Floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park (for every budget!)

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How to choose and book a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park, one of the most breathtaking places in all of Thailand. There are options for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re looking for a budget bamboo hut or a honeymoon suite with a private floating pool.

Khao Sok National Park is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. In a country with a whole lot of impressive scenery, this might just be the place that beats them all. As you zip around Cheow Lan Lake by longtail boat, dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of the water in every direction, you almost feel like you’ve landed on another planet, or at least in another era on this one.

Panoramic view of limestone cliffs jutting out of Cheow Lan Lake. — Whaaaat.

By far the best way to experience the park is to stay overnight in one of the Khao Sok floating bungalows. There are options for all budgets! I highly recommend a stop here, whether you’re on a shoestring or luxury trip.

Long story short…

For the most basic and affordable bungalows, you’ll want to head down to tiny Khao Sok Village and book in person.
For something gorgeous, unique, and air conditioned, my vote is for Panvaree The Greenery.
You can arrange your transportation (buses, vans, and taxis) ahead of time using 12Go Asia.
If you’d really rather not, you can book a multi-day tour from Krabi, Phuket or Khao Lak.

How to book the Khao Sok floating bungalows

There are a few ways to approach this trip, and the best one will depend on your budget, schedule, and desire for creature comforts.

The floating bungalows in Khao Sok range from very basic bamboo huts with a mattress on the floor to ensuite villas with comfy bedding and air conditioning.

Many of the better quality bungalows can be reserved online. You can book a room by itself or a tour package that includes boat transfers, meals, and other activities.

Row of basic, budget-friendly floating bungalows on the lake set against a jungle backdrop. — A row of budget bungalows.

For the cheapest bungalows, your best bet is to arrive in the town of Khao Sok a day or two in advance. Many of the hostels and guesthouses here are connected with tour agencies and can help you book overnight trips to the national park. They will usually be much cheaper (and much more rustic) than what you can find online.

Other considerations

When deciding which bungalow or package to book, pay careful attention to what is included in the price. For example, the boat transfer to and from the resort is often an additional cost if you only reserve a room. There are also national park fees that must be paid at the park office.

Many resorts organize additional excursions as well. These include boat trips to spot wildlife in the evenings and a fun jungle trek to and through a cave in the dry season. The activities might be included in the price, but it’s always best to double check when you make your reservation.

Front of a longtail boat on Cheow Lan Lake with misty jungle in the background. — Beautiful evening boat ride looking for wildlife.

Two monkeys that I spotted on my evening wildlife safari in Khao Sok National Park. — We spotted lots of monkeys!

Also keep in mind that the price of food at the on-site restaurant is likely to correspond with the price of the rooms. Reservations include full board at a few of the resorts, but most charge separately for meals.

If you book a tour package, all of the above costs will usually be included, plus transfers from your hotel.

Budget bungalows

If you’re watching your money, the cheapest option is to show up in the town of Khao Sok and book a tour in person and in cash.

There are plenty of hostels and guesthouses where you can stay for one night and shop around at different tour agencies to see which package makes the most sense for you. (There are much better options now than the place where I stayed. I would probably go for Friendly Hostel or Little Wild Hostel.)

Yellow kayak on a wooden platform connecting budget floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand.

The budget bungalows are quite basic, with bamboo walls and usually no furniture to speak of other than the mattress. There is typically a shared block of toilets set back from the rooms.

This is where I stayed on my first visit to Khao Sok. It’s a great option for backpackers who want to experience the park but don’t necessarily have the budget for one of the higher-end resorts. This is also probably the best option for travelers who want to socialize – the more luxurious the bungalows, the more likely people are to want to just hang out in their own private spaces.

I should note that the area where I stayed didn’t have the same striking limestone cliffs as other parts of the lake. It was still very beautiful, and we still took a longtail boat through the lake’s extraordinary scenery to get there. I just wasn’t able to see it right from the deck like you can at some of the more expensive resorts.

