Khao Lak has a couple of beautiful national parks. Are you looking for a change of scenery from the downtown vibes? Khao Lak’s got you covered. Khao Lak is not just about its stunning beaches; it also offers the allure of nearby national parks for an exciting day trip.
Khao Lak is surrounded by nature’s wonders, boasting five national parks nearby. Three to the north, one in the centre around La On, and another to the south. Each park has its unique charm and adventures to offer whether you’re into jungle treks, bamboo rafting, wildlife spotting, or just soaking in the natural beauty,
1. Khao Sok National Park near Khao Lak
Situated in Surat Thani, 73 km (one hour and 15-minute drive) north of Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park (Google Maps) is home to one of the oldest evergreen rainforests, characterised by expansive lakes, limestone mountains, and dense flora. A bus, minibus or ferry from Khao Lak or Krabi will take you to this once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Tours to Khao Sok National Park
There are two popular hotspots in Khao Sok National Park. One is the headquarters in Khao Sok Village. The other hotspot is Khao Sok Lake (aka Cheow Lan Lake) which is in the far east (67km) of the headquarters and is best known for its raft houses, waterfalls, caves, lakes, trails, campsites and viewpoints.
Khao Sok National Park offers a variety of tours, varying from day trips to four-day tours. Prices may range from 1200 THB to 17000 THB depending on the duration of stay and the season.
If you are looking for a tour, you can choose a variety of tours here with a tour guide that speaks your language. No more translation headaches!
Opening time and Entrance Fee
Guess what? Khao Sok National Park is open all year round from 8 am to 5 pm daily. However, due to its habitat, Khao Sok is humid the whole year which is most noticeable during June through November when downpours are most frequent. So, expect the rain and bring raincoats or waterproof bags.
Entrance fees – 300 baht for an adult and 150 THB for a child.
Activities
- Wildlife Watching and Elephant Experience
- Jungle Trekking and hiking
- Boat tours to Cheow Lan Lake
- Water sports- river tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting
Khao Sok National Park has just got a lot to offer. You can read more about it here.
2. Si Phang Nga National Park
Located in Khura Buri District, 60 km (one hour drive) north of Khao Lak, Si Phang Nga National Park was established in honour of His Majesty the King on his 60th birthday anniversary. This forested piece of land is home to a large variety of flora and fauna with numerous hills, streams, waterfalls, and a few outcrops of limestone cliffs.
Tour
The most renowned place in the park is Tam Nang Waterfall. Getting to Tam Nang Waterfall can be challenging which requires following a 3.2 km out-and-back trail, an average of 1 hr 8 min but this makes it perfect for the nature avengers. This is a popular trail for bird watching, hiking, and walking. The best times to visit this trail are from January through October. It is not recommended to visit during the rainy season from July to October because the trail can get washed out by heavy rain.
Book this popular Si Phang Nga National Park tour with a hotel pick-up and drop off
Opening Time and Entrance Fee
Si Phang Nga National Park is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily, closed on government holidays Entrance fee- 100 THB for adults and 50 THB for children
Accommodation – There are 3 bungalow rooms for rent in the park. 600 THB for a four-person shared bungalow. A tent for rent is also available at 330 THB /night. If visitors bring their own tents, the campsite fee is 30 THB /night.
Activities
- Wildlife watching
- Trekking and hiking
- Canoeing
- Swimming at Tam Nang Waterfall
3. Khlong Phanom National Park
Khlong Phanom National Park lies 85 km (one and a half hour drive), northeast of Khao Lak in Surat Thani, boasting rugged limestone peaks, wildlife-rich forests, and crucial marshlands, a hidden gem often overshadowed by its larger neighbour and the nearby Khao Sok National Park.
Tour
For a fantastic journey, hop on a canoe tour at the Wat Tham Wararam cave temple with a refreshing stroll through the Kaew Cave to reach the river. Ton Yai Waterfall lying at the southeast of the park is a small waterfall, seldom visited by tourists. If you are tired of the usual tour, you can take an off-road adventure to Phutajor, a mountainous rainforest realm where the altitude climbs to at least 600 metres promising breathtaking views and an experience that takes you to new heights.
Opening Time and Entrance Fees
Khlong Phanom National Park is open all year round every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm except on government holidays.
Entrance fee – 100 baht per adult and 50 THB for children
Activities
- Wildlife watching
- Water activities: canoeing, kayaking, river tubing,
- Jungle trekking, forest tour
4. Khao Lak- Lam Ru National park
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is also one of the Khao Lak National parks, only 10 minute drive away from La On, well-known by tourists due to its central location. Sitting along the coast of the Andaman Sea, the park comprises mainly tropical evergreen montane forests with the highest peak at 1,077 metres.
Tour
The headquarter of Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is in Khao Lak Center ( La On). The park is most popular for its hidden treasure, Small Sandy Beach which you can reach by following along the Hat Lek Nature Trail. Other hotspots include Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, just in the La On, 12 km from the headquarter and Lam Ru waterfall, 45 km north from the headquarter which is a bit far, is a larger waterfall than Ton Chong Fa.
Opening Time and Entrance Fees
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is open all year round every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm except on government holidays.
Entrance fee – 100 baht per adult and 50 THB for children
Activities
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Swimming at the waterfalls or the beach
- Camping
Thinking about taking a day off from the city? Read more about the park here.
5. Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park
One hour’s drive south of Khao Lak is Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Thai Mueang best known for its impressive waterfalls and beach.
Tour
Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park has 2 sections; namely, the Lampi Range which comprises a long stretch of mountains of mostly igneous rocks of 60 – 140 million years old, and Thai Mueang range. Two impressive waterfalls are in the eastern mountains of the Lampi range. One is Ton Phrai Waterfall towering at 40 meters, with high volumes of water particularly during the rainy season. Meanwhile, the park’s namesake, Lampi Waterfall is of the same height and has four tiers making it a decent waterfall with a pond beneath where you can swim with the fish. Thai Meuang Beach features a 13-kilometre white sand beach along the Andaman Sea, bordered by a mangrove forest. It is also called Turtle Beach since it serves as a nesting area for sea turtles. Between November and February, sea turtles come to lay eggs, and in March, a local festival celebrates as many of the newly hatched baby turtles make their way to the sea.
Ready for a ride and a swim? Book this popular tour
Opening Time and Entrance Fees
Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park is open every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm except on government holidays.
Entrance fee – 100 baht for adult and 50 THB for children
Accommodation: The Park provides bungalows for tourists, each holding 5 – 10 persons at 800 – 1,500 Baht and tents for rent are 450 Baht for 3 – 5 persons. A camping fee is 20 Baht/person if visitors bring their own tents.
Activities
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Swimming at the waterfalls or the beach
- Camping
Khao Lak sure has a lot of options to offer if you are thinking of outdoor activities away from the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Thrilling adventures waiting ahead!
