Khao Sok National Park

For those of you going in search of adventure and want to experience the natural beauty of Thailand at its best a trip to Khao Sok is a must. The 646 sq km park was established in the eighties and lies just west of Suratthani, so if you're thinking of traveling and showing your support to Phuket, Phi Phi or Krabi you could include a visit to the park on your way.

The easiest way to get there from Samui is to take the 13.30 hrs Songserm boat, then be picked up at 17.50 hrs and taken to the park, the easiest way by far to the park is to book a straight through ticket that covers boat, bas and transfers from your hotel. There are various places to eat and stay in and outside the park including guest houses, all provide local guides with a wealth of knowledge to take you on various jungle trips and treks.

The most popular accommodation is the tree houses which are eco friendly and offer a unique experience. A good example of this is the Khao Sok Rainforest Resort which has both tree houses and riverside rooms. Once inside the park you will find a plethora of wildlife including wild elephant, leopard, serow, banteng, gaur, Asiatic black bear, tiger, dusky languor and Malayan sun bear as well as over 180 bird species.

The khao Sok park and adjacent parks contain beautiful foliage such as bamboo, ferns, rattan, giant rattan and largest flower in the world called bua phut (wild lotus) which when in bloom reaches up to 80cm and is said to have an aroma like that of a rotting corpse. There are maps you can obtain from the park rangers for the many hiking. They even offer a night trek so you can discover the parks noeturnal residents going about there rainforest activities.

The Ratchaprapha Dam which is a 95m high, 700m long land mark and Chiaw Lake that has more than 100 beautiful limestone outcrops protruding from its waters can be visited on a two day tour. It is recognized to be on par with China's Guilin another Asian treasure. You can stay overnight on a raft house out on the lake Śnd view the wildlife including fish eagles and hornbills.

More in formation & how more about traveling to Khao Sok, head over to Travel Solutions on Chaweng Beach Road (near McDonalds, turn off by The Pizza Company).They will be happy to help with any of your queries or booking requests. You can also contact them by phone on 077 239 007-8 Fax: 077 239 009, Mobile: 08 9873 7575. E-mail:info@travelolutionsthailand.com.