1 Chatuchak Weekend Market
2 Doi Inthanon
3 Grand Palace
4 Khao Sok National Park
5 Mekong River
6 Phang-nga Bay
7 Prasat Phanom Rung
8 Similan Islands
9 Sukhothai Historical Park
10 Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
This 650sq km park in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, boasts original rainforest with waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake.
Established in 1980, Khao Sok connects with two other national parks, Kaeng Krung and Phang-nga, along with the Khlong Saen and Khlong Nakha wildlife sanctuaries. Together, they form the largest contiguous nature preserve in peninsular Thailand.
Home to elephants, leopards, serow (antelope), gaur (wild Indian cattle), langur monkeys, banteng (wild oxen) and Malayan sun bears, as well as almost 200 bird species, the park also shelters tigers, seriously threatened elsewhere in Thailand by poachers (the Khao Sok tiger population itself is thought to number less than 10). Flora includes lianas, bamboo, rattan, ferns and the spectacular Raffelesia, the giant lotus - its flower reaches 80cm in diameter and is the largest in the world. The flower has no roots or leaves of its own; instead it lives parasitically inside the roots of the liana. When the bud blooms in January it emits a powerful stench which attracts pollinating insects. The best time of year to visit Khao Sok is in the dry season (December to May), when trails are less slippery, river crossings are easier and riverbank camping is considered safe. However, during the wet season, sightings of larger animals such as bear, civet, deer, elephant, slow loris, wild boar, gaur and even tiger are more likely. During dry months the larger animals tend to stay near the reservoir in areas without trails. The park headquarters and guest houses near the park entrance can arrange guided hikes to the main waterfalls and caves. Leeches are quite common in certain areas of the park, so take sensible precautions - wear closed shoes when hiking and apply copious insect repellent.Address: Off Route 401, 100km north of Phuket
Hours: Daily
Restaurant: Restaurants at resorts just outside the park
Bus: Bus from Phuket to Takua Pa, bus from Takua Pa to Surat Thani, get off at KM 109
Accessible: None
Admission: Cheap
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