{"id":9322,"date":"2019-04-09T01:00:20","date_gmt":"2019-04-09T01:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/khao-sok-photo-diary\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T20:46:27","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T20:46:27","slug":"khao-sok-photo-diary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/khao-sok-photo-diary\/","title":{"rendered":"Snapshots of My Trip to Khao Sok, Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In January of 2019, I self-invited myself to my parent&#8217;s bi-annual hiking trip to Thailand. I managed to sneak past their surveillances undetected by labelling myself a &#8220;personal photographer&#8221; in my father&#8217;s Google Sheets and a week later, he&#8217;d booked tickets for three. Success!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Khao-Sok-National-Park-Surat-Thani.d6347512.Place-To-Visit\">Khao Sok National Park<\/a> is the most visited national park in Southern <a href=\"https:\/\/travelblog.expedia.com.sg\/thailand-itinerary-routes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thailand<\/a> for a reason &#8211; there are things you can do that you wouldn&#8217;t be able to in other parts of the world. Though the hiking trails are much more rugged, with fewer safety measures in place, anyone who maintains their fitness is more than capable of doing it. However, that&#8217;s not to say that\u00a0it&#8217;s not a challenge. It is the challenge, after all,\u00a0that makes it so fun.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16303\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/itinerary-day1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1652\" height=\"185\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Day 1: Arrival at Khao Sok National Park<\/h2>\n<p>Khao Sok National Park is bigger than the whole of Singapore and comprises a lake, rainforests\u00a0<em>and<\/em>\u00a0villages. We took a 4-hour bus ride from Phuket to Khao Sok.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48787 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dad-Buggy.jpg\" alt=\"Dad approaching a buggy purposefully\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Dad (in red) approaching a buggy purposefully.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48798 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Hut-No-wifi.jpg\" alt=\"Our accommodation in Khao Sok\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Our stay for the night. There was allegedly no WiFi, but our hut was nearest to the reception, so we got some signal\u00a0anyway.<\/p>\n<p>We settled in for lunch at Rafflesia Cafe. Coconut juice served in a flowery coconut husk, garlic pork with rice, and pineapple fried rice. Portions are just right and the service provided by the staff was impeccable.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48786 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Coconut-Juice-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Coconut juice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48795 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Garlic-Pork-Rice-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Garlic pork with rice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48817 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Pineapple-Fried-Rice-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Pineapple fried rice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h3>\n<h2>A Midday Trek Through Khao Sok National Park<\/h2>\n<p>Fulfilling my promise of being my parents&#8217; personal photographer. Rule #1: Maintain a good 10m behind them and snap away. Also, keep complaints to a minimum.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48836 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trek-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Parents trekking at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48837 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Viewpoint-trek-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Viewpoint from our trek at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48827 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Rubber-Tree-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Rubber tapping on a roadside tree in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Rubber tapping by the roadside.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48813 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mom-Dad-Trek-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of my parents at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re on our way to a viewpoint &#8211; at this point,\u00a0Dad has insisted that it&#8217;s &#8220;not far&#8221; for the past 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48838 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Viewpoint-trek2-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Parents trekking to the viewpoint at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;ve finally reached the viewpoint!<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48802 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Khao-Sok-National-Park-Viewpoint3.jpg\" alt=\"Viewpoint at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48789 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dad-Khao-Sok-National-Park-Viewpoint.jpg\" alt=\"Dad at viewpoint in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h3>\n<h2>Dinner along Khao Sok National Park, Phanom<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48816 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Phanom-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Pizza and Thai food stall in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48831 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Thai-Green-Curry-Phanom.jpg\" alt=\"Thai green curry at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48799 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Italian-Pizza-Phanom.jpg\" alt=\"Pizza at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Thai green curry and Italian pizza for dinner &#8211; yum.