Khao Sok Jungle & Lake Explorer 3 days
Khao Sok National Park is located midway between Surat Thani and Phuket. The park offers beautiful lakes, cliffs and cascading waterfalls and has a varied wildlife with excellent opportunities to see gibbons, langur monkeys and more than 175 bird species. This trip to Khao Sok National Park gives you both the opportunity to ride on an elephant through the rainforest, canoeing on the Klong Sok River, hiking in the jungle and sailing on the picturesque lake Cheo Larn. Between activities, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings
Details
Description
- Trip Length:
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Highlights:
- Khao Sok. Elephant riding. Canoeing. Trekking. Chao Larn lake. Raft house. Night safari by boat. Canoeing. Bamboo Rafting. Pakarang cave.
- Locations Visited:
- Khao Sok, Chao Larn lake
- Start City:
- Phuket, Khao Lak or Khao Sok
- End City:
- Phuket, Khao Lak or Khao Sok
- Physical rating:
- Culture rating:
- Transportation:
- Minivan, canoe, boat, walking / hiking
- Departure days:
- Every day
- Included in the price:
- Return transfer from hotel in Phuket, Khao Lak or Khao Sok, 2 nights accommodation; raft house on Chao Larn laek & Jungle lodge in Khao Sok, 2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner, all entrance fees to national parks etc., minivan, canoe, boat, walking / hiking. English-speaking guide.
- Group size:
- Min. 2 pax
This is not included
- It is good manner to tip the guide / driver (see recommendations).
- Pre and post tour accommodation.
- Travel insurance (compulsory).
- Please note on this tour there will not be much time for optional excursions, if you choose to do so, it is not covered in the tour cost.
- If starting or ending the trip at Krabi there will be an additional transfer cost and it will not be possible to visit the Tsunami museum.
Season
This trip is all year.
Day 1: Phuket to Khao Sok
Pick up from hotels in Phuket or Khao Lak (also possible to start the trip from Krabi for an additional cost) and drive to Khao Sok passing rubber plantations and small villages en route. Visit the Tsunami museum near Khao Lak and make a coffee stop along the route. Travel inland and cross over the rain forest covered mountain pass to Khao Sok. A thousand years ago the Sok river was an important trade route between India and China with boats and elephants moving goods along the river. Khao Sok is part of the largest area of rainforest in Southern Thailand, the scenery is spectacular with jungle covered limestone mountains and pure nature. Pass mountains and cliffs covered in exotic tropical vegetation along the banks of the river. Birds such as kingfisher, heron, egret, various reptiles and even wild monkeys live in this area. The scenery is some of the best in Southern Thailand. Arrive at the elephant camp where information on elephants and their conservation will be given. Explore the jungle by elephant. Sitting high on the back of the elephant you will get a bird’s eye view of the jungle, a most unique experience. A buffet lunch of Thai dishes cooked not too spicy is provided after enjoying the elephant ride.
One of the best ways to experience the jungle is on a canoe trip down the Sok River in inflatable canoes. A local river guide paddles the canoe and is an expert at spotting any animals along the way. The scenery is breathtaking and what better way to see it than from a canoe.
After canoeing, we will bring you to your accommodation located in the jungle. The huts in the jungle consist of a comfortable room with TV, hot water and balcony. After taking a rest it is time for a nature sightseeing by car. The early evening time is the best time to watch the mountain ranges and the spectacular sunsets. We visit a small market where it is possible to explore the villager’s lifestyle. At the end of the day, dinner will be enjoyed in a natural environment. After enjoying the tasty dinner, it’s time to rest. Khao Sok can become cold at night and will ensure you a pleasant sleep. (L, D)
Day 2: Khao Sok & Chao Larn lake
Wake up on the edge of the jungle, sometimes the surrounding hills are covered in mist which slowly melts away as the sun comes up and gibbons can often be heard making their territorial calls high up in the rainforest canopy. Take a leisurely breakfast at the resort before it is time to explore the jungle on foot. The trek is designed to show a variety of ecological environments including big trees, jungle vines, lianas, palms, ferns, wild orchids, bamboo forest, insects, reptiles and sometimes mammals. It is not a wildlife safari but a chance to see the rainforest which has the greatest variety of life forms known to man. The wild animals that live here tend to be nocturnal but sometimes they can be heard moving in the undergrowth or their distinctive smells can be encountered. Hornbills lives up in the cliffs high above the resort and sometimes they can be seen going out to feed in the morning or coming in to roost in the evening. Leaf and macaque monkeys are occasional seen along the trail. Wild elephants live in the park but are seldom seen. The trek is not too difficult and OK for any normally fit and healthy person. A special lunch in the jungle is provided.
