Khao Sok Plants & Animals

Many visitors come to Khao Sok National Park expecting to see rare wildlife, and with enough time and patience, it usually happens. But what can you expect to find among the Khao Sok plants and animals? Firstly, to see the most wildlife, it is necessary to go on a guided full day hike in the Khao Sok park or take a private trip to Klong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

Most animal activity in the jungle occurs between 7am to 9am and again from 3pm to 5pm. Hikers will often see long-tailed macaques and silver leaf monkeys swinging through the trees. Keep an ear out for the hornbill, a large-beaked bird resembling a toucan. It’s a noisy flyer, and the whooshing sound of its wings can often be heard overhead.

At night, fruit bats, civet cats, and the adorable slow loris come out from their hiding places. A night safari with a good headlamp and a skilled guide will therefore give you a glimpse into the dark side of Khao Sok.

Plants and Jungle Hazards

Like all jungles, animals in Khao Sok are often hard to see, but the plants can’t run away. Khao Sok is home to a number of plant species found nowhere else on earth. The Rafflesia is a mysterious vine species that produces the largest flower in the world. Higher up in the canopy, bats make their homes under the giant leaves of the endangered Langkaew Palm tree.

Always take an experienced guide when hiking in the deep jungle because some plants and animals can be dangerous, so . Elephants are the most feared, but they are rarely encountered. Another hazard is the “Crying Elephant” leaf that leaves a burning sensation for several weeks. The most dangerous animal in the jungle is you. You can avoid almost all hazards by watching your step, paying attention to your surroundings, and listening to your guide.