An Adventure to Thailand; Khao Sok National Park’s Floating Bungalows

Peaceful lake waters stretch out to greet the mountains and karsts jut into the sky in the distance. Khao Sok National Park is one of those serene places in Thailand you see on postcards. One of those places that will make you want to become a poet that watches sunrises and sunsets and has tales to tell. While most people are headed to the beaches of Thailand, like the popular Railay Beach, Cheow Lan Lake is where you go to really get away. Be with yourself. Be with nature. Be with the sun.

I headed to this beautiful area after staying in Aonang where tourists are coming and going daily for island adventures. Known for its stunning floating bungalows and picturesque surroundings, discover the hidden gem of Khao Sok where you can get away from the crowds and find respite. While every place I went in Thailand was beautiful, this was the highlight by far for me.

Wonder what the highlight of your trip to Thailand will be? Khao Sok National Park:

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

What to know about Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park remains a well-kept secret making it an unspoiled paradise devoid of excessive tourism. It’s one of those places I only found because my friend had been living in Krabi for many years and said this was where we should get away to.

Khao Sok National Park is the largest protected park in Southern Thailand and has an extensive trail network, a ton of outdoor activities, and is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, including tigers, elephants, monkeys, various bird species, king cobras, and pythons. The park’s diverse ecosystem offers a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts. There are over 300 bird species in this massive park that is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world.

It’s important to know that there are two areas within the park that people head and just two entrances. The headquarters is Khao Sok Village and from there you can go hiking on trails, find waterfalls, and join various river activities. There are land-accommodations here and plenty of restaurants. Cheow Lan Lake is the other part where you’ll find the bungalow floating houses, caves, and limestone cliffs. This is where you can get the longtail boats. It’s about an hours drive between the two entrances. That said, you probably won’t be driving yourself, but it’s just good to know what to expect.

Entrance fee: 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children aged 3 to 14. (Note that you may notice locals have a different fare. Thai citizens pay 40 Baht for adults and 20 Baht for children.)

The entrance fee is a one time payment if you’re staying within the park. If you enter, leave and enter again, you’ll have to pay again.

Hours: 6:00am ~ 6:00pm every day, all year round

It is possible to enter at night with a guide for a night safari.

Where is Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park is located in the southern province of Phang Nga in Thailand. There are some majorly popular tourist destinations in the area like Krabi, Railay, and Phuket. If you’re headed to any of them, you can and should add this to your itinerary.

How to get there

From Surat Thani

Surat Thani International Airport (URT) is the nearest airport to Khao Sok National Park. Alternatively, you can take an overnight train or bus to Surat Thani.

Transfer from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park

Option 1: Bus transfer
- Upon arrival at Surat Thani International Airport or Surat Thani train/bus station, take a shuttle bus or public bus to Khao Sok.
- The journey by bus takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- You can find the bus options on 12go.Asia
Option 2: Private transfer
- Pre-arrange a private taxi or van transfer from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park.
- This option offers convenience and flexibility, especially for larger groups or those with specific requirements.
- You can find private options on 12go.Asia as well.

From the Gulf of Thailand

If you’ve been in Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or other great island in the region, you can take a ferry to Don Sak Pier which is about 40 miles east of Surat Thani. If you’re on one of the islands, you can work with a local tour agency that will help plan all of your transportation from ferry to onward travel to the national park.

Transfer from Don Sak Pier to Khao Sok National Park

Option 1: Bus transfer
- Upon arrival at Don Sak Pier, you can transfer to a bus to Khao Sok.
- The journey by bus takes about 3 hours.
- You can find the transportation options on 12go.Asia
Option 2: Private transfer
- You can find the private transportation options on 12go.Asia as well.

From Phuket

From Phuket International Airport (HKT), there are buses, minivans and taxis that will give you a ride up to Khao Sok.

Transfer from Phuket Bus Terminal to Khao Sok National Park

Option 1:Bus transfer
- There are buses from Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
- The journey takes about 4.5 hours.
- You can find the transportation options on 12go.Asia
Option 2: Private transfer
- There are private taxis and vans available.
- These take substantially less time at 2.5 hours so a good option if you don’t want to waste a day.
- You can find private transportation options on 12go.Asia as well.

