How to Get from Bangkok to Khao Sok

Overview

Khao Sok National Park, featuring ancient rainforest, towering limestone cliffs, and Cheow Lan Lake, is located approximately 650 kilometers (404 miles) south of Bangkok in Surat Thani Province. One of Thailand's most spectacular natural areas!

Transportation Options

1. Flight to Surat Thani + Transfer ✈️+🚗 Fastest

Route: Bangkok → Surat Thani Airport → Khao Sok (1.5 hours drive)

Cost:

Flight: 1,000-3,000 THB
Private transfer: 1,500-2,000 THB
Total: 2,500-5,000 THB

Duration:

Flight: 1 hour
Transfer: 1.5 hours
Total: 4-5 hours including airport time

Booking: Book combined flight + transfer package

2. Bus 🚌 Direct Option

Route: Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal) → Khao Sok

Cost: 600-900 THB Duration: 9-11 hours Frequency: Daily departures including overnight

Companies: Phantip, Sombat Tour

Pros:

Direct service
Overnight option saves accommodation
Affordable

Cons:

Long journey
Limited departures

3. Bus to Surat Thani + Minivan

Route: Bangkok → Surat Thani → Khao Sok

Cost: 500-700 THB + 200-300 THB = 700-1,000 THB total Duration: 10-12 hours total

4. Private Car 🚗

Cost: 10,000-15,000 THB (one way) Duration: 9-10 hours Not recommended: Too expensive and tiring

Khao Sok National Park

Main Attractions:

1. Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) 🌊

Stunning emerald green lake
Towering limestone karsts
Floating raft houses (overnight stays)
Kayaking, swimming, cave exploration
65km from park headquarters (1 hour drive)

2. Jungle Treks 🥾

Various trails from park headquarters
Half-day to multi-day treks
Waterfalls, wildlife, river tubing
Guided treks recommended

3. Wildlife Viewing 🐘

Wild elephants
Gibbons
Hornbills
Tapirs
Clouded leopards (rare)

Where to Stay:

Park Headquarters Area:

Easiest access to jungle treks
Many resorts and guesthouses
All budgets
Good restaurants
Best for first-timers

Cheow Lan Lake:

Floating raft houses (unique!)
Must book package (transport + accommodation + meals + activities)
More remote and adventurous
Stunning scenery
Highly recommended for 1-2 nights

Recommended: Spend 1-2 nights at headquarters area + 1-2 nights at Cheow Lan Lake

Sample Itineraries

3 Days / 2 Nights (Minimum): Day 1: Arrive, jungle trek from headquarters Day 2: Full day at Cheow Lan Lake (overnight on lake) Day 3: Morning at lake, return and depart

4 Days / 3 Nights (Better): Day 1: Arrive afternoon, relax, short walk Day 2: Full day jungle trek from headquarters Day 3-4: 2 days/1 night at Cheow Lan Lake Day 4: Morning departure

What to Do at Cheow Lan Lake:

Kayaking among limestone karsts
Cave exploration (Nam Talu Cave)
Swimming in emerald water
Wildlife spotting
Relaxing on floating houses
Early morning mist photography
Fishing

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit:

Dry Season (Dec-Apr): Best weather, busiest
Green Season (May-Nov): Lush rainforest, fewer tourists, afternoon rain
Wettest: October-November (some areas may close)

Park Entrance Fee:

Adults: 300 THB (foreigners)
Children: 150 THB
Vehicle: 30 THB

What to Bring:

Good hiking shoes (waterproof)
Quick-dry clothes
Swimming clothes
Rain jacket (essential!)
Insect repellent (essential!)
Waterproof bag
Flashlight
Long pants for jungle
Binoculars
Camera with waterproof case

Weather:

Always humid
Can rain any time
Cooler than Bangkok
Lake is always beautiful!

Booking Tips

Cheow Lan Lake Packages:

Must book in advance (2-3 days minimum)
Package includes: Transport to lake, floating house, all meals, guided activities, park fee
Cost: 2,000-3,500 THB per person for overnight
Book through: Resorts near headquarters, online, or direct with raft house operators

Jungle Treks: