Question 1

How much does it cost to enter Khao Sok National Park?

Accepted Answer

Foreign adults pay 300 Baht and children 150 Baht in Thai cash at the park headquarters. The Cheow Lan Lake area charges a separate 300 Baht adult fee, plus a 40 Baht pier tax. You pay both if your trip covers both zones.

Question 2

When is the best time of year to visit Khao Sok?

Accepted Answer

December through April brings the driest trails and a chance to spot the giant Rafflesia flower blooming. Skip September and October. Those months average 375mm of rain, which frequently triggers flash flood warnings and cave closures.

Question 3

How do I get to Khao Sok from Surat Thani?

Accepted Answer

Public buses and minivans leave Surat Thani town and the Phun Pin train station roughly every hour until 14:00. The 100-kilometer ride takes one to two hours and drops you at Khlong Sok village for 80 to 120 Baht.

Question 4

Can I fly a drone in Khao Sok?

Accepted Answer

Drones are banned inside the park boundaries without prior written permission from the wildlife department, which staff rarely grant. Flying without a permit risks confiscation and fines up to 100,000 Baht. Don't pack it.

Question 5

Is Khao Sok National Park wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No. Jungle trails are unpaved, root-heavy, and muddy, while Cheow Lan Lake requires boarding long-tail boats without ramps. A few spots near the visitor center have step-free paths, but travelers using mobility devices should contact specific lake resorts like Panvaree directly to check accommodations.

Question 6

How many days do I need for Khao Sok?

Accepted Answer

Plan for two or three days. Most visitors spend one night near the headquarters for river activities, then book one or two nights in a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake. Secure your lake accommodation months ahead if visiting between December and April.

Question 7

Do I need to hire a guide to hike in Khao Sok?

Accepted Answer

You can walk the short nature trails near headquarters alone, but park rules mandate a licensed guide for remote routes like the 8.4-kilometer Sip-et Chan Waterfall trek. Guides run about 500 Baht for a half-day and 1,000 Baht for a full day.

Question 8

What kind of shoes should I wear in Khao Sok?

Accepted Answer

Pack closed-toe hiking shoes or water shoes with serious grip. Trails get muddy year-round, and cave routes require wading through underground rivers. You can rent specialized grip shoes from local guides for slippery treks like Nam Talu Cave.

Khao Sok Guides

Khao Sok National Park Wildlife: What Animals You Can Actually See (and Where)

Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary: An Honest Guide to Visiting Ethically

Khao Sok Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Village, on the Lake, or in the Valley

Things to Do in Khao Sok: The Complete Activity Guide

Ready to visit Khao Sok?