KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK BLOG
Welcome to our Khao Sok blog, a useful insight into all things Khao Sok. Here, you will find over 30 blogs to help maximize your experience from the village to Khao Sok National Park to the best activities. Please check the full list of Khao Sok blogs below, or search by category or keyword. We also regularly highlight other aspects of travel tourism and adventures in Thailand.
A Khao Sok Jungle Adventure: Journey to Meuang Chon
With the dry season on the way, travelers should begin thinking about their next Khao Sok jungle adventure! We take adventures seriously at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, and are always looking for new experiences to share with guests. Therefore, we would like to tell you the story of our favorite Khao Sok jungle adventure to date. That is, the trek to the old Chon Mining Area. In brief, the adventure involves deep jungle camping, an abandoned tin mine in the mountains, towering waterfalls, and pristine nature. We hope you’ll enjoy our story and consider making such an adventure the highlight of your next Khao Sok trip! The outset of our Khao Sok jungle adventure We met up at the Khao Sok Lake office in Takun, twelve kilometers outside of Cheow Larn Lake. There were eight of us in the group. Bodhi, Nick and I made [...]
Sweat it out: A Khao Sok National Park Weather guide!
Thailand is closely bound with nature, and nowhere is this relationship closer than in the rainforests of the south. In the Khao Sok jungle village, life revolves around the monsoon, which effect many parts of daily life. Therefore, before you book your ticket, it is recommended to do a bit of research. Understanding Khao Sok weather can be challenging, but we’re here to help! Officially, we can divide Khao Sok weather into three seasons: The Hot Season, from March to May The Monsoon Season, from June to October The Dry Season, from November to February (Read our guide to Khao Sok Dry season) However, as life here is so closely related to the monsoon, we’ve broken the year into only two, distinct seasons. Below, you will find information on the Monsoon season, and the non-Monsoon season! Khao Sok national park weather - [...]
Leaving Khao Sok to Koh Samui and beyond
Due to its remote location, departing Khao Sok can seem challenging. To make it easy, we have therefore prepared this post to help our guests organise their onward trip. We can also arrange private cars to deliver guests to nearly any location in southern Thailand. Below, we also provide information about public transportation from Khao Sok to Koh Samui, Khao Sok to Koh Phangan, Khao Sok to Surathani, Khao Sok to Phuket, and Khao Sok to Krabi. Please read the details below and then make a booking with reception team when you are at the resort. The final section deals with leaving directly from the lake instead of from our resort. Please note that all prices and times are subject to change, and should therefore be verified with reception on arrival. In addition, the prices we charge for public transportation tickets are the same as all other hotels and [...]
Jungle Cooking in Khao Sok
Nearly everyone that visits Thailand loves Thai food, and it is easy to understand why. Thailand’s abundance of herbs and spices make seasoning food easy. Additionally, Thais have mastered the art of blending these spices into masterworks of taste and texture. Spicy, sweet, sour, salty: every bite of a well-prepared Thai dish has a little of each. It is no surprise that Thai cooking courses are so popular among Westerners traveling here. Who doesn’t want to learn a little of this culinary magic to take home? Here at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, we have our own twist on the standard Thai cooking course. Here, deep in one of the oldest forests on the planet, our guests learn Khao Sok jungle cooking! Preparing for Khao Sok jungle cooking Coming to Thailand, it is easy to forget that not many years ago, most [...]
Out and back – a Khao Sok Nature Trail
There are many benefits to staying at a Khao Sok resort that is located in an isolated, natural setting. It is peaceful and quiet, for example, and guests can enjoy the full jungle experience. However, a location well away from the town center can be a difficult place to stay entertained, especially for children. Recognizing this, we have developed a variety of free diversions, such as a game library, river tubes, and free WIFI. Our favorite diversion, though, is our Khao Sok nature trail, which we will look at here. A glimpse into the past: our Khao Sok nature trail begins Suitable for all ages and abilities, our Khao Sok nature trail begins after a 1-minute walk up the road. Guests will begin by crossing through a neighboring oil palm plantation. The oil palm has an interesting history in Southeast Asia, and it is [...]
