Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok Overview

Khao Sok National Park, nestled in the Surat Thani Province of southern Thailand, stands as one of the country’s premier natural treasures. Established in 1980, the park spans an impressive 739 square kilometers (approximately 285 square miles), making it the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. This ancient rainforest predates even the Amazon, offering a unique glimpse into a prehistoric natural world.

The park is renowned for its majestic limestone karst formations, towering above the dense canopy of the rainforest, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, an artificial lake created by the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam. The lake’s emerald waters, dotted with hundreds of limestone islands, create a surreal landscape that draws comparisons to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

Khao Sok National Park’s biodiversity is as impressive as its landscapes. The park is home to a vast array of flora, including the giant Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world, which blooms rarely but magnificently within the park’s boundaries. Its fauna includes a variety of wildlife such as Asian elephants, Malayan tapirs, and gibbons, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting that are unparalleled in southern Thailand.

In addition to its natural beauty, Khao Sok offers a range of outdoor activities for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore the park through trekking, canoeing, bamboo rafting, and elephant-back riding, or take guided tours to explore deep caves and hidden waterfalls. The park’s floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake provide a unique overnight experience, allowing guests to wake up to serene water views and the sounds of the jungle.

Khao Sok National Park is not just a destination; it’s an escape into one of the planet’s most ancient and biodiverse environments, offering a profound connection with nature that is both humbling and exhilarating.