Comprehensive Guide Collection for Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province

Thailand's ancient rainforest sanctuary of karst peaks and emerald lakes

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park stands as a testament to Thailand's commitment to preserving its natural heritage, protecting a landscape of extraordinary geological and ecological significance in the heart of the Malay Peninsula. The park's terrain is dominated by a limestone mountain range running north to south, with peaks rising 300 to 600 metres above sea level and reaching a maximum elevation of 950 metres. These ancient rocks, formed from a vast coral reef that once stretched from China to Borneo over 300 million years ago, have been sculpted by extreme monsoon rainfall into the dramatic karst formations that now define the park's visual identity. The region's exceptional wetness, with annual rainfall approaching 3,500 millimetres, has created ideal conditions for a lush tropical rainforest that has persisted for over 160 million years. The creation of Cheow Lan Lake in 1982 added a new dimension to the park, its turquoise waters and submerged limestone cliffs creating one of Thailand's most photographed landscapes. The park is managed by Thailand's Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and receives approximately 419,000 visitors annually, drawn by the opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia's most biodiverse and visually stunning protected areas.