Surat Thani is often considered a gateway to where the rainforest meets the water. However here, rivers twist through valleys alive with macaques, hornbills, and rare orchids, and is a gorgeous, underrated location. While many pass through on their way to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, Surat Thani itself offers a glimpse into Thailand's wild side, where coastal ecosystems and jungle backdrops collide.
An eco-lodge bordering Khao Sok National Park that integrates wildlife conservation and forest protection into its operations. They work with local guides and conservationists to promote sustainable tourism, reduce human impact on the rainforest, and safeguard endangered species in the region.
A community-based tourism initiative in southern Thailand that connects travelers with immersive cultural and environmental experiences. Revenue from tours and homestays directly supports local conservation projects, habitat restoration, and social development programs in coastal communities.
Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most breathtaking wild places. Its rainforest is older than the Amazon and its cliffs tower over the vast Cheow Lan Lake. But this wonder was born of loss: the lake exists because of a dam built in the 1980s, which flooded entire valleys and displaced communities. Today, elephants, gibbons, and hornbills thrive along its limestone ridges and emerald waters, while the park itself stands as both a sanctuary and a reminder of what once was.