The islands of Thailand have much to offer with their warm water and sandy beaches, but the inland part of Thailand provides something quite different. Khao Sok National Park, located in the Surat Thani province, features a vast natural area of thick forest, limestone mountains, rivers, and lakes. Here, tourists have an opportunity to enjoy nature on a more relaxed note.
If you want to see more than beaches during your longer Thailand vacation, this rainforest in the south of the country is a great choice without having to go all the way up to the north of Thailand.
Why UK Travellers Should Add Khao Sok to Their Trip
Typical holidays in Thailand start with arrivals at airports located in Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi. Then most tourists proceed to beaches where all the rest of the program involves staying in beach resorts and taking part in boat tours. Adding an element of rainforest will result in a totally different trip but without altering the itinerary.
The point is that this option is based on contrasts. Tourists will have a chance to get off the shore and to spend some time on the riverside or in the jungle. Comparing rainforest vacation with a beach holiday does not imply selecting one over the other, since both places have a lot to offer in terms of enjoying nature.
Two to three days will be enough for seeing the main attractions. Those tourists who have more time at hand will be able to visit both the village and Cheow Lan Lake.
What Makes Khao Sok National Park Special?
The reserve occupies an area of more than 700 square kilometers and is one of the forest reserves in the region. The terrain in the area consists of evergreen rain forest, rugged limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and rivers which contain a great variety of fauna and flora.
The forested area contains such species of animals as gibbons, hornbills, macaques, and different reptiles. Large mammals like Asian elephants among others reside in the forested areas but rarely make appearances. Visitors are supposed to regard seeing such animals as a rare occurrence.
Among the exotic flora in the region is the Rafflesia which bears a large flower. The blooming period of this flower varies and lasts for a very short while. The guides will advise you on which flowers are in bloom at the moment and the right paths to take.
Exploring Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake forms part of the most distinctive natural environment in this area. This reservoir was formed in the 1980s after the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam. Currently, its turquoise water flows between hills covered with trees and limestone cliffs.
One can take longtail boat rides across the lake to stay in floating hotels, visit caves, and trekking trails. Scenery at this place varies depending on time since the clouds and sun play around the cliffs.
Staying in a Floating Bungalow
Lake overnighting offers tourists the chance to experience the area after the day-trip boats have sailed back. Lake accommodations are available in either simple raft accommodation or luxury floating resorts. Facilities vary widely, so it is good to find out if your booking provides meals, electricity, bathroom facilities, and boat transfers.
Most of the accommodation packages also provide guided activities such as kayaking, hiking, and nature watching. There could be limitations in mobile coverage in the area, while most of the lodges use generators to provide electricity.
Jungle Trekking and Guided Nature Walks
Exploring the Khao Sok jungle adventure on foot is one of the best ways to learn about the rainforest beyond appreciating its stunning nature. The trails weave through dense vegetation and rivers, occasionally leading to waterfalls or caves. These paths can become muddy and slippery, particularly after recent rain.
The services of a locally licensed guide should always be engaged when you visit any path in the jungle. Some of the paths may need to be explored with a guide, while other trails are free for anyone to walk. Check the current access to all trails from the park information office.
Use shoes that have better grip, take enough drinking water, insect repellent, and even a light rain coat. It is not advisable to touch anything that you are not sure about when walking in the rainforest.
Canoeing and Bamboo Rafting on the River
The other alternative for getting into the forest is through the Sok River. The canoe trips will generally include a local paddler who helps you go through the trip along the limestone cliffs, overhanging trees, and the quiet river banks.
A bamboo rafting tour can be another river tour that one can go through. The bamboo raft floats down the river and enables the tourists to see the sights of the region from the waters. Check whether the tour can take place at present, since river levels tend to rise suddenly due to rains.
These tours can suit people who do not wish to undertake any rigorous trekking but want to enjoy themselves on the river.
Wildlife Watching Without Disturbing Nature
The forest has numerous species of wildlife, and successful viewing of these animals depends on patience and silence. One might hear the calls of the gibbons from the canopy early in the morning, as well as movements of hornbills and other birds flying from tree to tree in search of fruits. At times, monkeys might be seen along the trails or rivers.
Nighttime guided walks can help one encounter insects, frogs, and other nocturnal species that cannot be seen in daytime. The guidance of a trained person in such walks makes them educational and enables one to avoid disturbing certain areas within the park.
Do not approach the wildlife nor feed them. Feeding alters natural behaviors of the animals and causes complications for them and us. Instead of approaching animals to take pictures, use binoculars or camera zoom.
Best Time to Visit the Rainforest
When to go depends on what you enjoy and whether you want rain. In the South of Thailand, there is a tropical climate, and in Khao Sok, it rains all year round. The dry season typically lasts from December to April; however, the weather can vary significantly. If you’re interested in jungle trekking, consider the timing carefully.
In such months, it is relatively comfortable to hike and visit lakes. Yet, there can be some rain, and many accommodation facilities can be booked in peak season. The rainy season means greenery, powerful waterfalls, and less tourists at some places. There can be heavy rains that may influence trekking, caving, and rafting.
How to Get There and Plan Your Route
Knowing how to get there prevents people from having extra stops. The entrance to the main village can be found along Highway 401, whereas Cheow Lan Lake entrance is located separately at the vicinity of the Ratchaprapha Dam. The two locations do not lie side by side, thus make sure you have time to travel between them.
Journeys from Phuket or Krabi usually take around three to four hours, depending on your departure point and traffic. Khao Lak is closer compared to Surat Thani that allows convenient connections by train, bus, and airplane. Minivans, transfers, and car rentals are popular ways of transportation among visitors.
Those who arrive from Bangkok can either fly to Surat Thani or Phuket and go by road to the park. Overnight trains to Surat Thani can serve as another option. Double check your transfer schedule before making reservations in the hotel.
A Practical Three-Day Itinerary
Use the first day exploring Khao Sok village and embarking on an enjoyable boat ride along the river. On the second day, take a walk in the jungle or go to the lake to spend the night there. Use the third morning to explore the lake before heading to the next location.
In case your timetable permits, you can even spend one more day and lessen your travel stress. Spending nights separately at the village and at the lake will enable you to enjoy both places.
Choosing the Right Experience for Your Holiday
Khao Sok National Park is ideal for tourists eager to immerse themselves in outdoor activities, nature, and quaint accommodations. It may not suit those seeking nightlife, shopping, or daily sunshine. When considering a rainforest vs beach holiday, remember that being in a rainforest requires flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions.
As for the comparison between the rainforest and the beach vacations in Thailand, the most reasonable thing would be to combine both vacation types instead of changing one for another. Just a few days spent in the rainforest could enrich the experience in the coastal area. Find reputable tour guides, give yourself enough time for traveling and pick up only such activities which you are comfortable with.
It seems that the most successful vacation here is quite simple – spending some time in the river, having a guided tour and sleeping at the lake side.
