Full Day Khao Sok Canoeing & Elephant Bathing Tour from Phuket

Khao Sok, a virgin rainforest dotted with limestone mountain ranges and rugged high cliffs, was established as a national park in 1980. The majestic limestone mountains resemble those in Guilin, China, resulting in the local nickname, “Thailand’s Guilin.”

Covering an area of approximately 646 square kilometers, the park extends across the Ban Ta Khun, Phanom, and Khiri Rat Nikhom districts.

The main attractions in the park include Namtok Mae Yai, which is accessible by car, and Namtok Sip Ed Chan, an eleven-tiered waterfall situated approximately 4 kilometers from the park office. There are also other magnificent waterfalls and caves, most of which are accessible by foot.

Khao Sok is home to rare wildlife, such as wild elephants, leopards, serows, bantengs, gaurs, dusky langurs, tigers, and Malayan sun bears. Bird lovers will be enthralled by their visit, as there are over 180 bird species to discover.

Rare flora can be found along the nature trails, particularly in the south of the park. Local plants such as lianas, bamboo, ferns, and giant rattan—some over 10 cm in diameter—thrive here.

The Bua Phut, or Rafflesia kerrii Meyer, is perhaps what visitors to Khao Sok look forward to seeing most. It is a flower that can only be found in Khao Sok and a few other areas. It is known as the largest flower in Thailand and among the largest in the world.

When in full bloom, the Bua Phut measures approximately 80 centimeters in diameter. The flower is a natural parasite without roots of its own and relies on the roots of a jungle vine to survive.

The best time to see the Bua Phut is from October to December, when it is in full bloom. Please contact the park headquarters to arrange a local guide. Note that a 5–8 hour hike is required to see this rare flower.

The park headquarters displays photographs of the Bua Phut and provides details on the local ecosystem. There is an entry fee for the park.

The park office is located 1.3 kilometers off the Surat Thani–Takua Pa Road at the kilometer 109 marker. From Surat Thani City, take Highway 401 toward Takua Pa District in Phang Nga Province. Total distance is approximately 100 kilometers.

The best time to visit Khao Sok National Park is from December to April.

⭐ Tour Highlights

🐘 Elephant Bathing Experience – Approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour.

🛶 Sok River Canoeing – Relax in a canoe with life jacket and a local guide paddling for you.

🌿 Khao Sok National Park Scenery – Enjoy rainforest, wildlife and huge limestone cliffs.

🛕 Monkey Cave Temple & Khao Sok Viewpoint

🍽️ Traditional Thai Lunch by the Riverside

🗺️ Trip Itinerary

07:00 AM–08:30 AM | Hotel Pick-Up

🚐 Pickup from your hotel in Phuket. Exact time depends on hotel location.

09:00 AM | Coffee Break

☕ Enjoy a coffee break at a local restaurant.

09:30 AM | Khao Lak & Tsunami Museum

🏛️ Arrive at Khao Lak and visit the Tsunami Museum.

10:45 AM | Elephant Bathing

🐘 Arrive at Khao Sok for an exciting elephant bathing experience in the river.

Duration: Approx. 45 minutes – 1 hour.

12:15 PM | Khao Sok Viewpoint

📸 Stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking Khao Sok National Park.

12:30 PM | Monkey Cave Temple

🛕 Visit Monkey Cave Temple.

1:00 PM | Traditional Thai Lunch

🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at Khao Sok Jungle Restaurant, located right by the riverside.

1:00 PM | Sok River Canoeing

🛶 Jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River.

Relax in safe, stable canoes with life jackets and a local guide to paddle for you. Spot local wildlife and admire huge limestone cliffs.

Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour.

3:30 PM | Depart for Phuket

🚐 Depart from Khao Sok National Park for Phuket.

6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Return to Hotel

🏨 Arrive back at your hotel in Phuket.

✅ Tour Includes

🎒 What to Bring

🏖️ Beach towel

🩱 Swimming suit

👕 Spare dress

🦟 Mosquito spay

👟 Trekking shose (if you have)

📷 Camera

💵 Budget money

ℹ️ Essential Travel Info

🚐 Transfer Surcharges