The most beautiful place on Earth: Khao Sok National Park

The indescribable, unbelievable and expansive beauty of Khao Sok National Park stole my heart the minute I lay my eyes on the turquoise waters that stretch over its 285 square miles. Surrounded by thick jungle and towering mountains that are home to elephants, gibbons, tigers and other magnificent creatures.

The park is located in Surat Thani, just a “quick” 12 hour sleeper train ride from Bangkok. You will then need to find a car to take you the rest of the way to this secluded paradise. The locals refer to it as ‘the dam’ and the car ride is a bumpy one but I’ve never felt a journey was more worth it in my life, the scenery is breathtaking. You will know when you are getting close as tall limestone towers covered in lush green jungle will start peeking into view in the distance.

Whether you chose a jungle experience camping in treehouses deep in the hills or you chill out and take in the views on a floating bungalow like we did, this place will change your life, undoubtedly. From the minute I booked my trip, this was the visit I was anticipating most and excited for beyond belief, so despite only 20 minutes sleep on the train, I practically threw my large backpack in the safe house at the park entrance and skipped towards the water’s edge. The lake is HUGE, there is so much to explore from jungles to caves and trekking to viewpoints!

The sun rising over the rocks at the lake

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We arrived bright and early at 7.30am and got on a longtail boat towards our gorgeous floating bungalows that we’d be sleeping in for the night. Only stopping for a dip in the green water at sunrise, we swam for a while in what felt like a warm bath. After cascading round a few more rocks we arrived in our very own paradise.

There was a restaurant serving us delicious meals, kayaks to endlessly explore in, a huge log to play games on and inflatable rings to bob around in accompanied by a beer for hours of relaxation after leaving the chaos of Bangkok far behind.

The bungalows were simple but stunning, with a view to die for and only a mattresses to sleep on, what else could you need?! The electricity at the park went out at 9pm and left us with only the noises of the jungle to fall asleep to.

Our temporary homes on the lake

We kept reminding each other that no photo or camera could EVER do the lake justice and that people at home would never understand its beauty. If there is one place in the world I could tell you to visit tomorrow, it would be here. Every inch of the park is filled with beauty and those memories will stay with me forever. I only wish I could take everyone I know to experience it themselves but for now, I will treasure it before it’s discovered by the rest of the world.

The most beautiful place on Earth

This is a Student Travel Writer competition entry.

The most beautiful place on Earth: Khao Sok National Park

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