Nestled deep inside the largest rainforest in Southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is full of wonder. Home to the largest evergreen rainforest in the world, stunning valleys, lakes, mountains and caves – it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a nature escape full of activities. Safari trips, canoeing and boat tours are just some of the excursions you can embark on here and the Elephant Hills camp is the best accommodation to experience it all.
Read on to learn more!
Places To Stay In Khao Sok National Park – Elephant Hills
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills should certainly be high on your list. It’s Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp and will feel familiar yet different to those that have embarked on safaris before; that’s because it’s inspired by African safari tents but with a twist!
The camp is split over two locations. The original site has thirty tents and overlooks the river below and the jungle-covered hills above. The second site is set directly on the Cheow Larn Lake and is similar to floating bungalows but in a luxury tent format. The site has ten tents only reachable by boat, but the overwater experience is fabulous and definitely well worth it. The decor is rustic, but very high quality and comfortable, with mosquito protection and adequate ventilation to give you the best glamping experience. All tents are en-suite with running hot water, western-style toilets, and also have power sockets, fans, and kettles. The camp is also environmentally conscious and uses both solar and wind energy for electricity. Meals can be taken outdoors in the sun or under the stars.
Things To Do At Elephant Hills & Khao Sok National Park
There’s no lack of things to do at the Elephant Hills camp or in Khao Sok National Park! The main camp is home to the Jungle Bar where you’ll find included buffet meals, live cooking demos and dancing, and a swimming pool. Elephant Hill’s floating overwater camp is a bit more intimate; you can even swim in the lake, making it a proper overwater experience. We’d actually recommend staying in both locations over the course of your trip to experience the difference.
One of the main highlights of the resort, naturally, is the elephants. There are a number of elephant activities included, such as a mahout experience where you will actually get to wash and feed the elephants. The owners are clearly passionate about these animals and you’ll find yourself learning much about the majestic creatures. You can also go jungle trekking, canoeing, or cruising and kayaking. Even a walk through the National Park is breath-taking, with a jungle green backdrop and soaring limestone formations.
Excursions At Elephant Hills & Khao Sok National Park
If you like to walk on the adventurous side then the excursions and activities available at Khao Sok National Park are perfect and include:
- Bamboo Rafting On Sok River – Take a trip down Sok River on a bamboo raft or canoe and spot some the park’s riverside wildlife.
- Visit The Mangroves – Take a speedboat or canoe to the mangrove swamps and witness an extensive web of giant fig trees.
- Jungle Trekking – Trek through Khao Sok’s incredible rainforest – a once in a lifetime experience.
Plus, so much more!
Other Animals In Khao Sok National Park
While they are definitely one of the highlights, elephants aren’t the only majestic creature you can meet within Khao Sok National Park. The area is also home to a number of other native animals such as:
- Barking Deer – This deer is described well by its name and barks when it senses danger.
- Banteng – Endangered, these cow-like animals are known for their large bodies and skinny legs.
- Tapirs – Tapirs are similar in appearance to ant eaters and are rare and hard to spot.
- Sun Bears – The smallest species of bear in the world with a generally timid nature!
- Wild Boar – The ancestor of the domestic pig, these hairy animals typically avoid people.
- Long-Tailed Macaque Monkeys – A small and long-tailed primate that can carry food in their cheek pouches.
- Slow Loris – These shy creatures typically hide in the trees, but it’s not impossible to spot one.
So, if you’re an animal lover there’s plenty of furry creatures to encounter and snap photos of during your trip.
Getting To Khao Sok Park From Bangkok
It’s possible to visit Khao Sok National Park as part of a wider Thailand trip, however, due to the distance between the two destinations only a couple of travel methods are available:
- Plane – Plane is the quickest option for travelling to Khao Sok Park from Bangkok and takes a little over an hour. Planes to the destination can be boarded at Surat Thani or Phuket airport.
- Train – The second option is by train. There is no direct journey between both locations but train will get you to Phun Phin station, roughly 100km frok Khao Sok (typically a distance of 1hr 30mins by bus or car). The train can be taken from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok, travelling by sleeper train is recommended.
- Bus & Car – Travelling via bus or car is also possible but it is a long journey best done either overnight by bus or with a stop or break inbetween by car.
Elephant Hills and the Khao Sok National Park are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to do something a little different during your holiday in Thailand; it’s easily combined with a beach retreat in Phuket or holiday in Bangkok. This wonderful camp is a once in a lifetime experience with brilliant glamping amenties well worth your time. Get in touch with our holiday experts to learn more by calling 01494 678400 or fill in our enquiry form.
