Explore Khao Sok: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

Which Khao Sok Lake Tour to Pick?

On a Budget

There are several ways you can spend a night in a floating bungalow. If you are a backpacker and are on a tight budget, the best way to spend a night in Cheow Lan Lake is to get yourself to Khao Sok Village first, and from there you should be able to find many overnight tours available from either your accommodation or travel agencies in the village.

For a 2-day-1-night trip to the lake, you can expect to pay around 2,500 THB. You will be put in a government-run raft house, which is better than it sounds, with generators providing electricity all night, running water, and sturdy bungalows made out of bamboo. This price should also include all the activities, such as hiking Khao Talu Cave and the boat safari trips, as well as all the meals during your tour.

This tour is widely available at Khao Sok Village, and you do not need to book anything in advance. You should be able to go to the village the day before, book it, and be on your way the next day.

On a Budget But Want to Stay Longer

If you want to stay longer at the floating bungalow, you can negotiate it directly with the tour you book and tell them that you want to stay longer at the raft. You should be charged approximately 900 THB per day, which will include an extra night of accommodation and 3 meals worth of food for one person.

To get back, you will also have to hitch a boat ride out with other tours that are also leaving that day, and they should charge you about 500 THB extra for the ride back to Khao Sok Village, and that is it.

I did exactly this when I was at Cheow Lan lake. I booked a 2D1N tour from Khao Sok village and paid 2,500 THB. I then decided to stay one extra day and paid 900 THB to the rangers and 500 THB to the boat operator for a ride back.

If you do not want to deal with the hassle of doing it yourself, you can also book a 3D2N Khao Sok Lake tour from here. This is, hands down, the best and most affordable way to do it. For more multi-day tours in Thailand, check out TourRadar.

Don't Mind Paying Premium For More Adventures

If you are looking for a more adventurous experience in Khao Sok and don't mind spending more than 2 nights in Cheow Lan Lake, and more money to have a unique and fun experience packed with activities you might not be able to do on a 2D1N trip, then I highly recommend you book a trip with Khao Sok Lake Community Based Tours.

They have many private tour packages for Khao Sok that you can choose from to fit your needs, and they have been operating for more than 10 years now.

It is a little more expensive than going with a shared tour, as I described above, but it is more private, and you will be able to customize your trip the way you want it. You will also have more time to go deeper into the national park and witness some incredible wildlife there.

For those of you who are looking for a more private but still adventurous experience in Khao Sok or are a big group and do not want to go on a shared tour, I highly recommend you check out Khao Sok Lake Community Based Tours and their offerings here.

The Ultimate Luxury Experience

For the ultimate luxury experience in Cheow Lan lake, you can sleep in a high-end floating bungalow complete with a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and a glass door overlooking the lake operated by 500 Rai Floating Resort.

They are probably the most expensive resort in Khao Sok, and the place comes equipped with its own swimming pool, a floating pavilion with a buffet, massage service, and anything you want, they can conjure up for you.

If you want the luxury experience in Khao Sok, I highly recommend you book this Cheow Lan Lake: 3-Day Floating Resort Luxury Experience tour for your trip. The tour includes a 2-night stay at 500 Rai Floating Resort, all meals for the entire duration, and they will take you to all the tourist attractions on the lake and more.

Exclusive Tailored Experience With A Local Guide

If you want an exclusive tailored experience with a trustworthy local guide, I highly recommend "A". He was my guide throughout one of the trips I made that went deep into the national park (Klong Yee raft house), and my friend and I had an incredible experience with him.

He speaks great English, is very knowledgeable on all things wildlife in Khao Sok, and is one hell of a funny guy. He organized all the day trips that took us to Krai Sorn Viewpoint, bushwhacked our way to a wild waterfall with a ranger, and more.

He treated us like family and always went above and beyond for every request we made. He even let us try all sorts of local food that he made with the local chef at the raft house, and you guessed it, it was spicy as hell!

If you happen to contact him, feel free to mention that you got the tip from "Pete and Aurelie" and show him this blog. He will probably appreciate it and might even give you a discount.

Contact "A" (local number)

Want to see more of Southern Thailand? Check out:10 Best Places to Visit in Southern Thailand

8 Best Things to Do in Khao Sok National Park

1. Spend A Few Nights at a Floating Bungalow

One of the main highlights of visiting Khao Sok is to take a long-tail boat into Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake) and spend a night in one of the many floating bungalows. Here, you will be able to disconnect from the world (literally, as there is no cell service inside) and be among nature for a few nights.

