Kao Sok (Thailand): how to spend 2-4 unforgettable days in the jungle and turquoise lake
One of the best ways to see nature and animals Thailand Go to Kao Sok National Park.
The park is close to Phuket and Krabi, it has an impressive turquoise lake, lush jungle - and we are lucky to see even wild elephants!
We spent three days in Kao Sok and got a lot of impressions: walks in the jungle, a boat trip on Lake Cheo Lan, a night in a floating bungalow. The best way to experience the park is to stay there for a few days: explore the lake by boat, trek through the jungle and look into the caves.
How many days to spend in Kao Sok
The choice depends on time and interests:
- One-day trip - convenient from Phuket, Krabi, Kao Laka or Surat Thani, but time is short - you will have time to see only the main thing.
Package tour (2-4 days) – includes transfer, guide, food and accommodation; convenient and saves time.
- Accommodation in the village of Khlong Sok - gives maximum freedom and budget: you are based next to the park and take only those excursions that you want.
Our advice: at least 2 days, and preferably 3-4. Be sure to plan at least one night in a floating bungalow on Lake Cheo Lan - it's a special story.
Best tours and bookings
- 2-day tours to Kao Sok from Phuket or Kao Laka with transfer, accommodation, meals and program;
- 1-day options from Phuket, Krabi or Kao Lak;
If you live in Khlong Sok, there are one-time tours to the lake, jungle trekking, hiking to elephants, etc.
How to get to Kao Sok
From Phuket: you can get by public bus (about 5 departures per day, the journey is about 4 hours), shard minibus (up to 8 departures per day, travel time 2.5-4.5 hours depending on the point of departure) or by taxi (about 2.5-3.5 hours). Schedules and tickets are convenient to watch and book online.
From Krabi: there are minivans and taxis, many departures from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, the road takes about 3-4 hours.
- From Cao Laca: a bus, minivan or taxi is available - the easiest way to check the transfer at the place of residence.
We took a private taxi from Phuket and were pleased; we drove back in a shard minibus that set up our hotel in Khlong Sok.
What to see and what to do
A boat trip to Cheo Lan Lake is one of the hallmarks of the park.
- Night in a floating bungalow on the lake.
- Jungle-tracking with the search for wild fauna (for example, gray leaf-eaters - dusky leaf monkeys) and visiting caves.
- Boat trips in long-tailed boats and canoes.
Animal watching: Elephants, monkeys and many birds – but remember that wildlife is not guaranteed.
Tips for Independent Travel
If you want to better understand nature and increase the chance to see animals, take a local guide: he knows the routes, the characteristic behavior of animals and safe trails.
Hotels and boaters in Khlong Sok often organize transfers and excursions - convenient and without unnecessary fuss.
Bring an anti-mosquito spray, raincoat and a sealed electronics case - the jungle and the lake can be wet.
Short approximate route (option for 3 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Khlong Sok, short walk through the jungle, overnight in the village.
Day 2: Departure to Lake Cheo Lan, all day by boat, night in a floating bungalow.
Day 3: Morning walk or canoe, return to the village and leave.
Should I go to Kao Sok? Absolutely yes, if you love nature and are willing to take a few days off. For maximum effect, combine an independent holiday in Khlong Sok with one or two organized excursions with a local guide - so the trip will become deeper, safer and more interesting.
Text and photo:https://www.personalguide.ru/
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