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How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

No airport sits directly in Khao Sok National Park. Fly into one of the nearby smaller airports and then take ground transport.

Airports

  • Surat Thani Airport (URT): Closest, ~1.5-A drive of 2 hours to Khao Sok village.
  • Phuket International Airport (HKT): ~3-3.5 hours drive, with numerous international connections.
  • Krabi International Airport (KBV): ~2.5-3 hours drive, another convenient option.

Flight Routes & Pricing

Domestic flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang - DMK or Suvarnabhumi - BKK) to Gateway To the gulf islands, Phuket, and Krabi operate frequently (Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways).

International & Seasonal Considerations

  • No direct international flights to Surat Thani. Connect via Bangkok or other major Asian hubs.
  • Flight prices rise during peak season (December - March) and major holidays. Book early for the best fares.
  • Flexibility with travel dates gives savings. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

URT Transfers

Shared minivans (250-350 THB, 1.5-2 hours) are common. Private taxi (1,500-2,000 THB) offers direct transfers.

HKT Transfers

Shared minivans (400-600 THB) available. Private taxi (2,500-3,500 THB) for speed and privacy.

KBV Transfers

Shared minivans (400-600 THB). Private taxi (2,000-3,000 THB).

Airport Facilities & Booking

Airport Facilities

  • All three regional airports (URT, HKT, KBV) offer basic facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, car rental desks.
  • Phuket International Airport (HKT) offers the most extensive facilities.
  • Transfers (minivans, taxis) to various destinations, including Khao Sok, are available.
  • World Nomads & SafetyWing for travel insurance.

Booking Transfers

  • Many accommodations in Khao Sok Village Arrange transfers from this group airports.
  • This frequently yields the most hassle-free experience.
  • Drivers meet you and know exactly where to go.
  • VisaHQ for direct visa and passport services.

Car Rental & Related Travel

Car Rental Options

Car rental agencies available at major airports (Gateway To the gulf islands, Phuket, Krabi). Book in advance, especially during peak season. DiscoverCars.com offers car rental options.

Shuttle Services

Shared minivans are the most common and cost-effective option for transfers from airports. Operators meet flights and drop straight to you at your accommodation.

Flight Deals

For best airfares, check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner, especially for flights from Bangkok (DMK or BKK) to Gateway To the gulf islands, Phuket, or Krabi.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

No direct train service for Khao Sok. The closest train station is Gateway To the gulf islands Rail Depot (Phunphin district), ~1.5 hours from Khao Sok National Park by road.

From Bangkok & Onward

  • Overnight sleeper trains run regularly from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) to Surat Thani. Buy tickets in advance.
  • From Gateway To the gulf islands train station, take a songthaew or taxi to the Gateway To the gulf islands bus station, after that a public bus or minivan to Khao Sok.
  • Alternatively, book a direct minivan transfer from the train station through local agencies or your accommodation.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses connect Khao Sok National Park to various major hubs across Southern Thailand and outside the area. This is often the most economical way to travel overland.

Bus Routes

  • From Bangkok: Overnight buses from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Gateway To the gulf islands town, then transfer to a public bus or minivan to Khao Sok (~10-12 hours total).
  • From Phuket: Buses run from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 directly to Khao Sok. The journey takes ~3-4 hours.
  • From Krabi: Buses or minivans run from Krabi Bus Terminal to Khao Sok. This journey takes ~2.5-3 hours.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Requirements & Tips

  • Traffic side: Thailand drives on the left-right-hand side of the road.
  • License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary with your home country's valid driver's license.
  • Road conditions to Khao Sok are generally good. Navigation can be difficult because of signage mainly in Thai. Use a GPS system.

Road Safety & Conditions

Roads leading to Khao Sok are generally well-maintained. However, exercise caution.

Hazards & Defensive Driving

  • Thai roads can be busy, and some drivers may be aggressive. Drive with caution.
  • Maintain appropriate speeds. Be notably be aware of motorbikes, which often weave through traffic.

Travel Safety Tips

  • Wear seatbelts in cars. Helmets are mandatory for motorcycles.
  • Confirm your transfer pick-up time from Khao Sok to the airport or train station the day before your departure.
  • Allow a lot of time for the airport check-in (at least 2-3 hours) or station departure (30-60 minutes).
  • Protect your valuables. Do not leave belongings unattended in public areas.
  • Use hotel safes if available.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers for tours or services that seem unusually cheap.

Sea/River Arrivals

Island Connections

While Khao Sok National Park itself is inland, sea transport links are for travelers combining a visit to the park with Thailand's famous islands.

Ferry Hubs & Joint Tickets

  • Gateway To the gulf islands is a key center for ferries to the Gulf The coastline islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao).
  • Phuket and Krabi are centers for Andaman Sea islands (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta).
  • Joint tickets (bus + ferry) are available from Khao Sok for these island destinations.

River Transportation

Within Khao Sok, bamboo rafting and longtail boat tours on Cheow Lan Lake are activities and methods to explore the park, not arrival methods.

Park Exploration by Water

  • You reach these points by land from Khao Sok Village.
  • These activities offer an unique way of enjoying the jungle.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Khao Sok as it is away from the ocean.

Departure Timing

Arrive at airport 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international flights. 30-60 minutes before bus/train departure.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes collected for air departure; taxes are included in airline ticket price.

Airport Facilities

Regional airports (URT, HKT, KBV) offer basic facilities. HKT and Bangkok airports (BKK, DMK) extensive services.

Departure Information

Departure Check

Confirm your transfer pick-up time from Khao Sok to your point of departure the day before your departure. This ensures smooth travel.

Pre-Departure Steps

  • Arrive at the be at the AIRPORT 2 hours before domestic flights and THREE hours prior to international flights.
  • Arrive at the bus/train station 30-ONE hour prior to departure.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.

Airport/Station Facilities

All major departure points offer facilities for travelers.

Available Services

  • Surat Thani Airport (URT) offers basic facilities including check-in counters, small shops, and cafes.
  • Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Bangkok airports (BKK, DMK) provide more extensive facilities.
  • These include wider dining options, duty-free shopping, lounges, and thorough services for travelers from abroad.

Travel Partners

Flight Deals

Find affordable airfares for domestic and international flights to Thailand's major hubs through Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Car Rentals

For self-driving flexibility, explore rental options at major airports via DiscoverCars.com.

Visa & Entry

Secure necessary travel documents and visas beforehand using services like IVisa or VisaHQ.

Travel Planning Note

By understanding these transportation aspects, you confidently plan your travel to and from the remarkable Khao Sok National Park.

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park. Flights, Transportation, Airlines