Things to Do in Khao Sok, Thailand

I remember the first moment I saw Khao Sok. I had driven north from Surat Thani, and then the limestone karsts simply rose out of the jungle, grey walls of rock that the forest had draped in green. I have returned many times since, and I still find myself stopping the car just to stare. This national park in southern Thailand is one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, and it rewards the curious with more than I expected.

Here is my honest list of the best things to do in Khao Sok and the whole sprawling Khao Sok region, which is far bigger than the park gate.

Float on Cheow Lan Lake

The single best thing you can do here is get out onto Cheow Lan Lake. This is the reservoir inside the park, and its scenery is the stuff of postcards, with emerald water studded by huge limestone peaks. I have taken a longtail boat across it and felt the world go quiet. Do not skip the floating bungalow homestays, where you sleep over the water and wake to birdsong. For me that one night on the lake was the highlight of the whole trip.

Trek Through Ancient Rainforest

Khao Sok is home to some of the oldest rainforest in the world, and walking it is unforgettable. I hiked on a ranger led trail that wove between towering dipterocarp trees and thick ferns, and the sounds of the forest surrounded me. Watch for monkeys, hornbills, and if you are lucky, a wild elephant across a valley. The trails vary from easy strolls to all day jungle treks, so pick what matches your legs and shoes.

Explore the Caves

Hidden in the jade green water and karst are a set of dramatic caves worth exploring. I crawled and climbed through a couple, past stalactites and pools, guided by headlamp. The jungle entrance of a flooded cave feels like stepping into a different world. Take local guidance, because the main caves are easiest and safest with someone who knows the routes through the dark.

Savour Local River Life

Along the Sok river near the park entrance, life slows right down. I borrowed a kayak and drifted in the gentle current, watching the jungle banks slide past and listening to the birds. In the evenings I ate fresh river fish and local curries in a little restaurant with the jungle lit up around us. It is quiet, easy, and my favourite way to end a day.

Try the Famous Pancake or a Raft

There is a running joke among travellers about the banana pancake stalls scattered across Thailand, and Khao Sok has some lovely ones. More seriously, the floating raft houses on the lake offer a chance to dive straight off the platform into warm water and swim in the calm fjord like reaches. I jumped in more than once, still in awe of the cliffs.

Plan Your Days

I recommend at least two nights, one in the jungle village at the park’s edge and one on the lake itself. You can combine both fairly easily, and that balance gives you the full range, from river life to floating raft life. Khao Sok is a place to slow down, and the more quietly you move through it, the more unwraps itself for you.