Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a large protected area in southern Thailand known for its ancient evergreen rainforest, steep limestone karst towers and riverine habitats. The park includes lowland tropical forest, caves and the large Ratchaprapha (Cheow Lan) reservoir formed behind a hydroelectric dam.

Boat and canoe trips on the reservoir among forested limestone islets, rainforest treks on marked trails, canopy and nocturnal wildlife tours, and multi-day jungle treks. Accommodation ranges from campground sites to floating raft houses on the lake used as bases for water-based activities.

The park was declared in the late 20th century to protect its ecologically rich forests; the reservoir was created after dam construction and added a new aquatic landscape that boosted tourism. Management focuses on conservation and regulated visitor access to key zones.

Khao Sok sits in Surat Thani province on the Malay Peninsula in southern Thailand, occupying limestone and forested hills inland from the Andaman coast. Access is by road from nearby towns and provincial centres; the landscape is predominantly steep forest and karst.

• Rainforest and karst: Contains some of the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world with limestone karst formations, rivers and a large reservoir created by the Ratchaprapha Dam in the 1980s.
• Wildlife viewing: Wildlife includes Asian elephant, gibbons, and many bird species; wildlife sightings are more likely on guided treks and early morning boat trips than on short self-guided walks.

What to See #

• Cheow Lan Lake: Ratchaprapha (Cheow Lan) Reservoir - a large artificial lake dammed in the 1980s with towering limestone karst islets and floating bungalow tourism operations used as a gateway to boat safaris and kayaking.
• Rainforest trails and wildlife areas: Primary rainforest trails and canopy forest around the park's core that provide routes for day hikes, wildlife viewing and guided night walks to spot nocturnal species.