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Thailand has it all and Khao Sok National Park is a one-of-a-kind destination. Here you can get closer to wildlife, kayak between giant limestone cliffs, hike through the jungle and sleep in one of Cheow Lan lake’s floating bungalows. This guide includes all the information you need to understand the area and how to book a Khao Sok 2 day 1 night tour.
When I was in Phuket and trying to plan a trip to Khao Sok National Park I was seriously finding it so difficult. This was partly due to the pandemic and Thailand only recently completely reopening, so some properties were still closed. But I also wasn’t getting clear information on booking a trip, the location of the floating bungalows and how I could reach them!
I also spoke with a few local travel agents in Phuket. They all had the same brochure for a Khao Sok tour, and although their package looked beautiful the price was 9,900THB per person for 2 day 1-night tour of Khao Sok (280USD). Plus, this included return transfers to Phuket and we weren’t planning to go back there.
I had in my head that I was going to Khao Sok during this trip but I didn’t want to completely break my budget in the first couple of weeks. So I needed to find another way. Then after lots of research and reading blogs, I found a couple of recommendations for a company called Smileys.
So I emailed them and within a few hours, I had the most helpful response & knew this was the way to go.
In this guide, I will be giving you a full run down on Khao Sok National Park, the booking process with Smileys, prices, transport, tour details and what to pack. I hope this guide answers all your questions and gives you the information you need to plan your trip.
(This wasn’t a sponsored trip, I just loved Khao Sok and believe Smileys is an awesome company to go with).
Where is Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
Khao Sok National Park is located in Southern Thailand in the Provence of Surat Thani. The area still hasn’t been discovered by mass tourism and that in part has to do with the location. But I believe this just makes it even more worth the effort.
When I began planning my trip to Khao Sok it took me a minute to get my bearings on where all the points of interest are located.
So Khao Sok Village, also known as Khlong Sok Village, is located about 4.5 hours away from Phuket and this is the beginning of the National Park. But then it’s a further 60km drive to Cheow Lan Lake Pier where you will get on a boat to the floating bungalows.
However, this isn’t as hard as it sounds and most travellers (including me) spend 1 night in Khao Sok Village to break up the journey before starting a tour.
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park
As I mentioned above from Phuket to Khao Sok it’s a few hours’ drive. There are buses from Phuket Terminal 1 and 2 that depart for Khao Sok Village.
Bus Terminal 1
This terminal is closer to Phuket Town and it’s very easy to get a local bus here (40THB). From the bus stop in Phuket Town, it’s only a short walk to Terminal 1. Although from T1 there aren’t any direct buses to Khao Sok Village, you would need to change buses in Phangnga.
Bus Terminal 2
Located further away from town, the easiest way to reach Terminal 2 from the west coast of Phuket is by taxi or Tuk Tuk.
From Karon Beach, we booked a Tuk Tuk and he drove us to T2 for 600THB. This terminal has direct buses to Khao Sok Village but they only depart in the morning.
So we knew that Terminal 2 had direct buses and with nothing booked. We arrived at the station around midday and that was when the staff advised us that all the direct buses had left for the day. Doh!
Not to worry though, there was a bus about to depart for Phangnga, and from there we would transfer to a minibus to Khao Sok Village.
We departed terminal 2 at 12:20, this trip cost 100THB per person and arrived at Phangnga at 14:00.
Then we waited at Phangnga Bus Terminal for just over an hour. The minivan to Khao Sok Village cost 290THB per person and took 2.5 hours. The last bus from Phangnga to Khao Sok leaves at 4 pm.
When the bus arrives at Khao Sok Village it will drop everyone off at the beginning of the main road. There will be plenty of taxis available to take everyone to their accommodation and the drivers quoted 50THB per person.
We considered walking after all the sitting down we’d done that day, and the walk was only 1km. But a driver insisted and said he would drive us for 60THB total, an offer we couldn’t refuse!
I always found booking bus & train tickets in Thailand cheaper when purchasing directly at the station. Although, if you’d prefer having everything pre-booked and more organized I would recommend booking online at 12Go.
Information on Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour
As I mentioned above I had pre-booked this trip a few days prior with Smileys via email or you could always DM them on Instagram.
This tour was seriously one of the best things I’ve ever done in Thailand. The whole national park and particularly Cheow Lan lake is absolutely stunning.
Our Boat left Cheow Lan Lake Pier and took just under 2 hours to reach the lake house, and we were stopping & slowing down along the way to enjoy the scenery.
The limestone cliffs towering out of the emerald lake, covered in lush jungle, and filled with amazing amounts of wildlife were so magical to see. Cheow Lan Lake is a man-made lake, created in the 80s. I found this so hard to believe because the lake is massive.
Smileys Lake House / Khao Sok Floating Bungalows
Sleeping at Smileys Lake House & waking up surrounded by all this was the absolute best, Khao Sok floating bungalows are the most unique way to experience this part of Thailand!
