Khao Sok National Park: Wildlife overnight tour with lake stay

Summary

Wake up to jungle sounds & drift across Cheow Lan Lake at dawn

You’ll travel deep into Khao Sok National Park with a local guide—cruising Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat, sleeping in simple bamboo huts under starry skies, sharing Thai meals by lantern light, and waking to jungle sounds you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you hear that?" our guide whispered, just as the longtail boat engine sputtered off and the water went quiet. We’d left Khao Lak early—still half asleep in the minivan—and by the time we reached Cheow Lan Lake, the air was thick and green. The limestone cliffs shot straight up from the water like something out of a dream, all misty edges and tangled vines. I remember the smell—wet wood, a little diesel from the boat, and something sweet I couldn’t place. Lunch was already waiting when we arrived at these floating bamboo huts; nothing fancy, just spicy curry and rice, but it tasted perfect after the ride.

Our local guide (I think his name was Somchai?) had this way of spotting things none of us could see—pointing out dusky shapes in the trees or a flash of movement near the shore. The afternoon wildlife safari felt almost unreal; gibbons calling somewhere above us, their voices echoing over the lake. I tried to catch them on camera but mostly ended up with blurry leaves. That night in the bamboo hut was… well, basic is one word for it. Just a mattress and mosquito net, no electricity except for a few solar lamps at dinner. But lying there listening to frogs and distant animal calls under a sky full of stars—I still think about that silence sometimes.

The next morning started before sunrise (I’m not really a morning person), but drifting out onto the lake in that soft blue light made me forget how tired I was. Breakfast was simple—eggs, fruit, strong coffee—and then we set off into the jungle on foot. The ground felt springy under my shoes, all roots and damp leaves. Somchai showed us how to spot animal tracks and which plants not to touch (I probably would’ve grabbed everything otherwise). By midday we were back on the boat heading toward civilization again—muddy, sweaty, kind of wishing we could stay another night just to listen to those gibbons one more time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Wildlife Safari

• Transfer to Khao Sok Lake by minivan
• Check-in at bamboo hut and local Thai lunch
• Wildlife safari by longtail boat
• Local Thai dinner at ranger station

Day 2 — Morning Expedition and Jungle Trek

• Early morning wildlife expedition by longtail boat
• Local Thai breakfast
• Jungle trek with guide
• Local Thai lunch
• Cruise back to hotel in Khao Lak

Top questions

How do I get from Khao Lak to Khao Sok National Park?

The tour includes pickup by minivan from your hotel in Khao Lak area. Transfer time is about 2 hours.

Is accommodation included on this Khao Sok overnight tour?

Yes, you’ll stay overnight in basic bamboo huts with mattress and mosquito net at a ranger station on Cheow Lan Lake.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Local Thai lunch and dinner are included on day one; breakfast and lunch are included on day two.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

You may spot wild elephants, gibbons, bos gaurus (gaur), and other animals during boat safaris and jungle trekking.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

Children must be accompanied by an adult; travelers should have at least moderate fitness due to hiking involved.

What should I bring for this trip?

Trekking shoes are recommended; pack light as only one carry-on bag per traveler is allowed.

Is there electricity or Wi-Fi at the accommodation?

No regular electricity or Wi-Fi; only basic solar lamps are available at night in the bamboo huts.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Khao Lak area, bottled water and soft drinks throughout both days, national park entry fees covered by your guide, all meals as described (local Thai lunch and dinner plus breakfast), shared accommodation in simple bamboo huts with mosquito nets deep inside Khao Sok National Park—and all transport by longtail boat across Cheow Lan Lake before returning in the evening.