Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park Weather - Let It Rain

Khao Sok has been geologically stable over the last 60 million years. While other regions of the world experienced periods of glaciation and shifting climate, Thailand rested in the middle of the relatively stable Indo-Chinese plate, never drifting far from the equator.

The park has some of the highest rainfall totals in Thailand. The heaviest rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, typically from mid-May to the end of October. However, the rainy season doesn’t mean constant downpours. Instead, expect short, intense bursts of rain followed by clear skies and pleasant weather. The rain is warm, so even if you get wet, you won’t feel cold. For us, the monsoon is a powerful natural event that we embrace and an enjoyable experience.

Khao Sok History

A quick way to understand more about this incredible place

In the time of the dinosaurs, the area that is now Khao Sok was part of a vast series of river deltas and coral reefs that stretched from China all the way to Sumatra. It was not until the separation of the Eurasian plates and the meeting of India and Asia that the sea levels subsided. Nourished by the quickly eroding limestone from the karst mountains, a lush jungle blossomed. The forests of Khao Sok are thought to be among the oldest in the world, due to a relatively stable climate over the last 20 million years.

The history of humanity within the national park began several thousand years ago. Cave paintings estimated to be roughly 5,000 years old have been found in two locations around Khao Sok. The first traces of the modern world in Khao Sok date back to the reign of King Rama II in the 1800s. During a war against the Burmese kingdom, many people sought refuge in remote jungle caves, and then established small farms along the river as peace returned to the land.

These remote communities lived a very traditional existence until the 1960s, when roads were built in the area. Slowly the area started to modernize, with the introduction of schools and hospitals. Finally, in 1980, the Khao Sok rainforest was officially declared a national park!

Cheow Lan Lake: the crown jewel of Khao Sok

Away from the national park lies the Ratchaprapha Dam, which means “Light of the Kingdom”—a fitting name for a dam built to provide electricity to the rapidly developing region. In 1982, the government of Thailand began construction of the 94-meter-high dam on the Klong Saeng, the largest river in Southern Thailand. The area submerged by the dam became Cheow Lan Lake.

Today, it is considered one of Thailand’s most stunning freshwater lakes, attracting many visitors each year. They stay in its famous floating bungalows and admire its towering limestone cliffs and untouched wilderness. Over 100 islands dot the lake, often rising to spectacular heights above the water. Among these cliffs and islands, the twin peaks of Khao Serow dominate the skyline, reaching nearly 1,000 meters. The lake is surrounded by the virgin rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, offering direct views into the canopy, where visitors can spot rare wildlife.

The Unlikely Heroes Behind Khao Sok’s Preservation

In the late 1970s, Khao Sok’s dense rainforest was seen as a treasure trove of valuable timber. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) even devised a plan to extract this timber using an elaborate cable system resembling a giant zipline. But what seemed like an innovative idea to outsiders posed a devastating threat to the rainforest’s ecosystem.

Fortunately, local heroes stepped in. Led by the Provincial Forestry Chief and his allies, they pushed to protect Khao Sok by establishing it as a national park. Their success ensured that its towering trees, some of the oldest on the planet, were preserved for future generations.

During the tumultuous period from 1975 to 1985, southern Thailand was embroiled in a Communist insurgency. Following violent clashes in Bangkok, many students fled into the wilderness to join the Communist rebels, and Khao Sok’s rugged terrain became their refuge. Its hidden caves and limestone cliffs provided the perfect hideouts.

This unexpected development turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the rainforest. Fearing unrest, investors and developers avoided the area, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed. To this day, you can find remnants of the rebels’ time in the jungle, including makeshift desks and benches inside caves where they conducted lessons. These hidden artifacts tell the story of how a political conflict inadvertently preserved one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

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Secrets of the Khao Sok Rainforest

Botanical Wonders

Home to about 200 different floral species per hectare, Khao Sok boasts an astonishing level of biodiversity. The lack of soil and varying altitude in the limestone mountains have created niches for endemic species of plants.

The pralahoo palm, langkow palm, and fern palm are examples of species seen in Khao Sok and nearly nowhere else. Rainwater collects on small shelves along karst faces and mixes with decaying plant matter to make a soil that provides just enough for these palms to grow. Many varieties of bamboo, huge climbing vines (lianas), and Rattan are also common.

A much-admired oddity is a large almost black flower known in Thai as “bat’s whiskers.” But the most famous of all, sometimes called the world’s largest flower, is the Rafflesia. It grows only deep in the jungle, and blooms from a vine, but is actually the product of a parasitic plant living within the vine!

