Krabi to Khao Sok: Journey to the Jungle
We took a minivan from Krabi to Khao Sok National Park, leaving behind the beaches and limestone karsts for one of the oldest rainforests on Earth!
The Journey
The 2.5-hour drive from Krabi to Khao Sok was scenic and comfortable. As we traveled inland, the landscape gradually transformed from coastal limestone formations to dense jungle canopy. The anticipation of exploring this ancient rainforest grew with every kilometer.
Arriving in Khao Sok
We arrived at our jungle bungalow accommodation in the late afternoon, ready to rest before tomorrow's adventures in the national park. The sounds of the jungle immediately surrounded us - a symphony of insects, birds, and distant howler monkeys that would be our soundtrack for the next few days.
Have you traveled from Krabi to Khao Sok? Which transport company did you use? Any tips for making the journey? Share your Thailand travel experiences below!
Traveling Krabi to Khao Sok
- Minivan from Krabi: 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic and pickup locations. Most hotels/guesthouses can arrange transport. Book day before for morning departure.
- Cost (2017): 300-500 THB (~$9-15 USD) per person for shared minivan with hotel pickup. Private taxi: 1,500-2,500 THB ($45-75).
- Best departure time: Early morning (8-9am) to arrive midday and have afternoon to settle in or do activities. Avoid late afternoon arrivals in jungle!
- Distance: ~110km from Krabi Town to Khao Sok village. Road is good quality. Route passes through small towns and rubber plantations.
- Khao Sok accommodation: Book ahead! Options from budget bungalows ($10-20/night) to luxury resorts ($80-200/night). Stay near national park entrance for easy access.
- What to pack: Jungle-appropriate clothes, hiking shoes, swimsuit, insect repellent, waterproof bags. Leave beach gear in Krabi storage if returning!
- Khao Sok village: Small with restaurants, tour agencies, mini-marts, and ATM. Stock up on supplies. No nightlife - it's jungle, not party town!
- Plan ahead: Book tours (jungle trek, lake tour) on arrival or online before coming. Popular tours fill up in high season (Nov-Apr).
Note:
Leaving Krabi's beaches for Khao Sok's jungle felt like entering another world. Tomorrow we'd start exploring one of the planet's oldest rainforests - home to elephants, gibbons, and incredible biodiversity!