There is one place in Thailand that you simply cannot miss – it's Khao Sok National Park. Located in the southern part of the country, this park is home to the oldest rainforest, huge limestone cliffs, and breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake. Together, they all make it a dreamland where emerald lakes, floating bungalows, and wildlife-filled forests set the landscape. Dreaming is easy, but when it comes to getting to that dreamland, it is where effort is needed. But you do not need to fret. Apparently, Khao Sok might look like a remote place on the map, but to your surprise, it is really easy to get there. In this guide, we will help you find the best way to get to Khao Sok by talking about all the possible options, like plane, train, bus, or boat. So, without any further delay, let us get into the adventure and make your Khao Sok holidays a thrilling ride.
There are 4 different airports near Khao Sok National Park. A couple of them receive international flights as well while others only cater to domestic flights. Let’s explore how to get to Khao Sok after you land at one of these places.
Surat Thani Airport (URT)
If you are coming from Bangkok, you must catch an early flight to Surat Thani, possibly before 9:00 am. That way, you can head straight to Khao Sok and get there just in time for lunch. After having your meal, you can explore the jungle and take part in the fun activities. These adventures will make you forget about the tiredness of the flight you just had. Moreover, Surat Thani is the closest airport to Khao Sok, and it’s small and relaxed, so your travel will feel easy and stress-free. Hence, your adventure starts from Surat Thani!
Phuket Airport
The airport receives direct flights from various popular destinations like Europe and Australia. So, if you are coming from the UK, it's good news for you to start your Khao Sok adventure without experiencing layovers. However, if you are coming from Bangkok, you can take Thai Airways flight TG 201 or Thai Smile flight WE201 straight to Phuket. From there, you can go directly to Khao Sok or stay a night at one of Phuket’s beautiful beaches and start your Khao Sok journey the next morning. The choice is all yours!
To reach Khao Sok, you will have to take a private transfer from Phuket that takes about 3 to 4 hours. However, the distance may increase or decrease depending on the place you are staying. Therefore, we suggest you spend a night in Phuket if you are coming from abroad. It’s a great way to shake off the jet lag and start your journey with a fresh mind and body.
Krabi Airport
Krabi airport welcomes various regular flights from Bangkok. Some direct international flights, especially from Singapore and Australia, also land here. The airport of Krabi is similar to that of Phuket. However, it is smaller than that of Phuket and has a more relaxed vibe to it. If your flight is landing here, we will suggest the same plan as we did for Surat Thani. Board a plane that takes you here early so that you have ample time to reach Khao Sok. You can try out some fun afternoon activities and spend a night at Ao Phra Nang Beach. The next morning, you can head to explore the national park itself.
Koh Samui Airport
Koh Samui is an island, but it has its own airport. It is located in the same province as Khao Sok, so it is easy to reach the park in less time than other spots. When you reach Koh Samui, you would need to take a scenic ferry ride to the mainland (Donsak Pier) and then continue by minibus or coach to Khao Sok. It is absolute bliss to ride on the ferry. It adds a lovely touch to your journey. Moreover, when you drive through the countryside, the whole experience becomes a beautiful start to your Khao Sok holidays.
The train is the best travel option for budget-friendly tourists or those who love to enjoy a more scenic journey to Khao Sok. So if you are not in a rush and want to experience the charm of old-school travel, take the train. You will need to get the train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani’s Railway Station because it is the closest stop to Khao Sok. If you want more comfortable train travel, it is best to book a first-class seat with a bunk to sleep on. The trains leave late at night, and the whole trip takes a maximum of 9 hours. Thailand has a well-maintained train system.
Once you arrive at Surat Thani, you'll still need to complete the final leg of your journey by road. From the station, it’s about a 2 to 2.5-hour ride to Khao Sok National Park by bus, taxi, or minivan. The good news is that many travel agents near the railway station offer combo tickets that include both the train and the park transfer, making the whole experience easy and convenient.
Buses and Minivans
Another popular way to get to Khao Sok National Park is via buses and minivans. These two systems of transportation are easily available in various cities of Thailand and are budget-friendly. If you are staying in Bangkok, you can catch the bus from here that leaves in the morning for Surat Thani and will take around 10 hours to reach. After arriving there, you will need to transfer to a minibus or taxi for a final 1 to 2 hours road trip to the Khao Sok Park. From Phuket, by road, travel will take 5 to 6 hours.
You can also reach Khao Sok National Park through a ferry. It is a great option for people staying at Koh Samui. While the trip is pleasing to your senses, it needs careful planning and adhering to timelines. First of all, book tickets for the ferry leaving from Koh Samui for Donsak Pier. The ferry leaves early in the morning at 5, so one must be punctual. Donsak Pier is located near Surat Thani and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the destination. After reaching there, a minivan or bus waits at the station to transport you to Khao Sok. Your total travel time from Surat Thani will be around 1 to 2 hours.
There are multiple ways to reach Khao Sok National Park. All you need to know is which suits your mood and pocket best. This post has summed up the most popular ways to get to Khao Sok. Whether you take flights, book trains, get on minivans, or want to enjoy the splash of water, the choice is all yours. So, go ahead and contact Virikson Holidays to book Thailand holiday packages and try a new way to make your Khao Sok holidays worth remembering.
