best way to get to khao sok national parkbest way to get to khao sok national park

Thailand's tourism board is partnering with dating app Tinder to promote matchmaking holidays for single people. With the most frequent flights, Phuket airport is the easiest option. Not for the faint-hearted, the trek involves wading in subterranean streams through an increasingly narrow passage and should not be carried out in the rainy season when flash flooding is a real risk. 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. These magnificent animals really do need to be seen in real life to be appreciated, and our ethical elephant tours will see you preparing their food, feeding them, and interacting with them. Canoeing and kayaking are fun for tourists of all ages, and there are lots of different lakes and rivers. It also includes one nights accommodation in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. Located approximately 1 hour away from Khao Sok, you can reach Khao Lak by car or minibus. Its made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. Recommended option Bus, Local Bus Take the bus from Khao Sok to Takua Pa I hope you will enjoy this place as much as us. That's a little out of my budget, so I was wondering if there were any alternatives? We recommend avoiding any package offering elephant riding. Even if you cant drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Let the adventure begin! We took a short ride on the motor raft to Pakarang cave which was beautiful and not as dark or damp as other underground caves. Singapore to Khao Sok National Park - 8 ways to travel via - Rome2rio Who books the 2 Day / 1 Night Tour ofKhao Sok National Park? We recommend booking Khao Sok National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Sun hat Youll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself on all of those sunny days! Im not sure what other tours are a available but ours included a quick stop at a local fresh market, photo stop from a great viewpoint, canoeing down the river with coffee stop (cups and spoons made from freshly cut bamboo), visiting monkeys at a nearby temple, stopping for a prepared restaurant lunch and bathing with elephants before returning to our hotel. 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. Surat Thanis Phun Pin train station is accessible via overnight train from Bangkoks Hualanphong Station. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Khao Sok National Park: Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani: Address, Phone Number, Khao Sok National Park Reviews: 4.5/5, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It takes about 4 hours and costs around 1500 baht. The more you can afford to pay, the more varied (and more comfortable) your options: from bamboo huts to treehouses to luxury villas. I really hope you find this Khao Sok travel guide helpful. Elephant Trekking vs. THE 10 BEST Khao Sok National Park Tours & Excursions - Tripadvisor Thanks for the informative post! The long tail boat ride took us more than half an hour to the pier across the lake. It was my first night in southern Thailands, On night safaris, the jungle takes on another persona as it squeaks and hisses with insects and some 30 bat species, including 8 varieties of megabat. Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand 's most beautiful and diverse natural areas. When in bloom, special treks to see the. Khao Sok National Park (Surat Thani) - Tripadvisor There are 8 ways to get from Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park by plane, taxi, bus, train or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Bring plenty of drinking water and mosquito repellent. Explore the nearby Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park and immerse yourself in the serene natural landscapes. How to travel to Khao Sok National Park - ThailandMagazine.com Dont miss the opportunity to make the most of your visit to Khao Sok National Park and its surrounding areas. Read this before booking accommodation/ tours. Surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains, the stunning scenery is guaranteed to take your breath away. Rickshaw Travel is a UK-based operator specialising in immersive travel experiences. Panvaree Resort Rooms here have proper beds, balconies, terraces, en-suite bathrooms, plus a TV and fridge. There, youll find detailed itineraries, pricing, availability, and the option to make a reservation online. 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. It was a fantastic experience of seeing the great sights of Thailand. Phuket Recommended option Bus and ferry, Mini Van 5h 39m The ferry transfer also makes for a nice addition to the beautiful road transfer through to Khao Sok. Thanks so much for this great post! We were travelling as a couple, but there were small groups of friends, a few other couples and a mother and daughter. In all honesty, we had several dilemmas about whether to visit Khao Sok National Park on our recent holiday. Located inland between the Andaman and Gulfcoasts, Khao Sok is often overlooked by travellers in favour of southern Thailands coastal resorts and islands. I have a few made by Anker and theyre great quality and have lasted for a long time. On our recent trip, we hired a shuttle from Northern Phuket and it was around 3 hours drive. You probably wont be able to charge items in Khao Sok if youre in a basic bungalow, but Id still recommend one for your time in Thailand. There are a few luxurious options on the lake, if youre looking for somewhere with a few more amenities. Khao Sok National Park & Floating Bungalows - Two Wandering Soles . We swim in the lake and we had some boats to visit By ourself around the hotel . That is why if you are looking for one of the best