Classic Thai longtail boats decorated with brightly-colored fabric and moored to a wooden dock with a row of basic floating bungalows in the background.

I’ll also note that I got very lucky with a bungalow to myself – there was no other solo woman to pair me with! I wouldn’t count on this, though.

Midrange bungalows

Well, some bad news here. There have never been a ton of midrange options on Cheow Lan Lake that I felt confident recommending, but at the present moment there are zero.

One appears to have been replaced with a new upscale resort. The other has two recent Google reviews mentioning bed bugs. I want to stress that it’s just a couple of reviews, and bed bugs can obviously happen anywhere – I absolutely know this. However, as a person with some bed bug trauma (long story short, got bed bugs in a hostel on a working holiday in Australia, unknowingly brought them into a temporary sublet with two roommates…), I simply cannot in good conscience recommend anywhere with a recent bed bug issue.

Sorry to be dramatic, but a night in one of the top-end bungalows with good reviews is like… 1/10 the cost of fumigating your house.

Floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park appear tiny under the towering limestone cliffs on Cheow Lan Lake.

High-end bungalows

Panvaree The Greenery

This is the top-rated resort on the lake, and it might just have the best scenery of them all! (It’s a very tough call, though.) It is tucked right at the foot of some of the most stunning limestone mountains around, with amazing views in every direction.

The rooms get snapped up quickly, especially the smaller ones suited to 1-2 people. If you can snag one, though, the Superior rooms are definitely the best value accommodation on Khao Sok Lake if you’re looking for something high-end.

Bungalows are modern and tastefully decorated, with beautiful spaces to relax (think jumbo hammocks over the water and beanbags).

See photos 📸 of Panvaree the Greenery

A beautiful wall of limestone cliffs and a jungle island in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand. — The prettiest part of the national park.

360 Issara Floating Resort

This is the newest addition to the lake. The rooms are clean and modern with private bathrooms. If you close the blackout curtains (nice!), you might not know you’re in Thailand, although if you’ve spent much time here you’ll recognize that clean, minimalist aesthetic. The common areas are also lovely with more character.

See photos 📸 of 360 Issara

The setting is very dramatic, with huge limestone cliffs towering right behind the rooms. From the photos it appears they’ve built these where the midrange Khao Sok Eco Rafts used to be – RIP somewhat-affordable Eco Rafts, but at least these epic views aren’t going to waste. Each room has its own private deck and kayak.

500 Rai Floating Resort

I hesitate to use the world “luxury,” even though this is probably the most famous and luxurious option in the national park. Luxury is relative. You’re not going to have the amenities here that you would have at the same price point at a beachside resort, for example. And even if you have money to burn, you may not find this place to be good value.

All of that said… It is really nice. The bungalows have tons of windows and natural light; you can lie in your bed and look out at the water and limestone cliffs in all directions. You can hop in your little kayak and paddle around, or go for a dip in the floating swimming pool in the middle of the lake.

The honeymoon suite has a private jacuzzi on the deck and its own private pool! This is unique, bucket-list-stay type of stuff.

See photos 📸 of 500 Rai

The bungalows are located quite far from the pier in the western section of Cheow Lan, so there is less boat traffic than you’ll find at some of the other resorts. This makes it feel even more peaceful and secluded.

A longtail boat passes limestone cliffs while taking passengers to floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park.

Panvaree Resort

Not to be confused with Panvaree The Greenery! Well, they are run by the same company, but there is a pretty big difference in standard between the two.

Note that most of the so-called “budget” rooms (which are still not cheap by any reasonable standard) are actually located above the restaurant, so keep this in mind if it’s important to you to sleep in an actual floating bungalow. There is one ensuite budget option, but most have shared bathrooms.

The floating “suites” can sleep 4-5 people, so this could be a good option if you’re traveling in a group.

See photos 📸 of Panvaree Resort

My thoughts on the different floating bungalows

As I mentioned above, I think Panvaree The Greenery is the best value accommodation in Khao Sok if you’re looking for one of the top quality floating bungalows. Lots of other people seem to come to the same conclusion, though, which means that unless you’re reading this many months in advance, they may not have any rooms available.

