Khao Sok National Park: Beautiful, But Is It Worth The Hype In 2025?

I didn’t know what to expect from Khao Sok National Park. With its growing popularity, I assumed it might feel too touristy — and honestly, I wasn’t completely wrong. There were moments when it did.

But overall, I’d still say it’s absolutely worth visiting. The misty limestone cliffs, quiet floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, and the jungle atmosphere are unlike anywhere else in Thailand.

If you’re trying to decide whether to go or not, keep reading. In this guide, I’m sharing my honest personal experience — what I loved, what I didn’t, and how I’d plan the trip differently if I visited Khao Sok National Park again after spending months traveling around Thailand.

Disclosure: The Always Wanderer is supported by its readers. When you buy something using my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Where to Stay in the Khao Sok National Park

Most accommodations around the park`s HQ offer the same package tours, therefore it`s best to choose a place with great reviews and a convenient location.

I chose Riverside Cottages mainly because their pricing was more reasonable than other options. However, it’s about a 10-minute drive from Khao Sok Village, which felt a bit isolated.

If I visited Khao Sok again, I would choose between these accommodations:
– Malulee Khaosok Resort (calm, paradise stay – often sold out)
– Tree Tops River Huts (popular place, includes a pool)

Things to Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park

Location & Base
Khao Sok Village is the hub for exploring the park. It’s touristy but laid-back, with most accommodations and tour offices located near the park headquarters.

Tour Packages
Most guesthouses offer similar 3-day/2-night packages: jungle treks, night walks, river tubing, and Cheow Lan Lake trips, usually including accommodation and meals.

Cheow Lan Lake Overnight
Floating bungalows vary—some have private bathrooms, others shared. You usually won’t know your exact bungalow in advance.

Crowds & Wildlife
Village activities, like night walks, can be busy, but wildlife sightings are still possible. For a quieter experience, ask for private tours.

Prices
Standard 3D2N packages cost around €200 / $230. Compare a few options online or contact accommodations via WhatsApp to get the best deal.

Cheow Lan Lake Overnight Stay

We stayed at Ka Re Wee Bungalow as part of our package, so we didn’t choose it ourselves—but it was spotless and comfortable. The staff were incredibly kind, and dinner felt like a little celebration.

After arriving in the afternoon, we went kayaking—though our kayak had a small leak, which added to the adventure. With no phone signal at the lake, it felt completely remote.

Later, we hiked through the jungle and climbed a waterfall—by far my favorite activity of the trip. Swimming in the lake was another highlight, with the scenery absolutely stunning.

The only downside: the schedule was quite packed, leaving little time to relax at the 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.

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)

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.

---