Tours in Khao Sok

When to Visit Khao Sok

Khao Sok is one of the wettest regions in Thailand, and a shower can fall at any time of year, it's the price of such a lush, green forest. The most pleasant period runs from November to April, with less rain, drier trails and a lake that's often as smooth as glass; from December to February, mornings are cooler and mist rises off the water at dawn. From May to October, the monsoon brings more frequent rain: the jungle is at its most lush then, waterfalls are in full flow, but trails become slippery and leeches come out, so pack long socks and closed shoes. Our day trips and stays run all year, and stays are a little cheaper in May, June, September and October.

Cheow Lan Lake by Longtail Boat · Day Trip from Khao Lak

The must-do excursion: longtail boat among the limestone karsts, Pakaipet Cave, lunch on a floating house, then kayaking and swimming on the lake. Pick-up from your Khao Lak hotel, English-speaking guide and park entry fee all included.

Khao Sok 3 Days / 2 Nights · One Night in a Floating Bungalow

One night in a cottage by the Sok River, then one night on Cheow Lan Lake in a floating bungalow. Group boat tour of the lake, swimming, kayaking or hiking, and an early morning safari through the mist.

Khao Sok Explorer · 4 Days / 3 Nights

Our most complete stay: two nights by the Sok River and one night on the lake, canoeing or tubing, a lake tour, an early morning safari, then hiking or a Thai massage. For those who really want to take their time in the jungle.

Khao Sok 3 Days / 2 Nights · Jungle, River & Lake Day

Two nights in a wooden cottage by the Sok River, with canoeing or tubing on the first afternoon and a guided day on Cheow Lan Lake, including lunch on a floating house. The perfect balance of comfort and adventure.

Sok River Canoeing & Elephant Bathing · Day Trip from Khao Lak

A varied day around the park: Takua Pa market, the Monkey Temple, a canoe or bamboo raft trip down the Sok River, Thai lunch, then elephant bathing and feeding, no riding involved.

Jungle Trek & Sok River · Day Trip from Khao Lak

A guided walk through the rainforest to a natural pool, followed by the Sok River by bamboo raft or canoe. The nature-focused version, no elephants, for those who love to walk.

Khao Sok Night Jungle Safari · With Dinner

Departing in the afternoon from Khao Lak: a scenic viewpoint, coffee served in a bamboo cup, Thai dinner, then a guided torch-lit walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Another way to experience the forest.

Cheow Lan Lake by Private Longtail Boat · 2 to 6 People

A day on the lake with a longtail boat and guide just for your group: limestone karsts, cave visit, lunch on a floating house, kayaking and swimming, all at your own pace. Departs from Khao Lak, daily on request.

How to Get to Khao Sok

Khao Sok is located in Surat Thani province, along the road linking Takua Pa, on the Andaman side, to Surat Thani, on the Gulf side. Khlong Sok village, at the park entrance, is around 1 to 1.5 hours' drive from Khao Lak, 2.5 to 3 hours from Phuket Airport, and around 2 hours from Surat Thani Airport. The easiest option is a private transfer, which we can add to your stay from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi or Surat Thani; buses running between Surat Thani and the Andaman coast also stop at the village entrance. The Cheow Lan Lake pier, at the dam, is around an hour's drive from Khlong Sok, and this leg is organised as part of our lake tours. From Koh Phi Phi, you'll travel via Phuket or Krabi.

Where to Stay in Khao Sok

At Khao Sok, you sleep as close to nature as possible. Most accommodation is in Khlong Sok, the small village at the park entrance: wooden bungalows, perched cabins and riverside cottages surrounded by jungle, with a handful of restaurants along the main street. Comfort is often simple here, with fans and mosquito nets rather than air conditioning. The other experience is a night in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake: cabins resting on the water at the foot of the cliffs, swimming from your terrace, starry skies and total silence, though electricity is often limited. Our 3 and 4-day stays combine both, with nights by the Sok River and, depending on the package, a night on the lake. Pack a head torch, insect repellent and walking shoes.

What's the best time to visit Khao Sok?

November to April, when showers are less frequent and trails are drier. That said, Khao Sok is worth visiting year-round: during the rainy season (May to October), the jungle is greener, the waterfalls more spectacular, and both our day trips and stays continue to run.

How do I get to Khao Sok?

The easiest route is from Khao Lak (around 1 to 1.5 hours by road) or Phuket (2.5 to 3 hours). Our day trips include transfer from your Khao Lak hotel. For stays, you arrive at your accommodation in Khlong Sok before 2pm on the first day, and we can add a private transfer.

How many days should I plan for Khao Sok?

A day trip from Khao Lak is enough to see Cheow Lan Lake or the Sok River. But the real magic of Khao Sok happens early morning and in the evening: mist over the lake, gibbons calling, starry skies. If you can, plan for two or three nights on site.

What's it like staying in a floating bungalow?

You sleep in a simple cabin resting on the water, at the foot of the cliffs of Cheow Lan Lake, with electricity often limited. People come here for the swimming, the peace, the sunset and the early morning safari, not for luxury. Bring a swimsuit, head torch and insect repellent.

Which tours should I choose at Khao Sok?

For a first visit, the day on Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat. If you love walking, go for the jungle trek; with family, the Sok River canoe trip with elephant bathing; and for real immersion, a 3 or 4-day stay with a night on the lake.

How do I book and pay?

Book online at least 48 hours in advance. For day trips from Khao Lak, you pay a deposit online with the balance in cash on the day. 3 and 4-day stays are paid in full online at booking; the national park entrance fee is not included.