Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani province in Southern Thailand.  It is a haven of plants, animals and fresh air and is easily one of the most diverse national parks in Thailand.

Khao Sok was declared a national park by the Thai government on December 22nd, 1980, making it the 22nd national park and covers an area of about 739 km2.  It consists of lush tropical jungles, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island stubbed lake.  The national park receives the most rainfall in Thailand because the area is influenced by both the Northeast (Pacific Ocean) and Southwest (Indian Ocean) monsoons.   The park contains the country’s largest area of virgin forest and the jungle at the park is actually older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest.

The national park is home to a wide array of flora and wildlife.  Chance encounters with tigers, leopards, elephants, gibbons, deer, hornbills, the king fisher and a whole bunch of arthropods, amphibians and snakes are possible at Khao Sok.  The most famous attraction though is the Rafflesia Kerrii flower, which is known as Bua Put in Thai.  This rare red flower has a diameter of 50-90 centimeters, earning it the distinction of world’s largest flower (the largest kind though does not grow in the park, but three other species do).  Although beautiful in sight, the same cannot be said of its smell.  The flower gives off a strong odor, similar to compost because the flower is not pollinated by insects seeking nectar but by flies.   The flowers only blossom in January to early March, so if the flower is the main reason to come to the park, it is then best to plan accordingly.

EXO Travel’s Khao Sok National Park Jungle Escape offers excellent trekking, canoeing and other adventure experiences in this beautiful nature sanctuary.  Peacefully kayak the Sok River or Chieow Laan Lake and admire the nature that surrounds you, trek through the jungles to beautiful limestone karst formations or rumble through the jungle on an elephant.  You can also see our suggested Thailand tours page for other memorable trips in the country or contact us if you have any questions.