khao sok hike without guide

We found nothing of interest, though, so we turned aroundand made it back to the beginning of the trail within 1.5 hours. Camera or GoPro. We had always had Khao Sok as one of our stops on our month long tour of Thailand. . Cost does NOT include national park fee. There are plenty of trails around the headquarters area and the lake. 230 Moo 6 Soi Natai Feel free to trek at your leisure. My only memory of leeches were those in water, and mainly from movies. Khao Sok National Park is the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The spit and pressure of the sock will help counter act the anti coagulent effect and stop them bleeding. Khao Sok 2 night WITHOUT Elephant Apr 10, 2023. These will get wet and muddy and heavy very quickly and are difficult to clean and dry. Interested in something special? Surat Thani Alternatively, heres how to travel to Khao Sok Village by public bus. 16 30 Possible to do it without a guide Review of Khao Sok National Park Reviewed March 25, 2016 via mobile We had always had Khao Sok as one of our stops on our month long tour of Thailand. To this day, I have no explanation for how this was possible. A good guide at a fair rate is almost always a great investment. It's not. The bridge loops back via a viewpoint to the park entrance. Some of the caves are great for checking out the stalactites and stalagmites, others are deep caverns that you wade through. You might encounter rare plants, including the giant Rafflesia flower. It then drinks a small amount of blood. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Additionally, guests will find it helpful to inform their resort of these plans at check-in. Chris, disappointed to give up on Sip Et Chan Waterfall, followed me back. The track is marked with yellow arrow markers (nailed to trees at eye level). If you want to take in Thailand's raw beauty, then a trip to Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list. Tuck your pants legs into the socks and lace the shoes tightly. Beautiful forest and great views from everywhere . Hi Alena, Thanks. The majority of guides in Khao Sok, and every guide engaged by Khao Sok Riverfront Resort, are local. Lunch will be delicious fried rice wrapped in a banana leaf. There are several different ways of visiting Khao Sok National Park, depending on what you want to see and do and how much time you have. The jungle at Khao Sok is magical. These paths lead to the river which runs parallel to the main trail. The monsoonal rains in Thailand are spectacular. Bring a story to tell around the fire & 300 Baht for the National Park fee. You get a much better sense of the lake too, with its many bays and tributaries and a multitude of small forested islands in the middle of the lake. 1. On one of the trips, we saw another mangrove snake swimming across the lake. FAQ: What is Khao Lak like in the Wet Season? 2023 The Unconventional Route All Rights Reserved. I plan to do Khao Sok in the next 2 weeks and found so many valuable info here Leeches respond to vibration and heat, if you walk up to a spot and then stop they'll come out of no where and start navigating to your heat. Sometimes people ask about the Khlong Phanom national park which can be found to the south. Once cleaned apply tiny bits of paper to the bite one at a time. We recommend loose-fitting long pants and long sleeve shirts, sneakers/trainers and long socks. You can also book these tours from most accommodation providers in the Khao Sok Village. We recommend hiring a guide to explore these trails. Update: Reader Andrea shares in the comments that Coco Khao Sok is another great option, with A/C for $6 per person. If it wasnt for our guide, we wouldnt have noticed the Mangrove snake wriggling in the stream as we walked past. Home > Thailand > 3 Things to Do and Not to Do If Youre Thinking of Hiking in Khao Sok. We have plenty of hiking experience, so I'm not necessarily concerned about safety, but rather being able to find the most amazing natural sights and features without local help. I agree that hiring a guide supports local economy, however, if you're travelling on a budget then $20 can be a big expense. The trick is finding a good one and ensuring the rate is fair, which can only really happen with healthy competition. The waterfalls exceeded our not-very-high expectations. Khao Sok History The best restaurant of any Khao Sok hotel There are several natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip in the Sok River. The 3-meter waterfall drops into a large pool which is perfect for swimming. Remember to stay quiet, and keep your light down so the guide can spot the wildlife. Dont forget to bring money for the entrance ticket to the National Park. Overall I have to say that I cannot agree with the comments you made here! I did not stay on the lake, but in a nice clean hotel on land. You should be a guide! When to Travel in Khao Sok, Birdwatching Thailand While I was nursing my sore ankle, I had one of the most unexplained experiences in Khao Sok. If you're tired of hiking in Khao Sok, rent a bike in town and explore. