By Kylian Dev
Cheow Lan lake safari
A long-tail boat ride between vertical cliffs and limestone bluffs.
Destination guide · Andaman Sea
Khao Sok: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
A primary rainforest older than the Amazon (160 million years), dominated by the karst peaks of the man-made Cheow Lan Lake. Sleeping in a floating cabin here is magical.
- Best: December to April
- €40 - 75 / day
In short
Khao Sok (Andaman Sea) — Ancient jungle, karst peaks and floating bungalows. Best time to go: December to April; average temperatures 27°C. Budget: about €40 - 75 / day. Weather: 27°C • Pure tropical air, invigorating breeze over the lake
RegionAndaman Sea
TypeNature & park
Best seasonDecember to April
Avg. temperature27°C
Budget / day€40 - 75 / day
Thai nameเขาสก
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Khao Sok
Ancient jungle, karst peaks and floating bungalows
Floating bungalow at sunrise
Dive straight into 28°C emerald water the moment you wake, in absolute silence.
Deep jungle trek
Search for the rare Rafflesia (giant flower) and cross caves by headlamp.
More things to do in Khao Sok
- 4
Canoeing on the Sok River
Nature2 to 3 hA gentle float down the river past limestone cliffs, with monkeys and kingfishers on the banks. Easy and suitable for children.
- 5
Wing Hin and Ton Kloi waterfalls
NatureHalf dayTrails from the park headquarters lead to several waterfalls and swimming spots. Some parts need a guide.
- 6
Night safari
ActivityEveningWalk through the jungle at night with a guide and a torch to spot frogs, spiders, snakes and civets.
- 7
Nam Talu cave
NatureHalf dayA cave on the lake crossed by an underground river, visited with a guide and a headlamp. Closed in the rainy season when water rises.
- 8
The Rafflesia flower
NatureHalf dayFrom about December to February, guides lead walks to see the rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world.
- 9
Tubing on the river
Activity2 to 3 hFloat down the Sok River on an inner tube, a relaxed way to cool off after a trek.
- 10
A night at the lake's floating rafts
NatureFull dayOvernight trips to Cheow Lan lake include kayaking, a cave and a dawn boat ride to spot gibbons and hornbills.
Great forJungle & HikingBeaches & Relaxing
Weather
When to go to Khao Sok?
27°C • Pure tropical air, invigorating breeze over the lake. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovFair
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Khao Sok: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €40 - 75 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
40–75 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~23 €
Food
~14 €
Activities
~12 €
Local transport
~9 €
Transport
How to get to Khao Sok
Transport tip
Direct minibus from Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket (roughly 2 to 3 hours' drive).
From Bangkok → Khao Sok
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~579 km
Nearest destinations
Khao Sok → Khao Lak
Road
~44 km · ~1 h by road
Khao Sok → Koh Yao Noi
Road
~89 km · ~1.5 h by road
Khao Sok → Krabi & Railay
Road
~106 km · ~2 h by road
Where is Khao Sok?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Khao Sok
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Park village
Jungle bungalows within walking distance of the park trails.
Cheow Lan Lake
A night in a floating raft house, usually as part of a tour.
See hotels in Khao SokPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Khao SokFood
What to eat in Khao Sok
Gaeng Som (bold southern curry with bamboo shoots)
Gaeng Som (bold southern curry with bamboo shoots)
Fresh Cheow Lan lake fish grilled with wild herbs
Wild vegetables stir-fried with garlic and light soy sauce
Can’t decide?
Khao Sok or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Khao Sok
What are the best things to do in Khao Sok?
The must-sees are Cheow Lan lake safari, Floating bungalow at sunrise, Deep jungle trek. Also worth your time: Canoeing on the Sok River, Wing Hin and Ton Kloi waterfalls, Night safari, Nam Talu cave.
How many days should I spend in Khao Sok?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Khao Sok, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with Khao SokWhat is the best time to visit Khao Sok?
The best season is December to April. 27°C • Pure tropical air, invigorating breeze over the lake. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Khao Sok?
Plan on roughly €40 - 75 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Khao SokHow do I get to Khao Sok?
Direct minibus from Surat Thani, Krabi or Phuket (roughly 2 to 3 hours' drive). From Bangkok, Khao Sok is about 579 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to KrabiWhich area should I stay in, in Khao Sok?
The most popular areas are Park village, Cheow Lan Lake. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Khao SokPlan your trip