Khao Sok National Park is THE top destination for nature lovers in Thailand. Keep an eye out for elephants and hornbills on a boat safari or simply relax at your very own floating bungalow atop emerald waters. Tempted? First, you need to work out how to get to Khao Sok.
Compared to other Thai destinations, Khao Sok can feel like a bit of a mission to reach. However, you should absolutely not let this put you off visiting! This natural wonder is home to pristine rainforest and towering karst mountains, the likes of which you’ve probably never seen before!
To save you from frantic googling, we’ve put together everything you need to know about getting to Khao Sok from all of the most popular jumping-off points. Once you’ve read this article, the only thing left to do is to plan your own adventure!
Khao Sok National Park Map & Resources
MORE INFO: (Opens in new tab)
- 🏞️ A Guide to Khao Sok National Park
- 😎 Khao Sok Lake Floating Bungalows
- 🚐 Nearby Places: Khao Lak | Ao Nang | Krabi
- 🛶 Must-Do Activity: Khao Sok Floating Bungalow Trip
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park, Thailand 🇹🇭
Flying to Khao Sok National Park ✈️
The closest airport to Khao Sok is Surat Thani (URT). Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) airports are also convenient jumping-off points—all of these airports service international and domestic flights. If you are travelling from Central or Northern Thailand to Khao Sok, air is the quickest way to make the journey. Once your flight has arrived, you will need to take onward travel to the national park.
Getting to Khao Sok From Surat Thani – ⭐️ Best Option ⭐️
From Surat Thani Airport…
Many people find that booking transfers in advance saves a lot of hassle once they arrive at the airport. You simply wait for your transport with your bags and then get picked up straight from there. The downside of this is that it can be pretty expensive.
Another convenient but still expensive option is to take a taxi from the airport to Khao Sok. This is likely to cost around 1,500THB (approx. $46USD) so it is a better option for groups and families. The journey time is around 1.5 hours.
There is a public van service to Khao Sok run by Phantip Travel in operation from the airport. If you are travelling without a prearranged transfer to Khao Sok, head outside and negotiate your fare with the minibus drivers. You should expect to pay in the region of around 300THB (approx. $10USD) per person for the 2.5 hour journey.
Booking Public Transport in Advance 🚍
If you are booking public transport in advance, we recommend using 12go.asia. It’s the #1 way to reserve transport ahead of time and takes the stress out of finding your way when you touchdown in a new place!
From Surat Thani City…
Public buses run to Khao Sok from Surat Thani every hour from both the bus and train station (stopping at the bus station first, then 15 minutes later at the train station). Tickets can be bought at the relevant station and cost 120THB (approx. $4USD). The journey time is around two hours to Khlong Sok Village which marks the entrance to the national park. Minibuses also depart hourly and cost slightly more at 140THB. Bear in mind that they can be cramped so the public bus is a better option if comfort is what you are seeking!
Good to Know! ⚠️
All public buses and shared minivans will drop passengers along Highway 401 at Khlong Sok village, better known as Khao Sok village, and the entrance to Khao Sok National Park. From here, you will likely need to grab a taxi to travel the final distance to your accommodation in town. This should cost around 100THB, however, it is only around 2km to Park HQ so you could walk depending on where you’re staying. Remember to check with your accommodation beforehand as some of them include pick up in the reservation.
Getting to Khao Sok From Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
From Phuket Airport…
If you’re visiting Thailand on a shorter trip and time is of the essence, Phuket could be the most convenient starting point for your Khao Sok journey. Phuket International Airport services a range of routes including those from Europe and Australia, making it a great landing destination.
If you want to travel directly to Khao Sok from Phuket Airport, your options are limited. You can either book a private transfer or a space on a shared minibus operated by Call Me Taxi. You can do the latter using 12go.asia. There are two departures daily and a ticket costs around 900THB (approx. $27USD). Journey time is around 2.5 hours.
Private Airport Transfers 🧑✈️
If you want to save yourself the stress of dragging your bags about and bartering with the minibus drivers at the airport in the heat, arrange a private transfer to Khao Sok from your airport of choice. Welcome Pickups allows you to book your transfer ahead of time with an English-speaking driver, taking the hassle out of getting around!
