Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Khao Sok
Location	Surat Thani Province, Thailand
Nearest city	Surat Thani
Coordinates	8°56′12″N 98°31′49″E
Area	739 km2 (285 sq mi)
Established	22 December 1980
Visitors	419,470 (in 2019)
Governing body	Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP)
Website	https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/khao-sok-national-park

Khao Sok National Park is a national park located in southern Thailand. It was established in 1980. It covers an area of 739 square kilometers.

Location

It is located in Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand. It is part of a larger protected area known as the Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok Forest Area.

History

It was once part of a larger coral reef. Over time, the coral and other debris transformed into limestone. When tectonic plates shifted, limestone was pushed upward to produce tall cliff and mountains.

In 19th century, many people moved to Khao Sok to avoid violence in coastal towns. In 1980, the Thai government declared Khao Sok as an official national park for the preservation of the jungle and wildlife.

Geography

It has ancient rainforests, tall limestone cliffs, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Cheow Lan Lake is located in the eastern part of the National park.

Wildlife

It is home to 48 types of mammals, over 300 kinds of birds, more than 30 bat species. It also has reptiles and insects.

Elephants, Barking deer, Gaur, Gibbon and monkeys are among the other animals found in Khao Sok National Park. It also has the Rafflesia, largest flower in the world. It can grow up to 1 meter wide.

Other websites

• Khao Sok National Park travel guide from Wikivoyage
• The Climate of Thailand Archived 2016-08-01 at the Wayback Machine
• Birdwatching Khao Sok