National Park, separated by some 30 miles in between. The western entrance leads into the park headquarters from Khlong Sok. The eastern entrance goes to the Ratchaprapha Pier, where you can book rafthouse stays and boat safaris on Cheow Lan Lake.

The nearest airport to Khao Sok is Surat Thani Airport (IATA: URT). The Park entrance is also accessible by bus services from Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani town. Public transport will only drop you off at the Park entrance and the on Highway 401; walk 1.2 miles to the Visitors’ Center once you disembark. To get to Ratchaprapha Pier, you can take a minibus from Surat Thani Airport, or hire a car and driver to take you there.

If you’ve pre-booked a stay at one of the hotels or resorts in the area, arrange a private pickup from the airport or any of the towns along the highway (Khlong Sok or Ban Ta Khun, the stop along Highway 401 to Ratchaprapha Pier).

• Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s wettest areas, receiving record amounts of rainfall during the rainy season between May and November. The rain will determine the kind of activities you can do when you visit: activities like jungle camping and caving at Nam Talu will be banned in the rainy season. On the other hand, higher water volume and swifter currents make Sok River canoeing or tubing more fun during the rainy season.
• Khao Sok’s caves can be visited through the park’s guided trails, but require some physical strength and agility to enjoy. Some caves are easy to explore, like the Pakaran Cave; Nam Talu Cave, on the other hand, requires wearing head torches and wading through an underground stream.
• Some floating bungalows are run by the Park management. These offer little beyond the basics: mattresses on the floor, cold-water bathrooms, and electricity that cuts off at 10 p.m. Park-run bungalows can only be booked within two days in advance.
• Large animals can usually be spotted along the lakeside during early mornings (no later than 7 a.m.) or before sunset. 

Hiking Project. " Khao Sok Main Trail. " 2019

Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, " Khao Sok Park Cave Hike ," 2015

Hiking Project. "Orchid Trail." 2019

Hiking Project. " Sip Et Chan Trail. " 2019

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Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Khao Sok National Park

From what to pack and details about the accommodation, to the amazing activities on offer, read this before visiting Khao Sok National Park, Thailand. 

If you want to take in Thailand’s raw beauty, then a trip to Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list. With epic limestone cliffs, a bright emerald lake and a chance to get up close to wildlife, our time in Khao Sok was the highlight of our trip to Thailand. 

In all honesty, we had several dilemmas about whether to visit Khao Sok National Park on our recent holiday. We were only in Thailand for just over two weeks, and from our research it seemed like Khao Sok was awkward to get to. To really soak it up we’d need two or three days there, with some big travel days at either end. We wondered whether it was worth it, or whether we should skip it and enjoy our trip at a slower pace.

So what happened? Well… we went for it! The adventure won, and what an incredible adventure it turned out to be! I’m SOOOOOO happy we visited. Khao Sok is genuinely one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been on my travels. The colours, the landscapes, the rawness – it’s a very special place. It reminded me a little of another favourite – Raja Ampat (a.k.a Indonesia’s secret paradise!)

When we were researching our trip, we had lots of questions and while there are lots of great posts around, I couldn’t find one that covered absolutely everything. So, that’s what I’ve attempted to do. I really hope you find this Khao Sok travel guide helpful. As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment at the bottom of the post or send me an email. 

The Ultimate Guide To Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

How to get to khao sok national park.

The majority of people travel by minibus to the town of Khlong Sok. The small town has several guesthouses and hotels, perfect for travellers keen to explore the region. After spending a few days in Ao Nang, we booked onto a bus from Krabi, while others reached the area from Khao Lak or Surat Thani – the closest airport to Khao Sok National Park.

A week before arriving in Khlong Sok, we contacted our hotel to check there was availability for on the 2 day/1 night tour of Khao Sok. We reserved two spots and then paid on arrival. We knew the tour included a few boat trips, accommodation and meals, but there was a lack of detailed information on what to expect.

If you’d prefer to book your trip in advance, I’d recommend this Khao Sok tour which is available via GetYourGuide.

Information About The 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of Khao Sok National Park

The two day / one night tour is the most popular option for visitors wanting to explore Khao Sok National Park. It felt like the perfect amount of time to soak up what the park has to offer. It gives you the freedom to immerse yourself in the impressive scenery, enjoy a few activities and stay overnight in a floating bungalow. You can do day tours to Khao Sok, but I feel like you’d be missing a lot! 

How much does the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park cost?

We booked the tour through our hotel in Khlong Sok. We researched a few options online, but as the rate seemed to be standard across all of the tour operators, we decided it’d be nice to support our hotel. That way, we could also chat to them to confirm all of the key information once we’d checked in. 

The Khao Sok tour includes all transport (bus from Khlong Sok and the boat over the lake), lunch and dinner on the first day, plus breakfast and a snack lunch on the second day. It also includes one night’s accommodation in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. In terms of activities it includes a few boat and cave tours while in the national park.

There’s usually a charge of 300 THB per person to enter Khao Sok National Park. This was included in our tour price, but this wasn’t the case for everyone in our group, so it’s something worth checking when you book.

Obviously, if you do decide to book in advance via GetYourGuide, you can check the prices of the tours here .

What is the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park ?

I should probably add a disclaimer here, that not all tours will be exactly the same, and where you visit and the accommodation your stay in will depend on your tour operator. However, from my pre-trip research, most of the trips sounded pretty similar to one another.

As a guide, here’s how our tour was structured:

Day 1 – Khao Sok National Park Tour Schedule

Morning: Pickups from Khlong Sok village. One hour drive to Ban Ta Khun.

Stop in Ban Ta Khun market area where you can buy items including snacks, drinks, waterproof bags, head torches and sandals. We were told it would be a good idea to stock up on snacks if you get hungry often, or spirits if you don’t drink beer (as that’s all that’s available for sale at the floating bungalows).

Short drive Ratchaprapa Dam for Cheow Lan pier, then board a boat to the floating bungalows. The boat trip accommodation took around 45 minutes.

Check into accommodation and then enjoy a group lunch in the main restaurant area. Food throughout the trip was great and included curries, fish, rice and vegetables.

Afternoon: 5 minute boat trip to the start of the jungle / cave hike.

2-3 hours hike through the jungle to Nam Talu Cave. Then an adventure through the cave (more on that below!) and then back to the boats.

Relax time at the floating bungalows before the night safari and dinner, with options of swimming and kayaking

Night safari to see wildlife and landscapes

Evening: Group dinner – again more great curry and fish, followed by drinks (optional!) and bed.

