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.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khao Sok National Park, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Book tours & tickets in Phuket
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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Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Khao Sok National Park
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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 Through Klook or GetYourGuide
These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. 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.
Also Popular in Phuket
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Mu Ko Similan National Park
A remote national park archipelago off Phuket's coast, famed for turquoise waters, white sand, and world-class diving.
Ko Racha Yai
A car-free island near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and resorts for all budgets.
Ko Yao Yai
A largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay offering secluded beaches, dive sites, and peaceful rural scenery.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
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Lumphini Park
Bangkok's beloved green lung — a vast urban park offering lake boats, wildlife, and a peaceful city escape.
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
An immersive aquarium hidden beneath Siam Paragon mall, featuring sharks, rays, and walk-through ocean tunnels.
King Power Mahanakhon
Bangkok's highest accessible observation deck, perched atop a 78-floor skyscraper with a thrilling glass floor.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Khao Sok National Park
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.