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Whether a half-day or full-day hike, overnight camping trips, or a fantastic Khao Sok night safari, there is something for everyone. It is easily one of the most stunning national parks in Thailand. This will ensure a hike that takes you deeper into the forest where the opportunity for wildlife spotting improves. It is highly recommended to avoid these guided-paths, which are unmarked, technically challenging, and more wild. A trip this length allows for enough time to take part in many of the best khao sok nationalpark tours. But nonetheless, she invited me into the house, sat me down on the floor and proceeded to rub some ointment into my ankle while chanting something under her breath. The plants giant red flowers have a diameter of up to 1 meter, and its thought to be a parasitic vine, but no one knows for sure. Sitting right on the riverbank, Malulee has a stunning swimming pool, cozy bungalows with a terrace and a lovely garden. Khao Sok Travel Video Khao Sok Travel Guide Part 1 - Things To Know Before You Go This hike requires a full day and covers nearly 7km. While it is technically possible to visit the lake independently if you have your own set of wheels, hikes around the lake will require a guide. Sounds like you and Anton are our type of unconventional people! Khao Sok National Park Tourism Khao Sok National Park Hotels Khao Sok National Park Bed and Breakfast Khao Sok National Park Vacation Rentals . Guests often spot long-tailed macaques and dusky langurs on these trails, in addition to many iconic rainforest plants and a few beautiful Khao Sok waterfalls. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. After the bite has been suitably rinsed and cleaned, fresh rolling tobacco (ask your guide for a pinch) applied to the wound will absorb blood and help fight infection! As the day comes to . The downside to self-guided Khao Sok trekking is that guests must keep to a standard network of trails. There is no way to know exactly when the flower will bloom. We drove up to Cheow Lan Lake to take in the views. It is common for leech bites to begin itching around day three and continue itching for several days afterwards. 84250 Khao Sok - one night in each of park HQ and the lake? First of all: Thank you so much guys for the right Informations I needed to reach the waterfall. The lake tours vary slightly as to where they take you, but whatever the itinerary, youll be doing some jungle trekking and visiting a viewpoint and one of the caves. If however you're more interested in seeing rare and illusive wildlife then a good local guide is absolutely necessary. Don't be deterred. The trail of destruction lead downhill, towards the bank of the river and was quite difficult to follow. Relax at the campfire and drink some nice tea or coffee from bamboo cups. With 48 mammals roaming the forests, theres plenty of excellent wildlife spotting opportunities too. Unfortunately, there is no yes/no answer to this question. This makes it very easy to get lost. You are never more then 20 odd metres from the main river when on the path. The common land leech is small and usually rarely more than an inch long. We weren't able to afford the extra money and I was hesitant to wander around without a guide but your post gave me the confidence to do so. For Families, we are happy to recommend child-friendly hikes as well. The rainforest around Khao Sok is home to an abundance of wildlife. I guess by now you've already done the hike! Thanks also for the Coco Khao Sok recommendation. After 3km there is a sign saying that you must have a guide to pass or you risk a fine. Best jungle trek Hike Up To Kri Sorn Viewpoint Once you have passed the ticket box, and walked a few hundred meters along the main trail, keep your eyes on the left hand side. Duration: 4-6 hours easy to moderate hiking with a stop for dinner. []. Is this possible, or simply a bad idea? The trailhead is located in the western part of the Cheow Lan lake, near the Tone Toey raft house, and begins in a section of dense jungle. The first thing to know when planning a trip to Khao Sok National Park is that there are two equally popular areas in the park and they are 67 km apart. When I woke up the following morning, I was back to hopping on one leg. These hikes use a network of trails maintained by park rangers. Did you also go to the lake? No others will share the guide or the boat . Discover the wonders of Khao Sok Lake with bamboo rafting, scenic Cheow Larn Lake sightseeing, and captivating cave explorationall without hiking. 