Khao Sok Jungle Trek – discover the magic of the rainforest

On the way to Khao Sok National Park, we make a short stop at the Takua Pa morning market. Markets such as this one are an integral part of the Thai economy, allowing local producers a place to sell the fruits of their labour. The adoption of the farm-to-table concept in the West may be trending these days, but it has always been the primary way that Thai people have shopped for fresh produce and fast food. You will have time to browse the stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, and prepared dishes before we move on to Khao Sok.

Your experienced guide will lead you on a three to four-hour hike through the lush rainforest, pointing out interesting plants and animals along the way. Keep your eyes open for mammalian species, such as Gibbons, Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Spectacled Langurs, Barking Deer, Tapir, and Malayan Sun Bears. Tigers and two species of leopards still roam the park, but sightings of these rare and elusive big cats are uncommon. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds, including various birds of prey like the Osprey and the Crested Serpent Eagle. The Great Hornbill and other members of the Hornbill family are relatively easy to spot due to their size. 

While spotting wildlife in this vast rainforest may be a highlight of the tour, another would be the sheer beauty of the vegetation, which proliferates here and begs the wildlife to stay. Colourful orchids, peculiar carnivorous plants, and mammoth-sized trees thrive amongst the mountains and cliffs, providing ample opportunities to view rare and exotic species you would otherwise only see in a botanical garden.

After a few kilometres of trekking, we arrive at the vivacious waters of Bang Hau Rad Waterfall, the perfect place to visit for a lunch break and a refreshing swim. We provide you with a replenishing picnic lunch and you will have plenty of time to relax and recharge before continuing onward. The falls are small and depending on the amount of rain the region has had, the amount of flow over the rocks will vary.

Hop into a canoe and let your local paddle guide take you on a relaxing scenic cruise downriver, stopping mid-way for freshly brewed coffee in an eco-friendly wild bamboo cup. Giant monolithic limestone cliffs jutting out of the jungle canopy are a hallmark sight in Khao Sok but make for rugged terrain, which, combined with the density of the rainforest, make many areas impassable by land. Canoeing the Sok River is the perfect way to navigate this mountainous region. Without the need to paddle yourself, you can focus on the lush vegetation that lines the river bank and the limestone cliffs that tower over the jungle canopy, keeping your hands free to capture perfect photographs. Many Khao Sok inhabitants are masters of camouflage and elusion, making them very difficult to spot. The knowledge of the local habitat and its inhabitants, which your guide possesses, is a fantastic resource you can tap to help you spot creatures that you might otherwise miss.

While you may have seen a few species of primates within the national park, visiting the resident monkeys at Wat Tam Panturat Temple gets you up close and personal. All over Thailand, animals often seek refuge in the serene and peaceful environment found on temple grounds, curious monkeys included. Monkeys are notorious collectors! Therefore, we highly recommend you leave any valuables, such as necklaces and bracelets, inside the minivan to avoid your jewelry becoming part of their collection.