Khao Sok Lake: All You Need to Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park

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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are planning a trip to Khao Sok Lake in Thailand, this guide is for you!

Khao Sok Lake, also known as Cheow Lan Lake, is a jaw-dropping freshwater reserve in Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. This might just be the most beautiful place I have ever visited. If you are exploring southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park needs to be on your itinerary. 

In this guide, I’ll share the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park, how to get to Khao Sok Lake and everything else you need to know before you visit. 

I studied abroad in Bangkok, Thailand during my junior year of college and we decided to visit Khao Sok National Park during a weekend trip. This was the absolute best weekend trip – this national park is absolutely stunning. Khao Sok Lake is 100% one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. You have to squeeze in a couple of days to visit this gem. 

Looking for more Thailand guides? 

• The Best Local Foods to Try in Thailand
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Erawan Falls
• How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Phuket
• How to Spend 5 Days in Bangkok, Thailand

This post is about visiting Khao Sok Lake in Khao Sok National Park Thailand. 

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park 

Flying 

There are nearby cities you can fly into to reach Khao Sok National Park. You can fly into Surat Thani, Phuket, or Krabi, and then take a bus or taxi to Khlong Sok. 

When I visited I flew from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then took a Grab (rideshare) to my accommodation. It was about an hour and a half drive from the airport.  

Overnight Bus 

There are overnight buses you can take from Bangkok to Surat Thani if you are on a tighter budget. From Surat Thani, you can take a taxi or rideshare to reach your accommodation. 

Train from Bangkok 

There is an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The train will take about 14 hours – so be prepared!  

Where to Stay – Khao Sok Hotels 

If you are looking for an amazing and affordable place to stay in Klong Sok, Coco Hostel Khao Sok is the place. It’s seriously the cutest little hostel, walking distance to restaurants, cafes, and shops. 

The rooms were clean, the staff was incredible, and there was the most delicious restaurant on the ground floor. I couldn’t recommend Coco Hostel Khao Sok enough!

Book Coco Khao Sok Hostel here.

Khao Sok Lake Floating Bungalows 

If you do the 2-day, 1-night tour you will be able to stay in the iconic floating bungalows on Khao Sok Lake. More about the 2-day tour later in this guide. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Hostel Packing List

Khao Sok Weather – The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Khao Sok National Park is from November to February (During the dry season). If you visit outside of these months there is a good chance it will be quite rainy in southern Thailand. 

Khao Sok Lake Tours

Booking a guided tour that works for you is the best way to experience Khao Sok National Park. However, just make sure you know what you are getting into before your tour. 

We ended up booking on a whim and I honestly had no idea what to expect. Our tour included an intense hike with lots of scary bugs and deep water – I opted out of this part because I had no dry bag and had a sundress on.

There are also some pretty adventurous night hikes like trekking through the jungle with only a guide with a machete. The moral of the story – know what you are getting yourself into so you can be prepared!  

There are various tours you can take in Khao Sok National Park. The tours typically fall into one of two categories – a full-day trip or a 2-day and 1-night tour. You can find more information on each of these tours below. 

If you are visiting Bangkok, check out the perfect Bangkok itinerary for first time travelers here!

Khao Sok Lake: Day Trip 

If you opt for a day trip, your tour will likely include transportation to and from your accommodation, lunch, snacks, a few hours to explore Khao Sok Lake, and hang-out time at the floating bungalows. Some tours will also include a Nam Talu Cave tour.

Prices will range anywhere from 20 USD to 150 USD depending on which tour you choose. You can search for day trips to Khao Sok Lake here.

Because my friends and I were short on time for our weekend trip, we chose to do the day tour and it was absolutely unforgettable. However, as mentioned above, do a little more research than I did and be prepared for whatever tour you sign up for. 

Khao Sok Lake: 2-Day, 1-Night Tour 

Alternatively, you can book the 2-day, 1-night Khao Sok Lake tour. If you book this tour you will likely be staying in the floating bungalow overnight. 

There are many different styles of bungalows, ranging from very basic, to pretty high-end for staying on a lake. Of course, this will all depend on your budget and the tour you decide to book.

The 2-day tours will include everything that is typically included plus a few more hikes, and more time spent on the water. Some overnight tours can pick you up from Phuket – but these are pricier. 

Prices for the 2-day tours typically are around 70 USD but can cost up to 400 USD. These tours will include all meals, transportation, time on the lake, a jungle walk, kayak use, and more. 

If you have the time, I think a two-day tour would be well worth it. This certainly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Smiley’s Lakehouse is a great place to book your Khao Sok Lake tours. 

Additional Things to Do in Town – Khao Sok National Park

If you are spending time in the town itself. Here are a few other fun things to do in Khao Sok. 

• Massage: There was a cute little massage spot right across from Coco Hostel. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon and the massages were very affordable. 
• Motorbikes: For a fun mode of transportation you can rent motorbikes in town.  
• Shopping: There are great shops around town to pick up gifts and souvenirs.  
• Jumanji Bar: If you are looking for fun nightlife in Khao Sok, head to Jumanji Bar. It’s such a fun beach bar vibe. 
• Food! Plenty of great spots to eat in town. 

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Khao Sok Lake Packing List

• Bug spray 
• Sunscreen 
• Towel 
• Tiger balm (helps relieve itchy bites) 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Camera
• Dry bag 
• Day backpack 
• Portable charger 
• Waterproof phone case 
• Water shoes (or waterproof shoes/sandals) 

Khao Sok National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I hope this guide to Khao Sok Lake was helpful! If you have any questions, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com. 

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