Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park protects one of the world's oldest rainforests — older than the Amazon — draped over dramatic limestone karsts in southern Thailand between Phuket and Surat Thani. The park's centerpiece is Cheow Lan Lake, an emerald reservoir dotted with floating raft-house bungalows where you fall asleep to gibbon calls and wake for misty longtail safaris. Day options include jungle treks to waterfalls, river tubing, and wildlife spotting for hornbills, langurs, and (rarely) wild elephants. Most visitors come overland from Phuket or Khao Lak in two to three hours, staying one or two nights on the lake — the single best rainforest add-on to a beach itinerary.
Book tours & tickets in Khao Lak
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Khao Sok National Park — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khao Sok National Park, round out your day in Khao Lak with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Khao Lak
Mu Ko Similan National Park
A remote national park archipelago off Phuket's coast, famed for turquoise waters, white sand, and world-class diving.
Bang Niang Market
A popular open-air night market in Khao Lak offering local street food, handicrafts, and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Upscale beachfront resort in Khao Lak offering spacious rooms, villas, a lagoon pool, and a full-service spa.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
A well-regarded beachfront resort in Khao Lak offering a relaxed tropical escape on Thailand's Andaman coast.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April (Similan season Oct 15 – May 15)
Avoid: May – October (rough seas, Similans closed)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February (strong European family season)
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 60–75 minutes south by taxi or shared minivan (฿700–1,500). Buses from Bangkok's Southern Terminal reach Khao Lak town in 10–12 hours; most stop on request along the resort strip.
Getting around
- •Songthaews along the main coastal road (Phetkasem highway)
- •Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; the resort areas string along one road)
- •Hotel shuttles and taxis — no Grab coverage to speak of
- •Tour transfers to Khao Sok and the Similan piers are hotel-pickup based
Where to stay near Khao Sok National Park
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Kathu where rescued elephants roam freely and visitors connect with them through feeding and bathing.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is Chiang Mai's best-known ethical elephant operation — a network of small camps in the Karen hill country of Mae Wang, about 60 kilometres southwest of the city, where rescued elephants live in semi-wild family groups.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Pattaya's jungle offering hands-on feeding, mud baths, and close wildlife encounters.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Where to stay near Khao Sok National Park
Find hotels in Khao Lak on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April (Similan season Oct 15 – May 15)
Avoid: May – October (rough seas, Similans closed)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February (strong European family season)
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 60–75 minutes south by taxi or shared minivan (฿700–1,500). Buses from Bangkok's Southern Terminal reach Khao Lak town in 10–12 hours; most stop on request along the resort strip.
Getting around
- •Songthaews along the main coastal road (Phetkasem highway)
- •Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; the resort areas string along one road)
- •Hotel shuttles and taxis — no Grab coverage to speak of
- •Tour transfers to Khao Sok and the Similan piers are hotel-pickup based