Khao Sok: overview
Often dismissed as simply another national park, Khao Sok has some features, alongside the ususal flora, fauna, rivers and forests, that make it unique. It is home to one of the world's oldest evergreen rainforests - approximately 160 million years - and its location on the mountain ridge between the east and west coasts makes it the wettest area in Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park
Geographically, much of the 740-sq-km (285-sq-mile) park comprises limestone mountains, most in the 400-600-metre (1,300-2,000ft) range, with the highest at 960 metres (3,150ft). Lowland rainforest dominates, but there are also many towering trees, some reaching heights of around 65 metres (215ft). Within the park's dense rainforest the world's second-largest flower, the Rafflesia Kerrii, grows up to 80cm (31ins) in diameter when in bloom. Large mammals, including elephants and leopards, roam free (though they are rarely seen) while cobras, tarantulas and scorpions are common.
The park contains nine jungle trails. You can tackle these by yourself, but half-day tours booked from Phuket or Krabi are led by experienced guides. Activities include boat trips, fishing and canoeing, as well as walks around the lake to locations such as Tham Nam Talu cave.
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