Day 2 – Khao Sok National Park Tour Schedule

Morning: Early morning boat trip

Breakfast – pancakes, fruit and coffee

Relax time before checkout with options of swimming and kayaking

Boat trip to Pra Kay Petch Cave to see stalagmites and stalagtites

Boat trip to see the scenery of Cheow Lan Lake including a stop at the three limestone hills (iconic view!)

Stop off at a beach on the lake for a picnic lunch of rice packs and fresh fruit before heading back to the pier and catching a transfer back to Khlong Sok village.

Who books the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park ?

I loved how mixed the group was for our trip to Khao Sok. Our tour group consisted of 22 people, aged between 21 – 65. There were a mix of nationalities too, including English, Dutch, Australian, German, Russian and Ukrainian. We were travelling as a couple, but there were small groups of friends, a few other couples and a mother and daughter. The tour guide gave all instructions in English.

Tell me more about the activities on the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour of  Khao Sok National Park…

In addition to the boat trips to get to and from our accommodation, our tour included two cave tours and two boat trips.

Nam Talu Cave Hike

The hike to the entrance of Nam Talu Cave took around an hour, and involved walking along paths carved through bamboo forests, and crossing several streams and rivers. The route is very pretty, and it wasn’t long before I felt fully immersed in the nature of the national park.

At the entrance of Nam Talu Cave, we were equipped with head torches, and everyone packed essential items into dry bags. The cave is 850m long, and the route through is a dark, wet one! We spotted bats, frogs and spiders along the journey.

While you don’t need to be at peak fitness levels, you do need to be open to adventures and happy to clamber, walk and swim! If you’re claustrophobic, scared of the dark or not confident in the water, I’d avoid this element of the trip. I wore a bikini and water shoes for the cave trek (more on what to pack below), as it was really wet!

It took around one hour to reach the other end of the cave, and although I found it challenging and a little scary at times, it was one of those rewarding travel experiences that I’m SO happy I did!

Pra Kay Petch Cave 

On day two we visited Pra Kay Petch Cave. This was a much more relaxed adventure. It took just 15 minutes to walk through the cave, and inside were a beautiful array of stalagmites and stalactites.

Boat Safaris In Khao Sok National Park

We went on two longtail boat safaris – in the evening of the first day, and early morning the next day. They were described as safaris as there was a chance we’d see some incredible wildlife. We did! There were lots of monkeys playing by the shore, plus we saw a few beavers and plenty of birds. I wouldn’t say it’s the most wildlife-rich place I’ve ever been, but it’s always amazing to see animals in their natural habitats.

Other activities in Khao Sok National Park

No matter where you’re staying, you can enjoy regular jumps into the lake, along with plenty of swimming and kayaking. It was definitely a refreshing way to wake up and a wonderful way to take in the landscapes.

If you don’t fancy the longer trip, you can also book day trips like this one to Khao Sok , which include a bit of time kayaking.

Khao Sok National Park Packing List : Useful Items

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Khao Sok National Park, then the best thing to do is decant your essentials into an overnight bag, and store your main backpack or suitcase at your hotel in Khlong Sok.

In addition to basics like clothes and toiletries, here are a few items I’d recommend packing if possible:

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one . If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this , that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen , which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here . 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy in Khao Sok. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum . 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun . It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Check the forecast before you go. There are occasionally sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack . It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle   – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the  Chilly’s water bottles . I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality!

Power bank – I’d 100% recommend taking a portable battery pack with you as charging anything here is difficult! I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment , which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges multiple items at once, using plugs or USB and can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets! You probably won’t be able to charge items in Khao Sok if you’re in a basic bungalow, but I’d still recommend one for your time in Thailand.

Dry bag – For this trip I bought a dry bag like this . It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. It was especially useful for the cave trip! These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

Water shoes – These are essential for the cave trip, but you can hire them at the accommodation or buy in the market if you don’t want to get them in advance.

Head torch  – also available to hire or borrow in Khao Sok.

Padlock – the doors of the bungalows didn’t lock, so bring a padlock if you’re nervous about leaving any of your belongings unattended.

I’d also recommend charging everything before your trip e.g. camera batteries, kindle, phone.

Do you want to hear something funny about our trip? As we were heading to Surat Thani Airport straight after our tour, we arranged with the tour guides that we’d take all of our luggage on the trip, rather than decanting down to an overnight bag for the tour as most people do. There was a big misunderstanding, and when we arrived at the pier on the lake, we discovered our suitcases had been put in the tour operator’s office overnight. They thought we wanted them to take care of them! So we arrived at the floating bungalows without any essentials. No toothpaste, no change of clothes… just cameras, suncream, phones and what we were wearing! We managed, but it wasn’t ideal as you can imagine. If you’re planning to arrange something similar – check everyone understands the plan.

What are the floating bungalows like in Khao Sok National Park?

So here’s where my experience might vary from what you find. As we booked via our hotel in Khlong Sok, we didn’t know which raft house we’d be taken to on the Cheow Lan Lake. To be honest, I was expecting to rough it for a night in pretty basic accommodation, but I was a little surprised by just HOW basic it was.

Our bungalow had one big double mattress on the floor, with a mosquito net over it… and that was it. There were a couple of sheets, and a light outside, but that was it. It didn’t lock (hence why I mention a padlock might be useful if you’re worried about the security of any of your belongings). There was no fan, but we managed to sleep ok as the temperatures were more comfortable by the evening.

The bathroom situation was a little tricky too. There were two on either side of the site, but to reach them you had to walk across floating planks and then clamber up the side of a hill. There were toilets and showers there, but water was cold. However, the food in the restaurant was flavoursome and plentiful. 

Some of the photos I saw of the accommodation on similar tours looked a little bit less basic, so take that into consideration. To be honest, I really didn’t mind any of it as it was only for one night, and the overall experience was totally incredible, so please don’t let what I’ve said put you off. Just lower your expectations for the accommodation!

There are a few luxurious options on the lake, if you’re looking for somewhere with a few more amenities. 

Luxury places to stay in Khao Sok National Park (Cheow Lan Lake): 

500 Rai Floating Resort – The smartest option on the lake, rooms here come with AC and en-suite bathrooms. Some have outdoor jacuzzis, plus there’s a pool and restaurants on site. 

Panvaree Resort – Rooms here have proper beds, balconies, terraces, en-suite bathrooms, plus a TV and fridge. 

Overall thoughts on the two day / one night tour of Khao Sok National Park

WOW, wow and wow!! I think the photos speak for themselves, but this is such a stunning area of natural beauty – you just HAVE to visit if you get the chance. It’s not the easiest place to get to, it’s not the most luxurious of experiences, but as soon as you get there, you’ll realise you made the right decision. I absolutely loved it!