Due to its isolated location from the world and being surrounded by nothing but nature, the sunrise and sunset experiences at these floating bungalows are going to be some of the best moments you will ever have in your life.

The sound of the forest waking up, monkeys howling, birds chirping, as you kayak along the calm water of Cheow Lan Lake, observing the wildlife around you, it just doesn't get any better than that.

And to experience these magical moments, you are going to have to spend at least a few nights at one of the many floating bungalows in Khao Sok. You can go with one of the tour options I have illustrated in the "Which Khao Sok Lake Tour to Pick?" section, pick the one that fits you the most, and you should be golden.

Most of the floating bungalows here are made out of bamboo, which gives them another level of immersion, being closer to nature. Since there isn't much to do at these raft houses, you can spend the rest of your day kayaking around, swimming, or simply enjoying the sights.

If you have the option to stay overnight in Cheow Lan Lake, I highly recommend you do it. A day trip to Cheow Lan Lake is way too rushed, pricey, and you don't get to experience the best part of being here, so I would recommend you avoid it at all costs.

2. Hike Up to Kri Sorn Viewpoint

One of the best views you can get in Cheow Lan Lake is at Kri Sorn Viewpoint, located on top of a vertical limestone mountain. From here, you will be able to have a panoramic view of the beautiful, glistening blue water of Cheow Lan Lake and its surroundings.

To hike to Kri Sorn Viewpoint, you are going to have to make sure that your tour will take you there. Usually, a tour that stays longer than one night will provide you with the option to visit Kri Sorn Viewpoint, but be sure to confirm it with your tour agency before booking.

The hike's difficulty is moderate, with a nice 1.5-hour slightly uphill hike until you reach the base of the peak. From there, you will have to scramble up the steep mountain face for about 30 minutes before reaching the top. The last part is the most difficult and extremely tiring, but the moment you see the view, all your tiredness will just evaporate away.

From this viewpoint, you will be able to see the true scale of Cheow Lan Lake and why it is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. You can see the lake branching out between limestone mountains like lightning, as well as floating bungalows and other long-tail boats dotting the blue-colored water. It is an incredible sight to see and one that is worth every drop of sweat.

Getting down should take about the same amount of time, so in total, it will take you around 4 hours to complete the hike. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and cover yourself in sunscreen before tackling the trail.

3. Go On a Safari Boat Ride Around Cheow Lan Lake

Most of the overnight tours of Cheow Lan Lake will include a safari boat ride where you go around the lake, spotting all kinds of animals, from wild buffalos to the Great Hornbill.

They will take you on a safari ride twice - once in the evening and once in the early morning when the forest is most alive. The morning safari ride is when you will see the most wildlife. We saw a couple of monkeys, great hornbills, wild buffalos, and wild boars. It was an unmissable experience.

If you are spending a night or more at Cheow Lan Lake, make sure to go on these morning safari tours. You never know what you might see in the forest. Apparently, somewhere in the national park, wild elephants and the elusive tapirs still roam free, and my God, the things I would give to see tapirs with my own eyes for once!

4. Hike Through Khao Talu Cave

Khao Talu cave is a bottle-shaped cave with water running through, located one hour's boat ride away from the entrance of Cheow Lan Lake. Most multi-day trips inside the lake often include a trek in and around this mystical cave.

Getting to the cave is really fun, as you will have to trek across some streams, along muddy trails, and through thick jungles for an hour before reaching the entrance.

Once you are in the cave, you will have to go through shallow and oftentimes narrow water tunnels in almost pitch black (you will be given a torchlight for this), as your body is half-submerged in raging water. You will have to wade through it for about 30 minutes before you arrive at the exit on the other end of the cave. It is an exciting and quite demanding activity, so be sure to prepare for the hike and wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet.

5. Visit the Guilin Rocks in Khao Sok

And of course, do not forget to visit the Guilin rocks (Khao Sam Kloe) in Cheow Lan Lake, which is a popular place to stop, usually on your way in or out of Cheow Lan Lake.

The rock formations are pretty cool, and you will be able to relax, take photos of the rocks, and enjoy a nice view for a few minutes before you continue on your journey.

6. Trek the Jungle And Track Down the Largest Flower in the World

For those who are looking for things to do outside of Cheow Lan Lake, you can go jungle trekking in Khao Sok National Park, near Khao Sok village, and track down the elusive Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.

You will be able to see these flowers in Khao Sok for a period of only 2 months per year, between February and March. Additionally, you will have to go with a ranger or a guide to trek through the forest of Khao Sok to see one.

