Khao Sok National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Krabi

If you're looking to reconnect with mother nature, Khao Sok National Park is the place for you. From enormous limestone formations to ancient rainforests, the park is filled with natural phenomena bound to impress you.

Khao Sok National Park day trips from Krabi are full of thrilling adventures, such as hiking and rafting. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the thriving rainforest or take a tour of the azure Cheow Lan Lake, there is something for everyone at Khao Sok National Park.

How to get to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi?

Khao Sok National Park is located around 160 kilometers north of Krabi in the south of Thailand. This nature reserve is filled with amazing landscapes and wildlife, and is one of the most impressive destinations for day trips from Krabi.

From Krabi to Khao Sok National Park by car

The journey to Khao Sok National Park by car takes around 2.5 hours. To reach its headquarters, you'll follow Route 4 north out of Krabi and continue along it until Route 4090. At the end of the road, you'll take a left turn onto Route 401 and follow it towards Khao Sok.

Alternatively, you can drive to Cheow Lan Lake on the other side of the national park, which takes two hours.

From Krabi to Khao Sok National Park by bus

You can get a direct bus from Krabi bus station to Khao Sok, which departs once per day and costs approximately US$10. The jaunt to Khao Sok National Park takes approximately four hours.

Guided tour to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi

You can also arrange a guided excursion to Khao Sok National Park. You'll be picked up from your hotel in Krabi around 7 AM and your tour will usually last between eight, and nine hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Khao Sok National Park cost?

• Adults: THB200 (US$6)
• Children (ages 3-14): THB100 (US$3)
• Children under 3: Free

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi?

After being collected from your accommodation in Krabi, you'll head out on your Khao Sok National Park day tour by minibus. Most tours operate in small groups of no more than 12 participants, which allows for a more personal experience.

En route, you may make a stop at Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat Temple — also known as Monkey Temple — which is known for the abundance of monkeys living on its grounds.

If you are heading to Cheow Lan Lake on your excursion, you'll drive to the lake's edge. From there, you'll hop on a boat tour and speed off around the vast stretch of water.

You'll sail to a spectacular hiking spot and walk to a secret cave. Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll enjoy a traditional Thai lunch, as well as some free time for snorkeling, swimming or relaxing.

If you're visiting the jungle instead of the lake on your Khao Sok National Park day trip, you'll visit the panoramic Khao Sok viewpoint, which gives you incredible views stretching over the lake.

You'll spend your day hiking through the park and rafting or canoeing down the river. You'll stop along the way to try traditional bamboo coffee, and you'll take a break for lunch in a local restaurant.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok is an adventure lover's paradise, and the type of tour you choose will depend on the activities you wish to participate in.

Guided tours to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi

On a day trip to Khao Sok National Park, you'll tour the colossal Cheow Lan Lake. You'll enjoy hiking through the national park, as well as the opportunity for swimming and snorkeling in the lake.

Your lunch will be served in a floating restaurant with panoramic views of the park. You'll also visit a traditional Thai market where you'll see the locals selecting their fresh produce for the day.

Rafting tour to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi

Instead of touring Cheow Lan Lake, this Khao Sok National Park day trip allows you to explore the river that runs through the park. You'll be immersed in nature as you journey through the water on a bamboo raft, with the sounds of the rainforest surrounding you.

You'll stop for a traditional cup of bamboo coffee during your tour, and there are opportunities for photos at Khao Sok's viewpoint.

2-Day tour to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi

On the first day of your Khao Sok National Park 2-day tour from Krabi, you'll participate in a thrilling white water rafting excursion. You'll also have the opportunity to zip line in the park and you'll stay in a lodge overnight.

On the second day, you'll hike through the rainforest, watching out for fascinating mammals, such as elephants, Asiatic wild dogs and gibbons.

How much does a tour to Khao Sok National Park from Krabi cost?

Generally, you'll pay approximately US$100 for a tour that visits Cheow Lan Lake. This tends to include several activities, such as hiking and swimming, as well as a traditional lunch.

If you choose a rafting tour, you can expect it to cost between US$70 and US$130. Those on the higher end of this range include stops at other landmarks in the area, such as Bang Riang Temple.

Multi-day tours to Khao Sok National Park cost between US$220 and US$240. They include accommodation, meals, insurance and all activities.

What will you see and do on a Khao Sok National Park day trip from Krabi?

Khao Sok is a national park, located in the Surat Thani province of Thailand. It covers over 700 square kilometers and its forest is thought to be older than the Amazon rainforest.

Khao Sok National Park is split into two parts, almost 70 kilometers away from each other — the headquarters and the lake. If you're approaching the park from the village surrounding it, you'll be able to enjoy hiking, rafting and canoeing, and you'll have the opportunity to spot many species of wildlife.

If, however, it's Cheow Lan Lake that interests you, you'll have to access the body of water from the other side of Khao Sok National Park.

The park is well known for its giant pink rafflesia flower, which measures up to 80 centimeters in diameter. If you want to catch this sensation in bloom, you should visit the park between October and December.

The gigantic park provides a haven to almost 400 species of birds, which include the rare Malaysia crested fireback and chestnut-capped thrush.

On top of birds, many endangered mammals roam the park freely, including sun bears and Malaysian tapirs. However, these large mammals usually steer clear of humans and instead, bury themselves deep within the heart of the national park.

This means that it's unlikely that you'll catch a glimpse of these magnificent beasts on a Khao Sok National Park day tour. However, you may spot several species of monkeys, as you hike through the rainforest.

Cheow Lan Lake is man-made and covers 185 square kilometers. It is filled with majestic limestone formations that perfectly contrast the vibrant blue water and tower over the landscape. On the lake, you can take part in many water activities, including swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

What are the Khao Sok National Park opening times?

Khao Sok National Park is open from 8 AM until 5 PM every day.

When is the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park experiences a tropical climate year-round, with a wet and dry season. Water activities are best enjoyed during the rainy season — from April to December. However, the heavy rainfall can cause hiking trails to become inaccessible. If you're heading to the park for walking, it's recommended to visit between January and March.

Are there any tours to the Khao Sok National Park from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Thailand:

• Day trips to the Khao Sok National Park from Surat Thani
• Day tours to the Khao Sok National Park from Phuket

Travel tips

• It is possible to attract leeches when hiking through the rainforest. Wear long trousers with socks pulled up, and check your ankles regularly, to avoid unwanted critters.
• Khao Sok National Park experiences a hot and humid climate. Ensure you drink plenty of water while hiking through the rainforest.
• Carry insect and leech repellent with you.
• Day trips to Khao Sok National Park usually include lunch. If you have any dietary requirements, let your tour provider know when booking.