experiences while visiting the area, then consider taking some time to explore the amazing history that helped to make Khao Sok the popular destination it is today. Kind regards This is also the time to look out for a tiny mouse deer, the smallest hooved animal in the world, or the big glassy eyes of a slow loris. The lake is beautiful but you have to travel around 3 hours a day by long tail boat (CRAZY loud and boring). The Khao Sok National Park and local areas offer an incredible experience, and there are multiple different routes that ensure tourists of all experience levels can explore the jungles. The 7 BEST Things to Do in Khao Sok - KHAO SOK National Park, Thailand Whether youre snorkelling, hiking, in the caves or spotting wildlife, its the perfect accessory. Or do you think they could get across with a life vest? The park is includes a large rainforest and exception steep limestone mountains. The accommodation is rustic, but this is more than made up for by glorious lake swimming and the dawn mist rolling over the water to the whoops of gibbon calls. What is the best way to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao? We wondered whether it was worth it, or whether we should skip it and enjoy our trip at a slower pace. Offices everywhere. Some have outdoor jacuzzis, plus theres a pool and restaurants on site. It reminded me a little of another favourite Raja Ampat (a.k.a Indonesias secret paradise!). Whichever list it tops, the fact this 738-sq-km expanse of national park exists at all in its current state alive with whooping gibbons, flashing hornbills and with such richness of flora and fauna that an entomologist on honeymoon once picked up a rock and discovered a new species is something to be grateful for. We had a wonderful trip, and would recommend this to anyone who loves beautiful nature and the outdoors. Our tour group consisted of 22 people, aged between 21 65. Khao Sok National Park Mini Guide - Backpacker Bible The jungle growth at the lakes edge shimmers emerald in the reflected light. Before you book that elephant encounter in Thailand, read on to find out how to put Thailand's elephants' welfare first. Debra. 4658 - 4948. Rainforest Camp specialises in luxury tented accommodation, both floating style on the lake, and in its Elephant Hills jungle lodge. Our glamping options will see you staying in African-style tents that are fully equipped with electricity, en-suite bathrooms, and king-sized beds, ensuring you can enjoy maximum comfort. I know and love Thailand having traveled almost everywhere during more than 20 visits. Kayaking or canoeing along the Sok river will also help you discover the rural life of local villagers as they fetch water, wash their clothes, and catch fish for dinner. Imagine centuries old bamboo forests, towering limestone karst cliffs, and a lake that will blow you away Those are just a few of the sights you'll find in this spectacular national park. Not sure where you fancy going? Read our. The national park is home to a number of eco-resorts offering room, food, and tours. WOW, wow and wow!! You can fly into any of the following airports with connecting flights via Bangkok and some direct flights from overseas into Phuket and Krabi: Surat Thani We did a tour to the Namtaloo cave and were with 11 people. This fun activity is suitable for everyone and helps you to experience the stunning natural beauty from a truly unique perspective. Read our Privacy Policy. . This giver you plenty of opportunity to undertake some activities in and around Khao Sok in the afternoon of your first day without being tired from an early flight. To leave Khao Sok there are many places in the main street of . 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 wouldnt enjoy it if you were worrying about it! If you are looking to experience everything that the region has to offer, then Khaosok.com is packed with information and advice to help you create the ultimate holiday. Dora Ball travelled to Thailand with support from Rickshaw Travel. 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. Best way to tour Khao Sok? Level Contributor 3 posts 12 reviews 4 helpful votes Best way to tour Khao Sok? Any questions, please leave them in the comments below or send me an email. Power bank Id 100% recommend taking a portable battery pack with you as charging anything here is difficult! by Sam Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Natalia Thailand's beautiful Khao Sok National Park is best known for the impressive Cheow Lan Lake, but there are some other great things to do in Khao Sok too. The eastern entrance goes to the Ratchaprapha Pier, where you can book rafthouse stays and boat safaris on Cheow Lan Lake. Canoeing and Kayaking One of the most popular activities to do in Khao Sok is to head out on the water for some canoeing or kayaking. Tickets can be bought trough most travel agents or directly at the bus station. All Prices are in THB. However, the food in the restaurant was flavoursome and plentiful.. Most of your accommodation options off the visitors center can be found in the nearest town, Khlong Sok. Well we went for it! Trekkers hitting the hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park will find the experience to be well worth the challenge. Welcome to www.khaosok.com, your comprehensive guide to Khao Sok National Park and the enchanting must-visit destinations that lie beyond its borders. 