Khao Sok FAQs by Riverside Cottages
We provide useful information about Riverside Cottages and the park with our Khao Sok FAQs. Find information about our resort as well as the amazing Khao Sok national park right on our doorstep.
- All
- Cheow Lan Lake
- Elephant Sanctuary
- General Information
- Khao Sok Activities
- Khao Sok National Park
- Krabi to Khao Sok
- Raft Hike Tour
- Riverside Cottages
- Surat Thani to Khao Sok
- Firstly, it is not a sanctuary it is a conservation / rehabilitation center.
- The aim of the center is to support rehabilitation of DOMESTIC elephants in Thailand.
- The center was opened as a means of funding their veterinary hospital and clinic needs.
- They offer free elephant health care and advice to any owners of domestic elephants.
- Injured or sick elephants can stay at the center for an extended period, until they are returned to their owners, adopted by someone else OR surrendered to the center permanently.
- All of the funding for running the center, paying staff and running the hospital is generated through tourism tours to the conservation center.
Khlong Phanom National Park is located about 30–40 minutes from Khao Sok village in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani in southwest Thailand. Its area is 739 km2 (285 sq mi), and it includes the 165 km2 (64 sq mi) Cheow Lan Lake
Address: 62 Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250
The park gates are located at Khao Sok village. This page will help.
There are things to see and do in Khao Sok all year round. If you’re looking for river tubing, that’s best in June and September, the months with the most rainfall. The “green season” runs from May to October with alternating wet and dry weather. The weather is generally sunny and dry from November to April. Find out more..
Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly option. You also get more of a chance to mingle with the locals and see a bit more of Thailand.
Cheow Lan Lake is open year-round. The dry season (Dec – Apr) offers clear skies; the rainy season (May – Nov) brings lush scenery and waterfalls.
Check in is from 2:00pm. Check out is anytime before 12:00pm. If you are arriving after 8:30pm, you must inform us ahead of time, or you cannot check in.
Bring cool and quick-drying clothing, a bathing suit, hat, good walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (water shoes are never a bad idea!), a flashlight, sun protection, personal medicines, and toiletries. Shirts or pants with button pockets best for jungle hikes so you don’t lose things. Wine, beer, raincoats, mosquito repellent, and other necessities are available here.
Planning on visiting Cheow Larn Lake? Take a minute to read through our Top Tips for your Lake trip, and come prepared!
If you have any questions, just let us know!
We recommend trekking shoes, insect repellent, water, swimwear and a small waterproof bag for valuables.
The policy is very simple – we do not take any deposits and rely on the honor system. This means it is extremely important that you let us know ASAP if you need to change or cancel your reservation.
To cancel or change a reservation please email reservations: khaosokriver@gmail.com
Or Phone: (+66) 77 395- 159
The Phantip Travel shared van at ฿250–300 is the cheapest fare.
Khao Sok National Park is known for being the world’s oldest jungle ecosystem. This protected area of over 3,600 square kilometers is home to pristine jungle, waterfalls, swimming holes, and eye-catching limestone cliffs that rise sharply from the green canopy. Find out more …
Shared vans from Surat Thani only run during the day up to around 16:00. For late flights, book a taxi (Surat Thani to Khao Sok only) or private transfer.
Laundry, international phone, and internet are available. Mobile phones may be used but signal might be weak. All houses have 24-hour electricity, but brown-out or black-outs may occur, usually lasting only a few minutes or at most a few hours.
Cool, quick-drying clothing is recommended. It’s also a good idea to have a bathing suit, hat, good walking shoes, sun protection, and shirts or pants with button pockets (Like Cargo Pants) so you don’t lose anything on jungle hikes.
- We must stress that these elephants are domestic and raised by humans, so they cannot take care of themselves and do not know how to live in the wild.
- This means they must rely on humans for their care, which is a huge responsibility, but highly rewarding.
You can enjoy Khao Sok from the water with lake trips, river tubing, and canoe tours. You can also trek through the jungle, enjoy a night safari, bathe elephants, relax with a massage, and learn jungle cooking. These are some of the best things to do in Khao Sok.
- During the day the elephants are trained to be around people by visiting the tourists. They also get showered and bathed twice a day so that the careers can check them over for any cuts or injuries.
- At night, the elephants sleep in the forest where they can supplement their diets with jungle shrubs.
- Benefits mean that elephants have found a new worth other than agriculture and work productivity, receiving better care than ever before.
- Challenges is ignorance of tourists around how elephants need to be treated, and the high costs of caring for elephants especially in a non-working setting.
Yes. The tour is moderately active, but most visitors with basic fitness can participate. The jungle hike includes uneven terrain and short climbs.
