Family Adventure in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Day 6: Waterfalls and Coral Caves in Khao Sok

Today was all about embracing the wild heart of Khao Sok National Park. After a few days of settling in, I was eager to dive deeper into what this incredible place had to offer. We set out early, ready for a day filled with jungle treks, hidden waterfalls, and mysterious caves. I made sure to pack my essentials, including my camera, a refillable water bottle, and of course, insect repellent. I almost forgot my sunscreen again, but thankfully Jean-Pierre reminded me!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nongsaw Thai Food. This charming little spot was recommended by several locals, and it didn't disappoint. I opted for the traditional Thai breakfast, while Jean-Pierre went for something a bit more familiar. Sophie, of course, wanted pancakes. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off for our first adventure: Khlong Pae Waterfall.


Experience the serene beauty of Khlong Pae, a tranquil tourist attraction in Surat Thani, perfect for relaxation and scenic exploration.

The drive to the waterfall was an experience in itself. The roads wound through dense jungle, with glimpses of towering limestone cliffs through the trees. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building as we got closer. The air was thick with humidity, but the promise of a refreshing dip in the waterfall kept us motivated. I am so glad we remembered to bring our hiking boots!

The trek to Khlong Pae wasn't too strenuous, but it was definitely a proper jungle walk. The path was narrow and winding, with plenty of roots and rocks to navigate. Sophie, surprisingly, was in her element, scampering ahead like a little monkey. Jean-Pierre and I had to keep reminding her to slow down so we could keep up. The sounds of the jungle surrounded us – the chirping of insects, the calls of exotic birds, and the rustling of leaves in the wind. It was truly immersive.

Finally, after about an hour of trekking, we reached the waterfall. And what a sight it was! Khlong Pae cascaded down several tiers of rocks, creating a series of refreshing pools. The water was crystal clear and inviting. Without hesitation, we all plunged in. Sophie squealed with delight as the cool water washed over her. Jean-Pierre and I simply stood under the falls, letting the water massage our shoulders. It was the perfect way to cool off after our jungle trek. We spent a good hour swimming and splashing around before it was time to move on.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand monuments, but in the quiet whispers of nature.

After our refreshing waterfall experience, we were all feeling quite peckish. We decided to head to Bamboo Gold Houses & Restaurant for lunch. This place had rave reviews online, and we were eager to try it out. The restaurant was nestled in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush greenery. We ordered a variety of Thai dishes, including Pad Thai, green curry, and some delicious spring rolls. The food was absolutely fantastic, and the portions were generous. Sophie particularly loved the mango sticky rice for dessert.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Bamboo Gold Houses & Restaurant amidst the stunning beauty of Khao Sok National Park.

With our bellies full, we were ready for our next adventure: Coral Cave. This was something I was particularly excited about. I had read so much about this cave, and I couldn't wait to explore it for myself. To get to Coral Cave, we had to take a longtail boat across Cheow Lan Lake. The boat ride was incredibly scenic, with towering limestone cliffs rising from the emerald green waters. It felt like we were sailing through a lost world.


Discover the captivating Coral Cave in Khao Phang, a natural wonder filled with stunning rock formations and breathtaking scenery.

After about 45 minutes, we arrived at the entrance to the cave. From there, it was a short but steep hike to the cave itself. The entrance was hidden behind a curtain of vines, adding to the sense of mystery. As we stepped inside, we were immediately struck by the coolness of the air and the silence. It was a world away from the bustling jungle outside.

Coral Cave is renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites that resemble underwater coral. These formations are the result of mineral accumulation over thousands of years, creating unique and intricate shapes. As we ventured deeper into the cave, we were mesmerized by the beauty of these formations. Our guide pointed out various shapes and patterns, explaining how they were formed. Sophie was fascinated by the sparkling formations, and Jean-Pierre was busy taking photos.

The cave was also home to several underground water flows, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. We could hear the gentle sound of running water as we explored the various chambers. The cave was surprisingly spacious, with some chambers resembling grand halls. It was easy to see why this cave was such a popular destination.

According to our guide, Coral Cave has a fascinating history. During World War II, locals used the cave as a refuge from air raids. Legend has it that they hid treasures within the cave, though no one has ever found them. It added a sense of intrigue to our exploration.

After spending a couple of hours exploring Coral Cave, we emerged back into the daylight, feeling awestruck by its beauty. The boat ride back across the lake was even more stunning in the late afternoon light. The limestone cliffs seemed to glow in the golden sun. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

For dinner, we decided to try Rafflesia Cafe. This place was known for its vegetarian options, which was a nice change of pace. The cafe had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I had a delicious vegetarian curry, while Jean-Pierre opted for a seafood dish. Sophie, of course, wanted pizza. The food was excellent, and the prices were very reasonable.


Discover Rafflesia Cafe: Your cozy retreat for authentic Thai flavors amidst Khlong Sok's stunning natural beauty.

After dinner, we decided to check out The Rock Bar for a nightcap. This bar was a bit of a climb to get to, but the views were definitely worth it. We sat on the terrace, sipping our drinks and enjoying the cool night air. The stars were out in full force, and the jungle was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.


Discover The Rock Bar in Phang-nga, a perfect blend of refreshing drinks, beachside relaxation, and stunning sunset views.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Khao Sok National Park is truly a special place, full of natural beauty and hidden wonders. I'm so glad that we decided to come here with our family. It's an adventure that we will never forget. Tomorrow, we plan on seeing the Khao Sok Turtle Bridge and staying in the Floating Bungalows. I am beyond excited for the next adventure!

I am also excited to share all of my photos with my followers. I hope they will be inspired to visit Khao Sok National Park themselves! This trip has been a great way to combine my love for travel, photography, and spending time with my family. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with others.