Feeding the Forest

Another fascinating tree prominent in Khao Sok ecology is the strangler fig. The strangler fig is actually a vine although after years of growth it looks like a tree. Its fruit, which is not much different from the fig we eat, is a favorite of the hornbills, gibbons, and other wild animals and birds in the forest.

When these animals emit the seed and it falls on a tree, it eventually sends fast-growing roots to the ground. After many years, these roots become large enough to circle and strangle the host tree, which dies and deteriorates, leaving a hollow sometimes big enough to walk into.

The Bamboo Raft Route: Khao Sok’s Forgotten Waterway

Long before modern roads connected Thailand’s coasts, Khao Sok played a vital role in a unique trade route linking the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean. Boats would arrive at Surat Thani on the Gulf of Thailand, where cargo like spices, silk, and precious goods were offloaded. From there, traders relied on bamboo rafts to navigate through the winding rivers of Khao Sok.

This natural waterway was a lifeline, as rafts transported goods through dense jungles, eventually reaching the port town of Takua Pa on the Andaman Sea. Along the journey, raftsmen exchanged goods, stories, and even cultures, creating a rich tapestry of interactions. Although this trade route is no longer in use, remnants of its history linger along the rivers and trails, waiting for curious explorers to uncover them.

The Unlikely Heroes Behind Khao Sok’s Preservation

During the tumultuous period from 1975 to 1985, southern Thailand was embroiled in a Communist insurgency. Following violent clashes in Bangkok, many students fled into the wilderness to join the Communist rebels, and Khao Sok’s rugged terrain became their refuge. Its hidden caves and limestone cliffs provided the perfect hideouts.

This unexpected development turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the rainforest. Fearing unrest, investors and developers avoided the area, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed. To this day, you can find remnants of the rebels’ time in the jungle, including makeshift desks and benches inside caves where they conducted lessons. These hidden artifacts tell the story of how a political conflict inadvertently preserved one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

Pig Highways: Tracing the Forgotten Farms

Centuries ago, Khao Sok wasn’t just known for its dense jungles—it was home to large-scale pig farms. Farmers in the region developed a system of earthen channels and pathways that acted as “pig highways,” guiding herds from Khao Sok to Takua Pa, where the pigs were prepared for shipment and export.

This ingenious system allowed farmers to efficiently move livestock over long distances, and traces of these channels can still be seen today. Some are even visible on satellite maps, weaving through the landscape like relics of a forgotten era. Exploring these ancient pathways is like stepping back in time to an agricultural system that was once vital to the region’s prosperity.

Lock Your Door: Monkeys Are Coming

If you’re staying at Our Jungle House, don’t be surprised if you encounter a few curious visitors swinging by your treehouse—the monkeys! Their favorite activity? Searching for snacks. A half-open window or an unlocked door is all the invitation they need to sneak inside and raid any unattended food.

While they’re undeniably cute, feeding them human food can harm their health. We kindly ask guests to avoid bringing food into their rooms and instead enjoy meals at our restaurant or bar. And most importantly, always lock your door to prevent any unexpected guests from making themselves at home!

Cave of Whispers: The Mysterious Hidden Chamber

Nestled deep within Khao Sok’s limestone cliffs lies a hidden cave known as the “Cave of Whispers.” This secret chamber earned its name from the eerie sounds that echo through its narrow passageways when the wind blows. Legend has it that ancient shamans and monks once used the cave as a retreat for meditation and spiritual rituals.

Inside, you’ll find ancient carvings on the walls—believed to be mantras or prayers—whose meanings remain a mystery. Few have ventured deep into this cave, but those who have describe a sense of awe at the ancient energy within. If you’re seeking adventure and mystery, this hidden gem is worth the trek.

Living with the River: The Ever-Changing Rhythm of Nature

The Sok River is more than just a waterway—it’s a dynamic force that shapes daily life at Our Jungle House. During the dry season, its gentle flow invites visitors to take refreshing dips in its clear waters. But when the monsoon rains arrive, the river transforms rapidly, swelling to impressive heights within hours.

Only our experienced guides can navigate the river’s swift currents during these periods, ensuring guest safety while embracing the natural ebb and flow of life here. Eventually, the rains subside, and serenity returns. At Our Jungle House, we don’t fight nature—we live in harmony with it. Khao Sok is much more than a national park; it’s a living storybook filled with secrets, adventures, and forgotten history waiting to be discovered. When you visit, let the jungle reveal its mysteries to you—one secret at a time.