While some of my blog content is sponsored, our trip to Thailand was a holiday, and 100% funded by us! I’ve written about this experience because I felt so passionately about sharing it – I just couldn’t keep it to myself. Any questions, please leave them in the comments below or send me an email. 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

13 thoughts on “Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Khao Sok National Park”

Hi can you let me know from where did you book the package.? can you share me the link or name of the tour operator I am planning to visit Khao Sok in Feb 2020 will be staying at Ao Nang so also help me in way yo reach the village from Ao Nang

Hi there – I booked through Green Valley Resort where I was staying!

Thanks so much for this great post! So informative. I’ve been trying to figure out for the Nam Talu Cave tour if it’s possible for someone who doesn’t’ swim to go part of the way. How far along on the route is the area where someone would need to swim? And would it be ok if they stayed back while other people went ahead? Or do you think they could get across with a life vest? Thanks so much for any insights!

Thanks Monica! I wouldn’t risk going on it if you or someone in your party can’t swim. Water levels may vary a bit throughout the year but there was a little bit of swimming when I went, and I just worry that you wouldn’t enjoy it if you were worrying about it! I’m not totally sure if there’s an option to wear a life vest instead. A few of our group were claustraphobic or couldn’t swim, so stayed in the jungle area outside the cave. Personally, I’d skip the excursion in favour of some kayaking or something else, as it’s a longish activity to be waiting around for people, esp in a mozzie filled jungle!

Love your post and thank you, we want to do the same trip but we are staying in ao nang, and we’re looking to book the trip from here. As far as you are aware is it the same 2 day 1 night tour but we will just get the bus from (and back) to our ao nang hotel ? Kind regards Debra

Hi Debra, Thanks for your message! I actually started in Ao Nang, but it’s quite a long way to get to the nearest village to Khao Sok where the tours start from. After quite a bit of research we discovered the best option was to get a minibus to Khlong Sok, then start the 2 day / 1 night tour from there the next day. Ao Nang is pretty far so I don’t think it’d be easy to do in a shorter timeframe. Hope that helps – it’s worth the effort!

Thanks for the informative post! Just wondering a few things. What time did your tour end at on the second day? I’m just wondering if you stayed another night, or did you leave the same day for Surat Thani? We’re hoping to head to Ko Samui the same day, or is that too much travel do you think? Also, did you just book the tour with the hotel when you arrived?

Thanks a million, Maríosa

Hi Mariosa – hope I’m not too late replying. Our tour ended after lunchtime on the 2nd day. We got dropped in a nearby town to catch a bus, but most people headed back to the village where we started the tour from. I think it’s a lot to think about and plan, but it’s definitely possible to do back to back journeys. Just check all the times in advance as best you can. We booked the tour with the hotel before we arrived (via email) and then paid when we checked in. Hope that helps! Genuinely one of my fave places in the world so don’t miss it!

Hi, are there any ways I can book like this trip not with the Resort you were in? I’m just a backpacker. Thanks❤️

It’s best to go on a tour as the transport part can be tricky otherwise. You can try to arrange directly with one of the accommodations on the lake. They can then organise transport to pick you up.

Hello there, I know it’s 2023 but I was wondering if you could answer a question. If I wanted to stay three nights in Khlong Sok village and Khao Sok national park (one stop on my backpacking journey), should I book three nights at the hotel, and then book a 2D/1N tour OR should I book one night at a hotel, book the tour (which is one night) and then book another night back in Khlong Sok village. Basically what I’m trying to say is, is the your included in your ‘three night’ stay at the hotel, or are they separate I guess? – I’m very sorry if this is too confusing to understand, I’m just trying to budget as best as possible.

Also, whenever I seem to try and find hotels/places to stay around Khlong Sok village on google, all that comes up is Khoa Sok National Park accommodations in the lake. Is there a way around this, or do I need to just be more specific with my searches.

Thank you so much,

Hi Nye, Thanks for your message. I’m not sure I totally understand but when we visited we booked a hotel in Khlong Sok, then went on the 2D/1N tour as a separate arrangement. It wasn’t one of the nights included in the tour. If you’re struggling to find accommodation I’d recommend using Booking.com and dragging around the map to find Khlong Sok. Sometimes places don’t come up on their own, but you should be able to find it. I hope that helps! Chloe

I completely understand your question and wondering if you did end up booking 3nights or 1 night then tour then 1 night again? I’m in the process of planning my own trip.

Also thankyou for this post Chloe, very informative.

Cheers, Emily

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• 13 January 2024

Your ultimate Khao Sok Travel Guide – Overnight tour to the lake

Thailand highlight: your ultimate khao sok travel guide including the overnight tour to the lake.

Khao Sok National Park was the highlight of my Thailand itinerary. Before travelling to Thailand, Khao Sok National Park was high on my list, especially the overnight tour towards Cheow Larn Lake. Located in southern Thailand, on the mainland, this beautiful destination offers a lush scenery. Next to the beautiful lake, for which you will probably visit Khao Sok National Park, the town is also surprisingly nice to stay. In this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ll explain everything you want to know about your stay and overnight tour. 

How to get to Khao Sok?

From koh tao, koh phangan or koh samui to khao sok:.

Fortunately, travelling from the islands on the east coast of Thailand to Khao Sok is relatively easy. Multiple boats are departing towards Surat Thani, the main connection on the mainland. I took the 7:00 am speedboat in the morning from Koh Tao , which also stops in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. With this boat, I arrived in Khao Sok at 12:30 pm. The boat to Surat Thani takes between 3 hours (Koh Tao) and 1,5 hours (Koh Samui). It is possible to book your bus combined with your boat ticket at Lomprayah. Busses will wait for you upon arrival of the ferry and you will be directed to the right bus. You can book tickets at many tour offices on the islands, or pre-book your ticket online on 12go.asia .

From Pai , Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Khao Sok:

When you are travelling from or to either northern Thailand or Bangkok, the easiest option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport. From the airport, it is only a 1.5-hour drive to Khao Sok. Unfortunately, it is not possible to pre-book the minivan online on 12go.asia. However, it is possible to heat to the stand of Phantip Travel at the airport upon arrival (you need to arrive before 16:15). A bus ticket costs 300 baht including drop-off at your hotel. In high season this service might not be running, which leaves you to take a taxi (there is a taxi service available at the airport).

From Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Krabi to Khao Sok:

From Koh Phi Phi, you can book a boat + bus combination to Khao Sok. The boat is leaving at 9 am and there is only one daily connection including the bus. Therefore, make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially in high season. From both Phuket and Krabi, busses/vans are running multiple times a day, lasting around 4 hours.

How many days in Khao Sok?

