Traveling from Krabi to Khao Sok and Khao Sok to Krabi is one of the most popular routes in the south of Thailand, and we have done it as well.
The distance between them is about 150km, and the fastest way to travel between Krabi and Khao Sok is by van, which takes two and a half hours.
Since going between them offers the same transportation options, we gathered all the information in this one complete guide to traveling between Krabi and Khao Sok.
Even though Krabi and Khao Sok are not that far apart, their scenery is very different. The landscape changes dramatically from the sunny seaside paradise of Krabi to the lush jungle landscape of Khao Sok.
Best ways to travel from Krabi to Khao Sok and back
There are two main ways to travel between Krabi and Khao Sok:
- By minivan/bus
- By private transport/taxi
You can buy your tickets on the spot at your hotel or a travel agent in town. However, the best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
Please note that the estimated travel time between Krabi and Khao Sok usually doesn’t include the time to get to the bus station or the time for the pickup and drop-off (if your ticket includes it).
For this journey between Krabi and Khao Sok, you should expect to spend an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where you stay in Krabi and Khao Sok. Pick-ups and drop-offs can be delayed by 30 minutes.
Bus and van transport
The best way to travel between Krabi and Khao Sok is by standard minivan (bus) service. The total travel time is 3 to 4 hours.
When traveling from Khao Sok to Krabi, we recommend booking the early morning trip to allow for possible delays, especially if you’re heading to the airport.
On the way to Khao Sok from Krabi, we recommend booking the trips between 7 and 8 a.m., so you can also allow for possible delays and arrive by hotel check-in time.
Please note that this route runs 99% of the time with minivans. So even though it might be called a bus on the ticket or booking platform, it’s almost certainly a van.
The minivans can be quite uncomfortable, especially when full, as the luggage is often stacked next to the last row of people. But they get you to your destination.
Private transfer or taxi
The only way to have a more comfortable journey between Krabi and Khao Sok is to book a private transfer.
A private transfer/taxi between Krabi and Khao Sok costs upwards of 70 USD, depending on the pickup location. Cheow Lan Lake pier pickup/drop-off costs about 10 USD more.
Click here to check the latest price and availability. We recommend booking with Krabi Shuttle or Call Me Taxi.
| Taxi Krabi - Khao Sok $ 79.29–102.03 1h 40m – 3h | |
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Getting to your hotel or the airport
Depending on the trip you book, your hotel pickup and drop-off might not be included in the original ticket price.
However, we highly recommend booking the one with pickup in advance, as the price difference is minimal (a few dollars).
On the other hand, it’s always worth checking with your hotel to see if they offer a pickup or drop-off service.
Krabi to Khao Sok hotel arrival
You’re usually dropped off at the “Khao Sok van station” just outside the village. Then, depending on where you stay, it’s a 15 to 45-minute walk.
Before getting to Khao Sok, we arranged a pickup with our hotel, which was nice and convenient. We stayed at the amazing Our Jungle Camp.
Plus, we stayed another two nights right after in a treehouse at their other property, Our Jungle House! Both were incredible and unique stays.
- Also read: Our Jungle House Review and Khao Sok Hotel Guide
Khao Sok to Krabi hotel arrival
In Krabi, you are usually dropped off at the Krabi Bus Terminal, Ao Nang, or Krabi Town. We recommend reading our Krabi Hotel Guide to learn about the best areas to stay.
On the way from Khao Sok to Krabi, we also recommend booking the trip with a hotel drop-off, as the taxis in Krabi aren’t known for being the cheapest.
- Best hotels in Krabi?
TAN Hostel (Budget) – Navinda Krabi (Mid-range) – Rayavadee (Luxury)
Khao Sok to Krabi Airport arrival
Trips from Khao Sok to Krabi Airport are super convenient if you fly the same day.
Currently, online-bookable vans to Krabi Airport arrive at 13:00 and 18:30. Booking the earliest trip is the best idea.
We recommend booking a private airport transfer if the van arrivals don’t fit your flight time. While more expensive, it’s worth it for the peace of mind and knowing you won’t miss your flight.
Optional: rent a bike at the station
If you’re traveling light and are a skilled motorbike driver, you can rent a scooter right outside Krabi Bus Terminal and ride it to your hotel. Similarly, you can rent a bike just a few steps from the Khao Sok van station.
A scooter rental in Krabi costs around 250 THB or about 7.5 USD daily. In Khao Sok, the bike rental price is a bit higher, at 300 THB per day (9 USD).
Make sure to read our article “Driving in Thailand as a Tourist,” which details everything you need to know.
TRAVEL TIP
You may need to leave your passport or pay a deposit of about 3000 THB (around $90) to rent a motorbike. We mainly left the cash deposit, as we don’t like anyone else having our passports.
Save money on conversion fees and ATM transactions. Get a Wise card!
Krabi to Khao Sok Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus journeys from Khao Sok to Krabi. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season.
- Bring some snacks onboard, as stops are limited and may not always have the best choice.
- Best activities in Krabi?
1. Sunset Cruise to 4 Islands & Snorkeling
2. Maya Bay & Phi Phi Islands Trip
3. Hong Island Boat Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no flight between Krabi and Khao Sok, and you can only travel between them by road (bus/van or private transfer/taxi).
The journey between Khao Sok and Krabi takes 3 to 4 hours (taking into account possible delays).
You should book your Krabi to Khao Sok transport in advance to secure your ticket, especially in the high season. We recommend booking your transport online.
Final thoughts
Traveling between Krabi and Khao Sok is hassle-free, especially if you book a combo ticket and organize a hotel pickup and drop-off in advance. That way, there’s little to go wrong, and the journey should be about three hours door to door.
Going to Bangkok or Koh Tao next? Read our Krabi to Bangkok guide or Khao Sok to Koh Tao article.
Related:
- Staying in a Floating Bungalow (Khao Sok Lake Guide)
- Khao Sok National Park (Guide)
- Best Things To Do in Krabi (Travel Guide)
Conclusion: The best way to travel between Krabi and Khao Sok is by van. However, a private transfer is the most comfortable way (and the most secure when traveling to the airport).
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Krabi or Khao Sok?
Read: Krabi Travel Guide & Khao Sok Travel Guide
| Taxi Krabi - Khao Sok $ 79.29–102.03 1h 40m – 3h | |
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| Van Krabi - Khao Sok $ 11.97–14.96 2h 50m – 5h 10m | |
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