Family Adventure in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Cave Explorations and River Dreams

Today was a day of embracing the wild beauty of Khao Sok, venturing into its depths and drifting along its tranquil waters. It’s amazing how much a change of scenery can invigorate the spirit, and today’s adventures certainly filled our cups.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Scenic View Restaurant. The name didn’t lie; the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape were the perfect accompaniment to my morning coffee. Sophie was particularly thrilled, pointing out all the different birds she could spot. Jean-Pierre, ever the pragmatist, was already planning our route for the day, guidebook in hand. It's moments like these I cherish, where we're all connected, soaking in the beauty of a new place together.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine amidst breathtaking views at Scenic View Restaurant in Ban Ta Khun District.

Fueled and ready, we set off for Nam Ta Lu Cave. The trek to the cave was an adventure in itself, a winding path through the jungle, crossing small streams. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of the rainforest enveloped us. Sophie, ever the curious one, peppered us with questions about the plants and insects we encountered. I was grateful I'd packed our hiking boots; the terrain was definitely a bit rugged. I had forgotten sunscreen and a portable phone charger, but luckily Jean-Pierre had packed his portable charger, and we were able to buy some sunscreen on the way.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Nam Ta Lu Cave in Surat Thani, Thailand – a natural wonder filled with stunning formations and tranquil surroundings.

Entering Nam Ta Lu Cave was like stepping into another world. The darkness was immediate, and the only light came from our headlamps, which we had to purchase before entering the cave. The cave is about 700 meters long, and has an underground river that carves its way through the limestone formations. The water was cool and refreshing, and at times, we were wading up to our chests. Sophie, initially hesitant, soon embraced the adventure, splashing and laughing as we navigated the narrow passages. Jean-Pierre, ever the steady presence, made sure we were all safe and accounted for.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

Exploring the cave was a surreal experience. Stalactites dripped from the ceiling, and stalagmites rose from the ground, creating bizarre and beautiful formations. We saw small nocturnal animals scurrying about, their eyes reflecting in our headlamps. It was a bit nerve-wracking at times, especially knowing that the cave can be dangerous during the rainy season due to flash floods. I couldn’t help but recall the story I read about the tragic incident in 2007, where eight tourists were swept away. I made sure to keep a close eye on Sophie, and we stuck close to our guide, who seemed very experienced.

Emerging from the cave, we were greeted by the blinding sunlight. We took a moment to catch our breath and appreciate the world outside before heading to our next destination: Mae Yai Waterfall.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mae Yai Waterfall in Thailand's Khlong Sok National Park, a must-visit natural wonder for every traveler.

The path to Mae Yai Waterfall was much easier than the trek to the cave. The waterfall is about 3.7 km away from Khao Sok Jasmine Garden Resort. The surrounding area was lush and green, perfect for a relaxing picnic. The waterfall itself was stunning, cascading down several tiers of rocks. Sophie was immediately drawn to the water, eager to take a dip. I was a bit more cautious, testing the water temperature with my toes before wading in. The water was cool and refreshing, and we spent a happy hour splashing and playing in the shallows.

After our refreshing dip, we were famished. We headed to Jasmine Garden Thai Restaurant and Cooking School for lunch. The restaurant is nestled in a lush setting, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We ordered a variety of dishes, including green curry, pad thai, and tom yum soup. Sophie, surprisingly, loved the green curry, devouring it with gusto. Jean-Pierre and I enjoyed the pad thai and tom yum, savoring the authentic Thai flavors. The restaurant also offers cooking classes, which I think would be fun to try sometime.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine and cooking classes at Jasmine Garden Thai Restaurant in Khlong Sok - A must-visit for food lovers.

With our bellies full, we decided to try our hand at Khao-Sok River Canoe and Bamboo Rafting. I was excited, but also a bit nervous. I’m not the most coordinated person, and the thought of navigating a canoe down a river was a bit daunting. As it turns out, I had nothing to worry about. The river was calm and peaceful, and Jean-Pierre and I quickly got the hang of paddling. Sophie, perched between us, was in her element, pointing out monkeys in the trees and fish in the water.


Experience the tranquility and beauty of Khao Sok River with unforgettable bamboo rafting and canoeing adventures in Thailand's lush landscapes.

The bamboo rafting was even more relaxing. We sat back and let our guide steer us down the river, taking in the stunning scenery. The towering limestone cliffs and dense rainforest were breathtaking. It was a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. We even stopped at a small cave along the way, where our guide made us coffee in a bamboo stick. It was a unique and memorable experience.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Khao Sok Rasta Thailand for dinner. The restaurant had a laid-back, reggae vibe, with colorful decorations and good music. The owner was friendly and welcoming, and the food was delicious. I had the Thai food, and Jean-Pierre had pizza. Sophie, of course, opted for the French fries. After dinner, the owner put on a fire show, which was amazing.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Khao Sok National Park at Khao Sok Rasta.

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,
To gain all while you give,
To roam the roads of lands remote,
To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Reflecting on the day, I’m struck by how much we managed to pack in. From exploring a dark and mysterious cave to drifting down a tranquil river, we experienced the best of Khao Sok’s natural beauty. Sophie, especially, seemed to thrive on the adventure, her curiosity and enthusiasm infectious. It’s days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to experience new things, to challenge myself, and to share it all with my family.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Khao Sok Viewpoint and Wing Hin Waterfall. I’m excited to see what other hidden gems Khao Sok has in store for us. I also need to buy sunscreen and a portable phone charger, so that I do not forget them again.

Good night from Khao Sok!