Most tourists visit Khao Sok because of the overnight lake tour. Most tours start in the main town, where you can find accommodation and plenty of restaurants and bars. Because many tours leave in the morning, around 9 am, it is best to spend the night before in Khao Sok. Next to that, if you arrive in the afternoon, you also have the chance to do another afternoon or evening tour in the National Park. However, I think a 2-day/1-night tour of the lake is sufficient. 

Nevertheless, if you want to wind down and spend an additional day remotely, it is possible to book a 3-night/2-day tour. Also, it is possible to continue your journey to the next destination after the tour, as you arrive between 13:30 and 14:30 back at your accommodation. However, if you have the time, I advise spending another day in Khao Sok and continuing your journey the next morning to not stress about making your transfers.

Overnight cheow Larn Lake Tour from Khao Sok

|| where to book your overnight lake tour.

You can book the overnight lake tour at almost every accommodation in Khao Sok. Most accommodations don’t require prior booking, so you can book the tour upon arrival at your hotel or hostel. When I asked my hotel whether I could book in advance, they mentioned that only booking at the accommodation was possible. Therefore, no stress, it is always possible to join a tour. 

Nevertheless, reach out in advance, i f there is a specific tour you want to join,   . For example, the Smiley tour is popular with the younger crowd. Bear in mind, that all tours are advertised the same way, however, it depends on the accommodation what type of hut you will be staying in and what the exact tour looks like. At the end of this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve also placed an overview of the best places to stay in Khao Sok.

Also, in this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve described my experiences with the tour. This tour was booked with Tree Tops River Huts and executed by Khao Sok Happy Tour (the tour office is next to the bus stop). 

|| What does the overnight lake tour look like?

As mentioned, almost all overnight lake tours that you can book are pretty similar. The itinerary looks as follows:

Day 1: – Pick up around 09:00 – Drive towards the long tail boat departure point. The drive will be approximately 1 hour. On the way, you stop at a small village with a local market and 7/11 to stock up on snacks and drinks. Also, at most accommodations, you can buy some crisps, sodas and beer – Buy the national park and pier ticket and board the long-tail boat together with your guide – Arrival at the bungalows where you will stay the night and lunch – Free time to swim or canoe  – Afternoon safari where you will board the long-tail boat again. The activity depends on the weather and the tour, but on most occasions, you will visit one of the caves or do a short hike and visit a waterfall.  – Time to relax and have dinner at the bungalow, potentially followed by some drinks with your fellow travellers

Day 2:  – Morning safari at 6:00 or 6:30 to try to find some animals. Get up early so you can also watch the beautiful sunset on the lake!  – Breakfast at the bungalow  – Some more time to relax, swim or canoe and pack your bags – Long-tail boat back to the ‘harbour’  – Drive back to Khao Sok with some lunch on the way and a quick stop at the viewpoint

|| What to expect of the bungalows

If you book the standard tour (most of the time this costs 2500 baht), you will sleep in basic bungalows. However, there are also more luxury experiences available by booking the luxury tour option or booking a night at one of the overnight bungalows that can be booked through, for example, Booking.com.

However, for me, part of the charm of visiting the lake was staying in a more remote place for a night. I had a small bungalow, with two mattresses on the ground and a little ‘balcony’. There is no toilet or shower in the bungalow. However, on both sides of the accommodation, there is a shared toilet including a shower. As we were staying on the lake for 1 night only, most visitors chose to shower back in their accommodation in Khao Sok. Also, at the shared area lunch and dinner are served and snacks and drinks can be bought. 

Be aware that the bungalows are floating on the water, and therefore you have to be careful walking around.

|| What to pack for the overnight lake tour from KHao Sok

A full Khao Sok Travel Guide should also give some directions on what to bring during your tour. As you will board a long-tail board and sleep in a small bungalow, they expect you to only bring a day-pack. If you book your tour at your accommodation in Khao Sok, they are happy to store your luggage. If you book directly with a tour operator, you can leave your luggage there. 

In my day pack I brought the following:  – Camera  – E-reader – (Head)torch – Bikini – Sunscreen – Set of clean underwear – Rain jacket – Microfiber towel – Long legging – Slippers / Sneakers – Extra pair of clothing – Mosquito spray – Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up wipes, contact lens kit,  – Dry bag/rain cover for your daypack

It is possible to charge your phone in the main area at the beginning of the evening. In that case, don’t forget your phone charger. Alternatively, you can take a power bank or limit the use of your phone ;). There is no wifi at the bungalows and not all providers have coverage at the lake. 

|| Why visit khao Sok and the Cheow Larn Lake

The pictures in this Khao Sok Travel Guide already show all reasons why you can’t miss out on the Khao Sok Lake tour, when in Thailand. The lake and its bamboo bungalows are a unique experience and a great way to escape the busy cities. Next to that, it is a jungle, so you can spot different types of animals during your boat safari, such as gibbons and elephants. Lastly, it is a unique experience to wake up on a quiet lake while watching the impressive sunrise.

|| Costs of the overnight lake tour

Most tour providers offer an all-inclusive fee for the 2-days/1-night Cheow Larn Lake Khao Sok overnight lake tour. When researching the tour, I felt that everyone offered the tour for the same price of 2500 baht (around €75). Next to that, there is a single surcharge of  1200 baht , however, when I booked the tour no one asked and I was lucky enough to be placed in a bungalow by myself. 

Next to the tour costs, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to the park as well as a small fee to be able to use the pier with the long-tail boat. The additional costs at the entry of the park are 240 baht per person. Lastly, you have to pay for drinks (besides) water yourself. At our lake resort, a Chang beer cost 80 baht. 

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Khao Sok

I have to admit that I was positively surprised when arriving in Khao Sok (village). Firstly, I had no clue what to expect, except for knowing the main town equals one large street. Nevertheless, in my mind, it was less modern than it turned out to be. Next to some decent Thai restaurants, there are fun bars with happy hour and a couple of great coffee bars. Therefore, I also recommend staying in Khao Sok village before and after your tour, instead of travelling to for example Surat Thani.

|| The Best Restaurants in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe – A backpacker favourite and a great place for a drink, a relaxed afternoon and some dinner. 

2. Pawn’s restaurant – One of the best Thai restaurants in Khao Sok and popular with travellers. Their curries are great.

3. Ciao Pizzeria – If you want to enjoy some non-Thai food, Ciao Pizzaria is a great place to go. They also have some nets to chill next to the restaurant. I was positively surprised by the quality of the pizza.

4. Low Budget Youth Restaurant  – Unfortunately the cook was sick and the restaurant was closed during my time in Khao Sok. Nevertheless, this restaurant receives high ratings and is also popular with backpackers.

|| The best (coffee)Bars in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe  – I have to start with Black Stone Cafe again. They have a happy hour with cocktails and it is the perfect place to spend your afternoon with a book or have a drink in the evening.