So then what? 360 Issara, the newest option, would be my second choice.

As for the others, my thinking is that if I’m going to splurge, I want to be in an actual floating bungalow and have my own bathroom. And if I’m paying the higher price for that… I mean, I may as well book the fanciest resort on the lake and have access to its pool and other amenities. So I would probably prefer to go all out and book 500 Rai over (the other) Panvaree (Resort). They are both a lot of money, and if I’m spending that much, I want the most memorable experience possible.

A longtail boat takes visitors on an evening wildlife safari on Cheow Lan Lake. The clouds and jungle are reflected in the water.

There are a few other options on the lake, but I don’t feel comfortable listing them here at the moment. (They have quite poor reviews and are almost as expensive as the others I’ve mentioned here. 250-300 USD for a fan bungalow and food poisoning is not it.)

I’ll also add that I stayed in a budget raft house, and even though it was quite basic, the experience is what I really remember. (I think maybe I’ve blocked out the bathrooms…)

Booking an overnight tour of Khao Sok from Khao Lak or Phuket

For many people, the most convenient way to visit Khao Sok National Park is to book a tour from nearby Khao Lak or (a few hours further) Phuket. This way, you won’t have to get yourself to Khao Sok (transfers are included), and you usually won’t have to worry about park or boat fees, meals, or any other additional costs.

This highly rated lake and wildlife tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (from Khao Lak or Phuket), overnight accommodation in an air-conditioned floating bungalow, boat and national park fees, and four meals (lunch and dinner on day 1, breakfast and lunch on day 2).

This tour from Phuket includes transfers, meals, and accommodation at 500 Rai (note: but not the park fee).

How to get to Khao Sok independently

The National Park headquarters are located in the tiny town of Khao Sok, which is really just a collection of guesthouses, restaurants, and travel agencies for people heading to the lake. There are also a few hikes to do here and a river where you can swim, raft, tube, or canoe.

People swim and raft on the Sok River surrounded by jungle in southern Thailand. — Enjoying the Sok River.

With a bit of time and patience, it is relatively easy to get to Khao Sok on your own from elsewhere in southern Thailand. This is what you’ll need to do if you’re hoping to reserve your trip in person or if you’ve just booked a room rather than a tour package with intercity transfers included.

** Very important note: If you’ve reserved a bungalow, confirm with your resort how late the longtail boats run to take you there and plan accordingly. I recommend spending at least one night in Khao Sok village before your stay on the lake in order to make the most of your time.

Getting from Khao Lak to Khao Sok

If you’re just coming from Khao Lak, the trip to Khao Sok is only about an hour or two, depending on which mode of transport you choose.

The cheapest and slowest option is to take a bus bound for Surat Thani and hop off at the turnoff for Khao Sok National Park. You’ll want bus #465.

From the bus stop, you can either walk or get an inexpensive truck to your accommodation. (It’s about 25 minutes on foot from the junction to the National Park office. Some guesthouses are on the way to the office, but others are further east in the direction of the pier.)

Palm trees in front of limestone mountains in southern Thailand. — Walking into Khao Sok from the bus stop.

It’s a little more expensive to book a shared van, but it’s also usually 30-45 minutes faster. Van transfers typically include pickup and drop-off service at your accommodation, as long as it’s within a certain distance (usually 5 kilometers or so) of the bus stop.

Finally, there is always the option to just take a taxi. You can book online or ask your accommodation in Khao Lak for assistance.

Getting from Phuket to Khao Sok

Phuket is a couple hours south of Khao Lak, so you’re looking at anywhere from two and a half to four hours to get to Khao Sok. The transportation options are basically the same as those from Khao Lak.

The 465 bus bound for Surat Thani from Khao Lak actually starts in Phuket, so the advice is the same as above if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option. The main difference to note is that Phuket is quite a large island, so it’s very possible the bus station is nowhere near your accommodation. If you want to go this route, make sure to consider how much time and money you’ll spend getting to the bus station. It may end up being just as much as a van, which will almost certainly be faster.

