Whether you are getting ready to climb boulders and ford rivers or looking for a more relaxing stroll, Khao Sok National Park has trails for every kind of hiker. While off the beaten track, walking deeper into the rainforest, you can enjoy nature’s peace and quiet as the Cicadas chirp in the background. Some hikers go looking for a blooming Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. With over a hundred species of birds officially documented at the nature reserve, wherever you go, you will often hear birds flying overhead. Birders will have a great time birdwatching in Khao Sok National Park, so lace up your hiking boots and join us on a hike!
From the entrance of the park, visitors can hike along the Sip Et Chan Trail to the Bang Liap Nam Waterfall. This route is about five kilometers and takes 3-4 hours. Trails mostly run along the Sok River. As you hike along the riverbanks, birders might get lucky and spot a Western Osprey as it catches fish. While exploring Khao Sok, we usually hear songbirds, such as the Stripe-throated bulbul, cheerfully chirping throughout the forest. Other colorful passerine birds, such as the Black-crested bulbul and Purple-naped sunbird, eat fruits growing from various vines near the river.
The hiking trails of Khao Sok National Park cover the southern sections of the park. While making your way towards one of the many waterfalls, tall bamboo trees gently sway and form an interlacing canopy overhead. Some birds, like the white-rumped munia, feed on the algae growing on the rocks near the waterfalls. After taking a dip in the Bang Liap Nam Waterfall, birdwatchers can hike towards the Ton Koil Waterfall. It is approximately another eight kilometers. Don’t forget to bring extra water and stay hydrated along the way. Our nature-lovers can also cool off with another swim in the Sok River at the end.
We recommend stopping and “smelling the roses” while hiking. Many Passerine birds of the Nectariniidae family, such as the Grey-breasted spiderhunter and ruby-cheeked sunbird, drink the nectar from the tropical flowers. Be sure to take your camera with you and take snapshots of them while bird-watching at Khao Sok.
Birders have an option of going on an overnight jungle camping excursion at Khao Sok National Park as well. Usually, we setup camp at one of the checkpoints scattered throughout the rainforest. From January to early April, some people have seen the Oriental Scops Owl, Grey Nightjar, and Oriental Bay Owls at night. Waking up to the morning calls of songbirds, such as the Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, is music to our ears. For more information about hiking in Khao Sok National Park or any of our other outdoor activities, please feel free to send us a message.