2. Hungcup Slow Bar  – This coffee bar is located next to the famous Coco Hostel and offers good coffee and breakfast.

3. Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok  – The same coffee bar chain as Hungcup but this coffee bar is located at the end of the main street. The waffles are amazing.

4. Chill out bar  – Also this bar was closed during my time in Khao Sok, however, with so many good reviews it is worth giving a try.

5. The Heaven Bar  – An extensive cocktail and happy hour list, 2 floors and the opportunity to relax on the bean bags next to the water. 

6. Jumanji Bar  – This bar is a late-night bar in Khao Sok and mainly gets active in the high season. If you want to have some late-night drinks, this is the best place to try.

- The best places to stay in Khao sOK -

Tree tops river huts - value for money.

During my stay in Khao Sok, I stayed at Tree Tops River Huts . Especially their riverside bungalows are a real treat as you are near the national park. At dawn, you see plenty of monkeys running around your bungalow. Also, they have a swimming pool and breakfast is included. The price of a bungalow starts at around €30 a night.

Khao Sok Palmview Resort - Local vibe

One of the best-rated accommodations in Khao Sok is the Khao Sok Palmview Resort. This is a charming and peaceful resort, with all the facilities you might need during your stay and very helpful staff. The price of a cottage starts from €17 a night.

Malulee Khao Sok Resort - Great tours

If you have a little bit more to spend, the Malulee Khao Sok Resort is a great option. I especially have heard great stories on the tour that was booked through the Malulee Resort. There is an on-site swimming pool available and bungalows start from €70 a night.

Tanoshi Glamping - Unique Experience

If you are looking for a special experience that is slightly off the beaten track, then a night in Tanoshi Glamping is exactly what you are looking for. You will sleep in a glamping tent while having the opportunity to relax with great views and some tents also offer a luxury bath. A special experience you can get starting from €90 a night.

Coco Hostel - Budget

The most popular hostel for backpackers and budget travellers in Khao Sok is Coco Hostel . All rooms have a balcony and the beds have curtains for more privacy. Also, the bakery next to the hostel is great. A bed in a dorm room starts from €8. 

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Complete travel guide to Khao Sok National Park

• February 13, 2023

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Khao Sok National Park is a breathtaking destination in Thailand, known for its natural beauty and abundance of flora and fauna. Khao Sok is without a doubt the most beautiful national park we visited in Thailand. In the park you will find Khao Sok lake which is surrounded by huge rock formations of up to 900 meters high and ancient jungle making it a stunning place to visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Khao Sok National Park, there are several things you should know. For example, how many days in Khao Sok are required and how to get to Khao Sok National Park. Exploring the park itself can be done either by boat or on foot. There are diverse activities available to enjoy such as swimming in Khao Sok Lake and spotting exotic wildlife from the jungle.

When visiting Khao Sok National Park, prepare yourself by following our Khao Sok National park itinerary. This article provides you with all you need to know about Khao Sok. Discover our best tips and find out why this was the highlight of our Thailand trip!

Is Khao Sok National Park worth visiting

Khao Sok National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Thailand. Not only is it home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, but it also offers an abundance of flora and fauna. A highlight of a visit to Khao Sok is seeing gibbons high in the trees in their natural environment, as well as other animals such as elephants and snakes.

The park consists of two parts – Khlong Sok village at one entrance and Cheow Larn Lake (also called Khao Sok Lake) at the other, both offering spectacular views and experiences. At Khlong Sok, you will find the headquarter of the park, which is also where many visitors arrive by bus.

Cheow Larn Lake is where you can stay in a bungalow on the lake for an unforgettable experience.

From hiking through the jungle to visiting different caves filled with spiders and snakes inhabiting them, swimming through caves, kayaking on Khao Sok lake, or even going on safari – whatever your choice might be, it’s all possible at this stunning National Park and therefore is Khao Sok worth it to visit.

Where is Khao Sok National Park located?

Khao Sok National Park is located in the south of Thailand in the province of Phang Nga and is easily accessible from popular travel destinations such as Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket.

The great thing about Khao Sok National Park is that it is not visited by a lot of tourists compared to the surrounding destinations. Many travelers come to Thailand to enjoy the coast. In this park you can do something different, making it an awesome place during your trip through Thailand.

Tip: Use the map below to see where the best things in Khao Sok National Park are located. Click on the top right corner to enlarge the map. If you click on the star symbol next to the title, you can save this map to your Google Maps account. You can show or hide different categories on the map. You can use this map to navigate when you are in Khao Sok National Park.

Things to do in Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park is very large, with many parts you cannot visit because this is a protected nature reserve. One part that can be visited is Khao Sok Lake and the area around it. Read below our 3 recommended activities that you can do in Khao Sok National Park.

Khao Sok National Park tour at Khao Sok lake

A Khao Sok National Park tour offers the chance to explore Khao Sok Lake which is the best area to discover in Khao Sok. It is one of the few places in the world where mammals live in an untouched environment, making it a true natural marvel.

This lake is visited as part of a guided tour, as it is simply not possible to do it yourself. During your journey, you will cruise, hike and kayak through different regions of the lake, discover caves, relax on boat rides, and even go on a safari in the early hours of the morning. Make sure you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity – important to book the Khao Sok National Park tour as early as possible to safeguard a spot.

The Khao Sok National Park tour starts with a pickup and travels to the park entrance before boarding a speedboat that will take you to the stunning bungalows on Lake Khao Sok. Take in stunning sights like the Nam Ta Lu cave and stop at Chiew Larn and Khao Sam Klur as you cruise along.

When you arrive at the accommodation you start with a hike in the jungle and getting a chance to see monkeys, snakes, and insects. In the evening you have the time to enjoy traditional Thai food.

The next morning enjoy the best morning view you’ve ever had – a fog-covered lake surrounded by high mountains – then set off for a boat safari where you can spot gibbons, hornbills, monkeys, elephants, bulls, and wild birds. Don’t forget your binoculars! After this activity, the tour is finished.

Delight in a memorable 2-day or 3-day tour of Khao Sok National Park; while the three-day tour offers more free time it is often twice as expensive. We recommend booking the 2-day tour. If you know the dates when you will be in Khao Sok, it is recommended to buy your tickets already to secure a spot. Check actual prices and availability here .

Follow a kayak tour in Khao Sok

A kayak safari down the River Sok offers a unique and relaxing way to start your visit to Khao Sok National Park. As you float down the river, take in the huge limestone rock formations and lush rainforest. If you’re lucky, you may even catch glimpses of monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife like elephants, bears, and buffalo.