As in Khao Lak, you can book van services in Phuket that will pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off within a certain distance of the bus station in Khao Sok. Pay close attention if booking a van service online – most will specify that they can only pick you up within a certain area of Phuket (e.g. only in Patong or only in the Old Town/Chalong area). You’ll usually have to select a pickup point from a drop-down menu, so it should be pretty clear if your accommodation is within the service area.

You can also book vans that will pick you up at ferry terminals and Phuket airport. Just note that the last van is usually in the mid-afternoon (and the last bus in the early afternoon). If you arrive later than that, you can either spend the night in Phuket or take a taxi to Khao Sok.

Getting from Krabi to Khao Sok

From Krabi town, you can take a minivan service from either the bus terminal or Ao Nam Mao pier to Khao Sok. (This pier is where you can catch boats to/from Railay East beach. From Railay West or Tonsai, you’ll end up in Ao Nang, so pay attention when you book your boat.)

Getting from Surat Thani to Khao Sok

If you’re coming from the southern islands in the Gulf of Thailand, it’s possible to book your whole trip to Khao Sok (ferry + van) at once, either online or in person from a travel agent. (Check prices and schedules from Koh Samui 🌴, Koh Phangan 🍻, and Koh Tao 🐠.)

Traveling from the ferry pier 🛥️

If you’d rather book each leg separately, you’ll first take a ferry to Surat Thani. Buses from the pier can take you to Surat Thani bus station, which is located in the town center. (Ferry tickets will often include this bus transfer in the price, but double check when you book. It can vary with the company who sold you the ticket.)

A Thailand flag blowing in the wind from the back of my ferry to Surat Thani.

From the bus station, you can take the same bus #465 described above but going in the other direction. (So the story is the same; you’ll be dropped off at the junction for Khao Sok National Park, and from there you can either walk into town or take a pickup truck.) The bus takes about two and a half hours to get from Surat Thani to Khao Sok.

Van services from Surat Thani will usually leave from the associated travel agency’s office. Most of these are located in the market area near the bus station. There are regular buses from the ferry piers and the airport to this part of Surat Thani. (Again, this trip into town is usually included with your boat ticket, but verify this when you book.)

Traveling from Surat Thani airport ✈️

If you’re coming from the airport, you might be able to book a van to Khao Sok from one of the tour booths near the baggage claim when you land. If not, though, you can take the airport bus to the market and compare prices at the various travel agencies. (Walk past the touts and go straight to the tour offices on Talad Mai Road. You can look at some of the services online and pick one of the addresses to put into your maps app. There are a bunch located within a few blocks of each other and only a few hundred meters from the market.)

Finally, there’s always the taxi option. This will take about 2 hours.

Final thoughts on the Khao Sok floating bungalow experience

I get headaches when I think and write about transportation in the south of Thailand, so let’s bring it back to the reason we do this to ourselves! Khao Sok is, in my mind, an absolute must-visit for any traveler in Thailand.

Dramatic limestone cliffs jutting out of Cheow Lan Lake.

I found the scenery alone to be genuinely awe-inspiring, but the experience was special for so many reasons.

The boat rides were just magical, and I had so much fun on the jungle trek. We saw lots of birds and monkeys on our evening “safari.” We weren’t lucky enough to spot wild elephants, but it’s not uncommon with a guide who knows where to look! (This is perhaps another strike against the super-budget option, but I can’t say for sure.)

I met a lot of travelers from all over the world, and I really enjoyed talking to them and playing cards in the evening.

And despite its lack of comforts, I found staying in a bungalow on the water was really what made my trip to Khao Sok so memorable.

So honestly, no matter where you decide to stay, you’re sleeping in a floating room on a jungle lake! Amazing! It’s such a unique experience in one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

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Floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park: One of Thailand’s most unique places to stay