Family Adventure in Khao Sok National Park

Into the Heart of Khao Sok's Wilderness

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and flavors of Khao Sok. It's incredible how quickly you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find yourself completely captivated by the sounds and sights of the jungle. The day was a blend of challenging hikes, breathtaking views, and, of course, delicious Thai food. I was especially looking forward to sharing this experience with Greta and Lila, creating memories that we'll cherish for years to come.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Thai Herb Restaurant. It's a charming little place, and I could tell right away why it’s been a local favorite since 2001. We fueled up with some traditional Thai breakfast dishes, the kind that just sets you right for a day of adventure. Lila was particularly fond of the mango sticky rice, a sweet treat that always brings a smile to her face. Greta and I enjoyed some spicy green curry, which definitely woke us up and prepared us for our hike.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Herb Restaurant in Khlong Sok - where fresh ingredients meet traditional flavors amidst serene surroundings.

With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off for the Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail. The trailhead was easy enough to find, starting near the Khao Sok National Park headquarters. The hike itself was about 7 kilometers each way. I had read that it would take around 2-3 hours to reach the waterfall. The humidity was definitely a factor, making the trek a bit more challenging than we anticipated. I was glad I had remembered to pack plenty of water for all of us. I even made sure to pack some extra, learning from my past travel mishaps. I still regret forgetting the portable phone charger back at our treehouse; hopefully, we won't need it.


Discover the serene beauty of Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail in Surat Thani, a must-visit hiking destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The trail was well-marked, but there were definitely some sections that required a bit of scrambling and careful footing. Lila, ever the adventurous one, loved navigating the more rugged parts of the trail. She was always on the lookout for interesting insects and colorful birds. Greta, with her background as a librarian, was fascinated by the diverse plant life, pointing out various species and sharing interesting facts about them. I found myself focusing on the sounds of the jungle, the constant hum of insects, the calls of exotic birds, and the rustling of leaves in the wind. It was a symphony of nature that was both calming and invigorating.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

After a couple of hours of hiking, we finally reached Ton Kloi Waterfall. It was a beautiful sight, a multi-tiered cascade of water flowing through the lush jungle. The water was crystal clear and inviting, perfect for a refreshing swim. We took a dip in the cool water, letting it wash away the sweat and fatigue from the hike. Lila especially enjoyed splashing around in the shallow pools. It was a perfect spot for a picnic, and we enjoyed the snacks we had packed while soaking in the beauty of our surroundings. I snapped some photos of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery, trying to capture the essence of this hidden gem.

Refreshed and rejuvenated, we began our trek back. The return journey seemed a bit easier, perhaps because we knew what to expect. We made good time and were soon back at the trailhead. The sense of accomplishment we felt after completing the hike was immense. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that brought us closer to nature and to each other. I was starting to feel hungry again, so I was really looking forward to lunch.

For lunch, we decided to try Our Jungle Restaurant & Bar. This place was a real treat! It's set in an enchanting jungle setting, with the sounds of nature all around. The restaurant has a charming ambiance, and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We ordered a variety of Thai dishes, including some delicious Pad Thai, green curry, and Tom Yum soup. The food was bursting with flavor, and we savored every bite. Lila even tried some of the milder dishes and declared them delicious. Greta and I enjoyed some exotic cocktails while enjoying the beautiful view of Khao Sok National Park. I was really glad we decided to come here; it was the perfect place to relax and refuel after our hike.


Experience authentic Thai cuisine in an enchanting jungle setting at Our Jungle Restaurant & Bar in Khlong Sok.

After lunch, we decided to visit the Krai Sorn Viewpoint. I had read that it offered some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Southern Thailand. The drive to the viewpoint was scenic, passing through lush landscapes and charming villages. The climb to the top was a bit steep, but the views were more than worth it. From the viewpoint, we could see the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake stretching out before us, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and endless jungle. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight, and I felt grateful to be able to share it with my family.


Discover the stunning Krai Sorn Viewpoint in Surat Thani, where breathtaking vistas of Khao Sok Lake await every visitor.

We spent some time at the viewpoint, taking photos and simply soaking in the beauty of our surroundings. Lila was fascinated by the vastness of the lake, asking questions about its formation and the wildlife that inhabited it. Greta pointed out different geological features and explained the history of the area. I took a moment to reflect on our journey so far, feeling a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible place with my loved ones. The viewpoint was easily accessible with well-maintained paths. I made sure to capture the stunning vistas with my camera, hoping to share the beauty of this place with my blog readers.

Before heading back to our treehouse, we stopped by Yai-Pin local shop. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs to remember our trip. The shop was filled with authentic Thai crafts and local delicacies. I bought a handwoven scarf for Greta, a wooden carving for Lila, and some local spices for myself. I always enjoy supporting local businesses and bringing home a piece of the culture we've experienced. It's a way to keep the memories of our travels alive long after we've returned home. I also grabbed some snacks for the next day's adventures. I was mindful of our travel essentials, making sure we had everything we needed for tomorrow.


Explore Yai-Pin local shop in Khlong Sok for authentic Thai crafts and local delicacies, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Surat Thani.

For dinner, we decided to try Khao Sok Italian Thai Bistro. It seemed like an interesting combination of cuisines, and we were curious to see how it would turn out. The bistro had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were very friendly. We ordered a mix of Italian and Thai dishes, including pizza, pasta, and some spicy Thai curries. The food was surprisingly good, a delicious fusion of flavors that satisfied our cravings. Lila especially enjoyed the pizza, while Greta and I savored the Thai dishes. It was a perfect way to end our day, a culinary adventure that reflected the diverse culture of Khao Sok.


Experience the best of Italian and Thai cuisine at Khao Sok Italian Thai Bistro amidst stunning natural beauty.

As we walked back to our treehouse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today had been a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. We had hiked through the jungle, swam in a waterfall, marveled at breathtaking views, and savored delicious Thai food. More importantly, we had shared these experiences as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As I drifted off to sleep, I was already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, exploring the Nam Ta Lu Cave and Khlong Phanom National Park. I was also looking forward to trying Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok for breakfast. It's amazing how much there is to see and do in this incredible corner of Thailand.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Nam Ta Lu Cave and Khlong Phanom National Park. I'm particularly excited about the cave, as I've heard it's an incredible natural wonder. We'll also be having dinner at Khaosok Rambo Restaurant, which I've heard serves some of the best local cuisine in the area. Before that, we'll grab lunch at Bus stop restaurant. And maybe, just maybe, I'll sneak off for a quick drink at Jumanji Bar in the evening. It's all about balance, right?

I am looking forward to sharing more stories and tips with my readers. Until then, sawasdee krap!