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Khao Sok Wildlife

Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to hundreds of indigenous animal and plant species.

Among the most commonly spotted animals - in the park and even around the resort - are monkeys and hornbills. The hornbills, with their distinctive black-and-white bodies, curved yellow beaks, and somewhat ungainly appearance, are particularly easy to recognize.

Other primates found in the area include the white-handed gibbon, whose calls echo through the mountains each morning, and the slow loris—a nocturnal, lemur-like creature known for its adorable appearance (be cautious: this animal secretes a toxin from its armpits, which it transfers to its fingers. A scratch from it can cause severe poisoning).

Khao Sok Animals

One of the most sought after Khao Sok animals is the elephant. With luck on your side, you may even have the chance to see wild elephants. You may also spot sambar deer, the highly endangered Malayan tapir, the Malayan Sun bear and the gaur (Asian bison). Many of these animals populate the jungle around the lake and very often they come to the lake to drink and bathe. This is often the best place to spot them.

On a Cheow Lan Lake trip, you can expect to encounter yellow-beaked hornbills, fish eagles, vibrant gibbons, and monkeys amidst the stunning scenery.

Learn a bit more about these creatures:

Monkeys: The Jungle’s Cheeky Residents

Khao Sok is home to four types of monkeys, and the most common ones you’ll spot around the resort are long-tailed macaques. These playful brown monkeys travel in groups of 5 to 20, often swinging through trees or hanging out in the fruit orchard. Please, do not feed them!

Keep your eyes peeled for the dusky Langur (aka leaf monkey). These shy, grey-black monkeys love the tree canopy and have adorable white markings around their eyes, making them look like they’re wearing glasses. Just be cautious if you’re trekking deep into the jungle, where you might encounter pig-tailed and stump-tailed macaques—they can be a bit aggressive, so admire them from a distance!

Gibbons: The Jungle’s Morning Singers

Though spotting a gibbon is rare, you’re sure to hear their “songs” echoing through the forest at dawn. These territorial apes communicate through loud, melodic calls, which often duets between bonded pairs. Fun fact: They can swing through the trees at speeds of up to 35 kmh and travel 10 meters in one leap!

Hornbills: The Kings of the Sky

Hornbills are a symbol of Khao Sok’s healthy ecosystem, and you can spot several species right here at the resort. The impressive Great Hornbill, with its nearly 2-meter wingspan, is a sight to behold as it flies by, making a loud “whooshing” sound. Don’t miss the Oriental Pied Hornbill, often heard calling with a “kaek kaek kaek” sound as it feeds on fig trees between October and February.

Kingfishers: Nature’s Colorful Fishermen

Along the riverbanks, you might spot one of Khao Sok’s 12 species of kingfisher. Whether it’s the bright blues of the common kingfisher or the rusty red of the ruddy kingfisher, these birds are expert fishers. Watch as they perch, dive, and skillfully beat their catch before swallowing it headfirst.

Cicadas: The Jungle’s Natural Soundtrack

Ever heard the jungle sing? That’s the cicadas, nature’s noisiest insects, serenading you with love calls that can reach up to 120dB—about as loud as a car horn! Their calls create a symphony you’ll hear during your stay, adding to the immersive jungle experience.

Frogs: Nighttime Noisemakers

After a heavy rain, you can’t miss the loud, rhythmic calls of frogs as they emerge from ponds and gardens. While they might wake you up, they’re an essential part of the jungle, controlling insect populations and providing food for larger animals. Embrace the sounds as part of the jungle’s charm!

Gaur: The Gentle Giants

The gaur, or Asian bison, is a powerhouse of the jungle. Weighing over a ton with striking white “socks” on its legs, this wild buffalo is generally peaceful but can be deadly if provoked. Even predators like tigers and leopards avoid challenging these giants!

A Khao Sok Wildlife Adventure Awaits!

Join a Cheow Lan Lake trip or the Khao Sok Special Wildlife Tour to see even more wildlife. This is the best option to encounter otters, fish eagles, wild elephants, sambar deer, and the rare Malayan tapir. Nature lovers and adventurers, this is your dream destination!

Come explore Khao Sok’s rich biodiversity and leave with memories of monkeys, birds, and hidden jungle wonders you’ll never forget.

Ready to meet the wild side of Khao Sok? Book your stay at Our Jungle House today!