"Khao Sok National Park: The Jewel of Southern Thailand's Rainforests"
The Khao Sok National Park is not far from the well-known tourist destinations of Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui. It attracts visitors from around the world. In the breathtaking wilderness, these indulge in the contrast between the big cities and nature. The park can be explored on foot, on elephant back, or from the water.
There are several places to stay. The Riverside Cottages, which is right on the river, is very good value for money. An overnight stay in Khao Sok is a perfect complement to the building blocks of the Andaman Sea and makes your stay in Thailand an unforgettable experience.
Khao Sok Thailand
Kao Sok Thailand
Khao-Sok
Chiao Lan Lake Thailand
Sunset Khao Sok
Canoe trip Sok River
National Park Thailand
The Malay Peninsula and the southern part of Thailand are among the most important migration routes for human races. It is believed that people have lived here since the Stone Age. There are innumerable caves for their shelter. This piece of land offers many wild fruits and animals for food supply. In the late 18th century, during the reign of King Rama II, the presence of residents was mentioned in historical writings. That was when the Burmese took the coastal cities of Takuapa, Takua Toong and Talang (Phuket). As a result, the inhabitants of the coastal region fled into the forests. After an epidemic in 1944, many residents fled what is now the park area. A ban was imposed on the Ban Sop settlement.
Khao Sok Park is home to an evergreen rainforest. It belongs to an ecosystem that is 180 million years old. This is much older and more species-rich than that of the Amazon region or the rainforests in Central Africa. Due to the protection of the extremely rough terrain, the Khao Sok has become the first home of many animal species. The area's botanical richness and abundance of fresh water also contributed to this.
It is the largest contiguous and protected forest area in southern Thailand. In addition to the Khao Sok National Park, the area includes the northern nature reserves of Klong Saeng and Klong Nakha. To the west is the adjacent Sri Phang National Park. Research into reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants is still in its infancy.
The national park is located in southern Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. It is approximately 120 kilometers north from Phuket. The park spans across 739 square kilometers There are impressive limestone caves, cliffs, rivers and waterfalls. The limestone mountains belonged to a large coral reef over 200 million years ago. Some of the evidence for this can be found at over 900 meters. The highest point in the park is the Khao Mok at around 961 meters. The Khao Sok National Park is a real rainforest, which differs from the monsoon forests in the north.
Research has confirmed that the area is home to priceless flora and fauna. In addition to the many natural beauties, rare types of vegetation were also found. This realization led to the establishment of the Khao Sok National Park in 1980.
Activities & sights
The Khao Sok National Park, with its diverse flora and fauna, offers a wide range of voyages of discovery.
Chiao Lan Lake
A dam was built in the park in 1980 to supply the Surat Thani province with water energy. Locals offer boat tours on the 162 square kilometer Chiao Lan Lake.
Waterfalls
The park has numerous waterfalls such as Bang Hua Rat, Bang Lab Nam, Mai Yai and Sip Et Chan. To get to the falls, you almost always have to walk a few kilometers. The partly large water basins at the cascades invite you to cool off. Night hike
Many visitors to tropical rainforests are often disappointed that they don't see wild animals right away. This is because most of the tourists visit the park around noon. The animals are extremely fearful because they were hunted by the forest dwellers more than 50,000 years ago. The majority of the larger animals only become active at or after dusk. Cats, bears, deer and even elephants in particular do not go looking for food until just before sunset. This strategy has ensured human survival in the past. The park visitor should look for tracks during the day. Tracks are best found on a sandy surface or a muddy river floor. They can also be found in damp spots on a jungle path. Visit the park at night with a halogen lamp. You have to be extremely quiet and the group should be small. Dark clothing is also beneficial. Under no circumstances should you smoke.
Bam bus forests
There are huge bamboo groves in some areas of the park. There are more than 1,500 species in this family. Bamboo is the oldest grass on earth and is around 60 million years old. It is also the tallest grass (up to 10 meters high). There are bamboo species that grow more than a meter in a day.
Spiders and ants
The most common insects in the rainforest include spiders, ants, termites and bees. A large species of tarantula lives in the park and builds huge webs. It is believed that in addition to insects, this spider also consumes small birds. The female is very large and colorful, while the male is much smaller.
The red weaver ant is one of thousands of ant species and builds their nests on leaves and bushes. As a rule, weaver ants only attack when their nest is threatened. Your bite is very painful. The eggs of the weaver ants are a delicacy for many Thais. Wild fruits and hornbills
Hundreds of different types of edible fruits thrive in the forests of Southeast Asia, including jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, rambutan and pomelo. The hornbill lives almost exclusively on the fruits of the tropical rainforest. It owes its name to its enormous beak that resembles a horn. It often has a bony elevation on the head. 30 of the world's 45 different hornbill species are found in Asia, 13 of them in Thailand.
Rafflesia Kerrii Meijer
The Rafflesia Kerrii Meijer is the largest flower in the world with a diameter of 100 cm and is native to the Khao Sok National Park. The flower grows a full 9 months before blooming for just 7 days.
Elephant rides and canoeing
Even if you walk most of the time, you have the option of exploring parts of the park on the back of an elephant.
The huge Chiao Lan Lake, with its over 100 islands, is best explored by canoe or raft. You can explore the national park in a very special way by canoe on the Sok River. Because of the impressive passages, canoeing is a popular activity with visitors. The mountain bike is an ideal means of transportation on the developed paths.
Arrival possible & means of transport on site
Several buses run from Bangkok to Surat Thani every day. It takes about 10 hours for the 660 kilometers.
Another way to get here is by train. The travel time from Bangkok to Surat Thani takes between 9 and 12 hours. From Surat Thani buses go to Khao Sok and it takes an additional hour.
Those who want it faster can fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Phuket. A flight to Surat Thani is cheaper and the airport is closer to the park. From Phuket there are buses to Surat Thani, which stop in Khao Sok.
Climate & travel time
The Khao Sok National Park is located in the middle of the central mountain range. This forms the backbone of the Thai-Malaysian peninsula. The annual monsoon reaches the Khao Sok from the Andaman Sea to the west and from the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Therefore, this area is one of the rainiest areas in Thailand. The annual rainfall amounts to approx. 3500 mm.
Although it can rain here all year round, there is hardly any rainfall during December to May. From May to November it often rains like a torrential
In conclusion, Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its ancient rainforest ecosystem, limestone formations, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife make it a unique and unforgettable experience. From hiking and elephant trekking to canoeing and wildlife spotting, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this stunning park. Visitors can also learn about the area's history and cultural heritage, making it a well-rounded destination. Whether it's a day trip or an extended stay, Khao Sok National Park is truly the jewel of southern Thailand's rainforests.
