Khao Sok National Park is a large rainforest reserve in Surat Thani province, in southern Thailand, famous for limestone cliffs rising from a flooded valley called Cheow Lan Lake. The short answer for planning: the Tourism Authority of Thailand lists a 300 baht foreigner adult fee, the park has two entrances about 65 km apart (one for the jungle trails, one for the lake), the wet season runs roughly from May to November with heavy rain in October and November, and you reach it from Surat Thani, Phuket or Khao Lak by road. Decide first whether you want trails, the lake, or both, because that decides which entrance you need.
Park facts below were checked against the TAT listing and the national parks fee dataset on 2026-10-16. Seasonal and access details come partly from Wikivoyage, a community travel guide that we label as such because it is not an official source.
What Khao Sok is
TAT describes the park as sitting in the heart of the largest rainforest area in southern Thailand, covering 738.74 square kilometres, including the area north of the Rajjaprabha Dam. The landscape mixes earth and limestone peaks, forest and marsh, and is the origin of the Tapi river. TAT lists rare birds such as the hooded pitta and Malayan banded pitta, and plants including rafflesia, a parasitic flower that can grow to 70-80 cm across and blooms only for a few days, between about November and April, according to TAT. Wikivoyage describes the rainforest as one of the oldest in the world and mentions Asian elephants, gibbons and hornbills, while noting that large mammals are seldom seen.
Cheow Lan Lake is the reservoir behind the Rajjaprabha Dam. It is the reason most visitors come: cliffs, islands and floating accommodation on the water.
Two entrances, and why that matters
This is the planning point competitors often skip. Wikivoyage explains that the park has a west entrance, with the park headquarters, visitor centre, camping and the main hiking trails, and an east entrance at the Rajjaprabha Dam pier, from which boats go to the lake and the floating raft houses. The two are about 65 km apart and more than an hour's drive.
| Where | What you do there | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West entrance (park headquarters, Khao Sok village) | Jungle hikes, river tubing, camping, visitor centre | Base for a trails-first trip |
| East entrance (Rajjaprabha Dam pier) | Boat trips on Cheow Lan Lake, raft houses, caves | Base for a lake-first trip |
If you have only one day, pick the lake and join a day tour that includes the transfer, or pick the trails and stay near the west entrance. If you have two or three nights, do trails first, then the lake. Many visitors combine the lake with an overnight on a raft house.
Fees and tickets
TAT lists a foreigner adult fee of 300 baht and a child fee of 150 baht. The national parks authority's 2023 fee dataset lists 200 and 100 baht for foreigners, which shows that the fee has risen since that file was published. Wikivoyage reports that admission is bought at the entrance and is valid for 24 hours only; if you visit the headquarters and the lake on the same day, keep your ticket. Some tours include the fee in the package. Do not rely on old fee tables, and confirm at the gate or with the park phone number on the TAT listing.
Wikivoyage also lists Thai and foreign rates and says Thai residents with a recognised ID may pay the lower rate at the gate's discretion. Read the notice at the window before you pay.
When to go
Khao Sok has a tropical monsoon climate. Wikivoyage says the wet season runs roughly May to November, with the heaviest rain in October and November, when several trails and waterfalls close for safety. The dry season, December to April, gives the most reliable hiking and clearer lake views, with January and February the busiest months. Even in the dry months, short afternoon showers are normal. TAT's rafflesia note (blooming roughly November to April) also falls in the cooler months. For the wider picture, see best time to visit Thailand by region.
If your trip falls in the wet season, check trail status with the park or your accommodation before you travel, and expect slippery paths.
Getting there
Khao Sok sits on Highway 401 between Surat Thani and the Andaman coast, so it is reachable from both coasts.
| From | Practical route |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | Fly to Surat Thani (URT), or take a train or bus to Surat Thani, then a bus or minivan to Khao Sok; compare options with the 12Go box on this page |
| Surat Thani airport or station | Minivans and buses to Khao Sok run through the day; the Wikivoyage guide says buy tickets from the operator, not kiosks that mark prices up |
| Phuket or Khao Lak | A road trip of a few hours; see Phuket to Krabi and the Andaman links for the corridor, and Khao Lak for the nearest beach base |
| Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao | Ferry to Surat Thani, then a minivan; see the Samui, Phangan and Tao ferry guide |
| Krabi | A road transfer; see Krabi |
Wikivoyage's timings, which are third-party and from 2025, put Surat Thani town to the dam pier at about 2 hours and to the west entrance at about 2.5 hours. They are indicative, so ask the operator for current times. From Bangkok, the Bangkok intercity transport guide and Thailand getting around explain the long-haul options.
What to do
- Lake day trip. A boat on Cheow Lan Lake among the karst cliffs, with swimming and caves. Many operators run day trips from the dam pier and from Phuket or Khao Lak; compare what is included (park fee, lunch, guide, transfer) before you pay.
- Raft-house overnight. Floating accommodation on the lake, usually booked with a boat transfer. Read the operator's terms and cancellation rules.
- Jungle trails and river trips. Walks from the headquarters, with guides recommended on longer routes.
- Night safari and wildlife watching. Offered locally; choose responsible operators and keep your distance from wildlife.
- Rafflesia. If you visit in season, ask the park where blooms are open, because the flower lasts only days.
What to pack
Light, quick-dry clothing, a dry bag for the boat, insect repellent, a headlamp, sturdy shoes with grip, a rain jacket in the wet season, swimwear, and cash. Travel insurance that covers outdoor activity is worth having; see Thailand safety, scams and health and note the emergency numbers: 191 police, 1669 medical, 1155 Tourist Police.
Booking and combining with other trips
The 12Go button in the booking boxes opens a Bangkok to Surat Thani search, because Surat Thani is the rail, bus and air gateway; you still need a local minivan or tour for the final leg. Klook and other marketplaces sell Khao Sok day tours, but we do not have a registered Khao Sok product, so we do not point to one. For beach time afterwards, see Koh Samui, Koh Tao diving, Koh Phi Phi and the Surat Thani hub. For where to sleep in the gateway city, see where to stay in Surat Thani.
FAQ
How much is the Khao Sok National Park fee for foreigners?
TAT lists 300 baht for an adult and 150 baht for a child. The 2023 national parks list showed 200 and 100, so fees have risen. Confirm at the gate.
Is Khao Sok the same as Cheow Lan Lake?
No. Cheow Lan Lake is the reservoir inside the park. The west entrance covers jungle trails; the east entrance by the dam covers the lake and raft houses, about 65 km apart.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season, December to April, is the most reliable. The wet season, May to November, brings closures in the heaviest rain.
How do I get to Khao Sok from Bangkok?
Fly, train or bus to Surat Thani, then a minivan or bus to the park. Compare long-haul options with the 12Go box.
Can I see Khao Sok in one day?
Yes, as a lake day trip, but you will spend a lot of time in transit. Two nights lets you do trails and the lake.
Is the ticket valid for more than one day?
According to Wikivoyage, tickets are valid for 24 hours only. Keep your ticket if you visit twice in a day.
Is it safe to swim in the lake?
Follow the guide's instructions. Water conditions and rules vary, and the lake is deep. Wear a life jacket if offered.
Official sources and further reading
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Khao Sok National Park (fee, area, wildlife, contact)
- Wikivoyage: Khao Sok National Park (two entrances, season, access; community guide, not an official source)
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (entrance fee dataset dated 2 Jun 2023)
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