Khao Sok jungle camping: Journey to the Chon Mining area, part 2
Our Khao Sok jungle camping trip continues... The trail away from the Dton Sai took us through dense forest as our Khao Sok jungle camping trip moved forward. As we ascended the mountain, we couldn’t help but notice subtle changes taking place around us. The types of trees were changing. The colonies of moss, orchids and lichens were becoming thicker and more diverse. The smells were different too, with sweeter forest perfumes drifting between the trees. In addition to the flora, the sounds of the forest were changing. From insect chirping to bird song, there was a noticeable difference. The best sounds, however, belonged to the groups of hornbills that would fly overhead. We couldn’t see them, but we could hear them from a long way off. The Great Hornbills were the loudest, with massive wings beating the air like a helicopter rotor. Rhinoceros [...]
Hikers Paradise: Top 3 Hikes in Khao Sok Jungle
We have picked the Top 3 Hikes in Khao Sok. Leading through the depths of the jungle to reach waterfalls, swimming holes and caves! Spot unique animals and rare plants like the giant flower Rafflesia and listen to the never ceasing call of the jungle! 1 - Khao Sok Trekking with Deep Jungle Camping Two-day deep jungle exploration, an adventure to remember! You will get to know about various plants and diverse animal kingdom of Thai jungle! Enjoy jungle-style Thai dishes as well, such as delicious sticky mango rice or fried rice wrapped in a banana leaf. After a day long hike through deep jungle paths, spend a peaceful night sleeping in a hammock, under the stars! Expert guide will also teach tropical forest survival skills such as building a shelter, cooking with bamboo and the use of various plants! Are you [...]
Finding a perfect Khao Sok bungalow
What makes a perfect Khao Sok bungalow? This is an important question to consider when visiting this amazing place. Your accommodation has the potential to make or break a trip to this jungle paradise. Here, a good night’s sleep and a full stomach are important to enjoying the activities that Khao Sok has to offer. At the Riverside Cottages, we have come up with four criteria for guests to evaluate a Khao Sok bungalow: Cleanliness Location Service Food Cleanliness The cleanliness and safety of a Khao Sok bungalow should be a major consideration of anyone traveling to this remote jungle location. The nearest hospital is 30 minutes away, and the nearest international hospital is almost 3 hours away in Phuket. Therefore, keeping healthy and safe is a must. Keeping a rainforest bungalow clean and safe [...]
Khao Sok River Tubing
Khao Sok river tubing from the Riverside Cottages is a classic Khao Sok adventure! Sitting on a large rubber tube, guests are borne downstream by cool, clear water. During the activity, you will pass beneath soaring limestone cliffs covered in unique and bizarre flora. Massive exotic hardwoods housing orchids, fragrant vines will stretch across the river, forming a leafy ceiling overhead. Birds and butterflies flit across the water’s surface, and tubers might spot playing monkeys or sleeping snakes in the trees. Khao Sok river tubing is best during monsoon season, from June until November. As a result of heavy rain, the river is high and the current is strong, and guests may encounter fallen trees or sunken bamboo. Therefore, a guide will accompany your group to ensure safety at all times. Our Khao Sok river tubing activity begins and ends here at the Riverside [...]
Thai Dry Season: an April Portrait
The Thai dry season can be difficult to endure, but traveling to Khao Sok in April has virtues. It is the hottest and driest month of the year, with a tropical sun blazing out of a pale blue, cloudless sky. This means it is an excellent time of year for Khao Sok trekking, or visiting Cheow Larn Lake. If only you can find a comfortable place to rest... The village In the village of Khao Sok, the asphalt and cement structures that have replaced the forest soak up the sun’s rays. This ensures blistering heat from sky and ground during the day, and stored heat escaping into the night. Nonexistent breezes do little to usher the heat away. Visitors trying to enjoy a meal or cold beer must contend with frenzied construction work as the town makes repairs. Thai dry season on the Riverside [...]
Khao Sok Park Cave Hike
We all hopped in the truck to head off to Khao Sok Park. There, we would be hiking through dense Rainforest on the way to a little-known cave. The staff at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages had arranged the trip. Although most resorts here can arrange hikes, Riverside Cottages is one of the few that sends people to this part of the Rainforest. Even though we had some great fried rice wrapped in banana leaves, we stopped grab some water and snacks. It’s always good to have extra snacks! The trek begins in Khao Sok Park We arrived at the Khao Sok Park entrance, where we paid our entrance fee and got ready to go. Our hike started out heading downhill, which was a breeze in contrast with the uphill trek ahead. We stopped many times as our guide Pu explained all the wonderful intricacies of nature [...]
