Khaosok (Thailand)

The Khao Sok National Park, in the southeast of Thailand, is home to the one of the oldest rainforests in the world; it's even older than the Amazon! The bus ride gives you a taste of what's to come. You'll find a dense jungle, punctuated by steep hills that overlook thick, green vegetation.

Founded in 1981, it's the largest protected zone in the country and boasts an incredible biodiversity. There are numerous hiking tours and activites on offer: a hunt for Rafflesias, the world's largest flower, wildlife tours, rafting/ kayaking along swollen rivers that cross the jungle, as well as visits to the caves and lake at Cheow Lan.

For my part, I spent a day exploring this untouched paradise, punctuated by taking dips in calm, cool streams. The following day I went on a tour, as I felt it the best way to enjoy a range of sights in this region. It started by a superb crossing of Cheow Lan Lake, which included stops to spot several species of birds and monkeys. We then stopped for a swim and a quick kayak trip before having our lunch. During the afternoon we hiked through the jungle and crossed a cave filled with bats, spiders and cat fish. We ended the day by re-crossing the lake, stopping to admire some natural limestone pillars that majestically rise out of the water.