Planning a trip to Khao Sok National Park and wondering what to pack? You’re not alone – the jungle setting throws up a lot of questions. Leeches? Insects? Humidity? Rain?
I read every horror story on the internet before we went, and I’m here to give you the honest, practical version of what you actually need.
| What Should You Wear in Khao Sok National Park? If you’re short on time here’s the quick answer: ✅Lightweight, breathable clothing (it’s hot and humid year-round) ✅Comfortable walking shoes with good grip ✅Long sleeves/trousers if you want protection from insects ✅Swimwear for lake tours and kayaking ✅A light rain jacket or poncho You don’t need specialist jungle gear – just practical, quick-drying clothes. |
This post is part of my complete Thailand Travel Guide.
Contents
- Weather Conditions In Khao Sok National Park
- What to Wear for Jungle Trekking in Khao Sok
- What About Leeches?
- Best Footwear for Khao Sok National Park
- What to Wear for Cheow Larn Lake Tours
- Sun, Insects & Rain
- Full Khao Sok Packing List
- Final Thoughts
- Ready to Book Your Trip?
Weather Conditions In Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok is a tropical rainforest, so conditions are:
- Hot – temperatures typically sit between 25–35°C year round
- Humid – it can feel hotter than the thermometer suggests
- Potentially wet – even in dry season you can get rain; wet season brings more but it doesn’t necessarily mean all-day downpours
The good news is that the jungle itself provides a lot of shade during trekking, which helps with the heat.
What to Wear for Jungle Trekking in Khao Sok
Before we went, I read a lot of advice recommending specialist jungle clothing. I invested in Craghoppers clothing with built-in insect repellent, which I was happy with. They kept me cool, dried off really quickly and I still wear them all the time for hiking – but I’ll be honest that ordinary comfortable hiking clothes would also work perfectly well. My kids just wore sports leggings, shorts and t-shirts and they were fine.
What matters most:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics (linen, technical fabrics, or moisture-wicking synthetics)
- Long sleeves and trousers if you want maximum protection from insects and sun
- Light colours (easier to spot insects on)
- Something you don’t mind getting sweaty and muddy
| My picks with built-in insect repellent: 👉 Check latest prices for Craghoppers Leggings with Built-In Insect Repellent 👉 Check latest prices for Craghoppers Top with Built-In Insect Repellent (These are affiliate links – I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through them.) |
What About Leeches?
This was something I was really concerned about but we didn’t actually see a single leech during our visit.
That said, it’s worth knowing what you’re dealing with. The leeches in Khao Sok are thread-like with suckers at both ends, which means they can fit through very small gaps in clothing. They are completely harmless – they don’t carry disease and their bite isn’t painful – but understandably many people find them unpleasant.
Tips if you’re worried about leeches:
- Wear long socks and tuck your trousers into them
- Leech-proof socks are available if you want extra peace of mind
- Apply insect repellent to your ankles, socks and shoe tops
- Check yourself periodically on the trail
In the wet season, when the vegetation is damp, you’re more likely to encounter them. In our case (August, wet season) we had none – so it’s not a given.
Best Footwear for Khao Sok National Park
Your feet will get wet – plan for this rather than fighting it. We took hiking shoes and flip-flops for lake activities.
Best options:
- Trail running shoes or hiking shoes – our preferred choice for trekking, particularly for waterfall walks where grip matters
- Water sandals with ankle straps – good for mixed hiking and kayaking days
- Flipflops – for lake activities, not suitable for trekking
Avoid anything you’d be upset about ruining. Our hiking boots never smelt the same! The waterfall trek we did involved walking through water, and the rocks – while not as slippery as you’d expect – do get wet.
What to Wear for Cheow Larn Lake Tours
If your tour includes kayaking or swimming on Cheow Larn Lake (which it likely will – and it’s wonderful), pack:
- Swimwear
- A quick-dry towel (your resort may provide these but worth having your own) We use micro-fibre towels because they’re quick-drying and fold small
- Water shoes or flipflops for getting in and out of kayaks on rocky shores
- A dry bag for your phone and valuables on the boat
Sun, Insects & Rain
Sun protection:
The jungle provides shade during treks but you’ll be on open water for parts of your tour. Pack:
- High SPF suncream (reef-safe where possible)
- A sun hat with a brim
- Sunglasses
Insect repellent:
This is non-negotiable. A DEET-based repellent is most effective. Apply it to all exposed skin, and reapply after swimming. The more skin you leave exposed, the more bites you’ll get – simple as that. We wore DEET religiously and didn’t get even one bite.
Rain:
We took lightweight rain jackets and didn’t need them – but I’d still recommend packing them. They pack down small and you’ll be glad you have one if the heavens open mid-trek. A packable poncho also works well.
Full Khao Sok Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight long-sleeve top (with or without insect repellent)
- Lightweight trousers or leggings
- Spare t-shirts and shorts for resort days
- Swimwear
- Light rain jacket or packable poncho
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Trail shoes or hiking shoes
- Flipflops or sandals for the resort
- Water shoes (optional, but useful)
Protection
- High-SPF suncream
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Long socks (for leech protection if desired)
Gear
- Quick-dry towel
- Dry bag for valuables on the boat
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in the heat)
- Small backpack or daypack for tours
Extras
- Cash (some places in Khao Sok don’t take cards)
- Headtorch (for night walks or dark bungalow areas)
Final Thoughts
Khao Sok might seem intimidating when you read about jungle conditions, insects and leaches – but in reality it really is more manageable than you might expect.
As long as you pack light, breathable clothing and come prepared for mud and humidity, you’ll be absolutely fine – and free to enjoy one of the most incredible landscapes in Thailand.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
– 👉 Rock and Tree House Resort Review – where we stayed and what it’s really like
– 👉 Khao Sok National Park: Tours & Things to Do – the full-day tour, the lake, the cave
– 👉 DIY Thailand Family Holiday: Our 2 Week Thailand Itinerary
– 👉 What to Pack for a Thailand Holiday – the full Thailand packing guide
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