Off the beaten Thai track

High cliffs are turning some islets into wildlife fortress. Photos by Pierre Mercan / for China Daily

Accommodation in floating bungalows is available on Cheow Larn Lake in the Middle of Khao Sok National Park.

Floating cabins made of bamboo and wood are perfect for a peaceful night with a jungle soundtrack.

It's right in the middle of the Thai peninsula, but not too far from the beaches and islands that most tourists visit. What Khao Sok National Park offers is a special opportunity to discover the jungle. Elephant herds still roam around. Monkeys are everywhere, and easy trails allow you to meet all sorts of beautiful living creatures, from colorful bugs to incredible orchids.

If you want to go deeper in the jungle, local guides can help. This is what I did and I experienced a few extraordinary days.

The local landscape is similar to Halong Bay in Vietnam and Guilin in China. It consists of SugarLoaf mountains made of karst and covered with lush forest. It's the largest slice of virgin forest in southern Thailand and it is said to be one of the oldest in the world.

Part of the park is an artificial lake resulting from a dam built in the 1980s. The resulting lake is full of beautiful and delicious fish. Floating strings of rental cabins dot the shore for accommodation.

You reach them from the dam on a long-hulled boat and the trip provides great views: myriad islands, cliffs covered with bamboo, and forests. After an hour-long boat trip you can take a dip in the green water or explore the area by kayak.

Fresh local fish and other delicacies will be served as dinner.