Arriving in Khao Sok: Airports, Transfers and Timing

Arriving in Khao Sok is simple with a little planning. This guide explains how to get to Khao Sok from each airport. It also covers travel times, arrival timing and ideas for beach stays. Travel times come from the Elephant Hills transfer schedule.

Which Airport Is Best for Arriving in Khao Sok?

Surat Thani is the closest airport and the most relaxed to use. Phuket has the most flights, including direct services from Europe and Australia.

Khao Sok National Park lies in Surat Thani province. From Bangkok, a Surat Thani flight landing before 9.00 am is the easiest option. You can reach Khao Sok around midday and enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity.

Phuket Airport suits visitors flying directly from overseas. The drive from Phuket takes in the region of three to four hours. The exact time depends on where you stay.

Krabi Airport has regular flights from Bangkok. Some international flights arrive directly from Singapore and Australia. Arrive early for an afternoon activity in Khao Sok. Or spend a night at Ao Phra Nang beach and start the next morning.

Koh Samui has an airport with frequent daily flights. It lies in the same province as Khao Sok, despite being an island. A ferry crosses to Don Sak Pier, and a road transfer completes the trip.

The overnight train from Bangkok runs to Phun Pin station in Surat Thani. Trains normally arrive in the early morning, around 7.21 am. First class is recommended, because standard carriages can get crowded. First class also gives you a bunk to sleep in. Recommended tours include a free pick-up at 8.00 am from the station.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Khao Sok?

Most journeys take two to four hours by road from the main arrival points. Koh Samui takes about five and a half hours because it includes the ferry.

Starting point	Approximate travel time
Surat Thani Airport	2 hours
Surat Thani town or train station	2 to 2.5 hours
Khao Lak	1.5 to 2.5 hours
Phuket Airport	3 hours
Phuket beach hotels	3.5 to 4 hours
Krabi town and beaches	3 hours
Krabi Airport	3 hours
Khanom	3.5 to 4 hours
Koh Samui, ferry included	5.5 hours

These are direct transfer times, as used on the recommended tours. Hotel pick-ups on those tours usually fall between 7 am and 9 am. Koh Samui pick-ups start earlier, between 5.30 and 6.00 am, to catch the ferry. Reservations confirm the exact time at booking.

Public buses are another option. Buses from Surat Thani take one to two hours. They run every hour from 7.00 am until 2.00 pm. Buses from Phuket take five to six hours. They leave five times a day, starting at 7.30 am. Book a few days ahead, through a travel agent or at the bus station.

What Time Should I Plan to Arrive in Khao Sok?

Aim to reach Khao Sok around midday. That leaves time for lunch and an afternoon activity.

A Surat Thani flight landing before 9.00 am suits this plan well. The park is open year-round, generally from 8 am to 5 pm. Opening hours do vary.

If you land later, spend a night near the airport and travel the next morning. Phuket and Krabi both offer beach stays for this.

If you join a recommended tour

Tour transfers follow a fixed schedule. Drivers wait at set meeting points in each arrivals area.

Airport	Meeting point
Surat Thani	Ground Interchange Building, outside Exit 3
Phuket	Passenger waiting area at Exit 1 in the arrival hall
Krabi	Information counter at Terminal 2

At Phuket Airport, the shared transfer suits set morning flights. Check which flights qualify when booking.

The shared transfer out leaves at 2.00 pm after check-out. Domestic onward flights from Surat Thani should leave after 5.30 pm. International flights should leave after 6.00 pm. Reservations can confirm the earliest safe departure for other airports.

Private transfers run between 8.00 am and 2.00 pm, at a surcharge. Earlier or later transfers are not possible for safety reasons.

Tours do not allow self-drive arrivals. The camps can be hard to find, and late arrivals miss lunch and activities.

Can I Combine Khao Sok with Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui?

Yes, recommended tours allow different pick-up and drop-off places at no surcharge. For example, Phuket to Koh Samui can include one to three nights in Khao Sok.

The When to Visit page suggests the West Coast from November to April. It suggests the East Coast, including Koh Samui, from May to October.

Guests from Koh Phangan are met at Don Sak Pier. Transfers to and from Koh Samui include the ferry ticket.

After a long-haul flight, at least one night in Phuket helps with jet lag. The transportation page lists every pick-up location. For nearby places to add, see destinations near Khao Sok.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest airport to Khao Sok?

Surat Thani Airport is the closest airport to Khao Sok. The transfer takes about two hours. The airport is small and easy to use.

How long is the drive from Phuket to Khao Sok?

A direct transfer from Phuket takes three to four hours. Transfers from Phuket Airport take about three hours. Public buses take five to six hours.

Do I need to book transfers in advance?

Yes. Recommended tours include transfers, and they need booking at least 72 hours before departure. Reservations confirm your pick-up time at the time of booking.

Can I get to Khao Sok by public bus?

Yes. Buses from Surat Thani take one to two hours and run hourly until 2.00 pm. Buses from Phuket take five to six hours, with five departures a day. Tickets are sold at travel agents and bus stations.

Should I stay a night in Phuket before Khao Sok?

After a long-haul flight, spend at least one night in Phuket. This helps you recover from jet lag. The drive to Khao Sok then takes three to four hours. Hotel pick-ups in Phuket start between 7.15 and 9.00 am.

You might also like:
2, 3, or 4 Days? Crafting a Khao Sok Itinerary
Exploring Cheow Lan Lake: The Jewel of Khao Sok
Exploring the Surrounding Gems: Must-Visit Destinations Near Khao Sok National Park