From Phuket City…
Public buses depart Phuket Bus Terminal 2 hourly for Khao Sok National Park. These take around 4 hours and cost around 370THB (approx. $11USD) per person. There is a scheduled stop at Takua Pa where passengers travelling from Bangkok, Ranong or Koh Phayam may join. There is a local market here that is well worth a look around during the 20-minute break.
Minibuses also depart regularly from Phuket City, some of which also service Phuket Airport. This is a more expensive way to get to Khao Sok (usually around 1000THB, $30USD) but the journey time is less.
From Koh Phi Phi…
If you’re travelling from Koh Phi Phi to Khao Sok, it is possible to book the entire journey online in advance via 12go.asia. However, starting at around 750THB ($22USD), this may be more expensive than splitting your journey into two legs, first travelling to Phuket and then arranging transport to Khao Sok from there.
The journey direct from Phi Phi takes around 6 hours. Bear in mind that this is a route less travelled so be prepared to think on your feet in case of hiccups––you’ll need to take both a ferry and a van.
Getting to Khao Sok From Krabi, Ao Nang and Railay
From Krabi Airport…
Unless you have arranged a private transfer from Krabi Airport, you will need to head to the city’s van station to pick up a minibus to Khao Sok.
From Krabi City…
Minibuses leave from the Krabi van terminal every hour and a half. The journey costs around 410THB (approx. $12USD) however, it is not a direct route so can take up to 4 hours. There are a couple of companies that offer alternative departure points, usually from their respective offices, although PP All Seasons Travel And Tour does service Krabi hotel pick-ups.
From Ao Nang…
Some minibus companies such as Phichet Transport and Black Tiger Tour do offer hotel pick-up in Ao Nang for those travelling to Khao Sok. This can be a good option for those looking to avoid a return trip to Krabi. Expect to pay around 460THB (approx. $14USD) for this service. While the route is advertised as taking between 4.5 and 5 hours, it is worth remembering that due to the number of pick-ups en route, it could be longer.
From Railay…
If you have booked transport online to depart from Ao Nang, you will need to take a long-tail boat back to town prior to picking up your minibus.
Some travel agents on Railay offer transfers to other destinations in Thailand including Khao Sok. These often include the long-tail boat transport to the mainland to pick up the transfer. There is one morning departure which costs around 500THB (approx. $15USD) for the 4-5 hour journey.
Driving to Khao Sok National Park 🚗
Although not common, it is possible to rent a car and make your way to Khao Sok independently. There are loads of places across the country where you can rent a car, the easiest being at airports. Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket are all among the 11 busiest airports in Thailand and all offer car rental. Remember that in Thailand they drive on the left and you will need an International Driving Permit and a licence for your vehicle of choice in your home country. We always advise double-checking your travel insurance policy before renting any kind of vehicle to see what you’re covered for in terms of medical treatment and liability.
Getting to Khao Sok From Khao Lak
Public buses leave Khao Lak Nong Thong Centre regularly throughout the day and the journey time is around 1.5 hours. At around 290THB (approx. $9USD) this is the cheapest way to get to Khao Sok. Alternatively, some minibuses service the route from Khao Lak, picking passengers up from McDonalds. These are quicker but cost slightly more at 380THB (approx. $11USD).
Getting to Khao Sok From Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
From Koh Samui…
Koh Samui is the easiest of the three popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand to travel to Khao Sok from. Combo tickets are available and include the ferry back to the mainland, followed by at least one minibus for the overland leg to Khao Sok. Bear in mind that there could be two transport swaps for the overland section; some companies return to Surat Thani and pick up new transport from here. This costs from 620THB (approx. $19USD) and takes around 6 hours.
From Koh Phangan…
It is also possible to buy a combo transport ticket from Koh Phangan. As above, this will include the ferry ticket back to the mainland and the overland transport to Khao Sok. Journey time is between 7-8 hours and tickets begin at 670THB (approx. $20USD).