Technically, you can trek around the forest yourself, but I do not recommend it. The forest in Khao Sok is extremely dense, and many of the trails aren't well maintained. There have been many tourists getting lost in the forest. So, if you want to see it, talk to the ranger at the national park office, and they will organize a guide to go with you.

7. Check Out the View of Khao Sok from Rajjaprabha Dam

If you are unsure about visiting Cheow Lan Lake, you can get a glimpse of what's to come from an incredible viewpoint at Rajjaprabha Dam where you will be able to go up the dam ridge and have a stunning view of the lake and its limestone mountains.

Rajjaprabha Dam is also a recreational park with lots of trees, nice cozy cafes, and a local food court, making it a great place to stop by for lunch.

If you are staying in Khao Sok Village and want to kill some time, you can rent a motorbike, drive to Rajjaprabha Dam, and enjoy a nice, quiet time while looking at all the boats coming in and out of Cheow Lan Lake.

8. Hike the Big Tree Trail at Khlong Phanom National Park

Another cool national park you should definitely check out while you are in Khao Sok is Khlong Phanom National Park, a small national park located not too far from Khao Sok Village, known for its large trees.

In fact, the largest tree in the region is located inside this park, and there is a nature trail you can hike that will take you through thick forests to see this tree, all the while enjoying several viewpoints that show how beautiful the landscape around Khao Sok is along the way.

The nature trail will take you on a loop along some really steep trails, where you will have to use ropes to navigate up and down. So, I highly recommend you start the hike as early as you can to avoid bad weather, as it tends to rain more in the evening here.

The whole trail should take you about 2 hours in a loop, and be sure to wear sturdy shoes and cover your entire body with insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes, as there are a ton of them in there.

Khlong Phanom National Park opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person, which is way cheaper than Khao Sok National Park, making it a great alternative place to visit.

Where to Stay in Khao Sok Village?

Budget

Coco Khao Sok Hostel

Dorm | $

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Khao Sok Morning Mist Resort

Double Room | $$

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High-End

Khao Sok Jasmine Garden Resort

Bungalow | $$$

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When to Visit Khao Sok?

Khao Sok can be visited all year round, but the weather here can be quite unpredictable, especially between June and November when downpours are at their most frequent.

That said, rains usually don't last very long in Thailand, so you can always enjoy outdoor activities even if you visit during those months.

For the highest chance of clear days, the months between December and March are highly recommended. It also falls within the blooming season of Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, which can often be seen along hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park between February and March. So, if you want to see these flowers, make sure you align your trip accordingly.

All in all, Khao Sok is an all-year-round travel destination, and no matter when you choose to visit Khao Sok, you are going to have a great time here, nonetheless.

How to Get to Khao Sok?

Khao Sok is located in the southern province of Surat Thani, and in order to get there, you will first have to fly to Bangkok or Phuket. Phuket will be closer to Khao Sok, and you won't need to take another domestic flight to Surat Thani.

If you fly into Bangkok, you are going to have to fly domestically to Surat Thani Airport, the closest airport to Khao Sok. Airlines like AirAsia often operate this route multiple times daily, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a flight.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok and Surat Thani, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule. This way, you can compare and pick the best one for your trip.

From Surat Thani: Once you arrive in Surat Thani, you are going to have to take a bus from the airport to the city center and from there, catch another bus operated by the same company to Khao Sok Village and you should be there in 3-4 hours. The whole journey should cost about 400 THB.

From Phuket: If you arrive at Phuket Airport, you can easily preorganize a minivan transfer from the airport straight to Khao Sok Lake for about 900 THB, and it should take around 5 hours to get there.

From Krabi: Same goes for Krabi. If you are coming from Krabi, you can also preorganize a minivan transfer that will take you from Krabi town to Khao Sok in 4 hours and should cost no more than 415 THB.

From anywhere else: If you are coming from somewhere else, you can browse through some of these transfer options available over at 12Go, and you can book it online from there.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Surat Thani? Check out:11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani

Khao Sok National Park's Entrance Fee

The entrance fees for Khao Sok National Park for foreigners are 300 THB for an adult, 150 THB for a child, and 40 THB and 20 THB for Thais respectively.

Daily Budget

Compared to others, this place is incredibly affordable. You can expect to spend around $20 - $30 USD per day per person, which includes both accommodation and food.

Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.

What to Pack for Khao Sok, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Khao Sok, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Khao Sok, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
• Looking for a complete Phuket itinerary? Check out: 7 Days Backpacking Phuket Itinerary
• The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, culture, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
• There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
• Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket Trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
• Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
• If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
• Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
• For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
• Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
• Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
• Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
• Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
• Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
• For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.