Family Adventure in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

A Day of Discovery

Today was one of those travel days where everything just clicked. From the tranquil waters of a stunning lake to the spiritual heights of a mountaintop temple, Khao Sok revealed its magic in ways I couldn't have imagined. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to explore, and to share these experiences with my family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Khaosok Rambo Restaurant. I'd read some mixed reviews, but we decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad we did! The portions were huge, and the prices were attractive. I had a shrimp pad thai, and Jean-Pierre went for the panang curry. Sophie, of course, opted for the fried chicken. Full of energy, we were ready to explore Khao Sok Lake.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Khao Sok Lake, a serene destination in Thailand's lush jungles, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
The boat ride on Khao Sok Lake was nothing short of breathtaking. The mist hanging over the water created a mystical atmosphere, and the towering limestone cliffs rising from the emerald waters were simply awe-inspiring. Sophie was captivated, pointing out all the different rock formations and asking endless questions about the wildlife. Jean-Pierre and I just sat back, enjoying the peace and quiet, a rare treat with a seven-year-old in tow.

We spent a good portion of the morning kayaking, exploring hidden coves and marveling at the natural beauty surrounding us. Sophie, surprisingly, was a natural! She paddled with enthusiasm, giggling as we navigated through narrow passages and spotted monkeys playing in the trees. It was moments like these, sharing laughter and adventure with my family, that made the trip so special. I'm so glad we packed our camera, as I took some amazing photos of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones that leave you speechless, filling you with a sense of awe and wonder that no words can truly capture.

After our morning on the lake, we were ready for lunch. We stopped at Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok, a charming little place with a lovely atmosphere. I enjoyed a delicious international meal, while Jean-Pierre tried a fusion dish. Sophie was happy with her usual, pasta. The cafe was recently opened, and the staff was very friendly.


Explore Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok - A tranquil coffee shop offering authentic Thai cuisine amidst stunning natural beauty.
In the afternoon, we ventured to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park. This temple complex, spread across four mountain peaks, was a truly unique experience. The Phutawadi Gate at the entrance was stunning. The climb to the top was a bit challenging, especially in the humid weather, but the views were worth every step. From the summit, we could see the entire park, with its golden stupas and whitewashed chedis. It was a spiritual landscape that quietly took my breath away.


Discover tranquility at Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, a stunning spiritual sanctuary surrounded by lush nature in Surat Thani, Thailand.
Sophie was fascinated by the monks and the intricate details of the temples. She even tried to imitate the monks' chants, much to the amusement of the locals. Jean-Pierre, ever the engineer, was impressed by the architecture and the way the temples were built into the mountainside. I found myself drawn to the peaceful atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back down the mountain, feeling a sense of peace and contentment. We had dinner at Our Jungle Restaurant & Bar, which was a perfect way to end the day. The restaurant had a great balance between classic Thai food and Western cuisine. We shared stories and laughed about our adventures as we enjoyed the delicious food and the beautiful jungle setting.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine in an enchanting jungle setting at Our Jungle Restaurant & Bar in Khlong Sok.
After dinner, Jean-Pierre and I decided to check out the Crazy Bar Khao Lak. The bartender mixed up some delightful cocktails, and we enjoyed the warm and friendly atmosphere. The prices were the best in the area, and the service was commendable. It was a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring.


Discover the lively nightlife at Crazy Bar Khao Lak, where cocktails, music, and fun blend seamlessly for an unforgettable evening.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but smile. Today was a reminder of the simple joys of travel: exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and sharing those moments with the people I love. Khao Sok has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We are planning to visit Krai Sorn Viewpoint and Klong Pae ranger station tomorrow.

The weather in Khao Sok in November is generally warm, with daytime temperatures around 25°C to 30°C. However, it's also the rainy season, so we've been prepared for occasional showers. Luckily, the rain hasn't dampened our spirits, and we've still been able to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Khao Sok has to offer. I was a little worried about the humidity, but it hasn't been too bad.

I'm also mindful of the things I forgot to pack, like sunscreen and a portable phone charger. It's always the little things that you miss the most when you're traveling. But overall, I'm grateful for this experience and the opportunity to share it with my family.

Staying in Khao Sok has been an incredible experience, and I'm so glad we chose to visit during this time of year. The combination of adventure and tranquility has been perfect for our family, and I'm excited to see what the rest of our trip holds.

I have to admit, though, that I miss my routine in Lyon. I miss visiting the local markets, wine tasting in the Rhône Valley, and attending French cooking classes. But I know that these experiences in Thailand will stay with me forever, enriching my life and broadening my perspective.

Before I sign off, I want to share a little anecdote. Today, while we were at Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, Sophie saw a group of monks chanting. She was so fascinated that she started imitating them, making up her own little chants. It was the cutest thing ever, and it brought a smile to everyone's face. It's moments like these that make traveling with kids so rewarding. You never know what they're going to say or do, but it's always entertaining!

As I mentioned earlier, we are planning to visit Krai Sorn Viewpoint and Klong Pae ranger station tomorrow. I've heard that the viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the park, and I'm excited to capture some more amazing photos. I'm also looking forward to exploring the ranger station and learning more about the local flora and fauna. I'm hoping to spot some more wildlife, especially some exotic birds. We are also planning to have breakfast at Rafflesia Cafe, lunch at Our Jungle House, and dinner at The Heaven Bar & Restaurant.

I'm also hoping to do some shopping tomorrow. I want to find some souvenirs to bring back to Lyon, something to remind me of this amazing trip. I'm thinking of buying some local handicrafts or some traditional Thai clothing. I also want to get some spices to try out some new recipes when I get back home. I'm particularly interested in learning how to make mango sticky rice, Sophie's favorite dessert.

Well, that's all for today. I'm off to bed now, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Stay tuned for more updates from Khao Sok!