Khao Sok Campsites and Resorts
There are all possible kinds of accommodation both within the Khao Sok park and outside the gates. If on a budget, consider staying outside the western entrance. Staying in a raft house on the lake will cost you more but enhance your experience manifold.
Western entrance (Khlong Sok)
Inside the park
Close to the visitor centre, there are quite basic bungalows with shared bathrooms for THB600 a night. The experience of sleeping inside the park is the only reason to stay there, since just out of the gate you will find so many options, all better and cheaper, that virtually no western tourist would consider these bungalows.
Sometimes you can score a great deal if showing up without reservation: there is a chance to grab a THB100 bed in a bigger shared dorm. During school holidays there’s a high chance to find that the dorms are occupied by large groups of noisy kids who basically kill the charm of sleeping in a quiet and remote place.
Close to the camp, there’s a restaurant and a small shop. Both usually close quite early, sometimes even before the park gates close (6.00pm), so make sure you double check with them if you want to have dinner without exiting the park.
Booking in advance is recommended and can be done through the official DNP site. Note though that the only option close to the western entrance is ‘’Zone 1 Accommodation headquarter’’. All other bookable options are located on Chiew Lan Lake.
Outside the park
Sitting on the road branching off from route 401 halfway to the park entrance, Baan Khao Sok Resort (231 Moo 6) has a spectacular location amid the forest and close to the Sok River. The garden bungalows, which come for THB500, are spread around the property, within few minutes walking from the entrance and the restaurant, close to the river. They‘re quite simple, but all come with comfortable beds with mosquito nets (a must here), a fan, an attached toilette with hot water and a small porch.
If the budget is not your main concern, check out the tree houses. They are a lot more spacious and wonderfully designed, with better furnishings, bigger and nicer toilettes and a large terrace. For very affordable THB1500 you’ll sleep in a real fairy-tale house.
A good on-site restaurant is everything else we needed to fall in love with this place. The staff are friendly and speak good English, and they’re able to arrange any sort of tours and activities in the national park.
Cheaper bungalows can be found along the road in less scenic spots; expect to pay THB300 for the most affordable ones, where you’ll get nothing more than a bed and a fan, usually with a basic private bathroom. Different bungalows within the same property can vary quite a lot from each other in terms of maintenance, so you might want to check a few of them before you pay. Reservation for this kind of accommodation is not needed any time of the year.
If you’re up for a splurge, then check out Rock and Tree House Resort (400 Moo 6). The property enjoys a great location, and the tree houses are simply wonderful – big enough to accommodate 2 bedrooms, 1 living room and a big terrace. They come for THB4000, which is not that bad considering they are ok for 4 people.
Eastern entrance (Chiew Lan Lake)
If you decide to stay overnight on Chiew Lan Lake (highly recommended), check out the DNP (department of national parks) bamboo bungalows. For THB400, you will have a room in a raft house floating on the lake. The scenery is breath-taking, and kayaking at sunset or sunrise (kayaks are provided for free) is an unforgettable experience.
Privately owned raft houses and bungalows offering more facilities, comfort and even luxury can be found on site with prices ranging from THB1000 for a small bungalow with an attached bathroom to THB15000 for a luxury cottage that can accommodate up to 6 people. Prices are usually inclusive of dinner and breakfast.