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. Prices vary from location (Around 200 - 600 Baht one-way). Brooke Addis January 10, 2022 Any visitor to Thailand who craves sandy beaches, virgin rainforests, and craggy mountains has probably taken a look at the stunning southern tip of the country. Recommended option Local Bus, bus 3h 49m Take the Local Bus from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Takua Pa We researched a few options online, but as the rate seemed to be standard across all of the tour operators, we decided itd be nice to support our hotel. Arriving on this flight will mean that if you head directly to Khao Sok you should arrive well in time for midday and lunch! Singapore to Koh Tao - 7 ways to travel via train, plane, and ferry Explore hidden lagoons, visit iconic James Bond Island, or take a leisurely cruise through the picturesque islands for a day of awe-inspiring beauty. We went on two longtail boat safaris in the evening of the first day, and early morning the next day. Visitors to Cheow Lan Lake can stay on the waters, by booking a floating bungalow from either the Park or from private rafthouses. Then you have a fast, but long and after 20min boring ride to the lunch. If you are looking for Things to Do in Khao Sok, you have come to the right place. Eddy is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife in Khao Sok. He explained very clearly what we would be doing during our day (which also included an amazing lunch, swimming and kayaking) and he speaks excellent English. Wear loose-fitting long pants, long-sleeved hiking shirts, and hiking sandals. With a diameter reaching 90cm, its the largest flower in the world, and, in Thailand, only grows in Khao Sok. Khao Sok, la dcouverte d'un parc national extraordinaire Where did you find your tourguide? Thanks, Last Updated: May 12, 2023 From what to pack and details about the accommodation, to the amazing activities on offer, read this before visiting Khao Sok National Park, Thailand. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is also available to assist you with any inquiries or customization requests you may have. Khao Sok National Park travel - Lonely Planet | Thailand, Asia From the vibrant city of Phuket to the picturesque beaches of Krabi, the tropical paradise of Koh Samui, the cultural hub of Surat Thani, the beachside bliss of Khao Lak, and the majestic landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, these destinations offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. What time did your tour end at on the second day? We will be spending two nights in the National park with our 5yo daughters and would like to do a tour of the lake and night safari. Expect to encounter nocturnal animals like pygmy deer, slow loris, and a glorious chorus of grasshoppers and cicadas. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review . He lives in Manila full-time, but is perfectly at home in a Singapore hawker center. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The easiest way to get to Khao Sok is to arrange . In addition to observing numerous tropical birds including majestic hornbills, Asian buffalo and elephants are often seen, and tapirs and other jungle animals more rarely. 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. Love your post and thank you, we want to do the same trip but we are staying in ao nang, and were looking to book the trip from here. As drive times from Phuket to Khao Sok are in the region of 3 / 4 hours depending on where you stay we would recommend at least one night in Phuket if you are travelling directly from overseas to recover from the jet lag and get the most from your experience at Khao Sok. How to get to Khao Sok National Park With a wingspan approaching 1.5m, the giant bats filled the horizon in a flapping black swarm. It was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, but these three couples had to cancel their destination weddings due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Khao Sok National Park (Surat Thani): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Watch this Topic Browse forums All Surat Thani Province forums Khao Sok National Park forum Nick S London, United. Are you heading to Khao Sok for a holiday? So we arrived at the floating bungalows without any essentials. While you dont need to be at peak fitness levels, you do need to be open to adventures and happy to clamber, walk and swim! 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. Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park - 8 ways to travel via - Rome2rio Krabi There are regular flights from Bangkok to Krabi and also some international flights direct into Krabi from locations such as Singapore and Australia. What hotels are near Khao Sok National Park? This was included in our tour price, but this wasnt the case for everyone in our group, so its something worth checking when you book. Located approximately 2.5 hours away from Khao Sok National Park, you can reach Krabi by car or minibus. Khao Sok National Park in Thailand combines an aquatic and wilderness experience into one expansive park. Located in the Surat Thani Province, the park covers an area of 739 km and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, snakes, boar, monkeys, and many species of birds. The best part was how much time and effort Eddy went to to help us spot elephants on the edge of the lake - we did glimpse them in the end and it was amazing! 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. So informative. Koh Samui also has an airport with frequent flights every day of the week and is not that far from Khao Sok national park, in fact it is in the same province even though Samui is an island! Buses stop on Rte 401, 1.8km southwest of the park headquarters, which has useful maps for trekking and other information. Theyll point out the woven funnel of a tarantula nest or the scratches on a tree made by a Malayan sun bear, and will give lessons on the jungles medicinal plants and birdsong. Not only is it a spectacular place to sightsee, but Khao Sok also offers visitors a huge array of activities to choose from. 