From Koh Tao…
Koh Tao is the most difficult of the three islands listed to travel to Khao Sok from. The most budget-friendly way to make the journey is long, taking between 11-12 hours. Combo tickets include a sleeper ferry back to the mainland, followed by overland minibus transport to Khao Sok with a transfer in Surat Thani. Tickets begin at around 1100THB (approx. $33USD).
If you don’t want to travel overnight, there are other options which replace the overnight ferry with a speedboat, however, these are more expensive, starting at 1450THB (approx. $43USD). This will cut your journey time to between 5-7 hours, depending on the service selected.
Getting to Khao Sok From Bangkok
Many trips to Thailand start in the capital of Bangkok. If you are travelling from Bangkok to Khao Sok National Park, you need to make your way south to Surat Thani. You can do this in three different ways:
- Fly to Surat Thani International Airport – Flights cost from around 825THB (approx. $25USD) in peak season for a one-way flight with a low-cost carrier, when booked in advance.
- Take the Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani – There is an overnight train which services the route, departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. If you want tickets for one of the sleeper carriages (recommended) you will need to book in advance. There are also cheaper options than the sleepers listed below, including the second-class seat, however, we would not recommend it because it makes for a long and uncomfortable journey! The journey takes around 11 hours. We recommend getting a train that departs around 7 pm as this will arrive around 6 am, giving you adequate opportunity to make the journey from Surat Thani to Khao Sok. You can book this at the train station or arrange your tickets at a travel agency in Bangkok.
- Second Class Sleeper – A bunk bed in a 4-bed carriage. Prices vary depending on whether you choose a top or bottom bunk and whether you opt for a fan or AC cabin. Expect to spend between 500-800THB (approx. $15-24USD) per person in the second-class sleeper cabin.
- First Class Sleeper – The first-class sleeper carriage is a private cabin with two fold-down beds, plus a sink and mirror. AC is standard in all first-class cabins, however, it will likely get quite chilly so it is worth bringing something warm to wear! This is the most expensive option and will cost somewhere between 1,100-1,400THB (approx. $32-41USD) per person.
- Take a Night Bus to Surat Thani – There are a range of night buses on offer, from more basic (read: uncomfortable) buses to VIP coaches. Expect to pay somewhere between 820-1,350THB (approx. $24-40USD) depending on the company, departure time and quality of the bus. Most buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Buses can be booked via 12go.asia or at your accommodation in Bangkok.
Once you arrive in Surat Thani, you will need to follow the instructions above to travel the final leg to Khao Sok.
Getting to Khao Sok From Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai)
Those wanting to visit Khao Sok from Northern Thailand will need to make their way south to Surat Thani. The quickest way to do this is by air, however, there are decent bus and rail links that connect the country. Please bear in mind that this will require several transfers and long journeys. It will also likely be a more expensive way of travelling when compared to a flight with a low-cost carrier such as AirAsia.
Getting to Khao Sok National Park FAQs
Where do you fly into for Khao Sok National Park?
Surat Thani Airport is the best place to fly into if you are visiting Khao Sok National Park. If flying into Surat Thani doesn’t work with your plans, you could alternatively choose to arrive at Phuket or Krabi airport instead.
What time should my flight arrive if I want to visit Khao Sok?
We recommend getting an early flight so you arrive at Surat Thani, Phuket or Krabi Airport in the morning. This gives you plenty of time to transfer to Khao Sok and start your adventure the very same day!
How best to get to Khao Sok?
For convenience and ease, it is best to base yourself in Southern Thailand prior to departing for Khao Sok. Krabi, Surat Thani, Phuket and Khao Lak all have clear and easy travel routes to Khao Sok.
What is the cheapest way to get to Khao Sok?
Local bus is likely to be the cheapest way to travel to Khao Sok National Park. However, you should bear in mind that this method of transport takes longer than the alternatives.
Is Khao Sok Worth it?
Yes! Khao Sok is often cited by travellers as the best experience they had in Thailand. It is an absolute hub of biodiversity, home to a fascinating array of flora and fauna. With jaw-dropping natural scenery and the opportunity to sleep in a bungalow floating atop Cheow Lan Lake, you’d be crazy to miss a trip here!
Is Khao Sok on your bucket list? Plan your adventure today!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