What to do in Khao Sok: A Driver’s Guide
Resorts in Khao Sok boast an impressive list of activities to offer guests of all ages, interests, and ability levels. From river tubing and jungle camping, to Thai massage and overnight lake trips, your resort can book just about anything. However, there are a number of local sights and activities that visitors to Khao Sok can do by themselves. This is especially true for guests driving to Khao Sok. Here, we’ll review what to do in Khao Sok! What to do in Khao Sok In addition to the jungle, river, and restaurants, guests can find quite a few things to do. For example, there is a beautiful Khao Sok Waterfall just outside of town. Additionally, cave temples are numerous, if you know where to look! The easiest way to cross the following activities off your list is if you are driving to Khao Sok [...]
Khao Sok Canoe Trip – Sabai Sabai
A Khao Sok canoe trip is one of the staple activities for visitors. Recently, we made a trip down the river and thought we would share our experience. We began our Khao Sok canoe trip after a short drive through wondrous scenery. We enjoyed a climb down rock steps, which led to the river and our waiting canoes and guides. Then, the guides handed out bags of fish food. Instantly after throwing just a small handful into the river, a feeding frenzy erupted. Brightly coloured fish made the water boil as they fought for food. Have your camera at the ready to get some great action shots! In fact, due to breathtaking scenery, you should have your camera ready during all Khao Sok canoe trips! While our guide paddled slowly down the river, we experienced the true meaning of the Thai phrase 'Sabai-Sabai'. 'Sabai-Sabai' means [...]
The Asian Elephant – Elephant Facts – Khao Sok National Park Elephant
Would you like to know more about the Khao Sok national park elephant? How much do you know about the Asian elephant? Having some knowledge of elephant facts will help you get the most from your Asian elephant experience. For example do you wonder ‘how much does an elephant weigh?’ How useful is an elephant trunk? How about the elephant diet? What makes up an elephant family? Who looks after the baby elephant? Understanding some elephant facts will prepare you for your Khao Sok national park elephant experience and help you to learn about the life of these special creatures. The Elephant Trunk The elephant trunk is the most versatile and important appendage of an elephant. An elephant trunk has and incredible 150,000 separate muscles and no bones. Among the many uses of the elephant trunk are breathing, touching, grasping and trumpeting. [...]
Getting off the Beaten Path in South Thailand
Khao Sok national park is certainly one of the best South Thailand destinations! However, there are other amazing spots just down the road! In this blog we’ll take a brief look at a few other of our favourite southern Thailand travel locales near Khao Sok, the best way to get off the beaten path in South Thailand! The Andaman Coast - home of amazing South Thailand destinations! Disclaimer: We love nature and the Real Thailand! The following destinations are recommended for travellers wishing to get off the beaten path in South Thailand. If you are willing to sacrifice some comfort and amenities in exchange for once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, then keep reading! Leaving Khao Sok, the easiest way to get somewhere amazing is to head West. Unlike the bustling East Coast, with Surat Thani and the gulf islands, Thailand’s Andaman coast remains quiet and undeveloped in many areas. It [...]
Thailand Jungle Trekking
Khao Sok National Park is home to many wonders of nature, and some of the best Thailand jungle trekking available. Rare and bizarre plants and animals call the peaks of the park’s mountains home. Also, due to in inhospitable terrain, more species are undoubtedly awaiting discovery among Khao Sok’s famous limestone Karst formations. Of all these enchanting natural wonders, few capture the imagination quite like the Rafflesia Kerrii - the world’s largest ‘flower’. Rafflesia Kerri is located high on mountain ridges, and is a genuine treasure of Khao Sok National Park. Furthermore, it is visited by a surprisingly few number of intrepid visitors. Recently, I was lucky enough to put my name on the list of adventurers to make the climb to the Rafflesia. Journey to the Rafflesia Kerrii Our Thailand jungle trekking adventure began at [...]