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! and bed. 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. From Surat Thani, embark on island-hopping adventures to the breathtaking Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao. Ive got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! There were toilets and showers there, but water was cold. If you have 2 nights for the lake, I think it is ok. Our guide was Eddy and he was superb. Catching a taxi is the most comfortable and direct way to reach the national park. Also, did you just book the tour with the hotel when you arrived? Khao Sok National Park is located inland from the Andaman Coast of southern Thailand, around two hours drive from Khao Lak, or an hour from Surat Thani. Ive written about this experience because I felt so passionately about sharing it I just couldnt keep it to myself. Rain jacket Check the forecast before you go. Daypack backpack I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. Ready To Travel? From 1,500 - 4,000 Baht Read more Via tour operators If youve 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). Pick up times will be confirmed upon booking. When in bloom, special treks to see the Rafflesia kerrii are put into operation. Khao Sok National Park | Get there If your family loves to travel but you worry about the environmental, social and economic effect of doing so, its time to consider a sustainable trip. Recommended Bus and ferry, Mini Van Take the bus and ferry from Ko Tao to Surat Thani Train station Evening: Group dinner again more great curry and fish, followed by drinks (optional!) Its got some very handy zip-up pockets too! Tue, Jun 20 Pick Date Best Options --:-- Khao Sok Hotel Transfer 10h 30m taxi ride with Glassflower --:-- Bangkok Transfer 4+ From $250 vehicle, all incl. Overall thoughts on the two day / one night tour of Khao Sok National Park. You can get a bus from the town to the road outside the park. The Best Things To Do In Khao Sok National Park - Something of Freedom Im just a backpacker. The Ratchaprapha Dam that created the reservoir was completed in 1982. A taxi drived us to the lake . Ive owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them! can you share me the link or name of the tour operator Hi Mariosa hope Im not too late replying. With a wingspan approaching 1.5m, the giant bats filled the horizon in a flapping black swarm. Show Options 15:30 Khao Sok van station 13h 30m Van+Bus. The best way to get from Singapore to Khao Sok National Park without a car is to bus and Mini Van which takes 21h 14m and costs $150 - $170. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "Khao Sok Main Trail." What's the best way to see Khao Sok National Park? TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Take the bus from Golden Mile Complex to Hat Yai. Khao Sok National Park in Thailand combines an aquatic and wilderness experience into one expansive park. Afternoon: 5 minute boat trip to the start of the jungle / cave hike. I actually started in Ao Nang, but its quite a long way to get to the nearest village to Khao Sok where the tours start from. For that price I would not do it again. While the limestone mountains date back over 400 million years, the first accounts of people living in Khao Sok were recorded in the 1800s, when King Rama II was in power. The best way to get from Singapore to Khao Lak without a car is to bus and Local Bus which takes 23h 37m and costs $162 - $164. Khao Sok National Park to Phuket - 5 ways to travel via bus - Rome2rio Cheow Lan Lake Travel from Bangkok to Khao Sok by plane Travel from Bangkok to Khao Sok by train Travel from Bangkok to Khao Sok by bus Travel from Chiang Mai to Khao Sok Travel from Kanchanaburi to Khao Sok Travel from Ayutthaya to Khao Sok Travel from Phuket to Khao Sok Travel from Khao Lak to Khao Sok Travel from Krabi to Khao Sok Khao Soks caves can be visited through the parks guided trails, but require some physical strength and agility to enjoy. There are more flights per day into Phuket from both airports in Bangkok, Ko Samui, Hong Kong, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Would it be best to stay on the lake (e.g. Sunglasses Its important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. Khao Sok National Park is located in southern Thailand and is known for its ancient rainforest and diverse wildlife. It took just 15 minutes to walk through the cave, and inside were a beautiful array of stalagmites and stalactites. Do you want to hear something funny about our trip? Private taxi. It is hard to go on your own, so we took a one day lake tour. We only recommend those centers that truly care for these animals, and our Elephant Experience tours are the ultimate way to get up close and personal with them. The majority of people travel by minibus to the town of Khlong Sok. A perfect amount for this (in total) 4 km trek through the jungle and a visit to the cave, which is 820 meters long. Best way to tour Khao Sok? - Khao Sok National Park Forum can I please ask you Did you go to Khao Sok Lake just for one day tour? They thought we wanted them to take care of them! Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. Hi Debra, Thanks for your message! As you wont need it for warmth, Id recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. There were lots of monkeys playing by the shore, plus we saw a few beavers and plenty of birds. If youre travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific childrens insect repellent too. The colours, the landscapes, the rawness its a very special place. The area can be reached easily from airports in Phuket (2 hours away) and Surathani airport (1.5 hours away). Id 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.