Khao Sok
One of the oldest rainforests on earth, and Cheow Lan Lake — emerald water under 200-metre limestone cliffs. Khao Sok is the wild card in a beach-heavy itinerary, and usually the part people talk about afterwards.
Khao Sok National Park is 60km from Surat Thani and holds one of the oldest rainforests on earth plus the cliff-lined Cheow Lan Lake. Two to three nights is right: one for the jungle trails, one or two on the lake in a raft house.
The lake
Cheow Lan is a reservoir flooded in 1982; the drowned valley walls are now cliffs. Raft houses sit on the water, and longtail boats run to caves and hiking trails. One night on the lake is the minimum, two is better.
Jungle and wildlife
The park has gibbons, hornbills and, occasionally, elephants. Night walks and morning canoe trips are led by park guides. It is hot and humid — pack accordingly and travel light.
Where to stay in Khao Sok
Khao Sok has two places to sleep and they are not interchangeable: the village at the park entrance for jungle treks, and raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake for the scenery. Most people do one night in each.
- Khao Sok village$–$$
Best for: Trekking, night safaris, budget
Guesthouses and small resorts at the park gate; the treks start here.
- Cheow Lan Lake (raft houses)$$$
Best for: The scenery, one or two nights
Floating rooms reached by longtail; no air conditioning, generator power, unbeatable mornings.
Price bands are for a double room per night in high season: $ under THB 1,800 · $$ 1,800–4,500 · $$$ 4,500–10,000 · $$$$ above 10,000. We book hotels in every band and inspect them in person.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Doing the lake as a day trip and seeing it only at midday
- Booking a raft house without confirming whether it has electricity and a fan
- Coming in November, the wettest month, without checking boat schedules
Is it worth it?
Worth two or three nights and one of the best nature experiences in Thailand. The lake at dawn is genuinely extraordinary and the jungle is older and more diverse than the Amazon. It is not a beach stop and it is not luxurious.
Things to see in Khao Sok
Tours that include Khao Sok
Experiences here
Common questions
From Surat Thani (1.5 hours) or Phuket (3 hours) by minivan, or from Krabi (3 hours). Most people arrive via Surat Thani airport or the Don Sak ferry.
The lake for one or two nights — it is the whole point. The village is cheaper and good for jungle treks.
From about 3,500 baht per person for one night in a raft house including boat, meals and guide. Day trips are around 2,000 baht.
December to April for the lake. The rainforest is at its best in the rainy season (June–October) for wildlife but the lake can be rough.
Last updated: October 2026 · JoyoTour editorial team
Add Khao Sok to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.