Khao Sok National Park

This virgin rainforest dotted by limestone mountain ranges and rugged high cliffs was established as a national park in 1980. The poised limestone mountains resemble to those in Guilin, China resulting in the local nickname of Thailand’s Guilin. Covering an area of approximately 646 square kilometers, the park extends beyond Ban Ta Kun, Phanom and Khiri Ratniyom Districts.

The main attractions in the park include Namtok Mae Yai which can be reached by car and Namtok Sip Ed Chan (eleven-tiered waterfall), situated approximately 4 kilometers from the park office. There are also other magnificent waterfalls and caves, which are mostly accessible by foot.
Khao Sok is inhabited by rare wildlife such as wild elephants, leopards, serow, banteng, gaur, dusky languors, tigers and Malayan sun bears. Bird lovers will be enthralled visiting, as there are over 180 bird species to watch.

Rare floras are found along nature trails particularly to the south of the park where local plants such as lianas, bamboo, ferns and giant rattan, of over 10cm. in diameter, can be found. To top it all, the bua phut is perhaps what visitors to Khao Sok look forward to seeing most. Bua Phut or Rafflesia kerri meyer, a flower which can only be found in Khao Sok, is claimed as the largest flower in the world. When in full bloom, the Bua Phut is approximately 80 centimeters in diameter. The flower is a natural parasite without roots of its own, but relying on roots of a jungle vine to survive. The best time to see Bua Phut is from October to December, when they are in full bloom. Contact the parks headquarters for a local guide. Note that a 5-8 hour walk is required to see such a rare flower. However, there photographs of Bua Phut in the headquarters office, with information displayed on the ecological system of the park.

The park and other entrepreneurs provide bungalows, camping areas and raft-houses while accommodation owners normally provide food. Contact TAT Region 5 at 077 288818-9 for more details on a complete list of accommodations.
The park office is located 1.3 kilometers off of the Surat-Takua Pa Road at kilometer 109 marker. From Surat Thani City, take Highway No 401 to Takua Pa District (in Phang-Nga province). Total distance is approximately 100 kilometers. The park is at its best from December to April.

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 24th, 2007 at 11:51 am and is filed under Thailand Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.