Khao Sok National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise in Thailand

‘Up there – can you see them?’ Scanning the evening sky above the jungle, they were alarmingly easy to spot: hundreds of Pteropus vampyrus – or flying foxes – out on an evening feeding mission. With a wingspan approaching 1.5m, the giant bats filled the horizon in a flapping black swarm.

It was my first night in southern Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park, and a dramatic introduction to the wildlife I knew lurked in this ancient rainforest.

Some say the biodiversity of Khao Sok exceeds that of the Amazon. Most agree that at over 160 million years old, the evergreen rainforest here is one of the oldest in the world. 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 such a 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. Furthermore, this biodiversity haven owes a few thanks to an unexpected twist of fate.

From 1975 to 1982, at a time when Thailand was losing 3% of its forest cover a year to the logging industry, a group of communist insurgents made a stronghold in the caves of Khao Sok. From here they acted out guerrilla warfare against the Thai government, inadvertently also keeping loggers, miners, and hunters at the park’s fringes, allowing the jungle inside to thrive.

Thanks to this, thrive it does. Treetops shake with monkeys and birds, winged lizards bounce from branch to rock, and sky-high bamboo stalks bathe everything in a stripey green light.

Discovering Khao Sok National Park

Located inland between the Andaman and Gulf coasts, Khao Sok is often overlooked by travellers in favor of southern Thailand’s coastal resorts and islands. However, for anyone wishing to swap beach relaxations for tranquil jungle trails, lake swimming, cool bat-filled caves, and the chance to spot a wealth of indigenous species in their natural habitat, this secret garden is an easily accessible getaway.

Swinging Gibbons and Tarantula Nests: Jungle Trekking

Just being in the park means coming face to face with nature, but the best way to experience Khao Sok’s wild bounty is on a guided jungle trek. Although it is possible to trek independently, as trails from the park headquarters are well-maintained and easy to follow, the knowledge of local guides will enhance your trip tenfold. They’ll 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 jungle’s medicinal plants and birdsong.

Most of the big mammals in the park – wild elephants, sun bears, clouded leopards, and tigers – will remain elusive to trekkers. Nevertheless, the cracking of jackfruit should soon alert you to the presence of primates. Long-tailed macaques are an almost guaranteed sight, with troops making bold acrobatic displays right on the trail. White-handed gibbons and spectacled langurs are rarer and more rewarding to spot. Gibbons stick to the high branches, making long, Tarzan-like swings through the trees; a joy to behold. Gaurs, tapirs, and barking deer can sometimes be seen or heard, especially in the wet season (June to October).

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. 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. When in bloom, special treks to see the Rafflesia kerrii are organized. With a diameter reaching 90cm, it’s the largest flower in the world, which, in Thailand, only grows in Khao Sok.

Raft Houses and Swimming in Chiaw Lan Lake

This vast 165-sq-km lake sprawls in the middle of the park, a sparkling blue jewel in the crown of its attractions. It’s a magical place where huge karst mountains rise from the water. Some reach over 900m – three times the height of those in Vietnam’s Halong Bay. The jungle growth at the lake’s edge shimmers emerald in the reflected light. It seems peculiar that something so naturally stunning could be a modern invention, but the lake was formed in 1982 when the Ratchaprapha Dam was constructed.

To fully appreciate the tranquility of the lake, an overnight stay in a floating raft house is a must, and access is by a thrilling long-tail boat ride across the vast lake. The accommodation is rustic, but this is more than compensated by glorious lake swimming and the dawn mist rolling over the water to the whoops of gibbon calls.

Bats and Stalactites: Cave Tours

For fans of the dark delights of spelunking, there are several intriguing caves to visit, including Tham Si Ru – the cave used as a secret hideout by communist insurgents in the late 1970s. Two of the easier caves to access are Pra Kay Petch (Diamond) and Pakaran (Coral) caves, both of which include a long-tail boat or raft trip to the cave entrance, showcasing fabulous rock formations inside.

A more intrepid experience is a guided trek through Nam Thalu cave. It is important to note that this trek is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves wading in subterranean streams through an increasingly narrow passage and should not be undertaken in the rainy season when flash flooding is a significant risk.

Make It Happen

Khao Sok National Park is located inland from the Andaman Coast of southern Thailand, approximately two hours’ drive from Khao Lak, or about an hour from Surat Thani. From Surat, you can catch a bus going towards Takua Pa; from the Andaman Coast, take a Surat Thani-bound bus. Buses stop on Rte 401, 1.8km southwest of the park headquarters, which has useful maps for trekking and other information. Most visitors experience the park on a two- or three-night organized tour, which usually includes accommodation, activities such as trekking and caving, as well as a stay in a floating raft house on Chiaw Lan Lake, and transfer from Surat Thani or Khao Lak. Tours can also be arranged with most of the lodges in the park itself. It is advised to avoid any package that offers elephant riding.

Tour Operators

Rainforest Camp specializes in luxury tented accommodation, both floating style on the lake and in its Elephant Hills jungle lodge. Its two-night, three-day package (from THB 20,372) includes transfers, meals, a non-riding elephant interaction, guided trekking, and a night on the lake.

Anurak Community Lodge is situated in a tranquil spot apart from the park’s main hub and runs day tours, including trips (but no overnight stay) to Chiaw Lan Lake, trekking, tubing, and rafting on the Sok River. Its 18 bungalows (from THB 2900 a night, without activities) are surrounded by lush vegetation.

Rickshaw Travel is a UK-based operator specializing in immersive travel experiences. It offers a three-night, four-day tour of the park (from £468 per person), with transfers, accommodation in a community-run lodge, meals, an English-speaking guide, and a night on a floating raft house on Chiaw Lan Lake. The Khao Sok trip is one of several short tours that can be combined into a longer holiday (a minimum of three trips is required for booking).

What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing

• Rain poncho or waterproof jacket

• Swimming costume and towel

• Sunglasses and hat

• Sturdy walking shoes or trainers with good tread

• Insect repellent (with DEET)

• Suncream

• Ear plugs

• Small torch

• Camera, charger, and universal plug adaptor

• Daypack

Code of Conduct

• Stick to existing hiking trails to avoid erosion

• Never chase or try to catch wildlife

• Take all litter with you, including cigarette ends

• There are no toilets on hiking trails; bury your waste and burn tissue

• Never cut down wood for fire making. Use dead branches

• Ensure fires are completely out and cleared before moving on

• Nudity causes offence in Thai culture; wear a modest swimming costume when bathing

Dora Ball travelled to Thailand with support from Rickshaw Travel. iBestTravel contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.