Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Phuket

Khao Sok National Park ❮❮ 33

Wildlife
6 BUA PHUT
A bird­watcher’s paradise,
Khao Sok National Park has These huge red flowers,
numerous exotic bird and whose diameter can
mammal species including reach up to 35 inches
hornbills, kingfishers (left), (90 cm), are popular
wild pigs, eagles and much more. with visitors, although
Wildlife enthusi asts may even spot finding one in bloom
Asiatic black bears (see pp34–5). often requires good
timing and the help
Night Safaris
7 of a local guide. Known
scientifically as Rafflesia
As some animal
species, such as the loris kerrii, the flowers are
abundant from January
and the leopard cat, can to March, and have a
only be spotted after pungent odor to attract
dark, night river safaris flies for pollina tion. The
are a popular way to see species is endangered.
these unique creatures.
Canoes or bamboo rafts
Caves
are used to quietly glide 0
down the Sok river. Experience the
tantalizing darkness of
Bamboo
8 some of the park’s many
Rafting
caves, including the
Float down the Sok on popular Tham Nam Talu
a unique watercraft and Ha Roi Rai. These
fashioned out of lengths grottoes have fascinating
of bamboo, taking in stalag mites and stalac­
the trees, magnificent tites (below), as well as
moun tains, and wildlife. legions of bats.
You’ll stop for lunch in
a riverside restaurant.
2 9 4 3 Jungle
9
Trekking
Walk along well­
Cheow
Laan Lake beaten paths with a
guide through the
4 untamed, lush jungle.
The scope for trekking
Park HQ is exceptional, with caves,
401
401
Sok waterfalls, and lakes.
18 5 NEED TO KNOW Canoeing and Kayaking,
Khao Sok National Park Adventure Trips: MAP F1;
Visitor Center: MAP F1; Paddle Asia; 18/58
Romanee
5 Moo 6, Khlong Sok; 07739 Radanusorn; 07624 1519;
Hot Spring
5139; 8am–4pm daily;
Located just south of adm B300 (kids B150); www.paddleasia.com
the National Park, this park.dnp.go.th • Khao Sok can be visited
natural hot spring Raft Houses, Bamboo on a day trip from Phuket,
has been attractively Rafting, Jungle Trekking: but it is better appreciated
developed with tiled MAP F1; Elephant Hills with more time.
pools, and the mineral Tented Camp; 170 Moo 7, • Romanee Hot Spring
waters are excellent Tambon Khlong Sok; visits are organized via
for relieving muscle 07638 1703; www. Hotel Khao Sok (www.
stress from strenuous elephanthills.com hotelkhaosok.com/tours).
trekking activities.
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