The Lake House bungalows were basic but had everything we needed. Including electricity & phone charging ports, hot water, an outdoor private ensuite, comfortable mattresses on the floor and direct access to the lake. Our room also had heaps of floor-to-ceiling windows so the fantastic view was never obstructed.
The bungalow we stayed in was to the right of the dining area (if you were looking at smileys) and these were bigger and looked newer compared to the others. So maybe try and request the right side when booking.
In the middle of the lake house was a large dining hall and this is also where the boats dock. All the meals provided during the tour were included in the price.
I’m Vegan and had mentioned this while I was booking the tour. As soon as we checked in our tour guide “Kit-Kat” (who was awesome by the way) confirmed this with me and always ensured I had plenty of food. Which I did, I was so impressed with all the meals, everything was delicious & even being vegan I still had so much variety.
During the first day, we had time for swimming & kayaking. The Kayaks are tied to the deck and are free to use. The water is so beautiful & very warm, I loved it but some people complained it was too warm and not at all refreshing.
Hot Tip; when swimming in the lake wearing a life jacket upside down (clip it up and put your legs in the arm holes), is by far the most comfortable way to float around the lake.
Other Activities in Khao Sok National Park
On both days of the tour, your guide will take you on a longtail boat safari, one in the late afternoon & another early the following day.
I loved these trips, comfortable & relaxing, then, of course, the scenery is beautiful. Before I even arrived at Khao Sok I was determined to see a Hornbill during our trip. And I couldn’t believe it when we saw two flying close by before the boat had even left Smileys for our first safari.
I was so excited!
Then the next morning we saw around 10 more hornbills, along with monkeys jumping through the trees & Bison on the river banks.
We didn’t get overly close to any of these animals but close enough to see them all clearly.
Now, this part of the itinerary I must have skimmed over because I didn’t know what we were in for with a Khao Sok jungle Safari.
On day 2 of the tour we did nearly a 5km hike through the jungle and also went caving.
The hike along with Nam Ta Lu Nature Trail was beautiful but since there was recent rainfall parts of the trail were pretty slippery and so many leeches! Unfortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife during this hike, we could hear Gibbons so there is definitely plenty out there.
Then at the halfway point of the hike, we entreated Nam Talu Cave, it was pitch black and so many bats flew above.
A word of warning about Nam Talu Cave, there are sections of this cave that are very narrow (but never was the roof of the cave low) and you will get completely soaked, at one point the water was up to my neck.
Coming out to the other side of the cave was a relief and also felt like a great achievement. This ended up being one of my favourite parts of the tour.
The Cave isn’t open all year round and usually closes from June 1st to December 14th. During those months there’s heavy rainfall so would be unsafe to go all the way into the cave.
And, if visiting during this time groups are usually taken to a nearby waterfall instead.
Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour Itinerary
This was the itinerary we did and it can also be found on Smileys website.
08:30-8:45 pick up from your hotel in Khao Sok
09:00 minivan transfer to Cheow Lan lake
10:00 stop at 7/11 shop (ATM available)
10:30 local boat transfer to Smiley lake houses. On the way visiting Guilin of Thailand rocks
Noon lunch and free time
17:00 evening boat safari
19:00 dinner
Next Day
06:30 morning boat safari
08:00 breakfast
09:00 Nam Taloo cave trekking
Noon lunch
14:00 local boat transfer to Cheow Lan lake pier
15:00 minivan transfer to Khao Sok Village
Instead of going back to the Village, we were dropped at a local bus station after the tour as we were travelling to Surat Thani City. So if you didn’t want to return to town just mention it to your tour guide and they can organise alternative transfers for you.
But if you were returning to Khao Sok Village, you could leave most of your luggage stored at your accommodation and just take a small overnight bag to the lake.
How Much Does a Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour Cost?
The whole tour, including food and activities, cost 2,500THB per person. Plus, 1 night’s accommodation at Smileys bungalows with breakfast was 740THB, we paid for this in cash on arrival.
Then when you get to Cheow Lan Lake Pier you’ll be required to pay 300THB for National Park fees and a 20THB Pier fee, per person.
So total for 2 nights and 2 days, two adults cost approximately 175 U.S dollars.
In my option for the service & experiences we were given, this is a bloody bargain!
Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park
I would recommend to anyone booking this tour to also stay the night before in Khao Sok Village, regardless of where you will be travelling from. There’s always the chance of delays with transport and as the tour starts early morning it’s better to already be in town.
When I booked the Khao Sok 2 day 1 night tour, I also booked the night before at Smileys Bungalows. I just figured it was easier getting everything booked at once and the room was only 500THB + 120THB if you wanted breakfast.
Our room at Smileys bungalows was very comfortable & clean. The Wi-Fi in the dining area was amazing, a much better connection than what I was getting in Phuket. And, I took advantage of this as there’s no wifi or signal on the lake.
