Surat Thani to Khao Sok

If you ever visit the south of Thailand, make sure to add Khao Sok National Park to your list. It’s a unique place that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This stunning park is blanketed by some of the oldest evergreen rainforests on earth and boasts a myriad of captivating vistas including towering limestone mountains, plunging valleys, and awe-inspiring lakes. From exploring sweeping cave systems to spotting the wide variety of wildlife that call the park home, Khao Sok is sure to fulfill the dreams of any nature enthusiast.

How to Get from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park

It is easy to get to the Khao Sok National Park from neighboring Surat Thani town. It is a wonderful journey of 75 kilometers with plenty of sights to see on the way. It is one of the best ways to experience the diverse and lush landscapes of Thailand while being away from any major traffic or large towns. There are a few travel options, such as minivans, buses, and taxis. Read on and you’ll know exactly what you need to do.

Surat Thani to Khao Sok by Minivan

• Price: from 260 THB
• Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• AC: yes
• Companies: Phantip 1970, 12Go Transport, Phangan Tour 2000, Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel

This is the cheapest and the most popular way of travel. The cost per seat is just 290 THB.

This convenient service is provided by a few van copanies. These direct minibuses depart from the Surat Thani Train Station, Surat Thani Town, hotel in Surat Thani (pickup), or from Phantip Office, and arrive at the Khao Sok van station. The whole journey by minivan takes around 2.5 hours.

Sitting in wide comfortable seats, you’ll be in Khao Sok in no time! The journey is very comfortable and all their vans have air conditioning, so you don’t have to worry about the heat. On the contrary, sometimes the air conditioning is too strong, so grab a jacket just in case you get cold.

There are 11 departures throughout the day, with the first one at 07:30, and the last one at 17:30.

Surat Thani to Khao Sok Minivan Schedule

Departure Time	Departure Location	Company	Arrival Time	Arrival Location
7:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	10:00	Khao Sok Van Station
7:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	10:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
8:00	Surat Thani Town Transfer	12Go Transport	11:30	Khao Sok Bus Station
8:00	Surat Thani Town Transfer	Phantip 1970	11:30	Khao Sok Van Station
8:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	11:00	Khao Sok Van Station
8:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	11:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
8:45	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	11:15	Khao Sok Van Station
9:30	Surat Thani Train Station	Phantip 1970	11:15	Khao Sok National Park
9:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	12:00	Khao Sok Van Station
9:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	12:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
9:45	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	12:15	Khao Sok Van Station
10:45	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	13:15	Khao Sok Van Station
11:00	Surat Thani Town Transfer	12Go Transport	14:30	Khao Sok Bus Station
11:00	Surat Thani Town Transfer	Phantip 1970	14:30	Khao Sok Van Station
11:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	14:00	Khao Sok Van Station
11:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	14:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
11:30	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	14:00	Khao Sok Van Station
12:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	15:00	Khao Sok Van Station
12:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	15:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
12:30	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	15:00	Khao Sok Van Station
13:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	16:00	Khao Sok Van Station
13:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	16:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
13:30	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	16:00	Khao Sok Van Station
16:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	19:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
16:30	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	19:00	Khao Sok Van Station
17:30	Phantip Travel Surat Thani	Phantip 1970	20:00	Khao Sok Van Station
17:30	Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office	12Go Transport	20:00	Khao Sok Bus Station
17:30	Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office	Phangan Tour 2000	20:00	Khao Sok Van Station

The only disadvantage of minivan travel is a low baggage allowance. Passengers are allowed to bring only 1 hand-carry luggage + 1 suitcase, and the total size of the luggage must be below 20 inches. This is due to the fact that there is no dedicated luggage compartment like on a large bus.

You can board the minivan by showing the e-ticket on your phone, there is no need to print it.

If you wish to be picked up from the hotel, you’re in luck, Phantip and 12Go Transport offer such a service. If you don’t feel like having the hassle of locating the station, then booking a taxi + minivan might be your best bet. The driver will pick you up directly from your hotel, except in Phunpin, Tha Thong Mai, Hautai, and Tha Rong Chang. After that, the minivan will take you to the Khao Sok van station.

With this option, you will enjoy a comfortable journey with an estimated time of 3h 30m – only slightly longer than what you would take if you used the minivan from the office services.

At 400 THB per person for your pickup and trip to Khao Sok, this is really great value for money!

If you take a minibus or taxi+minibus option, it will bring you to the Khao Sok Van Station, which is not actually a station, but an open space on the main road, with a ticket-selling booth. PS. we don’t recommend booking any tickets there, as they are too overpriced compared to booking online.

Surat Thani To Khao Sok by Bus

• Price: 280 THB
• Travel time: 2-3 hours
• AC: yes
• Companies: 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport

If you prefer traveling by a larger and spacious vehicle, there is a bus service between these destinations. There are five daily departures from Surat Thani Talad Kaset 2 in Surat Thani, operated by 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport.

The whole trip takes a little less than three hours.

Surat Thani To Khao Sok by Taxi

• Price: 1,700 THB
• Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• AC: yes

Traveling to Khao Sok from Surat Thani is a breeze with a taxi. It’s the fastest option and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s fairly priced at around 1,700 THB for the whole car, and you can easily book a taxi pickup from Surat Thani airport, train station, or any hotel in town. A taxi will take you directly to any hotel in Khao Sok.

The driver will already be waiting for you with a sign so that you can start your journey immediately. You have the option to rent any size of the car according to your travel needs – from small cars to even minibus taxis. This mode of transportation is great if you’re traveling with friends or family as it allows for more comfort and privacy compared to taking public transport. Plus, if you share the taxi costs among a few people the price is almost the same as traveling by minivan.

Is Khao Sok Worth Visiting from Surat Thani?

Absolutely! Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s best natural wonders. It’s one of the most impressive protected areas in the country, featuring lush jungle landscapes, limestone mountains, and sparkling lakes. You can view an array of unique wildlife during your visit, including wild buffalo, rare birds, and several species of water lizards. Elephants occasionally roam through the park, while monkeys and various other small critters can often be seen throughout.

With water-filled caves to explore and amazing canoeing experiences available, it’s worth staying at least one night in one of the park’s floating houses on the lake for an optimal visit. Whether you’re looking for sights or sounds, there is much Khao Sok National Park has to offer.