Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
My research led me to the Khao Sok region for the rainforest and Cheow Larn Lake. What won me over was the photos of
Day 11 – November 27, 2019
From Chiang Rai, we flew south to Phuket, which started the beach and
We enjoyed the pool and admire the decor. It was a beautiful oasis hotel that won me over in photos, despite being located out of our way.
At night, we walked to the nearby Karon night market for dinner. It started to pour hard… almost like monsoon-like. We eventually asked for two large black garbage bags to use as raincoats.
Day 12 – November 28, 2019
We hired a driver to take us to the Ratchaprapa dam pier where we caught a small boat to take us to the Panavaree Greenery. Our one night villa stay included our meals and basic activities like swimming, kayaking and taking a sunset boat tour.
It was very relaxing and a perfect change of pace after Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Swimming in the lake at the footstep of your room was refreshing. We also kayaked for
The evening boat tour was nice to see more of the lake and take in the atmosphere. This was one of my favorite part of the trip.
Day 13 – November 29, 2019
After one night on the lake, we switched to a jungle treehouse near Khao Sok National Park. The treehouse was very resort-like with a restaurant and nature activities but this stay was more rustic without air conditioning.
First, we went rivertubing where I saw monkeys and a snake from the trees. It was pretty peaceful and fun. We shared this lazy river journey with another young lady and her mum from Israel. I think Chi was a little bored though. He wanted more rapids.
That same evening, we went on a night safari to explore the national park. This was a night walking tour to find critters. For some reason, I was expecting hiking through unmarked trails like in the Brazilian amazon but there was a trail and it wasn’t as wild as I expected.
This was one of the most unique things I’ve done! We spotted tons of wildlife from creepy spiders to a slow lori! Chi loved this activity as he felt like he was out to catch Pokémon. We spotted a small snake, large spiders, a huge stick bug, beetles, a tree frog, a scorpion, cicadas, a langur and more.
My worst nightmare also came true. I read about leeches in this park and suggestions to wear leech socks. I didn’t have any but did have high socks, running shoes and kept my rain jacket on to avoid any skin exposure. Somehow on the van ride home, I scratch my back and felt something slimy. I flicked it away screaming because I knew it was a leech! Luckily, it was small, about 2cm but still disgusting and my scar was bleeding.
Day 14 – November 30, 2019
The next day, we picked a nature tour that included caving, rafting
Tham Kheow cave was the reward at the end. This cave was massive and it was eerie to explore. Bats were hovering above us in pitch black darkness.
We also rode on a bamboo raft which did not look that safe or sturdy… but it did its job in transporting us from one place to the next. We watched the guide heat up hot water in a bamboo contraption for a coffee. But honestly, I wanted a cold Thai iced tea instead.
We returned back to civilization in an area called Khao Lak. We didn’t venture outside much but rather treat ourselves to this ultra-modern beautiful suite at Casa de la Flora. Unfortunately it started to rain so we didn’t get much time enjoying the main pool or our private pool. Regardless it was a nice lavish stay from the jungle.
I do wish we could have seen the national park during the day and hike to the waterfalls. But who knows, maybe it would have been underwhelming compared to the Pacific Northwest rainforests. This was one of my favorite leg of our trip to Thailand.