The route in five stages
| Stage | What it is like |
|---|---|
| 1. Airport to the bridge | A short run north on Highway 402, away from the beaches. |
| 2. Sarasin Bridge | The bridge crosses from the island into Phang Nga province, where you join Highway 4. |
| 3. Highway 4 north | The longest stretch, up the Andaman coast through towns and past the Khao Lak area. |
| 4. Takua Pa area | Highway 401 starts here and turns east toward Surat Thani. |
| 5. Highway 401 inland | Plantations give way to forested hills, with more bends and a slower average, until you reach the Khao Sok area. |
The 135 km ends in the Khao Sok area on the main road. Cheow Lan Lake is a separate drive further east from there, through the Ratchaprapha Dam, so a lake stay needs extra time on top of these figures.
Why 135 km takes 2 hours 20 minutes
Highway 4 is the trunk road up the coast, shared with lorries and local traffic, and it passes through towns. The inland section then adds bends. Together they hold the average speed below 60 km/h.
The 2 hours 20 minutes is driving time. It leaves out immigration, baggage and the walk to the car, and it ends in the Khao Sok area on the main road, so a lodge down a side track adds a few minutes.
What makes it faster or slower
- Early morning and late night: the towns are quiet and the highway is at its fastest.
- Daytime: local traffic in towns on Highway 4, such as Takua Pa, can slow the road.
- Heavy rain: the inland hills and the narrower roads near your lodge are the first to slow down.
A same-day round trip from the airport would mean about 4 hours 40 minutes in the car. For most visitors the trip works better with at least one night at the park.
Khao Sok against the other long-distance trips
Khao Sok sits in the middle of the long-distance list. Krabi is only 30 km farther and takes 20 minutes longer.
| From the airport to | Distance | Time by road |
|---|---|---|
| Khao Lak | 80 km | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Khao Sok | 135 km | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Krabi | 165 km | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Koh Lanta | 205 km | 3 hours |
| Donsak Pier | 260 km | 3 hours 30 minutes |
The fixed price for Khao Sok starts at 2,999 THB per car. See the Khao Sok price page.
Questions about this transfer
How many kilometres is it from Phuket airport to Khao Sok?
135 km by road to the Khao Sok area on Highway 401.
How long does the drive take?
About 2 hours 20 minutes in normal traffic, with the exact time depending on the hour, the weather and the towns on Highway 4.
Is Cheow Lan Lake included in the 135 km?
No. The lake is reached through the Ratchaprapha Dam, a separate drive further east. Message us before booking if that is your destination. The boat on the lake is paid separately.
Can I do Khao Sok as a day trip from the airport?
It is possible but tiring. The two drives alone add up to about 4 hours 40 minutes, which leaves little time at the park.
Which road does the car take?
Highway 402 north to the Sarasin Bridge, then Highway 4 up the coast, then Highway 401 inland.