Things to Do in Khao Sok: 10 Best Activities (2026)

Khao Sok National Park covers 739 sq km of the oldest tropical rainforest on earth — older than the Amazon, older than the Congo. Tucked into the interior of Surat Thani province and easily reached from Khao Lak (1.5 hours), it is one of the most biodiverse places you can visit in Thailand. Here is what to do when you get there.

1. Jungle Trek

Walk the well-maintained trails through lowland rainforest, past fig trees, bamboo, and the enormous Rafflesia kerrii — the world’s largest flower, which blooms here Nov–Jan. Guides lead half-day and full-day treks at multiple difficulty levels. Listen for gibbons at dawn; they are almost certain.

Book: Khao Sok Jungle Trek from Khao Lak

2. Tubing on Sok River

Float down the emerald Sok River on an inner tube, passing limestone cliffs and towering dipterocarp trees. Gentle enough for all ages, with plenty of calm pools for swimming. The standard day trip includes this plus a jungle trail.

Book: Khao Sok Day Trip

3. Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam)

The reservoir created by Ratchaprapha Dam is one of Thailand’s most spectacular inland bodies of water: turquoise, ringed by sheer limestone karsts, and home to six rare bat species, hornbills, and — very occasionally — wild Asian elephants on the banks. Kayaking on the lake in the early morning mist is unforgettable.

Book: Cheow Lan Lake Day Trip

4. Overnight Floating Bungalows

Sleeping on the water inside Khao Sok is the definitive Cheow Lan experience. The raft house camps are basic but atmospheric — swimming off the dock at dusk, night walks with a torch looking for flying squirrels and frogs, and waking to fog lifting off the lake at sunrise.

Book: Khao Sok Floating Bungalows Overnight Tour

5. Night Safari & Wildlife Spotting

Khao Sok has 48 mammal species, including Malayan tapir, clouded leopard, and Sunda pangolin. A guided night walk or boat-and-spotlight tour along the lakeshore dramatically increases your chances of spotting something remarkable.

Book: 2-Day Khao Sok Wildlife Tour

6. Treehouse Stay

Some camps in the national park buffer zone offer elevated treehouse bungalows above the forest floor. The experience of waking to gibbons calling while you are literally in the canopy is hard to replicate elsewhere in Thailand.

Book: Khao Sok Treehouse 2-Day Tour

7. 3-Day Discovery Tour

For those with time, the three-day package combines jungle trekking, Cheow Lan Lake kayaking, a floating bungalow night, and a morning boat tour — the fullest way to experience the park.

Book: Khao Sok 3-Day Discovery

8. Kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake

Self-guided or guide-led kayaking through flooded limestone valleys, ducking into bat caves, and paddling around isolated karst islets. The lake is at its most photogenic at golden hour and just after sunrise.

9. Birdwatching

Khao Sok has 186 recorded bird species, including Gurney’s pitta — one of Asia’s rarest birds — and nine species of kingfisher. The best birdwatching is early morning along the river trail near the park entrance.

10. Village Cooking Class

Several operators near Khao Sok village offer small-group Thai cooking classes using ingredients from a local garden. A quieter complement to the adventure activities.

Getting to Khao Sok from Khao Lak

Khao Sok is 85 km from Khao Lak — about 1.5 hours by road. The most straightforward option is a private transfer from your hotel, which also eliminates the need to negotiate with songthaews at the park entrance.

When to Visit Khao Sok

Year-round — unlike the island parks, Khao Sok National Park stays open in the monsoon. The rainforest is at its greenest June–October; waterfalls run full; Rafflesia blooms Nov–Jan. Dry season (Dec–Apr) gives easier trekking and calmer lake conditions.

Getting to Khao Sok: Read our guide on how to get to Khao Sok National Park from Khao Lak — private transfer options, travel times, and departure points.