Yes, when visited with experienced guides. Visitor numbers are limited and guides lead all cave explorations to ensure safety and protect the cave environment.
Yes! There’s always something exciting to discover in Khao Sok. Take in the views of stunning limestone cliffs, cruise around emerald Cheow Larn Lake, and spot thrilling local wildlife like monkeys, lizards, snakes, and even elephants.
Khao Sok is a family friendly destination. Many of the river and jungle experiences are gentle and suitable for children. Khao Sok Riverside Cottages can help you find activities that will be enjoyable for the whole family. Find out more ..
Absolutely. The routes are well-traveled and secure. If you are concerned for your safety you might prefer to take a shared minivan.
Yes — swimming is safe in designated areas. There are no dangerous fish or animals in the lake, and the water is clean and warm. Avoid swallowing the water and always follow local safety advice.
Yes. The lake lies entirely within the boundaries of Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province.
Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate, but it is included if you book one of our packages.
It’s easy to make the most of any stay in Khao Sok, but we recommend 4 days and 3 nights for the full experience.
By car or taxi ~1.5 hours. By shared van ~2.5 hours. By bus ~5 hours.
The experience typically lasts 5–6 hours, including bamboo rafting, jungle hiking, cave exploration and lunch.
The journey takes approximately 2.5–4 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
To get to Khao Sok national park you can take public transportation or hire a private transfer to get to Khao Sok. Transfers can be arranged from anywhere in southern Thailand. We have a detailed price list for transfers. Find transfers price list here.
You can explore some of Khao Sok on your own, but the best experience is to go with a local guide. They will be able to point out wildlife and give you interesting facts about the area.
Book a shared van or private transfer directly from your guesthouse, resort or hotel. Shared vans are cheapest at around ฿300. Private transfers at ฿2000 are the fastest option. You will need to book a private transfer or taxi for early or late flights. There are no GRAB or similar taxi services available in Khao Sok.
Khao Sok Riverside Cottages is 2km east of Khao Sok town. A link to a map and directions can be found at the bottom of this page.
Please let us know when you plan to arrive. If you would like us to send a private car, we can pick you up anywhere in Southern Thailand – please contact us for details.
If you come via public transport, please follow the directions below.
- Get off at the Khao Sok Bus Stop (this is also where public vans stop).
- We have a free shuttle, and our driver is often at the bus stop – he will be holding a sign that says Riverside Cottages, along with the names of our sister resorts, Coco Hostel and Riverfront Resort.
- If you do not see our driver, please call us, and we will come to pick you up. Our phone numbers are 0-77-395-159, 0-77-310-246, or 0-91-041-5061. From international phones, dial + 66 instead of 0 at the beginning. If you don’t have a phone, you can walk across the highway and ask at one the shops to call Riverside Cottages.
Detailed instructions on how to get here from Phuket, Surat Thani, Bangkok, and many other locations can be found on our Directions page. Please read this page if you need further details – it’s full of useful information and a map.
For the best availability, you can book tours as part of a package deal when you book your accommodation. You can also talk with the front desk staff when you arrive and they can book all your tours. Khao Sok Riverside Cottages have a wealth of information including less well known, off the beaten track Khao Sok tours. Find out more …
Yes, we have a full service bar and restaurant that is open every day at 7:30 AM. We take the last order at 8:30 PM.
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept credit cards at the resort. There is an ATM in the nearby town if you need to withdraw cash.
- One elephant came to them with a severe tetanus infection in her neck.
- Tetanus is not well studied in elephants so had to apply human care strategies.
- Also had to perform surgery to remove a large part of the infected area.
- The elephant is in full recovery now and showing no further signs of illness.
Yes, both Cheow Larn Lake and the local river by Khao Sok Riverside Cottages are safe and enjoyable.
No — You cannot hike on your own when you visit Cheow Lan Lake.
A variety of wildlife live in the dense rainforest. It can therefore be dangerous for inexperienced visitors. You must have a local guide for all treks, ensuring both safety and ecological protection.
You can book your activities with us once you get here, or you can book a package in advance. Find details of available Khao Sok tours and activities here
Yes — day trips are available from Khao Sok Village and nearby towns.
Yes. Many shared vans continue on to Donsak Pier for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Yes, direct buses run from Krabi bus terminal to Khao Sok. They take around 2.5 hours and cost around 320 – 450 baht.
Yes — several raft-houses now offer higher-end stays with air-conditioning, private decks, and en-suite bathrooms. However you will need to make special arrangements to book them and you will need to book well in advance. Please contact reservations for more information.