84250 If you venture past the Bang Hua Red ranger station, be exceptionally careful. It's not accurate enough to follow exactly, but where the path gets indistinct and you end up following the wrong bit it let's you know you are veering away and you can back track and try again. It was miserable, so I turned back. In the past tigers, bears, elephants, and large constrictors posed a danger to locals and visitors in Khao Sok. Take it from me: they're unavoidable. Maybe they're only seasonal. Holy smokes, Rolf! If I were to do this again, I would stay for more than one night. Cabs and pickup truck shuttles wait for the buses to arrive. You just free your mind from study or work temporarily and come here to immerse yourselves in the tranquility of the surrounding. Also, on the trail to the Ton Kloi waterfall, we saw zero leeches! Enjoy a 3.5-mile trail hike through a rainforest. You don't need to hire a guide for hiking in Khao Sok Every hotel and tout in town, and even signs in the park, will tell you it's mandatory to hire a guide. Don't forget to bring sunscreen protection and mosquito repellent :), I must say Khao Sok really really made my day. I paid my fee and to my utter disbelief, I got up onto my two feet and walked out of the house. 3. Have a quick swim in the river, and then relax and listen to the chirping cicadas and grasshoppers as the sun goes down. Guides charge for half day, a full day hike and Night hiking from 6 pm till 9 pm. Can I do overnight on Cheow Lan Lake for less than 1000 baht? We also took the back route back to town passing by local villages and a ton of rubber tree plantations. With a wingspan of 25-30 cm, Atlas moth is the largest moth in the world. Khao Sok Trekking: Go it alone, or with a guide? Then afterward go to eat at one of our favorite restaurants for exotic food in Bangkok. The parks headquarters are a good place to see some of Thailands most iconic animals like the long-tail macaques and banded langurs, as well as hornbills and plenty of other bird species. I wish there was a way to reward people like you who go back to blog posts after the fact and leave their own valuable tips. And if or whenever you head back to Bangkok and are looking for some exercise, consider going to Lumpini Park's outdoor gym. Leeches, you cant get away from them but they dont hurt. 300B/adult, 150B/child for the Khao Sok national park entrance fee. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The trails might also turn up wild boars and deer, especially early in the morning. We recommend it, it's technical but the track is mostly obvious. Heres what you can expect from a typical 2-day tour to the lake. Enjoy your trip! 3-4 days. Check out this video for an idea of what to expect. Most hikes present the opportunity to swim at one or more of the beautiful Khao Sok waterfalls. It was a fun hike with a rewarding waterfall, very few others on the trail, and, again, almost noleeches. Khao Sok Weather We have plenty of hiking experience, so I'm not necessarily concerned about safety, but rather being able to find the most amazing natural sights and features without local help. Khao Sok Wildlife, Khao Sok's official website travel information, Email: khaosoktravel@gmail.com Usually, a tour that stays longer than 1 night will provide you with the option to visit Kri Sorn Viewpoint but be sure to confirm it with Khao Sok Travel before booking. Tactical sandals, such as Tevas or Chacos are also suitable. The half-day hike departs from the visitor center and leads to Bang Hua Red waterfall. For more information, check out our blog post! Also, to shun guides? Duration: 5-8 hours moderate to challenging hiking. And again, the effect lasted only until the following morning. It's unmarked and unlit, so bring a flashlight! Hi Chris & fellow non guided hikers. However much of the general information here is relevant to trips to the Khlong Phanom national park. Speaking of