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16304\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/itinerary-day2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1652\" height=\"185\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Day 2: The Hike Up to Ton Kloi Waterfall<\/h2>\n<h3>Preparing for the day ahead<\/h3>\n<p>The next morning, Rafflesia Cafe shows us the pupa of a cicada. I&#8217;d thought it was fake at first, but who knew that mother nature had her own supply of vanity mirrors?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48785 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cicada-Pupa-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"The pupa of a cicada\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Viewer discretion advised: Two frogs mating in a pot-pond outside the cafe.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48819 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Pot-Pond-Frogs.jpg\" alt=\"Two frogs mating in a pot pond outside Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Carb-heavy meals for the hike ahead.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48779 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Basil-porkRafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Basil pork with rice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Basil pork with rice &#8211; done better than any Thai restaurant in Singapore at just 90baht.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48794 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Fried-pepper-rice-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Fried pepper rice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fried pepper rice &#8211; the wok hey fragrance was almost addictive.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48815 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Noodle-Soup-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Noodle soup from Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Noodle Soup<\/p>\n<h3>The hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park:<\/h3>\n<p>There are a few trails around Khao Sok National Park:<\/p>\n<p>We took the main hiking route (14km roundtrip) to Ton Kloi Waterfall on the second day and the Sip Et Chan Waterfall route (8km roundtrip) on the third. The main hiking route has an easy, paved pathway for the first 3km\u00a0or so, then the rest gets arduous. If you don&#8217;t have hiking experience, the rangers advise that\u00a0you hire a guide for the Khao Sok National Park tours.<\/p>\n<p>For the Sip Et Chan Waterfall route, they recommend a guide for the entire route. There are also a\u00a0<em>lot<\/em>\u00a0of leeches on this route (especially during the rainy season), so please purchase leech socks. Personally, those aren&#8217;t optional but a must. Even then, you&#8217;ll probably still be harrowed by the leeches crawling up your pants and squeezing their way into your shoes.<\/p>\n<h3>Our Hike<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48797 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Hike-Sip-Et-Chan-Waterfall.jpg\" alt=\"Parents in the jungle at Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And we&#8217;re in the jungle! Lots of bamboo trees here.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48778 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bamboo-Trees-Khao-Sok-National-Park2.jpg\" alt=\"Parents posing among bamboo trees in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48821 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River-Rocks-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Sitting on the rocks by the river for lunch\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We sat on the rocks by the river to have our lunch &#8211; packed fried rice from our breakfast place.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48806 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Lizard-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"A lizard in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Khao Sok animals came out to say hello. A lizard who was kind enough to pose for me.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48839 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Wild-Pig-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"A wild pig in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0bashful wild pig who slowly picked up its pace when I approached.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48814 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Monkey-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"A monkey in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A monkey who peered over curiously when he heard the shutter sounds.<\/p>\n<p>The hike past the zone where a guide was recommended was slightly more challenging &#8211; you had to watch out where you stepped because you could seriously twist your ankle or slip and fall off the edge.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48825 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Rope-like-Ropes-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Difficult hiking trails in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Rope-like roots served as support as we ambled down the messy path.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48776 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/900-yearl-old-Tree-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"Ambling down a tricky route in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This tree is over 900 years old; it&#8217;s massive and serves as a great landmark of your hiking trail.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48809 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Massive-Trunk-Khao-Sok-National-Park.jpg\" alt=\"A tree over 900 years old in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Massive trunks block the pathway, so you have to\u00a0squeeze under them, or hug them as tight as you can while you flail your feet to the other side. Mum, get away from there for goodness&#8217; sake!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48823 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River-Route-Sip-Et-Chan-Waterfall.jpg\" alt=\"Parents posing on a hiking trail in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Please enter the forest as early as possible, because it takes quite a while to get to the big waterfall. We didn&#8217;t make it to the end since the sun was setting, but the viewpoints scattered along the route did not disappoint.