After lunch we check out from the jungle huts and it’s time to explore Chao Larn lake by local boat. The lake was formed when Rhajaprabhar dam was built about 25 years ago to provide water for a hydro electric power plant. The lake is about 60 km from north to south and contains more than 100 hundred islands. There are many mountains and cliffs covered in the rainforest forming a spectacular natural scenery and combined with its remoteness this makes it a very unique jungle area to explore. It is similar to the landscape in Halong bay in Vietnam or Guilin in China. In the 70’s the area was used as a hide out by communist and students fighting against the government which was a military dictatorship at that time. When we arrive at the raft house, where we stay overnight, canoes are provided for self exploration around the area. After dinner which will be served at the raft house, it is time for ”night safari” it is a boat adventure where it is possible to spot monkeys, gibbons, snakes and other wildlife that is active during the night. The rooms have mosquito nets and shared bathroom; the rooms are floating on the lake and operated by local people, hence they are very primitive. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Khao Sok to Phuket
Wake up on the edge of the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After breakfast it’s time to explore the jungle on bamboo rafts. We will raft down the river and head for the “Tham Nam Talu” and “Ha Roi Rai” caves. The caves are filled with stalagmite, stalactite, and the noise of bats. After lunch in the jungle we return to the raft house before the onward return transfer back to Phuket or Khao Lak. Expected arrival in Phuket is around 19.00. (B, L)
Key: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
Index of notes:
Emergency Contact - Emergency Funds - Additional Expenditures - Tipping - Weather and Unpredictables - Meals - Group Leaders and Guides - Arrival - What to bring - Checklist - Visas - Laundry - Share Your Trip - Respectful Dress - Money, Dough, Loot & Booty - Departure Tax - Communications - Expect the Unexpected - Health & Fitness - Travel Insurance - Your Travel Buddies - Responsible Travel - The law and "the man" - Children Rules
Emergency Contact
In the event of a genuine crisis or emergency, Visit Beyond’s Thailand Office can be reached on Tel: +66 2630 9371. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.visitbeyond.com/contact-us
Emergency Funds
We advise that you keep 10,000 Thai Baht for unforeseen incidents and circumstances beyond our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.).
Additional Expenditures
Take into account your personal spending habits when deciding how much money to bring. How much will you drink and party? How many souvenirs you intend to bring home? How many gifts? Remember to include tips in your calculations. (See below.) Back to Index
Tipping
Visit Beyond employs local guides who greatly appreciate recognition of services rendered. Tipping about THB 100 per day (if you are happy with the service) is appropriate, but not compulsory. We suggest THB50 per day for porters (if applicable). For drivers who render services for several days in a row, 50 Baht per day is appropriate. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
At small restaurants you may want to round up to the nearest 20 Baht. At upscale restaurants, a tip of 10% is appreciated. (Note that upscale restaurants often levy a 10% service charge on the bill. Additional tipping is at your discretion. Back to Index
Weather and Unpredictables
Visit Beyond operates trips in Thailand throughout the year—including the rainy season—and changes may result from inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. We reserve the right to change the itinerary according to such circumstances as we see fit to ensure the best experience for our customers. Back to Index
Meals
Visit Beyond gives you the opportunity to try authentic Thai food. When meals are not already provided, your guide will be able to suggest restaurants and the best dishes during your trip. The tour leader will normally order a variety of dishes to sample. Notify your tour leader of allergies or dietary restrictions. Back to Index
Group Leaders and Guides
Visit Beyond will often provide experienced, local, English-speaking guides who know the destination and region well. Kindly note that it is sometimes necessary to change the guide at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Your guide is there fore you. He will offer recommendations, history, useful phrases and more. We encourage you to ask questions. At Visit Beyond we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. Back to Index
Arrival
If you have booked an arrival package then you can expect a Visit Beyond representative waiting for you at the airport with a sign with Visit Beyond Logo and your name. If you cannot locate your tour leader at the airport, please visit the ATTA office in the arrival hall on the second floor near exit no. 7 where you can get help in locating your guide. In emergency cases please call Mr. Jimmy on +66 (0)81 80 80 144. Visit Beyond does not offer refunds for missed transfers due to a change in flight or delays. Any additional cost you may incur to meet with your group is at your own expense. Back to Index
What to bring
Pack according to the tour you have chosen. If you’re going trekking, bring appropriate shoes; if you’re going diving, bring your suit, etc. Visit Beyond encourages you to pack only necessities. Although there are some tours and trips in which you can leave your luggage behind for a day’s excursion, we generally require you to carry your own gear. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to pack in a backpack with straps and back support and a smaller daypack. We strongly discourage traditional luggage!
