Phuket to Khao Sok
Travel information on getting to and from Khao Sok and Phuket
Many travellers arriving at Phuket are excited to visit nearby Khao Sok in Surat Thani province. They are drawn to the incredible nature and activities on offer. Here’s what you need to know about getting from Phuket to Khao Sok national park. Options include taking the bus from Phuket to Khao Sok but, as you will see below, it is a 4-hour plus bus ride and an even longer journey time. We have selected alternative options and include useful tips for the return journey from khao Sok to Phuket.
Phuket International Airport has direct flights to 49 destinations in 17 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Finland, Germany, Norway, China, Russia, Australia and the Middle East. At present, there are 9 domestic flights from other parts of Thailand such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani and Bangkok. It is quite likely, therefore, that the airport will be your starting point. A quick look at a map will alert you to the fact that the Phuket airport is some distance from the town of Phuket. This is a problem as you will see.
Taking a Public Bus from Phuket Airport
There is no local bus with direct travel to Khao Sok from the airport. Instead, you can take a taxi to the nearest bus stop on the Phuket to Khao Sok route. It is situated on highway 402 opposite the police dome. That is a journey of some 10 kms. Ask airport information staff for assistance if you decide on this route.
Alternatively, there is a local bus from the Airport south to the Phuket bus terminal. That is a journey of 31 kms in the opposite direction that you need to go.
Public Bus from Phuket Town
From the central bus station in Phuket town, you will find buses heading north to Surat Thani. They depart roughly every hour from about 7am to 3pm. The ride takes about 4 hours, and you might have to stop in Takua Pa further adding to the journey time.
When you arrive at Khao Sok you get off at the bus station on route 401. That is still some 2.5 kms from the village and Our Jungle House. Local taxis will deliver you for 50 - 80 baht per person.
We generally like to travel by bus. It is a chance to see more of the locals and you can often get a great view from the elevated seating on a bus. However, taking the bus to Khao Sok has its challenges. You will either need a 10 km taxi ride to the bus route or make your way to Phuket Town wasting time going south to head north again.
So, when it comes to the journey from Phuket to Khao Sok we recommend private transfers or self-driving. The whole journey takes about three hours and is the fastest and most convenient option.
Self-Drive from Phuket - The Short Way (130 km) 3 Hours
First get onto route 402 and follow it north across the Sarasin Bridge which takes you to highway 4. Turn left onto route 4 towards Thai Mueang. Continue along route 4 past Khao Lak and, about 7 kms after Takua Pa, head straight as route 4 becomes route 401. Head east towards Surat Thani. Note - do not turn left on route 4 heading towards Ranong. Khao Sok and Khao Sok national park are well signposted from here on.
Self-Drive from Phuket to Khao Sok- The Scenic Way (142 km) 3.5 hours
Follow route 402 across the Sarasin Bridge to Khok Kloy then bear left onto route 4 towards Thai Mueang. At Thung Maphro, turn right onto route 4240, and then left onto 4090. Follow 4090 until you reach route 401, then turn right to Khao Sok.
Our GPS coordinates are 8.9105, 98.5310 (+8° 54′ 37.8″, +98° 31′ 51.6″)
Private Transfer
For the simplest and most convenient option let us arrange a private transfer. You can add this when you make your booking for Our Jungle House. Your driver will greet you at the airport or your hotel and drive you directly here. For families, groups and those wanting to maximize their time at Khao Sok this is easily the best option.
Khao Sok to Phuket
The return journey is basically a reverse except for a couple of important things to be aware of. If you are taking the bus option, you will need to let our friendly staff know that you need to get to the Khao Sok van station and bus stop. The same goes for private transfers. Just let reception know your plans and they will take care of everything for you.
