Elephant Hills
เขาสก · Surat Thani Province
Best Season
December to April (dry season, clear skies)
Score
8 / 10
Elevation
100 m
Area
739 km²
About Elephant Hills
Elephant Hills offers an all-inclusive experience combining ethical elephant encounters, Cheow Lan Lake floating camp stays, and guided jungle trekking within the Khao Sok ecosystem, one of the world's oldest evergreen rainforests at 160 million years, older than the Amazon. The camp provides comfortable access to extraordinary biodiversity including gibbons, hornbills, and the world's largest flower, Rafflesia.
Unlike traditional elephant tourism, Elephant Hills follows a no-riding ethical model where guests observe and interact with retired elephants at a bathing and feeding program. The combination of luxury tented accommodation, rainforest wilderness, and responsible animal tourism has made this one of Thailand's most sought-after nature experiences.
Cheow Lan Lake, the dramatic reservoir created by the 1982 dam, features limestone karsts rising from turquoise water often compared favorably to Vietnam's Halong Bay. The floating camp, completely off-grid with no WiFi or mobile signal, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping on the lake surrounded by sheer cliffs and ancient forest. Independent visitors can also explore Khao Sok through the village's many guesthouses and tour operators at a fraction of the cost.
Historical Note
Khao Sok National Park was established in 1980. Elephant Hills opened in 2011 as Thailand's first luxury tented jungle camp. Cheow Lan Lake was created by the Ratchaprapha Dam in 1982, flooding a valley to create the dramatic karst-and-water landscape.
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, clear skies)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เขาสก
Province
Surat Thani
Region
Southern
Area
739 km²
Elevation
100 m
Established
1980
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Elephant Hills. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle Lake Safari (2D1N) | 9,500 | 13,500 |
| Elephant Experience (2D1N) | 8,500 | 11,500 |
| Jungle Lake Combo (3D2N) | 14,500 | 20,000 |
| Night walk (independent) | 500 | 1,000 |
| National park entry (foreigner) | 300 | 300 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Independent guesthouse (Khao Sok) | 400 | 1,500 |
| Independent treehouse lodge | 1,500 | 4,000 |
| Lake raft house (independent) | 2,000 | 5,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Village restaurant meal | 60 | 150 |
| Fresh fruit shake | 40 | 60 |
| Coffee (village cafe) | 40 | 80 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
| Independent lake day trip | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Tubing on Sok River | 200 | 500 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry (load) | 40 | 60 |
Weather & Climate
December to April for the best weather and comfortable trekking. Khao Sok is a year-round destination though — rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, and the forest is most lush in wet season. Rafflesia blooms January to March.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 30 | 75% |
| Feb | 33 | 22 | 20 | 72% |
| Mar | 34 | 23 | 50 | 74% |
| Apr | 34 | 24 | 100 | 78% |
| May | 33 | 24 | 250 | 85% |
| Jun | 32 | 24 | 220 | 84% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 230 | 84% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 240 | 85% |
| Sep | 32 | 23 | 300 | 88% |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 300 | 88% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 200 | 85% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 80 | 78% |
Things to Do
Ethical Elephant Bathing & Feeding
No-riding interaction with retired elephants at their river habitat. Learn about each elephant's rescue story.
Cheow Lan Lake Exploration
เขื่อนรัชชประภา
Longtail boat through dramatic limestone karsts rising from turquoise water. Often compared favorably to Halong Bay.
Floating Camp Stay
Sleep in tented raft houses on the lake. Wake to gibbon calls echoing off limestone cliffs. Completely off-grid.
Guided Jungle Trek
Through old-growth rainforest with guides pointing out wildlife, medicinal plants, and giant trees.
Kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake
Paddle through flooded canyons surrounded by limestone karsts. Incredibly photogenic.
Khao Sok National Park Trails
อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก
Several day hikes from park headquarters ranging from 1 to 8 km through ancient rainforest.
Food Nearby
แกงไทย
Thai Curry (Camp Buffet)
Elephant Hills serves buffet meals with quality Thai and international food. Vegetarian options available.
Included in package
Elephant Hills jungle camp dining area
ผัดไทย
Pad Thai (Village)
Standard Thai dishes available at small restaurants in Khao Sok village.
60-100
Khao Sok village restaurants
น้ำผลไม้ปั่น
Fresh Fruit Shakes
Abundant tropical fruit blended into refreshing shakes at village cafes.
40-60
Khao Sok village cafes
แกงใต้
Southern Thai Curry
Spicier and more intense than central Thai versions. Available at village restaurants.
60-120
Local restaurants in Khao Sok village
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
200 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 3,000
THB / night
Luxury
3,000 - 8,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Book Elephant Hills 2-4 weeks ahead in high season, 1-2 months for Christmas and New Year. Independent Khao Sok guesthouses offer similar nature at a fraction of the cost.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Surat Thani + transfer
1 hour flight + 2 hours
1,500-3,500 + transfer THB
Overnight bus
8-10 hours
500-700 THB
Overnight train to Surat Thani + transfer
10-12 hours + 2 hours
500-1,200 + transfer THB
Festivals & Events
Rafflesia Blooming Season
The world's largest flower blooms in the Khao Sok forest. Rare and smelly. Guides know the locations.
Cool Dry Season Peak
Best weather for trekking and outdoor activities. Peak tourism season with highest prices.
Practical Info
Hospital
Takua Pa Hospital (40 km)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Basic English at tourist guesthouses and Elephant Hills. Thai elsewhere. Floating camp is completely off-grid.
Drinking Water
Bottled water provided at camps. Village has bottled water available.
Tipping Culture
200-500 THB for Elephant Hills guides is generous by local standards
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant Hills worth the price?
For the all-inclusive luxury jungle experience with ethical elephant interaction, yes. Budget travelers can get similar nature independently through Khao Sok village operators at a third of the cost.
Is the elephant interaction truly ethical?
Elephant Hills is among the more ethical commercial operations. No riding, no hooks, no performances. However the elephants are still captive and managed for tourism, not a full sanctuary.
Can I visit Khao Sok without Elephant Hills?
Absolutely. Khao Sok village has dozens of independent guesthouses and tour operators. Same nature at a fraction of the cost, without the elephant interaction or luxury tents.
Which package should I choose?
The 3D2N Jungle Lake Combo is most popular and best value. You get both jungle camp and floating camp. The 2D1N options feel rushed.
How does Cheow Lan Lake compare to Halong Bay?
Many travelers say Cheow Lan is more beautiful, less crowded, and better preserved. The karsts are equally dramatic, the water is cleaner, and there are far fewer boats.
What is the best time to visit?
December to February for best weather. But Khao Sok works year-round. Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts and the forest is most alive in wet season.