fun, there are impressive Liana trees with spiraling, long hanging branches that resembled thick ropes. (Self check every minute) Our staff can help you arrange some specialty hikes, such as the hike to the giant bamboo. So if you have a chance to join a morning safari on the lake, go for it. Before the flooding, the area was home to Ban Chiew Lan village, which gave the lake its name. AllTrails has 5 great trails for birding and hiking and more. Chris went for a dip and had little fish biting his legs, just like they do at the fish foot spas. Khao Sok Caves Then it injects an anticoagulant which keeps blood from clotting. Waterfalls, natural swimming pools and lovely picnic points await you. Khao Sok National Park is an incredibly bio-diverse place full of unique flora and fauna. It was also a bit slippery and muddy but, most importantly, it was leech-free. Typical tours, prices and getting to Khao Sok. I have to say the Guides I took here for my trips were all very knowledgeable and accomodating. Art'ssits right on the river, where there's a little swimming hole with an impressive limestone backdrop. At around 18:00 you will make camp and the guide will prepare dinner. I don't know if that is the reason why I didn't get any bite but in the morning I "took a bath" in 50%DEET. These animals are not dangerous in any way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a result, wildlife here is often more scarce than other areas of the forest. The Khao Sok jungle is renowned for its biodiversity and stunning views. There is so much to see, and with so many possibilities, it is a good idea to come prepared! It's in the middle of an isolatedpalm plantation, which for some reason made us feel we were in an eery scene fromTrue Detective. Get answers to your questions about Khao Sok National Park. High on on the forest ridges, the elusive Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world. We will provide more information on full-day Khao Sok hiking below. In fact I think it's better without a guide - if you have a sense of adventure that is! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course Khao Sok Flowers & Plants Be aware of the following . 2. When we were there everyone tried to convince us that wasn't an option, so we wrote this post to state otherwise. Riverside Cottages is a family-owned resort in Khao Sok, Thailand. Duration: 2-4 hours easy to moderate hiking. We did the Sip Et Chan trail on December 2nd 2019. If you are bitten by a leech during your Khao Sok trekking adventure, never fear! Learn how your comment data is processed. Maps.me is really the perfect app and all you need BUT ONLY TRUST THE WHITE LINED PATH ON THE MAP! So there are no logistical hustles involved and you get to see both parts of Khao Sok. Guests that venture out into the forest on jungle treks are likely to find fascinating, exotic plants and animals with every step. They have grown up here and have often worked, foraged or hunted along the same routes they now lead guests. If you can stay for theprice we did, don't bother looking elsewhere. At Riverside Cottages we offer half day and full day Khao Sok trekking and hiking tours and night safaris in the National Park. *Note: Do not wear flip-flop or sandals, it will let you hard to walk and some insects(like leeches) will bite you.Oh, in short, I regretted spending only 2 nights here, but now I have a reason to back to explore deeper here. Less common are barking deer, mouse deer, leopard cats, slow loris and flying lemurs. Re: Hiking/trekking Khao Sok without a guide? The major attractions here are Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Klong Sok For information on the lake and and surrounding area visit the Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok page. Yes the track does get a bit more difficult but the feeling of walking along the rainforest tracks, mostly undisturbed by others is wonderful. This exhilarating hike is one of the best adventures that the Khao Sok national park has to offer! You can wear a long sleeve shirt for extra protection. The park's lush jungle trails, gabbling gibbons, and enormous, emerald Cheow Lan Lake make visiting Khao Sok an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, especially if you love walking on the wild side. There are some serious adventures on offer. To hike to Kri Sorn Viewpoint, you are going to have to make sure that your tour will take you there. If you are staying in Phuket, Surat Thani, or Krabi, you can book a minivan transfer to Khao Sok. Happy hiking! Since I was slow travelling in Thailand, the delay wasnt an issue, and on the plus side, it gave me the chance to get to know the park quite well. Second is the trail beginning at the Bang Man ranger station. If you're thinking of hiking in Khao Sok, here are 3 things to do, and 3 not to do. 