Khao Sok (เขาสก) in Surat Thani Province — renowned for Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) Floating Raft Houses & Guilin Karsts and authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands street food.
Why Visit Khao Sok (เขาสก · Surat Thani)
Khao Sok is a thai district (amphoe) & island hub in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands (located at 8.9147°N, 98.5303°E, elevation 110 m). Renowned for Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) Floating Raft Houses & Guilin Karsts, 160-Million-Year-Old Rainforest & Rafflesia (Bua Phut) Trails, Sok River Bamboo Rafting & Night Jungle Safaris, Khao Sok rewards travelers over 2–4 days with walkable historic squares, regional markets, and easy rail links via Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (80 km).
Best Neighborhoods & Quarters in Khao Sok
Khlong Sok Rainforest Village
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Khao Sok (Surat Thani).
Ratchaprapha Pier & Cheow Lan Lake
Vibrant local quarter, markets, and accommodation hub in Khao Sok (Surat Thani).
Top Sights & Things to Do in Khao Sok
- Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) Floating Raft Houses & Guilin Karsts — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Khao Sok.
- 160-Million-Year-Old Rainforest & Rafflesia (Bua Phut) Trails — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Khao Sok.
- Sok River Bamboo Rafting & Night Jungle Safaris — signature temple, beach, or cultural highlight in Khao Sok.
Local Food & Where to Eat in Khao Sok
In Khao Sok (Southern Gulf Coast & Islands), everyday dining revolves around morning Talad Sod fresh markets, made-to-order Tam Sang wok stalls, and evening night markets serving authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands flavors. Expect made-to-order street dishes for ฿50–฿120 and sit-down regional mains for ฿120–฿280; say 'Phed Noi' for mild spice or 'Mai Sai Phong Churot' for no MSG.
Signature Local & Regional Dishes to Try
- Gaeng Som Pla — Southern Sour Turmeric Fish Curry (แกงส้มใต้ / แกงเหลือง) (฿150–฿280): Bright golden fresh-turmeric, tamarind, and bird's-eye chili broth cooked with Gulf sea bass and crisp bamboo shoots.
- Khao Yam Pak Tai — Southern Herb Rice Salad (ข้าวยำปักษ์ใต้) (฿60–฿110): Butterfly-pea blue jasmine rice tossed with toasted coconut, lemongrass, pomelo, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet fermented fish dressing (Nam Budu).
- Khua Kling Moo & Surat Thani Blue Swimming Crab (คั่วกลิ้งหมู / หอยนางรมสุราษฎร์) (฿120–฿240): Dry-wok Southern turmeric-and-black-pepper minced pork alongside steamed Bandon Bay blue swimming crab with crispy shallots and chili paste.
- Kalamae Koh Samui — Coconut Caramel Toffee (กะละแมเกาะสมุย) (฿60–฿120): Chewy Samui island coconut cream and palm sugar confection slow-stirred in brass woks.
Recommended Dining Quarters, Markets & Night Markets & Street Food Stalls in Khao Sok
Khao Sok Talad Sod (Morning Market) & Night Market
Local open-air stalls and shophouses in central Khao Sok serving made-to-order Southern Gulf Coast & Islands dishes (฿50–฿140).
Khao Sok Khao Gaeng (Curry-Over-Rice) & Noodle Shophouses
Family-run lunch and dinner kitchens offering wok-fried basil dishes, noodle soups, Cha Yen iced tea, and seasonal tropical fruit.
Food markets & dining streets: Bophut Fisherman's Village Night Market (Koh Samui), Pantip Food Market (Thong Sala, Koh Phangan), Surat Thani San Chao Night Market & Nakhon Si Thammarat Khanom Jeen Alley · Regional drinks: Fresh Samui Young Coconut (฿40–฿70), Southern Cha Chak Pulled Tea & Butterfly-Pea Lime Cooler (Nam Anchan Manaw)
Getting to Khao Sok & Local Transit
By Train & Coach: Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (80 km). Check our SRT Sleeper Train vs. Domestic Flight Calculator (฿ THB) and Bangkok BTS, MRT & Chao Phraya Boat Calculator to compare rail and transit fares. By Air: Surat Thani Airport (URT) & Samui Airport (USM).
Closest Neighboring Towns to Khao Sok
Combine Khao Sok with these nearby Thai towns calculated by direct geographic distance:
More Cities & Towns in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands
Explore other destinations across Southern Gulf Coast & Islands:
Hat Yai · Nakhon Si Thammarat · Surat Thani · Ko Samui · Koh Samui · Ko Pha-ngan · Koh Phangan · Ko Tao · Koh Tao · Songkhla · Yala · Thung Song