Located in Surat Thani, 685 km from Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park was established in 1980. Covering an area of 738.74 sq km straddling Ban Ta Khun, Phanom and Khiriratniyom counties,the national park has 80% of mountainous areas with alternate earthen and limestone mountains. The forests are well known for their luxuriance and pure natural condition.

A bird's eye view of limestone mountains at Khao Sok national park. Photo by courtesy of TAT

Palm Lang Khao. Photo by courtesy of TAT

Moreover, another scarce plant called Rafflesia kerrii Neijer or bua phut in Thai is also found there. It produces huge, red-brown flowers 10-25 inches in diameter that usually bloom during November and January and can be extracted into medicine.

The wildlife in Khao Sok includes 25 species of mammals like bears, buffaloes, serows, gaurs, bantengs, elephants, two-horned Asian rhinoceros, tigers, etc. Kob tood (Rana blythii), a kind of giant frogs living amidst the jungles, and dragon fish can be occasionally found there. In addition, over 170 bird species are sighted including 5 species of hornbills and great argus pheasants.

History
The present area of Khao Sok was once inhabited by a small number of people forming a village that was cut off from the outside world because of the rough terrain and the long distance, about 121 km from Surat Thani Town. The area once had large varieties of animals and plants. It was said that even in a river near Phanthurat Mountain lived many fish hundreds of which would make their appearance on the surface of water when just a stone was thrown into it. In the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824), more people immigrated to the area from Takua Pa and Takua Thung, the nearby towns which were attacked by the Burmese invaders. The migrants decided to live in a plain surrounded by mountains and depended on agriculture for their living.
As time passed, the richness in natural resources of Khao Sok was discovered. In 1972, there were more requests for logging and mining concessions at Khao Sok. To prevent the verdant forests of Khao Sok from destruction, the Royal Forest Department designated it as a national park in 1980.

Where to Go

Wang Yao, Bang Hua Raet
and Wing Hin Waterfall
(3 km from the park office) Bang Hua Raet is a scenic two-leap waterfall. The first leap flows from the canal of the same name to meet the Sok Canal.

Wing Hin Waterfall runs to join it at the second leap. There is a pool for swimming called Wang Yao situated 40 metres above Bang Hua Raet Waterfall.

A must for visitors to the park is Tang Nam in the form of two cliffs facing each other with the Sok Canal running through them. (6 km from the park office or 3.2 km from Wing Hin Waterfall / on foot only).

Ton Kloi Waterfall
9 km from the park office. A single-leap waterfall whose water source is from the Sok Canal has natural stone fields for tourists to take a rest in.

Ton Sai Waterfall
A small waterfall, flowing from the Sok Canal is 2 km from Ton Kloi waterfall.

Than Sawan Waterfall
As the water falling from a sheer cliff, an impressive rainbow-shaped curve is formed. (3 km from Tung Nam)

11-leap Waterfall
With a pool for swimming, the water jumps down a cliff, making a perfect view of a set of 11 steps. (4 km from the park office / on foot only)

Mae Yai Waterfall
A single-leap waterfall with a height of 30 metres is located adjacent to Surat Thani-Takua Pa Highway at Km 113 (3 km from the park office).

Mae Yai Waterfal. Photo by courtesy of TAT

Kaeng Kho Cave
where many bats live, contains beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

What to do
• A wonderful activity to enjoy at the park is trekking in the lush rainforests of Khao Sok.

• For those who are fond of gorgeous birds, bird watching is worth the effort.

Photo by courtesy of Sutin Car Rent, Phuket

• Visiting breathtaking waterfalls is a recommended activity as well.

Photo by courtesy of Sutin Car Rent, Phuket

• As for canoeing lovers, Khao Sok is a place you should not miss.

Accommodations
• Accommodations are available at the park. There are also houses on rafts in the Ratchaprapha reservoir.
• Tree houses are provided by private companies.
• Camping is allowed at a fee of 30 baht per tent but tourists have to bring tents with them.

How to get there
From Surat Thani Town, go along Highway 401 (Surat Thani- Takua Pa Route). Turn right at Km 109 and go a further 1.5 km to reach the national park office.
Guided tours of the national park are conducted by tour agencies in Phuket, Phang-nga and Surat Thani. Please consult advertisers in Thaiways magazine.