Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is located in the province of Surat Thani, and it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in whole Thailand. It covers an area of 739 square kilometres and comprises 165 square kilometres of Cheow Lan Lake, formed after the construction of the Dam Ratchaprapha. The park includes the largest virgin forest in Southern Thailand; it is a remnant of ancient rainforest which is older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest. Many scholars argue that this forest goes back to 160 million years ago, which would make it the oldest rainforest in the world. The best time to visit the area is the dry period from December to late March. The park has impressive limestone formations, several waterfalls as Sip-Chan Ry, Than Sawan and Than Kloyand, many caves as Tham Nam Thalu and Tham Si Ru. Many types of berries and fruits can be found throughout the National Park and they serve as food for many animals. Among these there are wild Jackfruit, Mangosteen, Durian, Rambutan, Jujube, Pomelo, Banana wild, wild Pepper and Ginger. The Khao Sok National Park is also famous for its flower Bua Phut, scientific name "Rafflesia Kerrii". It is estimated to contain more than 5% of the terrestrial animal species. Among wild mammals can be observed Malayan Tapir, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Bear, Banteng, Capricorns Serow, wild Boar, Pig-tailed Macaque, White Gibbons, Squirrel, Muntjac, Mouse Deer. There are also many reptiles such as the Royal Cobra, the Reticulated Python and the Flying Lizard. Admission fee: 300 Baht per person, 150 Baht per child.
Getting to Khao Sok: National Park is the favourite destinations for lovers of nature and trekking close to Phuket. The park is ideal place to enjoy Elephant Trekking, Canoeing, Bamboo Rafting, Cave Exploration, Hiking in the jungle and maybe stay overnight in a bungalow on a floating raft. Specialized tour operators offer all inclusive packages for one or two days stay in this natural paradise. Khao Sok Safari Day Tour costs between 2,000 and 2,400 THB, depending on the tour operator and the options chosen. To reach the park from Surat Thani follow eastbound Highway 401. Between the kilometer markers 109 and 110 there is a turn-off road to the north leading to the park's entrance, about 1.5 km from the main road. From Phuket follow Highway 4 for 120 km until Takua Pa village, then turn right onto Highway 401 and follow it for about 40 km, in this case the road leading to the park's entrance is on the left.Read More