Exploring Khao Sok National Park: Canoes, Campfires, and Rainforest Trails

After seeing photos of Khao Sok National Park, I knew I had to go. The place looked unreal; lush jungle, mist-covered mountain peaks, and a lake surrounded by majestic towering limestones. Khao Sok sits about 90 miles north of where I live. It’s not far in terms of distance, but the drive takes around two and a half hours. Still, it felt worth it for the chance to experience both sides of the park: the jungle and the lake. I decided to start my trip in the jungle, staying at Our Jungle Camp Eco Resort.

Every part of this stay exceeded my expectations. My bungalow was perfect; fitted with real mosquito netting over the bed, a stone-floored bathroom, and a shower with an indoor-outdoor vibe. Just down a short cobblestone path is the river, which feels like the heartbeat of the jungle. I sipped coffee each morning at the restaurant while watching monkeys swing through the trees. It’s one of the most peaceful environments I’ve experienced.

My first excursion was a two-hour canoe trip down the river with my guide, Piti. He was sharp, kind, and incredibly good at spotting wildlife. We passed overhanging bamboo packed with sleeping pythons and bright yellow-black mangrove snakes. We saw both macaques and, surprisingly, a gibbon. The rain started midway, and we stopped at a spot where locals were swimming and playing in the water. They waved us over, laughing and inviting us to join.

That night, I sat around the campfire with a group from the UK. They were a riot, one of the guys could’ve had a stand-up career. I had planned to explore Khao Sok National Park on my own the next day, but after chatting with them, I learned solo hikers aren’t allowed far into the park. I decided to book a half-day guided hike.

I arrived at the park around 9:00 a.m. and met my guide, Nit. He showed me the route and mentioned a few wildlife sightings he hoped for. The trail was actually a lot for me. If I’m being honest, I’m not exactly a seasoned hiker. Before Thailand, my "hiking" was limited to exploring the woods as a kid. I have a titanium tibia in my left leg and had major surgery on my right knee December 2023. I’m definitely not sure-footed.

An hour in, the sky opened up. It wasn’t a drizzle, it poured. Even under the dense canopy, visibility dropped. Within half an hour, I stopped trying to stay dry. I walked straight through puddles and leaned into it. At one point, we passed a waterfall roaring with storm runoff, absolutely thundering through the forest. Finally the rain slowed to a light mist, moments later were were under a group of Lemurs, including a mom with a baby. I couldn’t resist pulling out my phone to take some video, only to find out the hard way that my iPhone wasn’t waterproof. It died in the jungle on the trek back.

Being that deep in the jungle, soaked and surrounded by that kind of wild beauty, is something I won’t forget.