Khao Sok
เขาสก · Surat Thani Province
Best Season
December to April (dry season, best for lake trips and trekking)
Score
8 / 10
Elevation
100 m
Area
739 km²
About Khao Sok
Khao Sok National Park contains the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world — older than the Amazon — and is arguably the most spectacular natural attraction in southern Thailand. The park covers 739 square kilometers of towering limestone karsts, dense jungle, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam), where emerald-green water sits between impossibly steep jungle-clad cliffs.
Sleeping in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by nothing but water, karsts, and the sounds of the jungle, is one of the most memorable experiences available in Thailand. Wildlife is genuinely impressive — gibbons, hornbills, langurs, and wild boar are commonly encountered. The Rafflesia kerrii, the world's largest flower, blooms here between January and March.
Khao Sok is strategically located between the Gulf coast and the Andaman coast, making it an excellent inland stop between the two. Accommodation is basic, the village is small, and amenities are limited — but the natural beauty is extraordinary.
Historical Note
Khao Sok's evergreen rainforest is estimated to be 160 million years old. The park was established to protect this ancient ecosystem. Cheow Lan Lake was created by the Ratchaprapha Dam, built in 1987, which flooded valleys to create the stunning reservoir.
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season, best for lake trips and trekking)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เขาสก
Province
Surat Thani
Region
Southern
Area
739 km²
Elevation
100 m
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Khao Sok. Grouped by category.
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 50 | 80 |
| Restaurant meal | 80 | 150 |
| Coffee | 50 | 80 |
| Water 1.5L | 15 | 20 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Fan bungalow per night | 400 | 700 |
| Jungle lodge per night | 800 | 2,000 |
| Eco-lodge per night | 1,500 | 4,000 |
| Luxury tented camp per night | 5,000 | 15,000 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheow Lan Lake day trip | 1,500 | 2,500 |
| Cheow Lan Lake overnight | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Jungle trek (half day) | 600 | 1,000 |
| Night safari | 500 | 800 |
| National park entry (foreigner) | 300 | 300 |
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 250 | 350 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental per day | 250 | 350 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry per kg | 40 | 50 |
Weather & Climate
December to April for dry weather, best lake visibility, and comfortable trekking. November has the heaviest rain, active leeches, and some trail closures. January to March is Rafflesia bloom season.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 30 | 75% |
| Feb | 33 | 22 | 20 | 72% |
| Mar | 34 | 23 | 50 | 75% |
| Apr | 34 | 24 | 100 | 78% |
| May | 33 | 24 | 250 | 85% |
| Jun | 32 | 24 | 200 | 85% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 200 | 85% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 220 | 86% |
| Sep | 31 | 23 | 280 | 88% |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 300 | 88% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 250 | 85% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 80 | 78% |
Things to Do
Cheow Lan Lake Overnight
เชี่ยวหลาน
Sleep in a floating bungalow on the emerald lake surrounded by karst cliffs, kayak, and swim — the signature Khao Sok experience.
Jungle Trekking
Guided treks through primary rainforest with chances to spot gibbons, hornbills, and the Rafflesia flower.
Night Safari
Guided walk after dark to spot civets, slow lorises, insects, and frogs.
River Tubing/Kayaking
Float down the Sok River through the jungle — peaceful and easy.
Coral Cave (Tham Nam Thalu)
ถ้ำน้ำทะลุ
Swim through a water-filled cave to reach a cathedral-like chamber. Seasonal and guide required.
Rafflesia Flower Spotting
The world's largest parasitic flower blooms January to March. Guides know the locations.
Food Nearby
แกงใต้
Southern Thai Curries
Gaeng som, gaeng tai pla, and massaman served at village restaurants.
60-120
Village restaurants along the main strip
ปลาแม่น้ำ
River Fish
Fresh-caught fish from the Sok River, grilled or fried.
80-150
Riverside restaurants
ผักป่า
Jungle Vegetables
Stir-fried ferns, bamboo shoots, and other foraged greens from the forest.
40-80
Village restaurants
น้ำผลไม้ปั่น
Fruit Shakes
Tropical fruits blended fresh — widely available and cheap.
30-50
Restaurants and stalls along the village strip
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
250 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 700
THB / night
Mid-Range
800 - 2,000
THB / night
Luxury
5,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Book lake overnight trips at least a few days ahead, especially December-February. Village guesthouses are walkable and available on arrival.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Surat Thani + minivan
1.5 hours flight + 2-2.5 hours drive
2,500-5,000 THB
Bus + minivan
10-12 hours total
500-800 THB
Festivals & Events
Rafflesia Season
The giant Rafflesia flowers bloom and guides organize spotting trips.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Small local celebrations in the village.
Practical Info
Hospital
Takua Pa Hospital (1 hour west)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Basic English at guesthouses and tour operators. Thai primarily.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Buy bottled water before arriving.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheow Lan Lake worth the cost?
Absolutely. It is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. The overnight trip with floating bungalows is the recommended experience.
Can I visit the lake independently?
No. Access requires a longtail boat and floating bungalows are booked through tour operators.
How many nights should I spend?
Two to three nights: one for the lake trip, one for jungle trekking and night safari, and optionally one for river activities.
Will I see wildlife?
You will almost certainly hear and see gibbons, see hornbills, and encounter insects and frogs on the night walk. Large mammals are extremely rarely seen.