The tour is guided by an experienced guide who can help you find the best route through the water as well as provide interesting facts about the area. He will also help you spot animals before you do. A kayak safari is only possible through a tour, you cannot do this independently. Book a ticket for a kayak trip here .

Hiking in Khao Sok National Park

Hiking in Khao Sok National Park is in one word amazing. You walk through the untouched rainforest and are always surprised by the breathtaking views. The plants and animals you encounter along the way make it one of the best activities to do.

If you stay in Khlong Sok, this is the village that is next to the main entrance, you can easily start the hike. You can do this independently, go to the main entrance and buy a map on the spot on which different walking routes are indicated. Ask locally which route is most suitable at that time, this can vary due to weather conditions because you cannot walk some routes if it has rained a lot, for example.

If you do not feel confident enough to do this on your own or would like to have a guide with you while hiking, it is recommended to follow this tour . The big advantage is that a local person knows what to look out for and what the dangers are in certain places. The chance of seeing wild animals is also better than if you do it independently.

Both options are fine, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you want to do trekking with a guide, we recommend a tour. In half a day you will visit the Bang Hua Rad and Wing Hin waterfalls. These waterfalls are green in color which is special to see. Check actual prices and availability for the trekking tour here .

Khao Sok how many days?

How many days in Khao Sok you need depends on your personal preference, but we recommend 3 days. You need to book 1 or 2 nights in the village of Khlong Sok. Our recommended Khao Sok National Park itinerary below provides more clarity:

• Night day 1: stay at Khaosok Riverside Cottages of Art’s Riverview Lodge
• Night day 2: included in the tour (not necessary to book anything)
• Option I: stay again in Khaosok Riverside Cottages or Art’s Riverview Lodge
• Option II: travel by night bus to the next destination such as Bangkok (so you don’t have to book an overnight stay at an accommodation)

As you can see in the overview above, on the 3rd day you have the choice to stay another night in the village of Khlong Sok or take a night bus to the next destination. Staying in Khlong Sok after two intensive days gives you some time to relax, whereas taking the night bus allows you to reach your new location faster. It all depends on your schedule and personal preference – choose the option that makes sense for you!

Are you also looking for a Thailand itinerary ? Read more here.

Where to stay in Khao Sok National Park?

We recommend staying in the village of Khlong Sok, which is located next to the main entrance of Khao Sok National Park. There are a couple of accommodations to choose from in this small village.

We recommend Khaosok Riverside Cottages and Art’s Riverview Lodge because they are very good in terms of value for money. Both accommodations are beautifully located along the river. Great when you stay at these places that you hear all the animals that live along the river.

Note: don’t wait too long to book because the accommodations close to the park are fully booked quickly. This also applies to both accommodations, so if you know your dates it is recommended to book immediately.

Beautiful location Khaosok Riverside Cottages

We stayed in Khaosok Riverside Cottages , a very cozy cottage where you have the feeling that you are located middle of the jungle. The terrace is a great place to relax because it is situated along the river. The food is very good, you don’t have to look for places to eat outside the resort. The rooms are very neat and spacious. In addition, you can enjoy a warm shower here, which is not often the case in Thailand.

Great value for money Art’s Riverview Lodge

Another great place along the river is Art’s Riverview Lodge . You can compare this with Khaosok Riverside Cottages, only this one is more luxurious. So it is personal what you prefer. The houses where you can stay are beautiful. Also, at this place, they have a good restaurant.

Where to eat in Khao Sok National Park?

If you stay in the village of Khlong Sok, like us, you don’t have to look for places to eat because the two accommodations we recommend have good restaurants where you can eat for a good price.

If you would like to eat somewhere else, Pawn’s restaurant and Khao Sok Bistro & Bar are two good places to eat.

Pawn’s restaurant is located on the main road in Khlong Sok and where you can choose between Thai and European dishes. Great place to sit and enjoy a nice meal. We recommend gaeng phet, which is a curry with pumpkin. If you eat and drink here, it will cost you about 275 bath ($8.10) per person.

Khao Sok Bistro & Bar is our other recommendation. This place is nice because of the view and the ambiance. They have a swimming pool with a bar where you can relax after a long day of hiking in the park. Also here they have Thai and European dishes that you can choose from. If you want a pizza, this will cost you 350 bath ($10.30) with a drink per person. Our recommendation is one of the curries, this will cost you about 300 bath ($8.85) with a drink per person.

How to get to Khao Sok National Park

To visit Khao Sok National Park you need to travel to the nearby village called Khlong Sok. Khao Sok National Park is easy to reach if you are in the south of Thailand. It is also possible to get to the park if you are in other famous places. The most common method to reach Khao Sok National Park is by bus and sometimes in combination with a plane.

How to get from Koh Samui (Ko Tao and Ko Phangan) to Khao Sok National Park : Travel from your accommodation in Koh Samui to the pier of Koh Samui (Nathon Pier 3). Here you take the boat to Donsak Pier 3 (Surat Thani Pier). Depending on which tour operator you use, you need to get on a minivan at one of the tour operators. You can also buy a ticket to Khao Sok National Park at the bus station. Travel time is +/- 7 hours. Check current prices and availability here .

How to get from Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park : use the night bus (option 1) or plane (option 2). Option 1: Travel from Bangkok to the tour operator (address is mentioned on the tickets). With the night bus, you are in Khao Sok National Park in +/- 13 hours. Check current prices here .

Option 2: travel from the airport, usually for domestic flights you fly via Don Mueang airport to Surat Thani. In Surat Thani, you need to visit a tour operator to get on a minivan. Travel time is +/- 5 hours. Check current bus prices from Surat Thani here .

How to get from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok National Park : take the plane to Surat Thani. In Surat Thani, you need to travel to one of the tour operators where you can get in a minivan. Travel time is +/- 6 hours. Check current bus prices from Chiang Mai here .

How to get from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park : depending on which tour operator you use, you need to get on a minivan at one of the tour operators. You can also buy a ticket at the bus station to Khao Sok National Park (arrival in Khlong Sok village). Travel time is +/- 2 hours. Check current bus prices from Surat Thani here .

Tip: it is best to buy airline tickets via Skyscanner and bus tickets via Bookaway or 12go.asia .

If you travel to Thailand by plane and you are looking for a car to rent, you can rent it through Rentalcars . We use Rentalcars when we want to travel by car to discover new destinations. They’re easy to use and book with.

How expensive is it to visit Khao Sok National Park?

Visiting Khao Sok National Park is a unique experience that is more expensive than other activities in Thailand. This is because the park only allows a limited number of people per day to stay in the park, which pushes up prices. On average, expect to spend around $374 per person for a 2-day tour and stay in Khlong Sok.

