Elephant Hills Camp
Hotel Grade: Luxury Camp
Introduction
Think of southern Thailand and the fantastic beaches immediately spring to mind, but this would mean you’d miss stunning Khao Sok National Park; a land of towering limestone karst mountains jutting out like dragon’s teeth from beautiful lakes and jungle forests: atmospheric in the extreme. Nestled beneath huge limestone cliffs next to the Sok River, the best place to stay is Elephant Hills Camp; a luxury tented establishment that offers all the home comforts you need, but puts you in the heart of the park. Soft adventure awaits, whether it be elephant trekking, jungle walks, tubing and swimming in a beautiful lake or canoeing the mangrove rivers, it’s all there on your doorstep. Well worth a short detour from Phuket or Khao Lak.
Facilities
As you can imagine it’s all about the surroundings and whichever adventure you choose you’ll enjoy expert guidance from the staff that come from the local area and can offer insights into their life and culture. At the centre of the camp is the lounge and restaurant that act as the social hub and there is also a large pool to cool off after a day exploring.
Tents
Each of the 20 tents is of a very high standard, the same as those used in luxury African safari camps, with their own bathroom, complete with toilet and hot shower, large bed, fan, safe, tea / coffee making facilities and outside seating area. Go to sleep listening to the unforgettable night-time sounds of the jungle.
Anurak Community Lodge
Hotel Grade: Medium Eco-Resort
Introduction
The Anurak Community Lodge is set amid the lush tropical vegetation of one of the oldest rainforests in the world, right on the edge of Khao Sok National Park. Designed with the environmentally conscious traveller in mind it encourages guests to get up close and personal with the jungle’s unique natural heritage and facilitates a meaningful cultural exchange with the indigenous
Facilities
The Anurak Lodge Hornbill Restaurant sits at the heart of the lodge. Specialising in Thai cuisine, as you dine your eyes will be drawn out to the awe-inspiring view of the jungle that rises like a rolling green carpet towards the towering limestone mountain peaks of Khao Sok National Park.
You won’t find a pool, gym or spa but then again you’re here to enjoy the experiences that Khao Sok National Park has to offer. The lodge offers a myriad of ways to fill your days. One of the most popular is the Elephant Experience that offers guests the chance to interact with these gentle giants directly (no riding) joining the mahouts to feed, walk with and bathe them in the river. Heading into the park you can explore by raft or canoe through the jungle on slow meandering river or on dry land take a guided hike or bike ride along flat trail tracks. Within the park you’ll find Cheow Lan Lake, popular with those who would like to spend a relaxing night surrounded by the sounds of the jungle in one of the Khiri Thara floating raft houses. Food & community are cornerstones of Thai hospitality and so perhaps also include the Anurak Jungle Dinner to discover how villagers created sumptuous dishes relying on nothing but the forest or the Organic Farm Cooking Experience on which you join a local chef for the morning - select your produce from the gardens, cook a selection of traditional Thai dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Rooms
Set in 15 lush tropical acres the lodge offers 20 eco-friendly rooms across 12 beautifully appointed bungalows and two safari-style tents. Tucked beneath a canopy of palm trees, all feature en suite bathrooms with rain showers and hot water, plus natural soap and shampoo. Each has both air-conditioning and high-ceiling fans, as well as mosquito netting canopies above beds. Large wrap-around balconies with chairs and a table provide you with your own private spot to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle scenery.
There is also the option to overnight on Cheow Lan Lake in one of the Khiri Thara floating raft houses.
Our Jungle House
Hotel Grade: Medium Eco-Resort
Introduction
Set in 25 acres of privately owned rainforest and located just 10 minutes’ walk from Khao Sok National Park’s entrance, Our Jungle House is a true eco-resort that offers an atmospheric base from which to explore the park, lake and surrounding forest. Choose from a range of treehouses, bungalows and bamboo cottages that have been built from carefully sourced materials and renewable materials. The most popular option is to book 1 or 2 nights in a tree house and then 1 in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake to enjoy a different view of the stunning limestone scenery.
Facilities
At the heart of the resort is the two-story open air bar and restaurant that offers great views of the stunning white limestone cliffs that dominate the park and the gorgeous Klong Sok River that runs past the hotel. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the park. Immediately from the hotel you can float down the river past the treehouses or enjoy one of three nature walks that explore the private rainforest. However the National Park is the main reason why it’s so popular and the hotel offers tours and activities that include jungle hikes, canoe trips, elephant bathing and overnight trips to Cheow Lan Lake. Wifi is available in the restaurant and reception area.
Rooms
Comfortable and peaceful, each tree house and jungle bungalow has been carefully crafted to blend in with the local environment and take advantage of the natural delights of sleeping in the jungle. Each has its own charm and characteristics including an open deck from which to enjoy the views of Khao Sok. Room amenities include mosquito net, mosquito coil, drinking water, standing fan, safety deposit box and private bathroom with hot shower.