Krabi to Khao Sok National Park: Best Way to Go

Khao Sok is one of the best day trips or overnight escapes from Krabi: emerald water, limestone cliffs rising from the lake, floating bungalows and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The only catch is getting there, because there is no train and no airport at the park. This guide compares your options so you can choose the one that suits your budget, group and schedule.

Quick Facts

Prices and times are typical estimates and vary by pickup location, season and vehicle. For an exact quote with Krabi Best Transfer, use our Check Price page.

First, Decide Where You Are Going

“Khao Sok” covers two very different places, and this changes your journey.

Khao Sok village (west entrance). This is where the national park headquarters, guesthouses, restaurants and jungle lodges are. It is the base for hiking, waterfalls, caves, canoeing and wildlife.

Cheow Lan Lake (east entrance, Ratchaprapha Dam). This is the famous lake with floating bungalows. You reach it by longtail boat from the pier at the dam, which is roughly an hour to an hour and a half’s drive from the park headquarters. You cannot drive onto the lake, so most visitors book a lake tour or a raft-house package that includes the boat.

Tell your driver or tour operator which one you want. It decides your pickup point, route and travel time.

Your Options From Krabi

1. Private Transfer (Our Recommendation for Most Travelers)

A private car or van takes you door to door from your hotel in Krabi, Ao Nang or the airport to your Khao Sok lodge or the lake pier.

Pros

• Door to door, with no changes and no waiting at a minivan station
• Fastest option, with stops for photos, food or the bathroom on request
• You choose your departure time, which matters for early lake tours
• Plenty of space for luggage, and room for kids and car seats
• Often good value for groups, since the price is for the whole vehicle

Cons

• Costs more than a shared minivan for solo travelers

Best for: families, couples, groups of 3 or more, anyone with luggage, and travelers on a tight schedule.

2. Shared Minivan or Bus

Shared minivans run between Krabi/Ao Nang and Khao Sok village, and they are the cheapest option.

Pros

• Lowest price per person
• Easy to book online

Cons

• Slow, with pickup and drop-off stops, and sometimes a change of vehicle
• Limited legroom and luggage space
• Fixed departure times, with often only a few per day
• You may be dropped at a central stop rather than your lodge, which means another short ride to your accommodation or to the lake pier
• Not practical for early-morning lake departures

Best for: solo budget travelers with light luggage and a flexible schedule.

3. Organized Tour From Krabi

Many operators sell Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake tours with hotel pickup, park entry, boat and meals included.

Pros

• Everything handled in one package
• Good if you do not want to plan anything

Cons

• Fixed itinerary and a long day, often with a large group
• Less time at the lake than an overnight stay

Best for: travelers who want a simple one-day experience. Check what is included, because park fees and meals are sometimes extra.

Which One Should You Choose?

One Day or Overnight?

Day trip. Possible, but long. With 2–4 hours each way, you spend a large part of the day on the road. It works if you start early and book a private car.

Overnight (recommended). Stay one night in Khao Sok village, or book a floating bungalow package on the lake. You get sunrise on the water, jungle sounds, and much less rushing. Most lake packages include meals, boat rides, swimming, kayaking and a guided walk.

Many travelers also combine Khao Sok with a longer route, such as Krabi to Khao Sok to Khao Lak, Phuket or Koh Samui. We can arrange one-way transfers for that too.

Park Fees to Expect

National park fees are charged separately from your transport.

• Khao Sok National Park entrance: around 300 THB for foreign adults (less for children). Some sources list lower rates, so confirm before you go.
• Cheow Lan Lake entrance: around 300 THB for foreign adults and 150 THB for children, charged separately from the headquarters fee.
• Pier service fee: a small extra charge per person at the lake pier.

Carry cash for these. If you enter the park near the village and then visit the lake the next day, you may need to pay the entrance fee twice.

Best Time to Visit

• December to April: the dry season and the best time for the lake, trekking and clear water.
• May to November: rainier, greener and quieter. The lake can still be beautiful, but heavy rain can affect trails, caves and boat schedules.

If you are visiting during the rainy season, keep your plans flexible and pack waterproof gear.

Practical Tips

1. Start early. Lake boats and tours usually leave in the morning, and the early hours are the quietest and coolest.
2. Bring cash. Park fees, small shops and local transport are often cash-only.
3. Pack light for the lake. Bring a small bag, swimwear, quick-dry clothes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a rain jacket.
4. Leave big luggage in Krabi if possible. Many hotels will store it, which makes the trip easier.
5. Book your lake package in advance in high season, especially floating bungalows.
6. Tell your driver your exact lodge name or pier. Khao Sok has several areas, and confirming the location avoids delays.
7. Plan your onward trip. If you are continuing to Phuket, Khao Lak, Surat Thani or Koh Samui, book your next transfer in advance.

Book Your Krabi to Khao Sok Transfer

Skip the minivan stations and long waits. With Krabi Best Transfer, you get a licensed driver, a clean air-conditioned vehicle, GPS-tracked trips, and free child seats on request. Choose a sedan, SUV or van to suit your group, and get a 3–5% discount on return trips.

[Check Price: Krabi to Khao Sok] | [Book Your Transfer Now]

FAQ

How far is Khao Sok from Krabi?
It takes roughly 2–4 hours by private car, depending on your pickup point and whether you are going to Khao Sok village or the Cheow Lan Lake pier.

Is there a train or flight from Krabi to Khao Sok?
No. There is no railway or airport at Khao Sok, so you travel by road.

What is the best way to get from Krabi to Khao Sok?
A private transfer is the most comfortable and flexible option. A shared minivan is cheaper but slower.

Can I visit Khao Sok as a day trip from Krabi?
Yes, but it is a long day. Staying overnight is more relaxing and gives you more time at the lake.

Can I drive directly to Cheow Lan Lake?
You can drive to the pier at the dam, but you need a boat to get onto the lake, so most visitors book a lake tour or raft-house package.

When is the best time to go to Khao Sok?
December to April is the best season. The park is open year-round, but the rainy season can affect trails and activities.

How much is the Khao Sok national park fee?
Foreign adults typically pay around 300 THB, with a separate fee for Cheow Lan Lake. Confirm the current rates before you go.

Can I travel from Khao Sok to Khao Lak, Phuket or Surat Thani?
Yes. We can arrange one-way private transfers to those destinations.

Do you provide child seats?
Yes, free baby and child seats are available on request. Please mention it when you book.