Responsible travel (see below) dictates that we respect local cultures. Bring a camera and take pictures and video, but never intrude on people’s lives.
See our checklist below for more specifics. Back to Index
Checklist
This checklist is intended as a reference guide; it is not a complete packing list. Always keep in mind weight restrictions according to your airline of choice.
Travel documents: Passport and visas, travel insurance documents, tickets, Visit Beyond vouchers (if any).
Money: Cash, credit card, money pouch.
Special for Ranger tour:You need to bring 3 long sleeved shirts in dark colors like black or army green and 2 pair of trousers for the jungle.
Day pack: First-aid kit, medication/prescriptions (consider carrying a doctor’s letter if you require a large amount of medication), sunscreen, refillable water bottle and purification tablets, flashlight, insect repellent, hat and sunglasses, traveler’s diarrhea tablets, prescription glasses, contact lenses and solution, earplugs, playing cards, phrasebook.
Large pack: Alarm clock, international outlet adapter, swimsuit, lightweight towel, eye mask, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, umbrella, waterproof jacket, outdoor sandals with good grip, waterproof bags for the rainy season, appropriate clothes for temples and religious sites.
And, of course, your camera, film or memory cards and spare batteries!
Please also check our online check list for this tour. Back to Index
Visas
You are responsible for obtaining visas. Consult your embassy’s website in Thailand or Thailand’s embassy website in your country for the latest visa requirements. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. We endeavor to keep visa information updated, but rules can change suddenly.
Citizens of Australia, NZ, UK, USA, DK, SE, NO, FI, and NL do not need visas to visit Thailand as a tourist. If entering by air you will be granted a 30-day entry stamp. If entering by land you will be granted a 15-day stamp and you will require an onward ticket. Back to Index
Laundry
Some hotels offer laundry services for an additional charge. You can find additional laundry services in all major cities. If you choose to do your own laundry, kindly use non-polluting and biodegradable soap. Back to Index
Share Your Trip
Go on, show off a little! Share your pictures on our Facebook page. We occasionally hold contests for those who provide the best shots, so stay on the look-out and you could win a free trip!
http://www.facebook.com/VisitBeyond
Respectful Dress
Remember that styles of dress are generally conservative throughout Asia. This is especially true outside major cities. Visit Beyond therefore strongly recommends modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Avoid tank tops on the beach and never sunbathe topless. Men and women alike are often required to wear pants that cover the legs in temples and religious sites. Back to Index
Money, Dough, Loot & Booty
We recommend withdrawing money from ATMs, which are widely available throughout Thailand. This has the advantage of keeping your money safe in the bank; not vulnerable in your back pocket. Remember to bring your bank’s emergency contact details in the event that your card is stolen. In addition, notify your bank of your travels before you depart, as banks often place a temporary hold on cards due to transactions in foreign countries or other suspicious activities.
Visit Beyond does not recommend traveler’s cheques. Exchanging them can be a lengthy process and can pose difficulties due to banking hours and holidays. In addition to a commission, unfavorable exchange rates often apply to traveler’s cheques. If you insist on bringing traveler’s cheques then purchase them with a major brand and strong currency. Old cheques are rarely, if ever, accepted. Back to Index
Departure Tax
There is no departure tax at Suvarnabhumi Airport at the present time. This is subject to change without notice and Visit Beyond is not liable for unexpected charges levied on departing tourists. Back to Index
Communications
The most reliable method of communication during your travels will be email. Although Internet access is widely available in Thailand, we do visit areas of the country for several days at a time in which Internet access is limited or unavailable. Please take this into account when planning your trip.
