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Khao Sok has two sides: the land zone, with the forest trails, the river and the village, and the lake zone, reached from its own entrance. Most itineraries combine one of each.
This page lists what to do in each, and what needs a guide. Fees, hours and seasonal closures are on the national park guide and in the best time to visit page.
Things to do in Khao Sok at a glance
| Forest walking | A first stretch of trail can be walked without a guide, up to the Bang Hua Raet waterfall about 3 km from the headquarters |
|---|---|
| Lake | Boat trips on Cheow Lan Lake, with more than 100 islands and limestone peaks |
| Overnight | A night in a floating raft house on the lake |
| Night safari | Guided walks after dark; a guide is required |
| Caves | Guide required; Nam Talu cave closed in the rainy season |
| Plants and animals | Rafflesia (random bloom) and a long species list, but no sighting is guaranteed |
| Guide costs | About 800–1,000 THB for a half day, 1,200–1,500 THB for a full day per person (a rough range, not a fixed tariff) |
Walk in the forest
The land zone is the place for walking. A first stretch of trail, up to the Bang Hua Raet waterfall about 3 km from the headquarters, can be walked without a guide. Beyond that point a guide is required, as it is for every long hike, night safari and cave.
A guide costs roughly 800–1,000 THB for a half day and 1,200–1,500 THB for a full day per person, according to a travel site: a rough range, not a tariff. The village guide explains the land side.
See Cheow Lan Lake by boat
The lake is a reservoir of about 165 km² with more than 100 islands among limestone peaks. It has its own entrance, roughly 65–67 km from the village, and its own costs: an entrance fee at the pier, a small cleaning charge of about 40 THB per person, and a long-tail boat from 1,800 THB (the official park rate for the boat).
Landmarks named in boat itineraries include Khao Sam Kloe (Three Brothers), the raft-house reserve, Diamond Cave (Pra Kay Petch) and the Kri Sorn viewpoint. The lake guide has the detail.
Sleep on the water
A night in a floating raft house is the most distinctive thing to do here, and it puts you on the lake early and late. Options range from simple raft houses to higher-end raft resorts: see the floating bungalows guide for how to choose.
Night safari and long hikes
Night walks and long hikes are done with a guide. Listings include a 2-hour guided night safari with pickup and a full-day rainforest hike combined with a night safari.
The animals of the park include Asian elephants, gaur, sambar deer, Malayan sun bears, Malayan tapirs, gibbons and hornbills, according to the park reference. That list is not a promise: animals are difficult to see under the canopy.
Caves
Caves show how weather shapes the park. Nam Talu cave is closed in the rainy season because of the risk of sudden rising water. Bang Hman cave needs a guide and is off limits if rain is forecast. On the lake, Diamond Cave (Pra Kay Petch) is a stop named in many tour descriptions.
Rafflesia and elephants
Rafflesia kerrii, the largest flower in the world, grows along the longer trails. It blooms at random, mostly from January to March or April, and is never guaranteed.
Elephant visits are sold as tours. The listings we chose are titled as ethical care visits (a 2-hour format, and an experience with a workshop). We have not visited them: read each listing and its reviews before booking.
Guides are not optional on long routes
Long hikes, night safaris and caves require a guide, and caves can be closed or off limits depending on rain. Follow the guide's instructions and check official sources for any safety rule.
Guided activities
See all tours
Night safariKhao Sok: 2-Hour Night Safari Guided Jungle Walk with Pickup
- 2-hour guided jungle walk after dark
- Pickup included, as named in the listing
Best for: Visitors who want to see the forest at night with a guide.
Check price & availability →
Hike + night safariKhao Sok: Full-Day Rainforest Hike and Night Safari
- Full-day rainforest hike
- Night safari added, as named in the listing
Best for: Active visitors who want a long day in the forest and a walk after dark.
Check price & availability →
Elephant care, 2 hoursKhao Sok: 2-Hour Ethical Elephant Care Visit with Transfers
- 2-hour ethical elephant care visit
- Transfers included, as named in the listing
Best for: Those who want a short elephant visit that fits around other plans.
Check price & availability →Last verified 29 September 2026
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Walk the forest trails, take a boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake, sleep in a floating bungalow, join a guided night safari and visit caves with a guide.
Only the first stretch, up to the Bang Hua Raet waterfall about 3 km from the headquarters, can be walked without one. Longer hikes, night safaris and caves need a guide.
Maybe, but no tour can promise it. Animals are hard to see under the canopy, so treat any sighting as a bonus.
Sometimes. It blooms at random, mostly from January to March or April, and is never guaranteed. Ask a guide whether a bloom is known.
The lake is what most photos of Khao Sok show. It is a separate zone with its own entrance and costs; see the lake guide before deciding between a day and a night.