<\/p>\n<h2>Dinner Treat at Rafflesia Cafe &#8211; now our regular food stop<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48784 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chicken-Wings-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Chicken wings at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been a long day, I reckon this basket of chicken wings was well deserved.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48820 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Rice-Porridge-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Rice porridge with pork balls at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A warm bowl of rice porridge with pork balls.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48780 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Beef-Pad-Siew-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Beef Pad Siew at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Beef Pad Siew, made from rice noodles that are so soft they have the bite of mochi.<\/p>\n<p>Remember those horny toads? Looks like they successfully laid a fresh batch of eggs today.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48818 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Pot-pond-Frog-Eggs.jpg\" alt=\"Frog eggs \" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23073\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/itinerary-day3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1652\" height=\"185\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Day 3: The Hike to Sip Et Chan Waterfall<\/h2>\n<p>Tip\/Spoiler Alert: Do NOT attempt without a guide!<\/p>\n<p>Breakfast. Blissfully enjoyed while we still had no idea what&#8217;s to come.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48830 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Thai-Chicken-Rice-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Thai chicken rice from Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ah &#8211; so this is how the Thai do their chicken rice.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48810 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mixed-Veggie-Chicken-Rafflesia-Cafe.jpg\" alt=\"Mixed vegetables with chicken and rice at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This dish of mixed vegetables and chicken with rice reminded me dearly of home.<\/p>\n<h2>The Expedition Begins<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48781 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Butterfly-Trail.jpg\" alt=\"A butterfly in Khao Sok National Park\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Finally, a butterfly that would sit still for more than half a second. (We still have no idea what&#8217;s to come.)<\/p>\n<h2>Arriving at Sip Et Chan Waterfall<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48835 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Trail-Sip-Et-Chan-Waterfall2.jpg\" alt=\"Parents arriving at Sip Et Chan Waterfall\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There aren&#8217;t any photos of our journey there because there simply\u00a0was no way to capture them. The route was steep and really\u00a0rugged. I kept my camera in my bag the whole time in fear that\u00a0I would drop it down the edge.<\/p>\n<p>There were parts of the journey where you would have to hold a very unstable tree root and just hope that\u00a0it wouldn&#8217;t come loose while you made your way up. We got lost in the forest many times &#8211; especially when we crossed the river &#8211; even with a GPS.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48824 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/River-Sip-et-Chan.jpg\" alt=\"Sip Et Chan Waterfall\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Honestly, I&#8217;m surprised we made it out before sunset! If you are the sort of\u00a0traveller looking for the road less travelled and more challenging Khao Sok activities, this is perfect for you.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48804 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Leech-Route2.jpg\" alt=\"Posing at Sip Et Chan Waterfall\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Beware: The route isn&#8217;t dubbed &#8220;the leech route&#8221; for no reason.<\/p>\n<p>About half a kilometre in and leeches are everywhere &#8211; you can\u00a0<em>not<\/em>\u00a0avoid them. They wave sticky heads up in the air and latch onto you immediately. But leeches aren&#8217;t known to pass diseases. They just\u00a0look very\u00a0evil, and if you&#8217;re alright with that, there&#8217;s really nothing to be afraid of.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to wear long pants and covered shoes, and do your best to minimise skin exposure.<\/p>\n<h2>Dinner for the brave<\/h2>\n<p>After that arduous journey, we ordered mango smoothie, green curry, tom yum goong, and everything else we ordered.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48832 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Tom-Yum-Goon.jpg\" alt=\"Tom Yum Goong at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48796 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Green-Curry.jpg\" alt=\"Green curry at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48807 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mango-Smoothie.jpg\" alt=\"Mango smoothie at Rafflesia Cafe\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One activity I really recommend you hire a guide for is the night safari. The guides are experts at spotting even the smallest of lizards on the treetops &#8211; we even witnessed a guide climb up a tree to catch a frilled-neck lizard! Trust me, they really make the experience so much more interesting.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23074 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/itinerary-day4-1024x115-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"115\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Day 4: Cheow Lan Lake<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48811 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Mom-at-Ferry.jpg\" alt=\"Mum posing on a ferry ride on Cheow Lan Lake\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After a couple of hours on a minibus, we took an hour&#8217;s ferry ride to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Surat-Thani-Hotels-Smiley-Lakehouse.h20230188.Hotel-Information?