Khao Sok - A Solo Backpacker’s Guide
View from the shower block overlooking our bungalows!
Khao Sok… where do I start? From the lush evergreen rainforest, to the picturesque floating bungalows, and the huge limestone mountains, khao Sok is a place for me that still goes unmatched. Once you leave, you immediately want to return. Whilst a trip here needs no convincing, I emphasise that if you are travelling to Thailand it can’t be missed.
“So, how do I travel there if I am a solo backpacker?”
From the early planning stages of my trip, Khao Sok was always high on my list. As the friends I was with weren’t as keen, I knew if I wanted to see it I would have to go solo. While planning, I was shocked to notice that there are minimal guides on google on how to visit Khao Sok as a solo backpacker, and very little information on this beautiful place at all. After lots of research (and stress!), I finally managed to plan my trip and I am so glad I did.
To prevent you from having the same issue, below I provide you with everything I didn’t know when planning my trip, and give you all the tips on how to travel this hidden gem.
Where Is Khao Sok? How do I get there?
The first questions that came to mind when booking Khao Sok was, where is it? how do I get there? how long will it take? and when should I go?
Where Is It?
Khao Sok is located in Southern Thailand in the Surat Thani province. The main tourist towns located near it are, Surat Thani, Khao Lak, Ko Lanta, Ko Samui, Phuket and Krabi. From looking at the rest of my route and from researching transport options I decided on travelling from Phuket.
How Do I Get There?
From Phuket there were 3 transport options available: car, taxi or shuttle bus. While taxi seemed the safest option, for me, the best and cheapest way to get to Khao Sok was by bus, or if travelling from Ao Nang – Mini Bus from Soi Roi Thai station.
The first thing I recommend doing is buying your bus ticket in advance. The ticket costs 180 TBH (£4.27) and can be bought from most travel agents or directly from the station. I did not buy my ticket in advance and was very fortunate that they had tickets on the day – this is not worth the risk so please pre-plan where possible!
To get to the station I took a 10-minute taxi ride to the central bus station in Phuket town (the time into the station will differ dependent on where you are staying!). Once at the station I waited roughly 30 minutes at terminal 2 for my bus. Despite the fact that buses are expected to arrive on schedule, I always advise coming to the bus station early to ensure you do not miss it. The bus times are listed below:
How Long Will It Take?
The bus takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic, with a short 10 minute break, but it is worth noting that there is a toilet on the bus. Once on the bus stay on until you reach the Khao Sok bus stop.
Bus route from phuket to Khao Sok
When Should I Go?
The best times to go to Khao Sok is between November and February as it is dry season. I went in mid February and the guide told us that in rainy season you often can’t go in the caves as the water is too high (so bear this in mind!).
Safety As a Solo Traveller on Public Transport
Whilst I found the buses very safe, I did make sure to keep all my valuables with me at all times. To prevent theft I advise putting any valuables into your day pack and taking it on the bus with you as my main rucksack went under the bus. From personal experience however, I found that the bus was mainly full of backpackers and all the staff at the station were extremely helpful, plus it helps that the journey is super scenic!
Where To Stay
There are many hostels in Khao Sok and had I known I probably wouldn’t have been as worried about pre-booking – however, its always good to be prepared. I stayed at Sunshine Hostel, which was very basic but right next to the jungle which was phenomenal! The hostel staff kindly picked me up from the bus station in the back of an open top van (great for sightseeing!). Each hostel provides transport as it was about a 15 minute drive into the town. Sunshine Hostel is currently temporarily closed, but I have listed some alternative and similarly priced hostels:
Coco Hostel (£9.85 for dorm room P/N)
Khao Sok Jungle Hostel (£29 P/N)
Khao Sok Backpacker Hostel (£25 P/N)
As I pre-booked my hostel I also organised some trips through them; this isn’t essential as my friend got on the same trip only organising the day prior. The trips I organised were the Cheown Lan Lake tour – which I highly recommend and will go into more detail about below – and the Night Safari tour. The hostel organised all transport to and from the trips as well as all accommodation, food and activities. Most hostels will book both of these trips for you or be able to point you in the direction of where to book.
How Long To Stay for?
I only booked to stay in Khao Sok for 3 nights but wish I had stayed longer! The first night I spent in the hostel and went on a night safari. The other two nights/3 days I spent on the Cheown Lan Lake tour before getting the mini bus home – which I organised through my hostel the same day. Whilst I had the most amazing time, some of my friends I met there had stayed a couple of extra days and got to explore more of the tropical rainforest. Therefore, to do the cheown Lan Lake tour and have some time to hike the breathtaking rainforest, I recommend staying around 5 nights.
Things To Do in Khao Sok
Night Safari
If you want to see some big spiders, poisonous snakes, bats and sleeping monkeys – this is your tour! The trip is around 2/3 hours and in that time you walk around the rainforest at night with a guide. The tour costs 600 TBH/£14.27 and you will also need to pay a seperate entrance fee to the park (300TBH/£7.14).
A very poisonous spider – my guide took this picture for me!
Cheown Lan Lake Tour/ Floating Bungalows
Without a doubt one of the best trips I’ve ever been on, I made great friends, got to kayak on the lake and stay in the serene floating bungalows. It was a tranquil but busy trip; whilst there wasn’t much around, you never felt bored.
If you choose to do this trip you have the option between a single day tour or overnight tour. I highly recommend doing the overnight tour as it was so much fun and a great way to meet other travellers. The tour costs 3,300TBH (£78.48) and includes transport to and from the lake, the boat trip to the bungalows, food, accomodation, a hike to see a cave, and a night safari.
Me sitting outside my floating bungalow
Some Other activities available in Khao Sok:
Some fresh fruit after our hike to the cave
I hope this guide has been useful for anyone looking to travel to Khao Sok. Khao Sok was one of the best and most beautiful places I’ve ever been, with its variety of wildlife, emerald green lakes and of course its history; being one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world. It was a perfect place to travel as a solo traveller – despite what the lack of blogs on google suggests!