If you ever want a vacation where you can stay aloof from the rest of the world, halt in a floating bungalow and wake up to the sound of wildlife behaving in a mischievous manner, bath in a freshwater lake, savor fresh sea food, explore limestone caves, and take a boat tour where you are surrounded by water and dense forest, then visit the Khao Sok National Park. The park is located in the southern region of Thailand and is unarguably the hidden gem of Thailand. But first, apply for Thailand tourist visa for a lifetime of experience and memories.
The Khao Sok National Park is dotted with breathtaking scenery, dense forest, towering rock formations, tropical waterfalls, and hidden caves. This wonderful site is big, unique, and enchanting. There is no dearth of things to do in Khao Sok National Park.
Take Cheow Lan Lake Boat Trip
The Cheow Lan Lake is in the heart of the Khao Sok National Park. This beautiful lake was created in 1982 by constructing the Ratchaprapha Dam on the river Khlong Saeng and flooding it. A boat tour on the lake is must to enjoy the landscape, the beauty of which is impossible to put in words. You will enjoy looking at the huge rocks jutting out of the lake and rising several hundreds of meters high forming a giant backdrop. You can also take a tour to explore the cave, hike the jungles, go for swimming and canoeing, and explore the stunning limestone formations.
Take a Boat Ride around The Hin Sam Glur
If you want to feed your Instagram account with photos that will have all your followers praising you, then a boat ride around the Hin Sam Glur is must. The Him Sam Glur is three giant rock formations coming out of the lake and creating an extraordinary appearance. In Thai, the name of the rocks translates to “three brothers rocks” or “three friends rocks.” All three gigantic rocks are identical in appearance and stand tall side by side as if whispering or talking to each other. Travellers love spending time by the beautiful Thailand lakes for a wonderful escape.
Stay in a Floating Bungalow
If you want to stay where you are surrounded by water and jungle, then book a stay in any one of the floating bungalows in the lake. While you may not have the luxury of a star hotel, but these wooden huts will give you unforgettable memories. You can access the floating bungalow through a network of wooden walkways. The stunning scenery and magical landscape surrounding the lake will mesmerize you. When the fog sets in early in the morning and at dusk, you will enjoy a unique atmosphere. To freshen up, you can swim and bath in the lake jumping directly from the bungalow. The warm water of the lake will charge you up for the day’s excursion.
Explore The Caves
One of the must-do activities in the Khao Sok National Park is to explore the caves, which are plenty in this region. It is recommended that you take a guided tour rather than exploring the caves on your own. You can either hike or use a boat to reach the caves. However, a few of the stalactite caves are accessible only by a boat. A good pair of shoes is must to endure the strenuous hike. As it is dark inside the caves, it is advisable to carry a headlamp. Some of the popular caves that have amazing stalagmites and stalactites are Khang Cow Cave, Nam Ta-lu Cave, the Coral Cave, and the Pra Kie Phet Cave. There are more hidden gems in Thailand that give you exposure to a different world.
Hike the Khao Sok Jungle
When you are in the Khao Sok National Park, it makes sense to go for a hike to explore the wildlife. The starting point for the jungle hike is Khao Sok Town, which is also the main entrance. You can get yourself acquainted with the jungle going through a map at the entrance and take any of the various routes that are well marked. All the routes lead through bamboo forests and various tropical waterfalls. While hiking, you can spot macaques and langurs, including several bird species such as kingfishers, and hornbills.
Enjoy Waterfalls in The Park
Image Credit: thailandvisitorinfo.com
There are several waterfalls in the park, but hardly a couple of them are accessible by a car. The Mai Yai Waterfall is one such waterfall flowing on the main road. To access all the other waterfalls in the park, you have to hike through the jungle. One of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand is the Ton Kloi Waterfall. While hiking for this waterfall, you will pass through many small waterfalls that will charge you up for the hike.
Explore The Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuaries
Image Credit: khaosokelephantsanctuary.com
We all know the kind of respect and attachment the Thai people have for and with the elephants. The park provides a safe and natural environment for the wild elephants and takes care for their well-being like a family member. The must-visit are the Sonchana Farm and Elephant Sanctuary and the Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary where you an observe elephants closely and learn about them as well as feed and bathe the elephants.
Conclusion
Khao Sok National Park is an incredible place you will love to explore and spend a few days disconnecting yourself from the rest of the world. In fact, you won’t feel like coming out of the park. Explore this hidden gem of Thailand by securing your Thailand visa from a licensed and authorized visa agency.