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    Khao Sok River

    Thailand

    Khao Sok River

    Point of Interest

    The Sok River runs along the western edge of Khao Sok National Park and flows past Khlong Sok village, home to most of the region's accommodations.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Thailand
    7. Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)
    9. Khao Sok River
    The Sok River runs along the western edge of Khao Sok National Park and flows past Khlong Sok village, home to most of the region's accommodations. Many lodges are situated directly on its banks, making the river at once a transport route, a swimming area, and a scenic vista.On the water, activities include tubing, canoe trips, and rides on bamboo rafts. The current is mostly calm, making the tours more about the scenery than strenuous sport: Above the river, the park's limestone cliffs ascend, and with a little patience, hornbills, kingfishers, and monkeys can be spotted along the banks.The water level fluctuates significantly. After rain, the river carries much more water, while during the dry season, it can become very shallow in certain areas; operators adjust routes accordingly. Early mornings and dusk are the best times for wildlife observation, and the heat is more tolerable than at midday.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Sut Thang Rak (Bang Pho Ta)

    A quiet spot by the river with views of the limestone cliffs and the forest beyond. Its Thai name roughly translates to 'End of the Path of Love'. The place is little known among travelers. Access is via natural paths; sturdy shoes are recommended.
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    2Nature Trail at Sok River

    The National Park's main trail follows the river upstream from headquarters and for the first few kilometers is wide and level. Further along, it narrows and leads over roots and side streams. A guide is not required on the marked section.
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    3Bang-Hua-Raet Waterfall

    The first waterfall on the main trail, about three kilometers from the park entrance. Its flow varies greatly with the season: towards the end of the wet season, it carries much water; in the dry season, only individual pools remain.
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    4Khao Sok National Park Headquarters

    The park entrance at the end of the village road is the point for admission payment and access to the river path. Here the rangers are stationed and here the guided hikes begin.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Sahai Leng Super Saep

    An eatery in the Khao Sok region, named after Leng Saap: a spicy, sour soup featuring pork backbone bones, meant to be eaten by hand. The dish originates from Isan and has become popular nationwide. The decor is simple, the clientele Thai, the spice level non-negotiable.
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    2

    Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok

    A small cafe in the Khao Sok region with a Thai menu, plus drinks and snacks. The space is open-plan and set amidst the vegetation. Useful for a break between two activities in the National Park.
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    3

    Low-budget Youth Restaurant

    A simple eatery in the Khao Sok region, which, by its name, targets budget travelers. The menu sticks to Thai standards, the portions are filling, the decor is minimal. The clientele is predominantly backpackers.
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    4

    Khao Sok Rasta Thailand

    A riverside eatery in the Khao Sok region, serving Thai cuisine, with an open design and reggae decor. The clientele consists of travellers from nearby accommodations, and the pace is relaxed to slow. Sufficient for dinner after a tour into the National Park.
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    5

    Metang Restaurant

    A Thai restaurant in the Khao Sok region, simply furnished and partially open to the river. They cook Southern Thai style, which is spicier than Central Thai – if you prefer it milder, mention it when ordering. An honest, unpretentious place.
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    Food and Drink

    You'll find meals in the village and at the waterfront establishments, some with terraces directly over the water. The cuisine is Southern Thai and is mostly simple, and prices are low. For longer hikes in the park, a packed lunch is recommended, as there are no vendors along the trails.

    Grilled River Fish

    Cooked in a salt crust over charcoal and served with herbs and dips. The obvious choice in a place without sea access.

    Gaeng Tai Pla

    A robust South Thai curry with fermented fish innards and turmeric. Spicy and salty, not for your first day.

    Khao Yam

    Rice salad with herbs, shredded coconut and dark fish sauce, typically for breakfast.

    Fruit Shakes & Coconut Water

    Freshly prepared at the village street stalls, practical for rehydration after a hike.

    Packed lunch for the way

    Many accommodations offer pre-ordered rice with sides. Also, plan for at least two liters of water per person.

