People visiting from the UK to Khao Sok often ask this question: Is Khao Sok good for families? Khao Sok is Thailand’s 22nd national park, located in southern Thailand, a few hours north of Phuket. It is famous among tourists for reasons such as its limestone cliffs, the famous Cheow Larn Lake, amazing wildlife, and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. These few perks make this place the fan favourite. That’s why a large number of visitors flock to this park every year, with the number being 34 million as per Statista. If you are also planning to see this picturesque place and want to know how to plan the perfect Khao Sok family vacation with kids, this article offers a complete guide. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the matter:
Is Khao Sok Good for Families?
The short answer is, yes, it is quite safe and good for families. Khao Sok is a rainforest located in Surat Thani. The area is quite secure, with a range of accommodations as well as various guided tours also available there. On top of that, various companies are offering family-friendly amenities so that tourists can have the best trips in this city. Apart from this, Khao Sok National Park is famous for things such as the lush green rainforest, wildlife, particularly elephants and tigers, as well as the rare Rafflesia flower. The cherry on cake is that there are many family-friendly offerings here, including trekking, canoeing, and hidden caves.
Best Time to Visit Khao Sok
The best time to visit Khao Sok is the dry season, which ranges between November and February. This is the cooler season with fewer rains, making it ideal to explore the landscapes as well as for outdoor adventures. However, the ideal time of exploration really depends on the traveller. For example, if you want to have a hassle-free experience, choose a dry or cold season. On the other hand, you can opt for the hot seasons to see the blooming flora of the city. This season fall between March and May. Lastly, you can opt for the wet season, which occurs between June and October, to avoid the crowds.
Mind that the weather is not very cold from November to February, ranging between 86°F and 90°F. This makes the Khao Sok a perfect time for exploration. Hence, a large number of visitors tend to visit the park during this season. In contrast, the wet season has a low number of visitors due to large rains. Hence, you need to pack accordingly and choose a date that best fits your needs.
How Many Days Are Enough for Khao Sok?
2-3 days are enough to visit Khao Sok National Park for families with kids. With a Khao Sok 2 day tour, you can easily bask in the place while maintaining your budget. However, you can make plans as per your needs and budget. For example, you can opt for 1 night or you can even go with the Khao Sok 4 day tour – the choice is really yours. If you are going with a 1 or 2-night plan, you must secure lodging near the park’s entrance so that you can easily go and explore this place. In contrary, if you are visiting the park for 4 days or more, you can choose any place at your convenience.
Places to Explore for Kids in Khao Sok
The following are 3 places that you must visit with your kids during your trip to the khao sok holidays:
1. Khao Sok National Park
Obviously, the first and most crucial thing is to visit Khao Sok National Park. This vast park is a treasure trove for the kids, with guided jungle tracks, wildlife, and a wide range of jungle flora and fauna. Don’t forget to go trekking or exploring the wild elephant arena in the park.
2. Khao Sok Tree House Resort
Staying in a tree house is a dream come true for many kids, especially those who are fans of movies like “The Jungle Book” and “The Legend of Tarzan.” These unique resorts are founded on the top of the large trees, offering a stay-in experience in the jungle and the thrill of being surrounded by nature.
3. Rajjaprabha Dam
Rajjaprabha Dam, or Chiew Larn Lake, is a must-see destination for families with kids. This is a man-made lake, created due to the building of the dam. For children, it offers activities such as kayaking or boat tours on the emerald waters while seeing the surrounding greenery. For a unique experience, you can spend a night or two in the floating bungalows.
Unforgettable Experiences in Khao Sok
To double up the fun for your Khao Sok National Park holiday, you can opt for the following experiences:
Jungle Trekking
Jungle trekking is a type of activity where you go on an exploration of the forest on foot. This adventure allows you to see your surroundings deeply. During your trip, you can learn about the rich wildlife, lush rainforests as well as diverse ecosystems. While going with this activity, ensure that you are not going with kids-restricted trails.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Tired of exploring on your feet? Choose from canoeing or kayaking. Both of these thrills allow you to explore the forest while paddling through the waters of Cheow Lan Lake or along the Sok River. This adventure is an opportunity for you to connect with nature and examine marine life closely.
Swimming
Kids love swimming, and the refreshing water of Cheow Lan Lake offers a perfect opportunity. Further, there are various natural pools in the park, allowing you to have a safe swimming experience. Swimming in Khao Sok is generally considered safe; however, you need to be mindful of water quality.
Camping
If your kids are fond of camping, there are various spots in the jungle that allow you to have a safe experience. You can either find these spots manually online or contact your travel agency to let them find a place for you. Mind that you might have to find the supplies yourself from the local shops.
Day Tours
If you are on holiday in Thailand and want to explore every bit of the country in less time, day tours are one of the best ways to explore Khao Sok National Park. Take your kids to see Tham Lot Cave or join a wildlife-spotting tour to see elephants or other animals.
Things to Know Before Going to Khao Sok
If you have planned your trip to Khao Sok, there are a few things that you need to consider. These are mentioned below:
What Are the Risks Associated with Khao Sok’s Tourism?
The threats to Khao Sok include illegal logging, poaching, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. Although the authorities are trying to control these issues, they are still harming the ecosystem.
Expensive Park Fees
The entrance fee to Khao Sok National Park is just 300 THB per person and 150 THB per child. However, the charges for lodgings, trips, and exploration are quite expensive. Therefore, you must plan beforehand and contact your agency for more information.
Things to Bring During Khao Sok Holidays
When planning a trip to Khao Sok, you need to bring the following essentials:
- Lightweight and breathable clothes,
- Swimwear,
- Insect repellent,
- Non-slip hiking shoes,
- Hot and sunglasses,
- SPF 25-50 sunscreen,
- Day bag,
- Cash (Most of the places don’t accept cards),
- Playing cards,
The TL;DR is that if you are planning for a Khao Sok family vacation with kids, contact us to get the best deals in the UK. We take pride in offering ATOL-protected deals with bespoke amenities. Get more information from Virikson Holidays and learn about Khao Sok packages.
