Khao Sok National Park is the oldest rainforest on the planet, established in 1980 in southern Thailand. Visitors can explore limestone cliffs, rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and lakes, and spot animals such as leopards, tigers, and elephants. The park also features the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia. It’s a popular tourist attraction close to Thailand’s beaches and other national parks.
Khao Sok National Park is a protected jungle area in southern Thailand. It was established as a national park in 1980, although the jungle here dates back more than 160 million years, making it the oldest rainforest on the planet. Khao Sok National Park is a popular tourist attraction due to its rich and diverse wildlife population and its variety of plant life. The park is close to a number of other popular sites, including Thailand’s beaches and many other national parks.
Visitors flock to Khao Sok National Park for its wild and varied landscape and plentiful activities. At the park, guests can explore the limestone cliffs, which are some of the highest elevations in the country. The park is also full of jungles and rainforests, along with caves, waterfalls and lakes. Animals such as leopard, tiger and sun bear frolic throughout the area and visitors can also spot elephants, gibbons and native barking deer.
In addition to hiking the various nature trails, visitors can take part in water activities such as canoeing or lake tubing. Some scale the limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park, while others ride elephants on guided tours. Most sources advise guests not to stray from the park’s main roads unless accompanied by an experienced guide. Numerous guesthouses are located along the park’s main road, and many include restaurants for guests and day visitors. The Thai government charges a small park entrance fee, although this cost is often included in many tour packages.
A unique feature found only in Khao Sok National Park is the Bua Phut, or rafflesia flower. More commonly known as wild lotus, rafflesia is believed to be the largest flower in the world. It blooms mostly in January and February, making this a busy season for the park. This plant can grow up to 31.5 inches (80 cm) in diameter and its bright coloration is in stark contrast to its pungent odor reminiscent of rotten meat.
Khao Sok National Park is surrounded by some of Thailand’s most popular attractions. It’s a comfortable day trip from popular beaches like Phuket or Krabi. The park is also connected to two other major national parks, as well as a couple of nature reserves where visitors can spot leopards and other animals in their natural habitats.
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