The real name for this jungle hamlet is Klong Sok but travelers know it as Khao Sok village. It gets its name from the Sok River running through it. You will find Khao Sok village just outside the gates to the Khao Sok national park in Southern Thailand.
The village, just a short walk from the park entrance, serves as the main base from which to venture into the park. Many guesthouses, resorts, and hostels cater to the park visitors. Among these are tasty restaurants, relaxing cafes and useful shops.
How to get to Khao Sok village?
The village sits on route 401, just 36 kilometers from the west coast town of Takua Pa. This road runs all the way across the Thailand peninsula to Surat Thani on the East coast. You will find many modes of transport from public buses to minivans and even private transport. Find all the transportation information you need here.
What’s in Khao Sok village?
Well for one thing you won’t be short of eating opportunities. Many choices exist, ranging from the cheapest roadside café to Italian restaurants and pizza cafes.
Just across the bridge you will find an excellent pizza place. As you walk around the village, you will see many resort entrances. Most of these resorts have restaurants that are open to everyone.
Plenty of shops are available whether you need a new sim card or a drinking bottle for your hike.
Getting around
You can walk to most places in Khao Sok village. Many chances to explore the area around it also exist.
Many people take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery by bicycle. Loads of places exist to rent a bike. Many resorts offer them as a service.
Back down the road to route the 401 you will find a motorbike rental place. The Honda and Suzuki scooters are a great way to explore the village and its surroundings.
A popular and easy trip is to the Khao Sok viewpoint just a few kilometers away.
Most resorts, hostels and guesthouses will arrange a motorbike for you. As with anywhere you should take great care driving as some of the roads are a bit narrow. Please remember to always drive on the LEFT in Thailand!
If you don’t like driving or riding, you can use the many minibuses and trucks. They take travelers to and from the activities and attractions in the village and nearby areas.
Things to do at Khao Sok Village
Indeed, there are many activities available within just a short ride from the village. How about trying your hand at jungle cooking? This is a surprisingly enjoyable experience even if you are not that interested in cooking. You will learn a lot about local plants, vegetables, fruits, and the herbs and spices in Thai dishes.
Not far away is Sonchana Kao Sok elephant sanctuary. Here you can have an amazing up close and personal time with Thai elephants that have retired from working life. You might be lucky enough to come across wild elephants in the park, but this is a wonderful chance to truly meet them.
You won’t find parades, shows and elephant tricks performed for the entertainment of tourists here. No one rides on them either.
Instead you can help prepare their meals and feed them. You will learn so much about these gentle giants here and at the end of the day why not take a refreshing bath with them in the river. You will find this is a truly fabulous experience!
Many resorts offer short night safaris in the surrounding forests. At Khao Sok village you are never more than a short walk to the forests and jungles and they are teaming with wildlife. Much of it only comes out at night. With a head torch and an experienced guide, you will be amazed by the many sights and sounds you will see.
Khao Sok national park
Of course, the main attraction is the vast and exciting national park. Many people include an overnight stay on the floating bamboo huts. The boat rides across the Cheow Lan Lake will take you through incredible Karst scenery.
Amazing views await at every turn of your head. Venturing further you can trek and hike for miles through forests along jungle trails. However, you don’t have to enter the park and pay the entrance fee to enjoy a good hike.
Many trails lead out from the village. Any resort or restaurant will be able to point you in the right direction. Unlike in the park you won’t need a guide on these trails and you are free to wander and discover the area on your own.
The River Sok
The river offers relaxing views and gentle river sounds but also provides loads of fun things to do. Go swimming in the fresh water fed by the surrounding mountains.
Take a canoe trip through plantations, farms and forests. Keep an eye out for monkeys lazing in the branches and snakes, birds and other wildlife that make the river banks their home. The village is the gateway to the national park.
The river actually rises in mountains to the west of Khao Sok and does not come from the park. It then flows east along route 401. At Ko Pak Ruap it joins the River Phun Duang which runs all the way to Surat Thani.
In Khao Sok village it is the backdrop to many resort balconies, restaurants and cafes. Most significantly it is your pathway to an amazing ride through the forests and jungles.
You can take a canoe trip from the bridge in the middle of the village. Leave the village and gently float through the grounds of several resorts. You will even go as far as Riverside Cottages and a bit beyond.
When there is enough water in the river you can also enjoy tubing down the river. Jump on an inflated rubber tube and gently rock and roll down the stream. A great adventure for all the family and all ages except for the youngest.
In conclusion
Most people visit Khao Sok village because they want to enjoy the national park. However, many people feel surprised by how much fun they can have without entering the park. Such a great atmosphere with so many places to relax and enjoy swapping tales with fellow travellers.
Add in the fun adventures on the river and nearby attractions. You will remember your visit for more than just the park.
Riverside Cottages is a short ride down the river from the village center. It offers a unique place to stay that connects with the nearby forests and nature.
We also offer many transport options to take you to the village and other attractions when you need to go.
Whether you are looking for a day tour, a private tour, or a lake tour that includes a visit to a raft house we can assist you.
We look forward to welcoming you and have all you need at the best value to make the most of your Khao Sok visit. Check out our packages page for more details or contact us for more information.
