Nationalpark Khao Sok

The park is green all year. The drier months from about December to April are the easiest for hiking and lake trips, with clearer skies and lower rivers.

The rainy season brings heavy showers, muddy trails and high water. Some paths and cave visits can close, but the forest is lush and quieter.

• Ratchaprapha Dam holds back Cheow Lan Lake, a huge reservoir with limestone peaks rising from green water. Boat trips and lake stays start from here.
• Three Rocks is a viewpoint near the lake.
• Sip Et Chang Waterfall is a waterfall in the park area.

• Lake stay: Spend a night on a floating raft house on the lake.
• Jungle trek: Walk with a guide to caves and waterfalls.
• Canoe or tube: Float down a river through the forest.
• Wildlife watching: Look for monkeys, birds and, with luck, larger animals.

These trips are listed from closest to farthest.

• Jungle trek and cave walk: guided walks lead to caves, streams and waterfalls near the park headquarters.
• Cheow Lan Lake tour: a boat trip on the reservoir, often with a night in a floating raft house.
• River tubing or canoeing: slow trips along a forest river, depending on the water level.

• Koh Tao is a Gulf island known for diving.
• Koh Samui is a larger island on the Gulf coast.
• Ang Thong Marine Park is a marine park of limestone islands near Samui.
• Khao Lak is a beach area on the Andaman coast.

• By bus or minivan: Services run from Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak towards the park. Expect a few hours depending on where you start.
• By car: The park is reached from the main road between the coasts. Parking is available near the park entrance.
• By air: Fly to Surat Thani, Phuket or Krabi and continue by road.

• Guided tours: Most trails and lake trips are done with a guide or tour.
• Longtail boats: Boats move people around Cheow Lan Lake.
• Taxis and pick-ups: Local trucks link nearby villages and the park entrance.

• Is a car worth it?: Useful for reaching the park, but trips inside need a guide or boat.
• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
• Roads: Main roads are paved. Rain can make side roads slippery.

Simple Thai meals are served at lodges and raft houses. Curries, fried rice and fresh fruit are common. Restaurants near the park entrance serve southern Thai food and travelers' dishes.

• Forest walking: Wear sturdy shoes and use insect repellent. Leeches are common in the wet season.
• Rivers and lake: Check water levels and wear life jackets.
• Wildlife: Keep your distance and do not feed animals.
• Guides: Hire a licensed guide for caves and longer treks.
• Medical care: Facilities are limited in the park, so bring basic supplies.
• Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

The reservoir was created when a dam was built across the river, flooding a valley and turning mountain tops into islands. The forest around it is protected as a national park, and it has become one of southern Thailand's best-known nature destinations.

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