Travelfish newsletter Issue 353 : Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park
Hi all,
New on the site is Kota Bharu in Peninsular Malaysia—it is the most popular jumping off point to the Perhentian Islands (featured last week). Regular readers will recall that last week we listed The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down in our recommended reading list—thanks to Travelfish reader DS who pointed us to this sad footnote to the novel.
The lake is pretty special. Photo: David Luekens
In other news, we’ve added the first of a series of new newsletters. Called “Welcome to Thailand” it starts with a series of seven daily emails, each covering an introductory aspect of Thailand. A week later it switches to a weekly (Tuesday) instalment, each recommending a destination or attraction in Thailand that you may not have heard of.
The newsletter is very much aimed at people new to Thailand, so if that is you, you can sign up here. All subscribers also get a complimentary PDF itinerary for Southern Thailand.
We plan to roll this out for other countries as well, but we’re starting with the big one.
Good travels,
Stuart, Sam and the Travelfish crew
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Destination
Thailand: Khao Sok National Park
Thailand has no shortage of national parks, yet if you had time for just one, which should it be? Khao Sok National Park. Here is why.
Why go: Midway between the island-clad coasts of Southern Thailand, the location could not be better. Accommodation is set in two primary locales, each with a distinct appeal. Stay in the village for jungle trekking and waterfall visits. Or, opt for a rafthouse on Chiew Lan Lake to enjoy gobsmacking views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Trekking can range from unguided strolls to adventurous guided junlge expeditions. Break your hikes up with some river tubing. On the lake, boat tours are a popular means to admire both the Guilin-like landscape and remote caves. Those who are content just to sit on the bamboo deck, feet in the water, book in the hands, are well catered to.
Why don’t go: This is a popular park. In high and peak season crowds can be large. Who wants their rafthouse sojourn spoilt by boorish neighbours? If you’re on a tour, expect to share your serenity—with plenty of people. Partly due to the hordes, the chance of seeing much wildlife other than the winged variety is low. If large beasts are your thing, a larger park, like Kaeng Krachan or Khao Yai, may be a better choice.
When to go: Weather wise it is a trade off.
Go in dry season and waterfalls might be weaker, go in monsoon and trails might close for safety. Expect significant rainfall in peak monsoon, especially July, August and September.
In dry season (December to April) trekking is easier and Rafflesia flowers bloom. On the downside, some rafting trips may stop if river levels are too low.
How long to stay: Many travellers choose to visit the park on an overnight tour, often from Phuket, Krabi or Ao Nang. We’re bigger fans of doing it on an independent basis, which is quite straightforward. Those with time should try the village and a rafthouse—three nights would be an ideal taster.
Other stuff you should know: Park admission for foreign adults is 300 baht. Add 200 baht to include Khlong Phanom National Park or Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Children are half price. Most resorts near park headquarters offer free but limited WiFi. Don’t always expect to have WiFi at the rafthouses, never in the jungle. There are ATMs at the village. The closest good medical care is in Takua Pa, Baan Ta Khun or Surat Thani.
Would we return: Absolutely. We’d work to avoid peak season and would skip the tour option. Do it yourself if you have the time and a bit more of a budget.
Good travels
Stuart
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Till next time
That’s it from us for now. As usual, enjoy the site’s new additions and drop us a line if there’s something in particular you’d like us to cover in Southeast Asia.
Travel light!
Stuart, Sam & the Travelfish team
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