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Sok National Park Spend A Few Nights at a Floating Bungalow Hike Up to Kri Sorn Viewpoint Go On a Safari Boat Ride Around Cheow Lan Lake Hike Through Khao Talu Cave Visit the Guilin Rocks in Khao Sok Trek the Jungle And Track Down the Largest Flower in the World A sample itinerary: - Day 1: Afternoon Canoe trip/River tubing; Thai massage in the evening. I've updated the post with what you've shared. And sure enough, there was this wonderfully-worded sign along the trail announcing the presence of elephants in the area. Also, be sure to tuck in your shirt! This hike is for people who can hike up and down steep terrain. The only other place I have seen such an ancient, lush, thick and biodiverse tropical forest was in Borneos Danum Valley. One day, I was walking the trail and noticed that the ground to my left, towards the river was all churned up like a battle site. Thailand, How to make the most of your time at Khao Sok, Make the most of your time at Khao Sok - here are some helpful tips, Thai elephant Best Khao Sok elephant sanctuary. Self-guided Treks The plain and simple answer here is Yes, there are animals out there that are dangerous to people. We'll assume you are ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish, Khao Sok National Park Headquarters & Khao Sok Village, Final Thoughts on Visiting Khao Sok National Park. 230 Moo 6 Soi Natai After a challenging hike through lush jungle, you will stop for an exotic Thai lunch at an evergreen meadow. I'm glad to have helped you enjoy your time in Khao Sok. I imagine in busier times the trail is much more clear. Khao Sok(also called Khao Lak) is a paradise situated away in the Phang Nga region of Thailand, just north of Phuket. You can enjoy breakfast first.Finish at 17:00~18:00.I'm appreciated trekking tour-guide sweet, he made the rings and bracelets from bamboo to us, interesting thing is he ignited some leaves and branches to boil water, he gave cups for us it made by bamboo also, and we enjoyed cappuccino(3 in 1, oh god too much sugar, haha) and cupcake in riverside. In fact, there are claims that Khao Sok's biodiversity rivals - or even tops - that of the Amazon rainforest. It took us about 2 hours to hike the 7 km to Ton Kloi waterfalls. The place is open to the public, so we sat on the rocks and watched local Thai kids rope swing into the water and play some bizarre game that involved spitting on each other. You are just happy to be out in the open. We decided against it, in favor of exploring more on our bikes, so can't give any advice on prices, unfortunately. Khao Sok - one night in each of park HQ and the lake? Strap on your headlamp and join our guide for a night safari where you can spot bats swishing through the sky and owls perched in the trees. If you wish to contribute news, articles or events please contact us. On your trek, keep your eyes open to see 3 species of monkey, giant hornbills, and even gibbons if you are lucky! At the end of the first part of the trail which is all concrete walkway, there is a second hut and a bridge. We used the app maps.me to help us out. It is so old and dense that you feel like you are hiking through Jurassic Park. You'll have more fun and move faster slosh along in the water. Khao Sok Attractions The easiest way to travel from Khao Lak to Khao Sok is by taking a bus towards Surat Thani. Totally on point, Roberto. Bring a towel, book, some food and a beverage on your hike! 2-Day Khao Sok Wildlife Adventure from Khao Lak, Wildlife Wonders: Amazing Thailand Animals You May Spot On Your Travels, 12 National Parks in Thailand to Fall in Love With, Easy Guide to Khao Sok National Park: How to Visit & What to See, Guide to visiting Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, Thi Lo Su Waterfall Jungle Adventure Thailand off the Beaten Path, Why You Must Visit Erawan National Park on your Trip to Thailand, Spotting wildlife in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is more than Phraya Nakhon Cave, Slow Living on Koh Jum Island Thailand off the Beaten Path, If you have the time, the best tour is the, If you are short on time and dont have a night to spare, you can visit.

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