It is a good idea to leave your booking agent’s contact details or Visit Beyond’s contact information with friends or family in your home country in case of emergencies. We do not recommend that you leave friends and family with your hotel details because there is no guarantee that hotel staff speaks English. Facebook is another handy tool to keep in touch.
Always register with your country’s embassy in Thailand and provide details of your itinerary in order to make yourself available in the event of an emergency. Back to Index
Expect the Unexpected
Visit Beyond, as the name implies, brings you places that are beyond the well-worn tourist path. Out here, things sometimes go wrong and if they do, it is imperative that you tell your guide or tour leader immediately. They are best suited to help however they can. If this does not suffice, your guide will contact our manager. Back to Index
Health & Fitness
There are no health requirements for this trip. However, to get the most out of your trip, all travelers should be in good physical health. You should consult your doctor or physician before leaving your home country and you should honestly assess your ability to complete your vacation based on the detailed Visit Beyond trip itinerary. In general, the more you physically prepare for the trip, the more you will enjoy it. We do not walk at altitude nor set distance records, but some treks can still be demanding. Expect hilly terrain and high temperatures. Visit Beyond and its guides reserve the right to exclude a participant without refund if said traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to him/herself or to the group.
Small and very handy first aid kits should be readily available in your home country. We recommend you purchase a kit before departure along with any personal medication you may require. Read the trip itinerary closely and bring medicine accordingly, as many trips entail travel on long, windy roads and require that you eat authentic Thai food. Do not rely on trip leaders or guides, as they are legally prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache medicine and antibiotics.
Visit Beyond is well aware of the health risks of bird flu and SARS. Therefore, Visit Beyond reserves the right to make unannounced changes to all itineraries in the very unlikely occurrence of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease. Please contact us at thailand@visitbeyond.com should you require any clarification.
*Special Health & Fitness for diving
Before you begin your dive course, you must complete a medical test. If you suffer – or have suffered from asthma, hay fever or allergies, you must bring a doctors certificate stating that you are physically capable of withstanding the kind of strain that diving can cause. We recommend that you obtain a doctors certificate in advance in case you are suffering from any of the above mentioned diseases. Back to Index
Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance is not obligatory to join a Visit Beyond trip, we strongly recommend you purchase insurance before departing your home country. Traveling without insurance is done entirely at your own risk. Visit Beyond is not liable for the uninsured. We recommend Gouda Travel Insurance for our European customers. Back to Index
Your Travel Buddies
Traveling in a group can be a very positive experience. You are likely to find that your travel buddies hail from all over the world. Therefore, you will get the double pleasure of experiencing a new part of the world and new friends to enjoy it with. In order to get the most out of your trip, each traveler must respect every member of the group, arrive on time according to the trip itinerary, and practice patience with one another. These are your responsibilities as a member of a group and we expect each member to follow them. For reasons of privacy, Visit Beyond will not provide personal information or contact details of your fellow travelers prior to departure.
Responsible Travel
Traveling responsibly is a pillar of the Visit Beyond philosophy. To us, it means two things: respect for the environment and respect for local cultures. We practice low-impact tourism and make every effort to preserve the environment. We refuse to treat local people as mere photo-ops and insist that you engage with locals as human beings. You will have a better trip for it. Please refer to our Responsible Travel page for further details and suggestions for responsible travel. Back to Index
The law and "the man"
Visit Beyond does not tolerate illegal drugs nor do we tolerate visiting prostitutes. Both of these may be common among certain communities we visit but they are illegal nonetheless. Engaging in such activities puts you and your group at serious risk. Possession of illegal drugs is a crime punishable by death in Thailand. Visit Beyond and group leaders reserve the right to immediately expel from the group anyone engaging in these activities.
Children Rules
*Children are defined from age 2-11. That means 12 years and up will have to pay adult price.
Children can either stay with the parents in the same bed or we can book an extra bed if possible at the guest house / hotel.
*Some trips have special rules for children.
Children rules for SCUBA diving:
Children can do special dive courses from the age of 8.
Children aged 8-9 can do a course named bubble maker
Children aged 10-11 can do a course named Scuba diver
Children aged 12 and up will be able to do Open Water course.
It's still up to the instructor to decide whether a child is mature enough to dive. Being 10 does not create a right to be certified.
Children are defined from age 8-11. That means 12 years and up will have to pay adult price.