If you stay one night in Khlong Sok after the two-day tour, it will cost each person around $396. This is a lot of money, but the park is amazing and worth visiting.

Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

When is the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park can sometimes be difficult to predict in terms of weather because at one moment the weather can be good and suddenly it starts raining. It is humid all year round, especially from June to September. The most rain falls during this period.

In general, September and October are the coolest months, and March and April are the hottest. Temperatures are an average of 29-34℃ / 84,2-93.2°F so it’s never really cold.

The wettest months (June to September) are the coolest months and the driest months (October to April) are the warmest. You can travel to Khao Sok National Park all year round only depending on your personal preference, some periods suit you better than others.

Khao Sok National Park guide FAQ

1. is khao sok worth it.

Khao Sok National Park is definitely worth a visit – it’s one of Thailand’s most stunning and unique destinations. Take the two-day tour into the ancient jungle and spend a night in one of the park’s enchanting locations. Wake up surrounded by nature, on a lake with wild forests all around you – this experience is truly unforgettable!

2. What to bring to Khao Sok National Park?

Because the weather in Khao Sok is very changeable, we recommend that you take at least the following items with you:

• Shoes with a good profile
• Long pants and shirts
• Backpack that is water resistant
• Other personal essentials

3. Which practical information is more useful to know?

• Opening hours Khao Sok National Park: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entrance fee: 300 baht / $8.85
• Drones: this is possible if you indicate that it is for private purposes
• You can easily book transportation ticket for your next destination via Bookaway , 12go.asia or at the hotel in Khlong Sok.

Want to see more of Thailand?

We hope this article has helped you to get a clear understanding of what you can do, where to stay, and why you should take the Khao Sok National Park tour.

After you visit Khao Sok National Park, you can discover more fun places in Thailand. If you like our Thailand itinerary , the next destination is Bangkok. Read here:  things to do in Bangkok .

If you do not follow our itinerary you can travel from Khao Sok National Park south towards Phuket and Krabi or north towards Koh Samui, Ko Phangan.

We have only visited Koh Samui of the above places. During our trip, we spoke to others who have visited the other places and they were all very enthusiastic. If you want to travel to an island where you have many facilities but at the same time can discover places that are undiscovered by others, Koh Samui is the place to go. For us, the best activity to do in Koh Samui was to rent a scooter and drive around the island for hours, and discover beautiful places without seeing anyone else.

What do you think of Khao Sok National Park? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: the prices mentioned in this article may differ from the current situation. We regularly update our articles. Would you like to help us to provide to best possible insights to help other travelers leave a comment with the latest information. Thanks!

Did you enjoy this article? Then save it to Pinterest for later!

Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

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• Khao Sok Classic Tour

Khao Sok Classic Tour

A lovely and scenic way to experience khao sok lake, these 3 and 4 day tours are for people who would like to experience “the best of both worlds” both the lake and the village. ., on this tour you will:, • khao sok hotel lodging, • spend 1 night in a floating bamboo rafthouse, • breakfast, lunch and dinner at your hotel and floating bungalow, • traditional southern thai cuisine and a few western favorites, • hiking, caving, swimming, kayaking, • canoeing or jungle night safari, • ride in longtail boats and go on a morning mist and night safari, ↓ book your khao sok classic tour here ↓.

(don't forget to add pick up & drop off)

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2 Night -  Khao Sok Classic Details

Day 1 - itinerary, • arrive at boutique khao sok resort, check in, • lunch (not included), • choose from canoe on khao sok river or night safari after dinner, • return to resort, relax, swim in river, free time, • dinner at hotel, day 2 - itinerary, • breakfast at hotel, • transfer from khao sok hotel to lake cheow lan, • arrive at raft house, check in, • jungle trekking to viewpoint or cave, • afternoon free time – relax, swim, or explore the lake by kayak, • southern thai dinner (included), 3 - itinerary, • morning mist wildlife-spotting boat safari, • breakfast, • free time for one last swim, • check out at 9:00 and return to the pier, stopping at guilin along the ays for pics and maybe a swim if you're feeling brave, • return to our office by 11:00 and enjoy a free pack lunch., • taxi to your next destination (not included), 10,000 baht per person, 8,800 baht per person, 7,400 baht per person, 7,200 baht per person, 6,500 baht per person, 8+ people/group option, 6,000 baht per person, 3 night - khao sok classic details.

• Check in to your cottage near the Khao Sok river.
• Have lunch at your hotel (1 dish per person included)
• Depending on your arrival time, choose from an Night Safari in the jungle or canoe on Khao Sok River
• Return to resort, relax, swim in river, free time
• Dinner (1 dish per person included)

DAY 2 - Itinerary

• Breakfast at hotel (included)
• Meet your guide and take a short ride to the trailhead to begin your full day hike through the jungle. A pack lunch is provided as you cool your feet in the river at the halfway point before heading back
• Return to your bungalow, shower and freshen up before Thai dinner (1 dish per person included)

DAY 3 - Itinerary

• Transfer from Khao Sok Hotel to Lake Cheow Lan, meet your guide
• Stop at a local market in Ban Ta Khun
• Long tail boat tour of Guilin scenic area on the way to raft house
• Arrive at Traditional Bamboo Raft House, check in
• Jungle trekking to viewpoint or cave
• Afternoon free time – relax, swim, or explore the lake by kayak
• Southern Thai dinner

DAY 4 - Itinerary

• Morning Mist Safari by boat
• Breakfast, check out of room
• Free for swimming or kayaking
• Have lunch at your raft house
• Return to the pier, onward transfer

12,600 baht per person

11,700 baht per person, 9,600 baht per person, 9,200 baht per person, 8 + people/group option, 8,700 baht per person.

© 2016 Khao Sok Lake Co.,LTD. 20/18, Moo 3, Khao wong, Ban Ta-Khun, Surathani, Thailand 84230, TAT license no. 34/01518

• Khao Sok One Day Lake Tour
• 2 Day Group Safari – Bamboo
• 2 Day Group Safari – Superior
• Bamboo Bliss
• Modern Comforts
• Lake Superior
• Khao Sok Luxury on the Lake Tour
• Khao Sok Wildlife Explorer
• Fishing On Khao Sok Lake
• Elephant Experience
• Khao Sok Lake & Local Life
• Bamboo Raft Houses
• Modern Raft Houses
• Superior Floating Bungalows
• Luxury Floating Villas
• Getting Here
• About Khao Sok National Park
• Make a Reservation

Passing Thru Travel

10 Unforgettable Rainforest Canopy Adventures – Soaring Above the Trees in 2024

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

Exploring rainforest canopies provides a unique perspective on some of the world’s most biodiverse environments. From zip-lining in Costa Rica to canopy walks in Malaysia, these treetop adventures offer an exhilarating way to experience the beauty and complexity of rainforests. This guide will take you through ten unforgettable destinations where you can embark on a thrilling journey above the forest floor.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

In Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, you’ll find yourself engulfed in a misty, biodiverse haven. Here, you can embark on a variety of canopy tours, including zip-lining and traversing hanging bridges, to witness the rich array of flora and fauna from a bird’s-eye view. This area is a haven for birdwatchers, with the resplendent quetzal being a highlight. The unique ecosystem here, combining altitude with moisture, creates an environment where biodiversity thrives, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife and exotic plants.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the early morning hours for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

When To Travel: The dry season from December to April offers clearer skies and less rain.

