Humans are to elephants what puppies are to us. Yes, it is a scientifically proven fact. Don’t believe us? Then you should definitely visit Khao Sok National Park which is the homeland of the pachyderms aka elephants.
Khao Sok National Park, where nature meets adventure, is a forest reserve in Surat Thani Province of Thailand and consists of dense rainforests, limestone cliffs, and a serene lake. Spending a day inside the park and enjoying the thrilling experiences will make you feel right in the lap of nature. And, when you feed and scrub those elephants in the park, there is no greater joy in the world for both you and them.
Isn’t it the aim of these natural reserves all along? To bring humans and wildlife closer in harmony. Experience in Khao Sok National Park is all about harmony and quietude which is why you ought to visit the place.
Information: Khao Sok National Park
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Location: Surat Thani Province, Thailand
Area: 739-kilometer square
Established: 1980
Longitude | Latitude: 8°56′12″N | 98°31′49″E
Geography: Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, comprises dense rainforests with sandstone and mudstone rocks. It is one of the wettest regions in Thailand with monsoon hitting from both the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Flora & Fauna: There are more than 1,500 species of Bamboo and a number of varieties of Rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world. There is also a wide range of wildlife that can be spotted inside the park which includes Malayan tapir, Asian elephant, tiger, sambar deer, bear, gaur, banteng, serow, wild boar, pig-tailed macaque,
Khao Sok National Park Entry Fee
The entrance fee for foreign tourists which covers a 24-hours stay inside the park is:
Adults: 300 Baht (INR 619)
Children: 150 Baht (INR 310)
For Thai Nationals:
Adults: 40 Baht (INR 84)
Children: 20 Baht (INR 42)
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Things to do in Khao Sok National Park
1. Elephant watching
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Play and feed the majestic elephants in the Khao Sok National Park which is the habitat of the largest land animal in this part of the world. Scrub, clean, and watch them bathe in the park and have the most memorable inside the park. Get into the secrets of their daily lives and mahouts. It is one of the experiences which is worth adding to your itinerary.
2. Jungle Trekking
Explore the tropical rainforests of Khao Sok National Park which are laden with exciting and adventurous trekking trails. The 3-day Jungle Lake Safari is the most recommended tour which introduces you to the local Thai culture. You can either booking a trekking tour with a TAT licensed Tour guide accompanying you or you can explore on your known by hiring a local guide from the Headquarters.
3. Bamboo Rafting
The serene Sok River which runs quietly through the park is an ideal place to enjoy water activities in the park. It provides excellent opportunities for bamboo rafting and canoeing while you soak in the scenic beauty of the surroundings. A wide variety of wildlife thrives along the river posing an ultimate treat for wildlife lovers. Get your eyes on kingfishers, herons, frogs, lizards, and even limestone covered cliffs.
4. Jungle Cooking Experience
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Even if you have never cooked in your own kitchen, cooking in the outdoor setting of lush green rainforests and variety of flora-fauna seems like a lucrative experience. Join a village family in their rural home and feast upon the unusual yet exciting local Thai cuisine to suit your palate. Not only it is a unique experience but also an opportunity to introduce yourself to an entirely new culture.
Khao Sok National Park Tours
The authorities in Khao Sok National Park offers a variety of tours for the tourists in the park to alleviate their experience.
1. 3-Day Jungle Lake Safari
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This 3-day tour in the park is a bouquet of the experiences you must have in Khao Sok National Park. Get picked up from the airport and check into Elephant Hills Camp where you will get to feed and bathe mighty elephants. Enjoy canoeing and boat safari on the lake which is also an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife. The tour will also introduce you to the rural lifestyle of Thailand which is a unique experience in itself.
Price: INR 48,000 per adult, INR 24,000 per kid
2. Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows
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Just like we have boat houses in Dal Lake, Khao Sok National Park floating bungalows provide you with similar experience in the wilderness. Enjoy a splendid and secluded stay on the waters of serene Cheow Lan Lake surrounded by the bliss of nature. You can choose from 4 types of raft houses available based on the amenities and luxuries. These raft houses even have in-house restaurants and even provides tours around the lake.
How to reach: Arrive at Ban Ta Khun by a shared van or taxi and you will be picked up in a boat to reach the floating bungalows.
Price: The most basic package for 2D/1N starts from INR 5,200. The cost increases as the amenities and number of days increase.
Website
3. Elephant Hills Jungle Safari
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The most enjoyable way to enjoy the variegated flora and fauna of this place is by venturing into the wild jungles of the park. Trek through the rainforests and unravel the exotic species of animals, birds, and plants which reside in the park. Learn to cook your own food with the resources available in the jungle. If you want your every bit of time to adventurous, you should head onto this tour.
Khao Sok National Park Accommodation
There are quite a number of resorts along the main road outside the National Park where you can choose to spend the night. However, if you wish to spend the night inside the park, here are a few options:
1. Khao Sok Jungle Tree Resort
The only tree resort inside Khao Sok National Park, these bungalows and cottages are set in the picturesque settings of sceneries and experiences. You can look over the calm streams and magnificent limestone cliffs right from your balcony. You can choose from various types of rooms depending upon your mood and budget. The resort even offers unique tours inside the National Park to elevate the experience of the tourists.
Khao Sok Riverside Cottages
For a calm and quieter stay by the river, stay at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages. You may not get a LED in your room but you will have the most unique and harmonious experience of staying in the wild. The family-run resort is built upon a sustainable model and recycles all the waste which is generated in the property. They also organize guided tours inside the park offering you a perfect base inside the park.
Khao Sok National Park Map
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How to get to Khao Sok National Park
The closest airport to Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani. If you reach here in the morning, you will get plenty of time to enjoy the activities inside the park.
Khao Sok National Park from Bangkok
If you are coming from Bangkok, fly to Surat Thani International Airport. There are regular flights every day between Bangkok and Surat Thani and only takes 1 hour 30 minutes by air to reach. Alternatively, there are buses and trains between the two cities, but by air is the fastest mode of transport.
Krabi to Khao Sok National Park
Krabi is just 2 hours distance from Khao Sok National Park. there are a number of minibuses which departs from Krabi town as well as the airport to the park. It costs from 300 Baht to 550 Baht to rach park by bus from Krabi. The buses will drop you 2 km before the National Park on Highway 401.
You can also take a taxi from Krabi to Khao Sok National park which will cost your around 2700 Baht to 4000 Baht. .
Phuket to Khao Sok National Park
Phuket is also just 2 hours distance from the park and there are buses and minivans available to tourists to reach the park from this part of Thailand. You can take any bus between Phuket and Surat Thani and ask to be dropped off at the park. It costs around 140 Baht by bus.
Thailand has so much to offer to tourists to make their holiday a wonderful experience. Plan a trip to Thailand and don’t forget to add Khao Sok National park to your itinerary. The place is not just a sanctuary for elephants but also for your mind.
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