One great aspect of traveling through Thailand is easy access to affordable transportation. For example, bus routes criss-cross the country, passing through, or at least by most villages. Additionally, airports have sprung up like mushrooms on a log. As a result, it is possible to get from one distant point to another in the same day. Finally, there is the rail system snaking through the countryside. This post will help you find the best way from Bangkok to Khao Sok and Khao Sok to Bangkok.
By Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Bangkok to Khao Sok. However, the rail system does come close. Overnight train journeys are also very popular. The nearest train station lies in PhunPhin town, adjacent to Surat Thani, and 100 kilometers from Khao Sok. Our journey beings about 650 kilometers to the north, at Krung Thep Aphiwat Station, Bangkok’s central train station.
Finding the train station
Traveling from Bangkok to Khao Sok by train begins with getting to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. This is an easy feat from pretty much anywhere in Bangkok. For example, the train station is close to the Bang Sue MRT underground station. Alternatively, the train station is a short walk from the Mo Chit skytrain station. Click here for a complete map of Bangkok metro rail lines. Additionally, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station can also be reached by a number of different bus lines. Finally, a taxi from Suvarnabhumi takes about 1 hours, and will run you around 500B. In comparison, from Don Meuang airport the ride is 20-30 minutes and costs around 200B.
Around the station
The area around the station has plenty of small restaurants catering to western travelers. Make your way to the station’s southern terrace, and you’ll see the restaurants adjacent the station, across the street. The 511 Cafe, for example, has decent food, as well as SIM cards for newly arrived visitors. Additionally there is a 7-11 and small market nearby. Please note that this is a busy area, specifically in regards to car traffic. Therefore, it is a good idea to use the MRT station below ground to get to the surrounding areas.
If you have time before catching the train from Bangkok to Khao Sok, grab some food and snacks at the restaurants and shops nearby. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase food and drinks on the train. However, the prices are high, and the quality is lacking. Be advised that the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on board, although these rules are not strictly enforced. Additionally, you will find enterprising Thais boarding the train at intervals stocked with food, snacks, and beer.
Boarding the train from Bangkok to Khao Sok
Plan to arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station at least 30 minutes before departure by train from Bangkok to Khao Sok. For a sleeper car, buy tickets in advance. This can be done directly at the train station, or through most Bangkok travel agents. The author had a good experience dealing with the Charlie Connection Travel & Tour agency on KhaoSan Road. Showing up a couple hours in advance should be enough to get you a second class seat. However, this is risky during high season, as well as during major Thai holidays.
A second class seat on the train from Bangkok to Khao Sok is less comfortable than on a VIP night bus. Nevertheless, it is a good value for the money. Seats range from 358B/person for a fan carriage, compared to 600B/person for a carriage with AirCon. You will get a bench seat and unsecured luggage rack. A good option for young travelers on a budget.
Sleeper Cars
Next, a second-class shared sleeper carriage offers a bunk bed in a four-person compartment on an overnight train. Prices vary depending on upper/lower bunk and AirCon/fan compartment, as well as the train. However, plan to spend around 500B/person for a fan compartment, and around 700B for one with AirCon.
Finally, the first class carriage provides a private cabin, with two fold-down beds, sink, and mirror. Most first class cabins share a removable wall with a neighbor. As a result, noise travels easily. Prices for a first class bunk are around 1,100B for an upper bunk, compared to 1,300 for a lower bunk. AirCon is standard in all first class cabins, and will keep the cabin at a temperature just above freezing. For this reason, you should bring warm clothes for the journey!
Train times from Bangkok to Khao Sok
Travelers will be able to find a timetable of trips at the train station Lampong or at a travel agency. We have included the following to give you an idea of times for the train from Bangkok to Khao Sok.
Departing Aphiwat station, Bangkok | Arriving Phun Phin station, SuratThani |
|---|---|
08:05 17:05 17:35 18:30 19:30 22:50 | 16:45 04:24 05:48 06:23 07:06 08:05 |
Keep in mind that this is Thailand! Specifically, your departure and arrival times are more of a suggestion than a guarantee. This author recently took the train from Bangkok to Khao Sok and arrived five hours late. Therefore, it would be wise to give yourself several free hours on your arrival day as a cushion.
Once you arrive at the Surat Thani train station in PhunPhin, you will find many travel operators eager for your business. In contrast to the characters you will find elsewhere in Surat Thani, the people you will meet at the train station are fairly trustworthy. Here, you can get a shared minivan to Khao Sok for about 250B/person. There are also cars for hire at the train station starting at 2,000B. Finally, Khao Sok Riverside Cottage is happy to arrange private transfers from the Surat Thani train station. We charge 2,000 for three people, and 2,200B for four or more. Contact us for more details!
By Plane
Flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport can be very cheap, in fact, promotional fares are often the cheapest option. From Surat Thani Airport we can easily arrange a pick-up with a private car. Alternately, you can take the regular Phantip Travel van to Surat Thani town where you can board a minivan to Khao Sok. See the Khao Sok map to get a sense of the distance. Additionally, visit our blog detailing the journey from Surat Thani airport to Khao Sok via public transportation.
Alternatively yo can choose to fly to the eastern coast to Phuket airport or Krabi. Then you can get the Phuket bus or arrange transport from Krabi airport.
By Bus
Another way to get from Bangkok to Khao Sok is by bus. Several night buses leave Bangkok for Surat Thani every evening (approx. 800-1,100 Baht one-way). As a result, you should be able to catch a bus going all the way to Khao Sok. Buses leave in the early evening and arrive in the morning. The Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) has buses that travel to the southern provinces. You find this bus terminal at Phutthamonthon Soi 1 in Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Northern Thonburi. Call 0 2434 5557-8 or check Sawadee.com for more details about the Bangkok bus timetable. From Surat Thani bus station, you can take a bus or shared van to Khao Sok.
Closing thoughts
Most people are looking to find their way to khao Sok national park from Bangkok. It is better to go via Surat Thani than Phuket, Krabi or Khao Lak. Trains and busses offer the cheapest solution but if looking for a quicker trip to Khao Sok be sure to read our blog about getting to Khao Sok from Surat Thani airport!
Our commitment to a great guest experience is genuine at the Riverside Cottages. As a result, we’ve prepared quite a few useful posts on our blog page. If you are planning to visit us take a minute to browse the topics there. You can also check out our FAQs.
Not sure what to do in Khao Sok? Check out our Top 6 Activities in the National Park and Cheow Lan lake. Once you’re in Khao Sok our staff will make sure you get the most from your time here!
Come stay with us! We’d love to provide you with your perfect Khao Sok accommodation and help you explore the depths of the Khao Sok jungle!
