The Khao Sok National Park in Thailand has exploded in popularity over the past years. As someone who’s always visiting places away from the crowds, I avoided this national park for quite a while.
However, everyone kept saying it was their favorite place in Thailand—so I couldn’t help but wonder:
Is the Khao Sok National Park still authentic? Has tourism ruined the experience? Is there any real wildlife there? And is the high price tag actually worth it?
So, I finally travelled there. I explored both the mainland side of the park and spent a night in the floating bungalows on the world-famous Cheow Lan Lake.
In this post, I’m sharing my honest experience: what surprised me, what disappointed me, and what I wish I knew before visiting the Khao Sok National Park. You’ll find practical tips on how to visit, where to stay, and how to try to avoid the crowds.
By the end, you’ll know whether Khao Sok is still worth visiting in 2025—and if so, how to make the most of your experience.
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Pros and Cons of Visiting Khao Sok
Pros:
– amazing photo spots
– wildlife around the park HQ
– peaceful stay in the floating bungalows
Cons:
– very touristy and crowded at some parts
– the lake is man-made
– wildlife at the lake is rare
Is it Worth Visiting?
– it depends (keep reading)
Things to Know Before Your Visit
Before visiting Khao Sok, I felt a bit lost—there’s surprisingly little clear, updated information online. So here’s everything I wish I had known in advance:
Khao Sok National Park Location
Khao Sok Village is the base for exploring the national park. It’s the park`s headquarters, where most accommodations and tour offices are located. While it is touristy, the village still has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Tour Packages
Most accommodations and tour offices offer (almost) the same group tour packages, including jungle treks, night walks, river tubing, and trips to Cheow Lan Lake. These are usually bundled with accommodation and some meals included.
Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Stays
If you book a package that includes an overnight stay on the lake, you typically won’t know which floating bungalow you’ll stay at. While most are similar, some have private bathrooms and others only shared facilities.
Crowds
Activities around the village – like the night walk – are crowded. I was surprised that despite the masses of people, we still saw wildlife during the walk.
Private Experiences
For quieter, private, or more adventurous experiences, you can always ask local tourist offices or your host.
If you want to visit the lake privately, this Cheow Lan Lake private tour is a great option.
For a real adventure, there is an overnight jungle tour where you sleep in a tent or a hammock in the jungle – with the guide being present, of course. If you are up for the adventure, ask your host to arrange it for you.
Prices
A normal package price for a 3D2N package is around 180 EUR/200 USD. However, as packages are usually very similar, check prices online and compare a few options before booking. Many accommodations list package details on their websites and can be contacted via WhatsApp.
Looking For Places off the Beaten Path? Check these Hidden Gems in Thailand.
Where to Stay in the Khao Sok National Park
Since most accommodations offer the same package tours, choose a place with great reviews and a convenient location.
I chose Riverside Cottages because their pricing seemed more reasonable compared to other places. The bungalows were very beautiful and the food at the restaurant was very delicious.
However, the Riverside Cottages is located about a 10-minute drive from Khao Sok Village (Khlong Sok), at a very remote location, without anything nearby.
If you like lively places, I`d recommend you to stay close to the park`s HQ.
Recommended Stays close to the National Park`s HQ:
– Malulee Khaosok Resort (calm, paradise stay – often sold out)
– Tree Tops River Huts (popular place, includes a pool)
Arriving at Khlong Sok (Khao Sok HQ) Riverside Cottages, Khao Sok
Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Stay
We stayed at Ka Re Wee bungalow, which was included in our package, so we didn’t choose them ourselves—but they were spotless and comfortable. The staff was incredibly kind and served a dinner that felt like a celebration.
We arrived in the afternoon and immediately went kayaking—though our kayak had a hole and nearly sank! There’s no phone signal at the lake, which added to the adventure.
Later, we went on a jungle hike that involved climbing up a waterfall. It turned out to be my favorite activity of the entire trip.
Also, swimming in the lake was a great experience and one we enjoyed a lot because the scenery was without doubt very beautiful.
One downside: the schedule was packed, so we had little time to actually relax at the bungalow.
We stayed here for a night Views around the floating bungalow
Wildlife in the Khao Sok National Park
I initially expected a lot of wildlife in Khao Sok, especially given its proximity to Myanmar—one of the few areas in Southeast Asia where dense forests still remain. Sadly, much of Thailand’s natural forest has already disappeared.
During our stay on Cheow Lan Lake, we only saw a few hornbills and some lizards. The lake itself is manmade and, to be honest, felt strangely lifeless.
On the lake, there weren`t even mosquitoes (no need to add bug spray to your Thailand packing list), which felt unusual for a tropical area. So if you’re visiting the lake mainly for wildlife, it might be disappointing.
Closer to the national park headquarters and in the surrounding forest areas, there’s a better chance of spotting animals. Wild elephants are occasionally seen, and I met someone who once saw a black panther—an extremely rare sight, even for locals.
For a better wildlife experience, consider visiting Koh Mook or the Khao Yai National Park.
Things to Do around the Khao Sok Park
The Khao Sok National Park is basically divided to two parts: the area around the HQ (dry land), and the Cheow Lan Lake.
Things to do at the Khao Sok HQ:
– river tubing
– kayaking (with a local navigating the kayak): here, we saw monkeys, otters and snakes
– organized night walk in the forest: crowded, but we saw monkeys, kingfishers, snakes
– you can also hike alone in the forest
– thai massage
– full day hike in the park
– hike to see rafflesia (only during specific occasions throughout the year)
Things to do at the Cheo Lan Lake:
– swim in the lake
– kayak in the lake (by yourself)
– evening/morning safari
– hiking in the area (we hiked along a waterfall and it was great fun)
Kayaing on the river Hiking along a waterfall
FAQs about the Khao Sok National Park
Fazit: Is the Khao Sok National Park Worth Visiting?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after stunning scenery, peaceful lake views, and some beautiful photo opportunities, then yes—Khao Sok is absolutely worth a visit.
However, keep in mind that Cheow Lan Lake is man-made and has become quite touristy. Wildlife sightings are rare, and the overall experience can feel less authentic than expected. Given the cost, it may not be the best value if you’re hoping for a deep nature or wildlife experience.
If I returned, I’d stay near the park headquarters instead and would visit the forest trails independently, close to the HQ. Then, you`d see much more wildlife.
I would also stay at the Cheow Lan Lake, however, I would want to organize a stay where we could stay on the lake for two nights. Staying on the lake for only one night while having activities every single hour, I felt like it was not enough. It was very peaceful on the lake, and I would have gladly stayed there for longer.
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