Khao Sok Jungle Hike, River Rafting & Viewpoint Tour from Khao Lak

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park, created in 1980 in Surat Thani province, protects more than 700 square kilometres of jungle, limestone mountains and rivers. Its evergreen rainforest is often described as older than the Amazon, and it shelters a remarkable range of life, from gibbons, hornbills and macaques to one of the world's largest flowers, the rafflesia, which blooms here in the cooler months.

A Khao Sok day trip from Khao Lak takes about an hour and a quarter each way by road, so a guided tour with pickup is the easiest way to visit. On arrival you register at the national park headquarters, where the entrance fees are already covered by your tour.

The jungle hike

From the park trailhead your guide leads an intermediate hike of about 6 to 7 kilometres round trip through the rainforest. The trail passes giant trees with buttress roots, rattan palms, hanging lianas and bamboo, and your guide points out tracks, insects, birds and medicinal plants along the way.

At the turning point you stop at a freshwater stream to cool off before walking back. The trail is mostly gentle, about 5 kilometres of actual walking, but it can be humid and muddy, so closed shoes, a hat and sunscreen help. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. After heavy rain small leeches can appear on forest paths, so long socks are a good idea.

Bamboo rafting on the Sok River

After a traditional Thai lunch with fruit, you board a bamboo raft rowed by a professional paddler for a calm journey along the Sok River. Sheer limestone cliffs draped in jungle rise above the jade water, and you may spot monitor lizards on the banks or birds flying low over the river.

Halfway along, the raft stops at a riverbank where tea or coffee is served in a bamboo cup that you can keep as a souvenir. It is one of the most peaceful moments of the day and a favourite for photos, so bring a waterproof bag for your phone. The paddler does all the work, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Khao Sok View Point

On the way back, the tour stops at Khao Sok View Point, where layers of forested limestone peaks and valleys stretch to the horizon. It is the best place to understand the scale of the park and capture a panoramic photo of the rainforest.

From here the drive back to your hotel in Khao Lak takes a little over an hour, and the full day lasts about 8.5 hours. Guests staying in Khao Sok Village can choose the option with local pickup, which starts later and lasts about 7 hours. Late in the day the light softens over the hills, which makes this a lovely final photo stop. Bring water and a hat, as the viewpoint is open to the sun.

Best time to visit Khao Sok

Khao Sok is open all year. The drier months from December to April bring easier trails and clearer views from the viewpoint, while the rainy season from May to November makes the forest lush, the streams full and the river rafting at its most scenic.

Whatever the season, expect heat and humidity on the trail. Bring swimwear, a towel and sandals for the stream and the raft, plus closed shoes for the hike. The national park experience is the same in both options; only the pickup area and the length of the day differ. Weekends and Thai public holidays bring more visitors to the park, so weekdays are usually quieter.