How To Get There: Monteverde is about a 3-hour drive from San José, Costa Rica’s capital.

2. Taman Negara, Malaysia

At Taman Negara in Malaysia, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, the canopy walkway stands as the world’s longest suspension bridge. Elevated 40 meters above the ground and stretching over half a kilometer, it provides a panoramic view of the rainforest. This location is perfect for observing diverse wildlife and getting a closer look at the forest’s upper layers. The dense jungle below teems with life, offering glimpses of rare insects and colorful birds. The canopy walkway is an exhilarating way to experience the ancient majesty of this primeval forest.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the rainforest with a local guide to learn about the unique ecology and wildlife.

When To Travel: Avoid the monsoon season; the best time to visit is between February and September.

How To Get There: Taman Negara is accessible by bus or car from Kuala Lumpur, followed by a boat ride to the park entrance.

3. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest’s canopy brings you face-to-face with Earth’s largest and most diverse tropical rainforest. Various tours offer tower climbs and suspended walkways, where you can observe the dense green canopy stretching endlessly. This environment is teeming with exotic wildlife, including parrots, monkeys, and perhaps the elusive sloth. The Amazon is also a living cultural mosaic, home to numerous indigenous communities, and some tours offer the chance to learn about their traditions and sustainable living practices.

Insider’s Tip: Choose eco-friendly tours that support conservation and local communities.

When To Travel: The dry season from June to September is ideal for wildlife spotting.

How To Get There: Fly to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon, and join a guided tour.

4. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

In Australia’s Daintree Rainforest, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the aerial walkways and zip-lining tours offer a thrilling way to experience the region’s prehistoric landscape. This ancient rainforest, one of the oldest on the planet, is rich in diverse plant and animal life, including species not found anywhere else. The canopy tours here provide a unique perspective on the forest’s ecology. They are an excellent opportunity to spot the elusive cassowary, a flightless bird native to the region.

Insider’s Tip: Take a river cruise on the Daintree River for a chance to see crocodiles and other wildlife.

When To Travel: The cooler, drier months from May to September are best.

How To Get There: Drive north from Cairns along the scenic Captain Cook Highway.

5. Kinabalu Park, Borneo

Kinabalu Park in Malaysian Borneo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an exhilarating canopy walk 40 meters above the ground. This vantage point allows for breathtaking views of one of the most important biological sites in the world, home to thousands of plant species, hundreds of bird species, and a variety of mammals. The park also includes Mount Kinabalu, a famous destination for climbers and nature enthusiasts alike, adding to the area’s appeal for adventure and nature tourism.

Insider’s Tip: Consider climbing Mount Kinabalu for an unforgettable rainforest experience.

When To Travel: Avoid the wettest months; March to September are generally drier.

How To Get There: Fly to Kota Kinabalu and drive to the park, about 90 minutes away.

6. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Visiting Khao Sok National Park is more than just a journey; it’s an immersion into one of the planet’s most ancient and biodiverse rainforests. From the thrill of exploring the treetop canopy to the tranquility of floating on Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok offers a multitude of experiences that connect you with nature in its most raw and untouched form. This adventure not only leaves you with lasting memories but also instills a deep appreciation for the natural world and the importance of its preservation.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided jungle trek to enhance your experience with expert insights into the park’s diverse ecosystem.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April.

How To Get There: Khao Sok is accessible by bus or car from Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani.

7. Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda provides a spectacular canopy walk that is suspended 50 meters high and offers stunning views of this montane rainforest. Home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and Rwenzori colobus monkeys, the park is a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. The canopy walk is an exhilarating way to experience the forest’s rich biodiversity, with opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and various mammal species amidst the lush foliage.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your canopy walk with a guided chimpanzee trekking experience.

When To Travel: Visit during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February

How To Get There: Nyungwe is a 5-6 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.

8. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

At Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, the canopy tours offer a unique perspective of the rainforest with the backdrop of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Visitors can experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops and walking on hanging bridges while learning about the local ecology. The region is also famous for its rich biodiversity, natural hot springs, and waterfalls, making it a comprehensive destination for nature lovers.

Insider’s Tip: Try the early morning tours for a quieter and more wildlife-rich experience.

When To Travel: The dry season from December to April offers clearer views of the volcano.

How To Get There: Arenal is approximately a 3-hour drive from San José.

9. Kakum National Park, Ghana

In Kakum National Park, Ghana, the canopy walkway offers a rare view of West Africa’s tropical rainforest. This 350-meter-long and 30-meter-high walkway is an exciting way to observe the forest’s diverse ecosystem. The park is home to forest elephants, several primate species, and an abundance of birdlife. The canopy walk is a tourist attraction and an educational platform, providing insight into the importance of rainforest conservation.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the park early in the morning for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

When To Travel: The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit.

How To Get There: Kakum is about a 3-hour drive from Accra, Ghana’s capital.

10. Intrepid Travel’s Borneo Rainforest Canopy Walk

Intrepid Travel’s sustainable tour in Borneo includes a canopy walk in Danum Valley, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. This eco-friendly tour emphasizes conservation and offers an intimate experience with Borneo’s unique biodiversity. The canopy walk allows for potential sightings of orangutans, gibbons, and a vast array of bird species, making it a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for tours with local guides to gain in-depth knowledge about the rainforest ecosystem.

When To Travel: March to October are the best months to visit Borneo’s rainforests

How To Get There: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, and then to Lahad Datu, followed by a drive to Danum Valley.

The Bottom Line

Exploring the world’s rainforest canopies is an adventure like no other. As you traverse above the forest floor, you gain a unique perspective on these vital ecosystems and the diverse life they harbor. Remember to choose eco-friendly and responsible tours prioritizing conservation and supporting local communities. Your journey through the treetops awaits, promising both thrill and an unmatched connection with nature.

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The post 10 Unforgettable Rainforest Canopy Adventures – Soaring Above the Trees in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / OULAILAX NAKHONE.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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