|
|
Summary
The largest “rainforest” park in Thailand, Khao Sok contains spectacular limestone mountains, a huge man-made reservoir and a wealth of wildlife including gibbon, dusky langur, elephant, tapir, tiger, gaur and some 200 species of birds. Located between Phuket and Surat Thani in Thailand’s southern peninsula, kayaking the reservoir is a perfect way to view some of the parks diverse wildlife. This Khao Sok kayaking safari is aptly labeled a "soft adventure". It´s an easy small group tour with a focus on spotting wildlife.
The birding in Khao Sok is superb and the wildlife sightings are astonishing. Khao Sok is by far the best eco-tour in southern Thailand to view wildlife! Common sightings include gibbons, macaque, dusky langur, hornbills and a whole lot more.
Day 1: Pick up at 8:30 a.m at your Phuket hotel and transfer to the dam at Khao Sok National Park reservoir. The drive takes about three and a half hours. Once at the dam, board a motorboat to transfer to the bungalows. The motorboat ride takes about forty-five minutes. The scenery along the way is very dramatic, with towering limestone cliffs and thick tropical jungle. Check into the bungalows, then get setup for your first paddling excursion. But first, you will be instructed on basic paddling techniques. Your first destination is a place we call "Orchid Bay". When you get there, you´ll see why. It´s like something out of Disneyland.
Overnight: basic floating rafts*
Meals: [L,D]
Day 2: Early in the morning, head out to do some birdwatching and wildlife sighting. Gibbons make their weird and wonderful calls early in the morning. It´s a natural alarm clock. After about a couple of hours on the water, head back for breakfast and an optional nap. Further paddling instructions follow. In the afternoon, head out for another wildlife viewing trip. Watching monkeys frolicking in the jungle canopy is entertaining to say the least. They often make fantastic leaps from tree to tree. Langurs are the most impressive at this. They appear to be fearless. They even make their unbelievable jumps when they have babies clinging to their bellies.
Overnight: basic floating rafts*
Meals: [B,L,D]
Day 3: Again, do an early morning birdwatching and wildlife sighting paddle. After breakfast, hike to a unique cave. The trail to the cave is easy walking. It takes about an hour to get to the cave entrance. There´s a small river running through the cave. About thirty minutes into the cave, we´ll reach a point at which you will have to start wading, then swimming. It´s safe and easy. It´s also something you´ll remember for a long time. In the afternoon, another nature paddle to a completely different part of the reservoir
Overnight: basic floating rafts*
Meals: [B,L,D]
Day 4: Sleep in a bit, then have breakfast. After breakfast, start paddling in the direction of the dam. This is not a race and we´re not trying to see how far we can paddle. The motorboat will leave the bungalows at 3:00 PM to find us. Board the boat and head back to the dam. Then, drive back to Phuket.
Meals: [B,L]
*We stay in unique little floating bamboo bungalows on the reservoir. The bungalows are very basic. They are made out of low impact material. Bamboo and thatched roofs provide a very simple, environmentally friendly shelter which fits well with the jungle surroundings. There is no electricity in the bungalows. The shared toilets are fairly clean and adequate. The food at the floating restaurant is outstanding. The cooks always serve a variety of tasty Thai dishes. Breakfast favorites include fruit pancakes or the traditional Thai breakfast treat, rice porridge. The bungalow staff is very helpful and friendly, ensuring a tranquil and safe environment.
Includes
- English-speaking guide
- all transfers (airfare not included) * all equipment
- accommodations once on the trip
- all meals, snacks & non-alcoholic drinks
- Travel Insurance in addition to your own
Thing to bring
- Light walking boots or sports shoes
- Camera and binoculars
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt for walking in the forest
- Mosquito repellent
  |