\">Smiley Lakehouse resort<\/a>. The ferry ride was so nice &#8211; after all that hiking, soaking in the sunny Khao Sok weather while lake water sprayed from the sides of the boat was bliss.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48828 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Smiley-Lakehouse-Resort.jpg\" alt=\"Posing at Smiley Lakehouse Resort\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Smiley Lakehouse Resort. Here, you&#8217;re allowed to take a dip in the water &#8211; if you&#8217;re a newbie at swimming, I suggest you wear a life jacket because the water is very, very\u00a0deep. 15-metres kind of deep. You&#8217;re also allowed to kayak around the entire lake with no restrictions, but this time, wearing your life jacket is a must. The 3 meals of the day are served buffet-style, featuring simple Thai comfort food. Feel free to make the best of your trip at night &#8211; the hosts are more than excited to play drinking games with you and your company &#8211; just be prepared to do some extremely\u00a0embarrassing forfeits!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48783 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cheow-Lan-Lake-Sunset.jpg\" alt=\"View across Cheow Lan Lake\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48782 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Cheow-Lan-Lake-Sunrise.jpg\" alt=\"Sunrise over Cheow Lan Lake\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sunset and sunrise at Cheow Lan Lake.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48829 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Sunrise-Coffee-Cheow-Lan-Lake.jpg\" alt=\"Enjoying a cup of coffee at sunrise on Cheow Lan Lake\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A cup of coffee during the sunrise.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-48788 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dad-Cheow-Lan-Lake.jpg\" alt=\"Dad at Cheow Lan Lake\" width=\"1040\" height=\"693\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A ferry ride to see animals in the early morning. The monkeys, who promptly left after noticing us staring at them unabashedly, and hornbills &#8211; beautiful and magnificent &#8211; flying against the rising sun.<\/p>\n<h2>Tips to get the safest, fuss-free experience in Khao Sok National Park<\/h2>\n<p>Buy leech socks if you&#8217;re planning to hike.<\/p>\n<p>Bring a waterproof bag to store your cameras, phones, etc. if you&#8217;re planning on visiting the cave. If you&#8217;re only bringing your phone, your tour guide may offer to put it in their own waterproof bag.<\/p>\n<p>Bring headlamps on your hikes and visit to the cave &#8211; just in case you can&#8217;t get out by sundown. You&#8217;ll be provided with them if you hire a guide.<\/p>\n<p>The lakehouse will offer to rent out water shoes &#8211; non-slip rubber sandals which are\u00a0great for hiking in slippery and sophisticated walkways. Do wear long, thick socks, as these tend to\u00a0nag at your ankles.<\/p>\n<p>Sunscreen, caps and arm sleeves. Try to bring at least one of these if you&#8217;re visiting Cheow Lan Lake and have pale skin &#8211; or you&#8217;ll be boiled into a red lobster under the afternoon sun.<\/p>\n<p>Gloves &#8211; if you&#8217;re hiking without a guide, please wear a pair of these. They make meandering and clinging onto tree branches so much easier.<\/p>\n<p>Swimwear &#8211; these are a must for your hikes and lake visits.<\/p>\n<p>Snacks &#8211; please bring food to eat during your day-long hike without a guide. Do make sure you keep your blood sugar levels healthy &#8211; there&#8217;s nothing more dangerous in the middle of a forest than getting dizzy and weak.<\/p>\n<p>Most important of all: Don&#8217;t be afraid of trying new things. Khao Sok is a place of adventure and self-discovery, so let loose!<\/p>\n<p>[tabs]<\/p>\n<p>[tab title=&#8221;Where to Stay&#8221; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>[button style=&#8217;blue&#8217; icon=&#8221;entypo-suitcase&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Khao-Sok-National-Park-Hotels.0-l6347512-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Find Hotels near Khao Sok National Park [\/button]<\/p>\n<p>[\/tab]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[tab title=&#8221;Let&#8217;s Go!&#8221;\u00a0icon=&#8221;entypo-flight&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>[button icon=&#8221;entypo-flight&#8221; url=&#8217;https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Destinations-In-Thailand.d178.Flight-Destinations&#8217; fullwidth=&#8217;true&#8217;] Flights to Thailand [\/button]<\/p>\n<p>[\/tab]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/tabs]<\/p>\n<p>Book a trip to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/Khao-Sok-National-Park-Surat-Thani.d6347512.Place-To-Visit\">Khao Sok<\/a>, visit a cave, go kayaking around the lake, hike to see a waterfall! You&#8217;re bound to have a blast &#8211; I sure did.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In January of 2019, I self-invited myself to my parent&#8217;s bi-annual hiking trip to Thailand. I managed to sneak past their surveillances undetected by labelling myself a &#8220;personal photographer&#8221; in my father&#8217;s Google Sheets and a week later, he&#8217;d booked tickets for three. Success! Khao Sok National Park is the most visited national park in&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/khao-sok-photo-diary\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Snapshots of My Trip to Khao Sok, Thailand<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":9323,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[165,70,12,107,166,131,78],"tags":[790,775],"authors":[793],"class_list":["post-9322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-asia","category-experience","category-family-holidays","category-outdoors","category-thailand","category-travel-diaries","tag-photo-diary","tag-thailand","authors-april-chung","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Photos of my Trip to Khao Sok National Park - 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