Khao Sok (Khao Sok National Park entrance) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The entrance to Khao Sok National Park is accessible via several routes, with Surat Thani serving as the nearest major transport hub about 2 hours away by road. From Phuket, the journey takes approximately 3 hours by car or minivan, while travelers from Krabi can reach the park in about 2.5 hours. Regular shuttle services connect these coastal cities to the park entrance, with many ferry companies offering combined tickets that include land transfers. If driving, ample parking is available near the visitor center, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak season when spaces fill quickly.

Nestled in the heart of southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park stands as one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural treasures. This ancient rainforest, older than the Amazon, surrounds visitors with towering limestone karsts, emerald lakes, and a symphony of wildlife sounds. As a gateway to Thailand's wild interior, Khao Sok offers an enchanting contrast to the country's famous beaches, inviting travelers to explore a pristine ecosystem where adventure and tranquility harmoniously coexist.

Khao Sok enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the visitor experience. November through April marks the dry season, offering ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife spotting, and water activities on Cheow Lan Lake with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures averaging 25-30°C. The wet season (May-October) transforms the landscape with lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls, though some trails may become challenging after heavy rains. February and March provide a sweet spot with beautiful weather and fewer tourists, while December and January see the park at its busiest despite offering perfect conditions.

Khao Sok's strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring southern Thailand's coastal treasures via ferry connections. From Surat Thani pier, just 2 hours from the park, travelers can sail to Koh Samui (1.5 hours), where palm-fringed beaches and luxury resorts await. Koh Phangan, famous for its pristine beaches and monthly Full Moon Party, is accessible via a 2-hour ferry journey. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in about 3 hours, offering some of Thailand's best underwater experiences. These ferry routes often pass through spectacular scenery, making the journey itself a highlight of any Khao Sok-based adventure.

Khao Sok rewards visitors with activities that showcase its extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty. Embark on a guided jungle trek through ancient rainforest paths, where expert naturalists reveal hidden wildlife including gibbons, hornbills, and exotic flora. The emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake offer unforgettable kayaking and bamboo rafting experiences, with limestone karsts creating a dramatic backdrop that rivals Vietnam's Halong Bay. Culinary adventurers should sample local southern Thai specialties like fresh fish in spicy curries and jungle herbs at the small restaurants near the park entrance. The village area just outside the park boundaries provides charming accommodations ranging from rustic bamboo bungalows to floating raft houses on the lake.

Khao Sok National Park protects one of the world's oldest rainforests, dating back an astonishing 160 million years, making it older than the Amazon. The park's Rafflesia kerrii flower, which blooms rarely and briefly, is among the world's largest and emits an infamous rotting flesh odor to attract pollinating insects. Cheow Lan Lake, the jewel of Khao Sok, is actually man-made, created in 1982 when the Ratchaprapha Dam was built, though its dreamlike landscape of emerging limestone karsts makes it appear entirely natural. Local legends tell of wild elephants that can navigate through the park's caves, following ancient paths known only to them.