Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Which National Park to Go?

Khao Yai and Khao Sok are two of Thailand's most iconic national parks. Both are well-known for hiking and wildlife spotting in the tropical jungle.

Khao Yai, just a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, is perfect for a quick escape with less physically demanding activities.

In contrast, Khao Sok, near Phuket and Krabi, captivates with more diverse adventures from challenging treks to relaxing kayaking over Cheow Lan Lake. Its unique accommodation, such as tree houses and floating bungalows, are also highlights.

So, which one is right for you?

Go for Khao Yai if you:

• Enjoy hiking but prefer light to moderate trails
• Want a quick and convenient escape, as Khao Yai is only 2–3 hours from Bangkok
• Are looking for a budget-friendly trip without sacrificing scenic beauty

Pick Khao Sok if you:

• Crave adventure with activities like trekking, hidden cave exploration, canoeing, and kayaking
• Seek a remote and serene environment, away from the usual tourist hot spots
• Are excited about unique stays, such as in floating bungalows or tree houses

Read on for a detailed comparison!

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Top Things to Do

Khao Yai National Park: Beginner-Friendly Outdoor Pursuits

Hiking tops the highlights of Khao Yai as it offers close contact with jungles and wildlife. With seven easy-to-moderate trails, you could choose the easy hiking trails to Haew Narok or Haew Suwat waterfalls, which are great options for families or seniors.

For a bit more adventure, take the muddy forest trails where you might spot hornbills, deer, gibbons, and, if lucky, wild elephants. Going with a ranger is mandatory on these adventurous trails to keep you on the right trail and be able to track for animals.

Evenings in Khao Yai are just as exciting. Join a guided night safari to glimpse nocturnal wildlife or watch thousands of bats emerge from caves at sunset.

Khao Sok National Park: Home to Diverse Activities for All Skill Levels

Compared with Khao Yai, Khao Sok offers more of a sense of wilderness. You could have a glimpse at a tropical jungle with some easy trails around the headquarters of the national park.

However, for more thrilling rewards, delve into the more physically demanding trekking trails. These treks would take you through rivers, into untouched caves, and down waterfalls. With a lack of signs and signals, a local guide is necessary if you'd like to delve into the forest.

More often, you could see similar animals as those found in Khao Yai when trekking. If trekking between November and April, you could also see the largest flower in the world — rafflesia, which is unique to Khao Sok in Thailand.

If hiking isn't your thing, enjoy leisure activities like visiting elephants at Elephant Hills, cruising, canoeing, or kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake, or unwinding at a floating bungalow.

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: How Long to Spend There

Khao Yai: 1 to 2 Days

With 2½ hours' drive from Bangkok, you could technically take a day trip to Khao Yai National Park, mainly covering a short hike and a waterfall.

Given the travel time, it's advisable to set aside 2 days for a richer experience. You could discover more diverse views of the jungles and have higher chances to see wildlife when spotting in the day and night.

• Day 1: Km 30 Viewpoint, Trail 3 hike, Haew Suwat Waterfall, and the Night Safari
• Day 2: Trail 4 and the grand Haew Narok Waterfall

Khao Sok: 2 to 4 Days

In contrast, Khao Sok is best experienced over a period of 2 to 4 days. Day trips are possible from nearby islands, such as Krabi or Khao Lak. But they always involve over 12 hours of travel and you barely have time to see some of the top highlights leisurely. Additionally, you would miss out on a unique stay in Khao Sok in floating bungalows, tented camps, or tree houses.

Therefore, for a well-rounded experience in Khao Sok, you're advised to spend 2–4 days for a comfortable stay. A popular 3-day itinerary is detailed below:

• Day 1: Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, enjoy an elephant experience and canoeing, then stay overnight at a tented camp in the rainforest.
• Day 2: Take a Cheow Lan Lake tour and a jungle hike, and then stay in a floating bungalow.
• Day 3: Enjoy a guided canoe safari and then depart.

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Hotels

Khao Yai: Modern Standard Hotels/Resorts

In Khao Yai, camping and limited homestays are available inside the park. However, when staying inside the park, you have little to no choice of food and could expect quite basic rooms without air-conditioning.

Therefore, for a comfortable stay, you're advised to stay in one of the Western-style hotels outside the park. Popular choices are Lacol Khaoyai, Atta Lakeside Resort, and InterContinental Khao Yai Resort.

Khao Sok: Characteristic Boutique Hotels

Khao Sok is characterized by boutique hotels, such as tree houses, floating bungalows, and tented camps. Nested in the lakes and jungles, they offer a serene escape amid breathtaking natural beauty.

You could find top picks, such as a tented camp and a lake camp at Elephant Hills, Khaosok Boutique Camps for tree houses, and 500Rai Floating Resort. You could book them online or contact us for better agent rates if you travel with us.

When booking, it's advisable to choose hotels inside the park to save transfer hours for daily activities. With limited rooms (usually less than 30 in each hotel), book your room at least 3 months in advance to secure your best choice.

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Which Is Easier to Reach?

Khao Yai: Conveniently Close to Bangkok

Located in central Thailand, Khao Yai National Park is relatively close to Bangkok, with a travel time of about 2½ to 3 hours.

You could choose private transfers directly to the national park, such as via a taxi or with a guided tour. If you prefer public transportation, take a train to Pak Chong, the closest town to the park, and then arrange additional private transfers to the park.

Inside the park, private transfers are essential as the area is vast and public transport is unavailable.

Khao Sok: a Remote Paradise Requiring Longer Travel Hours

Reaching Khao Sok requires some planning. Located in southern Thailand, the nearest airport is Surat Thani, about 1½ hours away. If flying from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, expect a total travel time of 4½–5½ hours, including layovers.

For nearby islands, private transfers are the primary option due to limited public transport and the absence of services like Grab or Bolt. Travel times are approximately 3 hours from Krabi, 3½–4 hours from Phuket, and 5½–6 hours from Koh Samui.

Many top resorts, such as Elephant Hills, provide shared transfers from Surat Thani Airport or nearby islands, usually in the early morning, so plan your flight or ferry arrival accordingly.

To explore the park, transfers must be arranged in advance as there is no public transportation. To explore Cheow Lan Lake, a boat ride is also necessary.

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Cost

If you're traveling on a budget, Khao Yai is the clear winner. Entry tickets, tours, and accommodation are all more affordable, with 3-star hotel rates starting at just 50 USD per night.

Due to higher transportation costs and local expenses, Khao Sok is a little pricier, but you would benefit from its boutique stays and exclusive touches.

Here's the breakdown of costs for your reference:

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Crowds

As a popular weekend getaway from Bangkok, Khao Yai is one of Thailand's most visited national parks. You could expect crowds during the peak season (November to February), especially at popular viewpoints, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing a more serene experience.

Khao Sok typically sees fewer tourists due to its less convenient location and higher costs. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Khao Sok is definitely your best bet.

Insider tips: To avoid crowds, visit these two national parks during the rainy season (June to October) when many travelers stay away. From our experience in August, one of the wettest months, outdoor activities are still feasible, as rain typically falls in short bursts of 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon and evening.

Khao Yai vs Khao Sok: Best Time to Visit

Both national parks share the same best time to visit. Weather-wise, explore them during the cool season (November to February). You could fully enjoy outdoor fun with cooler temperatures in the low 30s and rain-free days.

If you prefer lush greenery and the best prices, travel in the rainy season (June to October). However, the only drawback is that some trails may be closed. A flexible schedule is necessary to deal with occasional downpours.

Get to know more ideas about planning a visit to Khao Yai National Park.

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