    Travel to and along the river

    The Sok River flows along the western edge of the National Park, directly past Khao Sok Village and the park entrance. From the village road, it's just a few minutes' walk to the water. You can reach the valley via highway 401 with minivans and buses from Surat Thani, Khao Lak, Phuket, and Krabi.For the first almost three kilometers of the main trail from the headquarters, you don't need a guide; for most other routes and the caves, the park administration requires one. Canoe and tubing tours can be booked in the village.The water level is crucial. From January to March, the river is usually calm and low. During the rainy season, it rises sharply; tours are canceled in high water, and riverside paths are slippery. In the humid season, there are many leeches on the paths; long socks and closed shoes help.Headquarters admission: 200 Baht for adults. Current safety and health information can be found on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

    Accommodations in Khao Sok River

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    Nearby

    Khao Sok Village

    Khao Sok Village

    Around the Visitor Center of Khao Sok National Park, the region's infrastructure has congregated in Khlong Sok village: guesthouses and lodges along the road and river, tour offices, restaurants, and a small market. The main road between Surat Thani and Takua Pa passes directly by, making the location easily accessible from both coasts.From the park entrance, the main hiking trail begins, following the valley with branches leading to several waterfalls. Night hikes are only possible with a guide and are organized locally. During the dry season, especially from January to March, the Rafflesia kerrii blooms in the region, with flowers reaching 50 to 90 centimeters in diameter.The village also serves as a starting point for trips to Cheow Lan Lake, available as day or overnight tours.Several elephant camps operate in the vicinity, each with a very different approach. Those who value animal welfare should check in advance what a camp truly offers.
    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    Khao Sok Region (Surat Thani Inland)

    The Khao Sok Region is located in southern Thailand, inland in the provinces of Surat Thani and Phang Nga, approximately halfway between the Gulf and Andaman coasts. This makes it an obvious stopover between the coasts.Characterized by steep limestone mountains rising above evergreen rainforest and *Cheow Lan Lake*: A dam flooded a valley system, leaving the mountaintops standing as rocky towers in the water. The Khao Sok National Park protects a large contiguous rainforest, home to hornbills, gibbons, and wild elephants, among other species.Infrastructure is concentrated around Khlong Sok village at the park entrance and the floating raft houses on the lake. Guided jungle treks, canoe tours, and cave visits are common activities.The driest period is from January to March, with most rainfall occurring from May to October. Following heavy rain, streams and caves carry a lot of water, and some paths may be closed.
    Cheow-Lan Lake

    Cheow-Lan Lake

    Cheow Lan Lake is not a natural body of water, but rather the reservoir of the Ratchaprapha Dam, completed in 1987, which flooded a valley system in Khao Sok National Park. The lake spans approximately 185 square kilometers. From the water, the peaks of limestone mountains emerge as steep rock towers; the landscape is often compared to Guilin in Southern China.Typical are the raft houses: simple bungalows on pontoons in quiet side arms, rented by the park administration and private operators. Electricity is often only intermittent, mobile reception not everywhere. Expect a basic standard.From the pier at the dam, longtail boats transport visitors to the accommodations. Common activities include canoe tours in the side arms, short jungle treks, and excursions to the caves Nam Talu and Pra Kie.In the mornings, fog often settles between the rocks, which is when you are most likely to spot hornbills, gibbons, and macaques. Plan at least one overnight stay, as day trips involve significant travel time.
    Pra Kie Cave (Coral Cave)

    Pra Kie Cave (Coral Cave)

    The Pra Kie Cave, also known as Coral Cave, is located on the shores of Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. It earned its nickname due to the stalactites and stalagmites whose porous, branching surfaces resemble corals.The cave is only accessible by water: Longtail boats take you from the raft houses or the pier at the dam into the bay, from there a short path leads to the entrance.Unlike Nam Talu, Pra Kie is a dry cave without water passages. It is therefore often offered when Nam Talu is closed. The ground is nevertheless damp and slippery, so sturdy shoes and a headlamp are essential.Do not break anything, do not touch anything: The formations grow over millennia. Guided tours are organized by the accommodations by the lake.
    Nam Talu Cave

    Nam Talu Cave

    The **Nam Talu Cave** is a river cave in Khao Sok National Park on Cheow Lan Lake. A stream flows through the limestone mountain, with the path often leading through water: knee-deep, sometimes deeper, and some sections requiring swimming. Inside, you'll find stalactites and bats.Access is by boat and hike, usually as a day trip from one of the raft houses. A **licensed guide is mandatory**.The reason is serious: Eight tourists died in a flash flood in the cave in October 2007, and a guide in August 2024. The cave is therefore closed from June 1 to November 30; even outside this period, it can close at short notice after rain.You should bring shoes that can get wet and provide grip, a headlamp, and waterproof packed items. If you cannot swim or tolerate confined spaces poorly, you should skip the tour.

    Sources & method

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