Forests and Plant Life in Khao Sok National Park

This tropical rainforest is rich in biodiversity and provides a habitat for a vast array of plant species. The forest can be classified into several distinct types.

  • Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in the lowlands and foothills, these lush forests are home to towering trees like Yang Na (Dipterocarpus alatus), Teng (Shorea obtusa), Krabak (Anisoptera costata), and Takian Thong (Hopea odorata). Ferns, mosses, and lichens thrive abundantly in the cool, humid understory.
  • Montane Forests: Situated above 1,000 meters, these cool, misty forests feature shorter trees such as chestnuts and maples. Brightly colored wild orchids and vibrant flowering plants are commonly found, adding to the forest’s rich biodiversity.
  • Mixed Deciduous Forests: Found at mid-elevations, this forest type includes a variety of trees like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Rain Tree (Samanea saman), Makha (Afzelia xylocarpa), and Santol (Sandoricum koetjape), shedding their leaves seasonally.
  • Mangrove Forests: Thriving in coastal and waterlogged areas, these unique ecosystems are dominated by species like Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.), Milky Mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha), and Nipa Palm (Nypa fruticans), essential for coastal protection and marine life nurseries.