Khao Sok Village is one long road lined with restaurants, bars, a few shops and heaps of accommodation options. Plus there were also ATM facilities and a convenience store.
Even if you choose not to book this tour with Smileys to get the full Khao Sok experience you need to spend at least one night in one of Cheow Lan lake’s floating bungalows. Depending on your budget there is also a couple of more up-market bungalows on the lake.
Panvaree Resort – these bungalows include a proper bed & ensuite, T.v and air conditioning.
500 Rai Floating Resort – the bungalows here also include a bed & ensuite, and a private patio.
Packing List For Khao Sok National Park 2 Day 1 Night Tour
Water Shoes – these are a must while caving, your shoes will 100% be getting very wet.
Waterproof/Dry Bag – also very useful when caving to keep your items dry. At times the water was deep and wouldn’t have been possible to just hold everything above your head.
Portable Charger – the bungalows do have charging ports but the occasional power outage is also very possible, so at least you’d have this as a backup.
Head Torch – another one for caving, I was luckily able to borrow someone else’s head touch but I would have been in trouble without on.
Bathers – obviously you wouldn’t want to miss out on swimming in the lake.
Hat & Sunscreen – it can get very hot & sunny so remember to be sun smart.
Padlock – the bungalow door didn’t lock so if you’re concerned about your belongings it would be best to bring your own padlock.
GoPro – the only camera you’ll be able to use while caving, plus it’s fun to take out on the kayak as well.
Drink Bottle – you will be able to refill your bottle with drinking water at Smileys and this will of course cut down the use of plastic bottles.
Why Visit Khao Sok National Park
When people asked this question the first thing that comes to mind is why not? This is such a beautiful part of Thailand, away from any hustle & bustle. And, you won’t be asked once if you want to have a look in anyone’s shop!
This is an untouched part of Thailand and for such a reasonable price I would highly recommend you to visit & soak in all the natural beauty.
My Final Thoughts On The Khao Sok 2 Day 1 Night Tour
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
I loved everything about these 2 days, from the service, the bungalows, food and company. Then of course the location, it was a real pinch-me moment seeing so many limestone cliffs towering out of the water, covered in flora and fauna.
I seriously loved it and Smileys was an awesome company to go with. I hope this guide has convinced you to visit Khao Sok National Park and has answered all your questions. Although, if you do have any more please comment below or send me an email.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
Where should you visit after Khao Sok? My suggestion is to head north to Thailand’s first resort destination, Hua Hin.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
I always love reading your articles. They always transport me right to the destination. You’re so descriptive! And, those bungalows look like something I would love… To me, the price seems quite fair. I like that you included the price as sometimes I’m so unsure about booking unfamiliar places! Smileys sound great and I’m so pleased you had a good experience! I’ll definitely be saving this for if I ever plan a trip there.
Thank you so much Trea, really appreciate your comment. I always like to include prices as it’s such a big factor for some
Thailand looks like such an awesome destination! Thank you for sharing your detailed itinerary, it makes me want to go. 🙂
I was so disappointed with Phucket when I visited a few years ago, but as someone who loves natures, I really should have discovered Khao Sok National Park and gone there instead. It looks lovely and I am so glad you found a good tour group to go with. That can really make or break a trip!
If you didn’t enjoy the tourist and busyness of Phuket, you should definitely check out Khao Sok, it’s so beautiful
This trip looks awesome. The on-the-lake bungalows sound like fun, and the wildlife viewing plentiful.
Your photos are incredible. What a thorough and thoughtful guide to visiting Khao Sok–great to know that you were even able to get some solid wifi while you were there!
We had a busy visit to Thailand but I now wish we stayed longer and visited Khao Sok National Park. I would love to explore those limestone cliffs. And sleeping in a floating bungalow sounds like a lot of fun and a wonderful way to enjoy your surroundings. Good thing you were persistent and found a good option with Smileys to visit. What an interesting experience in the Nam Talu Cave. A great guide to help others to enjoy this treat in Thailand.
Thanks so much for your comment Linda
This national park looks like heaven on earth! I’m obsessing over Thailand right now!
Khao Sok NP sounds like a fabulous place to visit in a stunning part of the world. I can’t wait to go back to Thailand! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
The wanderlust is real – this looks like the perfect itinerary! This national park? Ugh heaven!!
So glad you like it, Samantha. It was seriously the best
Hi Elyse,
Thanks for the info. We are planning for Khao sok this Christmas. Our only concern is we are still not sure about our itinerary. So we are exploring ‘Book Now – Pay Later’ option. Is that possible? We don’t want pay and commit as we are not sure about our dates…
Hey Santosh, thanks for your comment. This is exciting. I don’t believe this would be a problem, I booked my trip last minute and didn’t pay anything until I arrived. Maybe just email Smiley Bungalows and see what their availability is looking like?