Majestic Khao Sok National Park

April 8, 2010 Feature's No Comments

Khao Sok consists of thick native rainforest, waterfalls, majestic limestone cliffs and an island stubbed lake. It is the 22nd National Park in Thailand.Khao Sok National Park is the top eco-tourism destination in Southern Thailand and one of the oldest rainforests on earth.

Established as a National Park in 1981, the area is 739 sq km and is home to 50 species of mammal and 300 species of bird, plus the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia.

Be amazed by the stunning scenery: virgin rainforest, magnificent limestone mountains and beautiful waterfalls.

Be fascinated by the jungle noises: gibbons whooping, cicadas singing, hornbills calling. Come and explore the wonders of Khao Sok – you won’t be disappointed!

Size
Khao Sok National Park covers an area of 739 square kilometres. The combined sizes of Khao Sok (740km2), Sri Phang nga (246km2) and Khlong Phanom (410km2) National Parks along with Khlong Saeng (1156km2) and Khlong Naka (480 km2) wildlife sanctuaries is just over 3000 square kilometres

Location
Khao Sok is in the south of Thailand in the Surat Thani province, between Surat Thani on the east (120km) and Takuapa on the west coast (60km). The park extends into parts of the Khlong Yee and Khlong Pra Sang forests as well as portions of the Krai Son and the Khao Pung sub-districts in the district of Ban Ta Khun and the Khlong Sok and Panom sub-districts in the province of Surat Thani.

Click here to see maps of the area.

Climate
Khao Sok has the highest level of rainfall in Thailand (3 500 mm per year), due to the high mountains and the fact it is influenced by both the Northeast (Pacific Ocean) and Southwest (Indian Ocean) monsoons. The heaviest rains are between May and November, the driest period between December and April; although even during these times there can still be some rain.

22nd December 1980
Khao Sok National Park was established.

1982…
EGAT established the Rajjaprabha Dam – closing off the Pasaeng river and creating a 165 square kilometre lake, inside the National Park Boundaries. This dam was built to guarantee a source of electricity to the south, which by now had become a major holiday destination. EGAT attempted the largest capture and release operation (to save the animals facing drowning in the lake) ever in Thailand. Unfortunately, this operation was largely unsuccessful and many of the species captured died from the stress. A World Bank study in 1995 revealed the loss of some 52 species of fish from the river, because they were not adapted to the deep waters of the lake.

Visit : www.khaosok.com