Khao Sok National Park is on the mainland in Surat Thani province, roughly three hours’ drive north of Phuket. It protects one of Thailand’s largest tracts of old rainforest, and at its centre is Cheow Lan Lake, a reservoir created by the Ratchaprapha Dam in the 1980s, where limestone towers stand in deep green water.
It is the opposite of a beach day — gibbons calling at dawn, hornbills overhead, mist on the water — and the one inland trip from Phuket we would call unmissable if you have the time.
Top things to do: Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake by longtail
Boats leave from the pier beside the dam and run for about an hour between sheer karst islands. The trio of rocks nicknamed “Guilin of Thailand” is the standard photo stop.
Sleep on the water
Floating raft houses, from very basic bamboo huts to comfortable tented rooms, are moored in quiet arms of the lake. Overnight guests get the dawn safari by boat, when wildlife is most active.
Caves and jungle walks
Short guided treks lead from the lake to caves and viewpoints. Some caves are closed in the wet season because of flash-flood risk.
The river side
Near the park headquarters, away from the lake, the Sok River is used for gentle canoeing, tubing and bamboo rafting, and forest trails start from the village.
How to get to Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake
- By tour: one-day and overnight tours from Phuket include transport, the boat and meals. The one-day version means around six hours on the road.
- Independently: buses and minivans from Phuket Town towards Surat Thani pass Khao Sok village; the lake pier is a further hour or so by road.
- Fees: a national park fee for foreign visitors applies and is sometimes not included in the tour price.
Insider tips
- Do the overnight trip if you possibly can. The day trip gives you the lake at its busiest and hottest.
- It rains a lot here, in every season. Pack a light waterproof and a dry bag.
- There is little or no phone signal on much of the lake.
Best tours & tickets for Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake:
Nature day trip or overnight from €125 Phuket: Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake Tour with Lunch
A very long day — or a far better overnight — to the rainforest and karst-rimmed lake of Khao Sok on the mainland. Choose the two-day version if you can.
- Cheow Lan Lake
- Bamboo rafting on the one-day option
- Two-day option with a floating raft-house stay
Private transfer (price per vehicle) from €26 per group Phuket Airport: Private Hotel Transfer with Meet & Greet
A pre-booked car between Phuket airport and your hotel, with a fixed price agreed in advance. After a long flight it removes the one negotiation every visitor dreads.
- Driver meets you on arrival
- Fixed price per vehicle
- Air-conditioned car to any Phuket hotel
