Many rivers and streams flow through the gorgeous Khao Sok National Park, so it’s no surprise that rafting is available. But is it worth it? Well, let’s answer that.
About bamboo rafting in Khao Sok
Rafting in Khao Sok National Park is done on traditional bamboo rafts. These rafts are basically several bamboo poles tied together.
They’re pretty long with two seats in the middle of the raft. They’re like small chairs, one in front of the other. The boat captain is at the end of the raft, navigating with a long wooden stick.
We’ve seen similar rafts in northern Vietnam as well. Just, of course, without the seats, as these are adjusted for tourism purposes.
Our experience on a bamboo ride in Khao Sok
Bamboo ride on the Sok River is a very relaxing activity. You sit on the raft while gently gliding on the river, enjoying the views of Khao Sok’s rainforest and the peaceful sounds of the river.
Besides enjoying nature, on this ride, you might also encounter some monkeys, as they love to hang out in the trees next to the river.
During our bamboo rafting, we went down the river for about 20 to 30 minutes and then stopped on the side of the river for a short coffee or tea break. This is also a great spot to refresh yourself and take a swim.
They served us coffee and tea in bamboo cups that you can take as souvenirs. And the cool thing was that they boiled the water in bamboo sticks above the fire.
And the best part of our bamboo ride? It was just us and one other couple that we did the tour with the entire time. We couldn’t believe it!
Plus, we both had our private raft, as it’s usually two people per one. Although you can probably arrange for more of you in one if needed.
Is bamboo rafting in Khao Sok worth it?
Bamboo rafting is one of the best things to do in Khao Sok National Park. While it’s not the most exciting activity, it’s a very peaceful and relaxing experience.
The scenery in this area is not as breathtakingly beautiful as, for example, at Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok, but it still has a few beautiful sections where mountains can be seen.
This is a perfect activity for almost anyone, as all you have to do is sit and relax. It doesn’t sound that bad, does it? 😁
Although we highly recommend pairing a bamboo ride with one of the many awesome things to do in Khao Sok, such as hiking. You’ll appreciate it more after a sweaty hike. 😉
Ride duration
Bamboo rafting in Khao Sok is a short activity, usually lasting about 1.5 hours. Therefore, it’s often combined with other activities in Khao Sok, especially hiking.
We did it right after the hike to a cave, so we appreciated it even more as it was perfect for relaxing after the hike. 😁
Good to know: You’re not actually spending 1.5 hours on the raft, but rather a bit less, since the tour also includes a short stop.
How to book bamboo rafting in Khao Sok?
You can easily book a bamboo ride anywhere in Khao Sok Village or with your hotel (see the list of best hotels in Khao Sok).
There is also an option to book a tour online that includes bamboo riding. We usually recommend this option as you can see recent reviews from fellow travelers and book with a free cancellation option (usually 24 h before the activity starts).
Bamboo rafting tour recommendation
Here is the best-reviewed bamboo rafting tour in Khao Sok, which also includes a visit to a jungle cave temple. And it’s a private one.
Practical tips for bamboo rafting
- The raft can let through some water, therefore it’s best to be barefoot (it’s also a much better and more refreshing experience 😁).
- Keep your valuables in a waterproof bag, or carry your bag on you (for the reason above).
- The river is usually very calm; there are just a few small sections with small rapids, but nothing extreme.
- The water levels in Khao Sok National Park depend on the season. Of course, the best is in the rainy season, although bamboo rafting in Khao Sok is a year-round activity. During our visit in mid-January (the dry season), the water level was approximately 2 to 3 meters lower than it typically is during the wetter part of the year.
- There are life jackets on the rafts, but you don’t need to wear them.
- If you’re taking the bamboo raft tour that also includes a temple visit, don’t forget to bring something to cover up before entering.
Final thoughts
While we recommended a bamboo ride in Khao Sok National Park, as we enjoyed it, we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why we hope this blog helped you decide if it’s worth it for you or not.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments.
And if you plan to go rafting on your Khao Sok itinerary, please let us know how it went and if anything changed, so we can update this article. It will help future travelers. 🥰
Plan your Khao Sok trip
If you still haven’t finished planning your Khao Sok trip, we’re here to help!
- Read our guide on staying in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake
- Next, check our Guide to Khao Sok to find more things to do in the area, the best time to visit, and all other tips for visiting.
- Need help with deciding how many days to spend in Khao Sok? Read our itinerary for Khao Sok.
- Searching for a perfect hotel to stay at? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Khao Sok for all budgets.
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