From Krabi

Krabi Airport (KBV) is also about 3 hours from Khao Sok National Park. In Krabi Town, you can head to Krabi Bus Terminal to find buses that will take you right to Khao Sok National Park conveniently.

Transfer from Krabi to Khao Sok National Park

Option 1: Bus Transfer
- There is transportation available from Krabi Bus Terminal. The transportation from here includes a van and a transfer to taxi with all connections guaranteed.
- The journey takes just under 4 hours.
- You can find the transportation options on 12go.Asia
Option 2: Private transfer
- There are private taxis available.
- The trip is just 2.5 hours.
- You can find a private transfer option on 12go.Asia as well.

Arrival at Khao Sok National Park

Once you reach Khao Sok, you will find yourself at the park’s main entrance or visitor center in Khao Sok Village. If you’re looking to get out onto the water, you won’t do that here. Here, you can obtain park permits, gather information, and arrange activities or accommodations if you haven’t already. If you’ll be headed on to a floating bungalow, you’ll find the longtail boats to take you to them at Ratchaprapa Marina which is further in the park as mentioned above.

Important Tips

It’s advisable to check the operating hours, availability, and booking requirements for transportation options in advance.
Make sure to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
Consider carrying some cash, as certain places in the park may have limited card payment facilities.
Respect the rules and regulations of the national park, including guidelines for wildlife conservation and responsible tourism.

Where to find floating bungalows in Thailand

Cheow Lan Lake

Cheow Lan Lake is a natural paradise within Khao Sok National Park. Also known as Rajjaprabha Dam Reservoir, it is a captivating 185 square kilometer artificial lake. Created in 1987 following the construction of the dam, which was named “light of the kingdom” in Thai, the lake is a testament to both human engineering and natural beauty. It’s no wonder that we found ourselves here on the Queen’s birthday, surrounded by the park’s remarkable wildlife.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in your bathing suit, Khao Sok National Park is the place to make that dream a reality and Cheow Lan Lake is where you’ll want to dive, dip, and float until calmed.

Floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake

The floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake are everything from rustic to very nice and you really must stay in one to fully experience the magic of Khao Sok National Park. We chose to go pretty rustic. Our bungalows didn’t have TVs and we had shared bathrooms, but that didn’t stop us from having an amazing experience.

Floating bungalows, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Here are some exceptional floating bungalow accommodations:

Keereewarin

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Ratchaprapha, these huts offer private bathrooms and showers. This is a good budget friendly option that is idyllic and will be the start to an amazing adventure on the lake.

Book a floating bungalow at Keereewarin on Agoda.com.

Panvaree Resort

A top choice on Booking.com, these floating houses provide various amenities, including a TV, fridge, private showers, and bathrooms. Relax on your balcony from sunrise to sunset while marveling at the breathtaking scenery which includes tall limestone cliffs.

Book a floating bungalow at Panvaree Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.

500 Rai Floating Resort

500 Rai Floating Islands, Khao Sok National Park, floating bungalows, Thailand

Indulge in luxury within the national park at these spacious bungalows featuring two bedrooms, air conditioning, and private showers and baths. These are by far the most luxurious of the floating bungalows on the water. Definitely a honeymooners spot. Hurry and secure your booking, as these sought-after accommodations fill up quickly.

Book a floating bungalow at 500 Rai Floating Resort on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.

Khao Sok National Park Tours

I was lucky enough to have locals that were taking me from here to there and booking everything in between. If you don’t know someone in the region, I highly recommend booking a tour to Khao Sok National Park. The transportation listed above and then the boats, well it can be a lot. There are a lot of moving parts to get in, get around, get the boat, find food. Alleviate possible headaches and just book ahead to have the best experience possible.

1 Day Khao Sok Jungle Safari and 2 Days Cheow Lan Lake

Start your adventure in the Khao Sok National Park with a trekking trip into the jungle to find a bungalow. From there, you’ll head to the Khao Sok River and then get a longtail boat on Cheow Lan Lake stay on a floating bungalow. This will have you experiencing everything there is to see and do in the park. This is the most popular option for tourists and I would say is the best as far as length of stay.

Book this adventure into Khao Sok National Park on Klook or on Viator.

1 Day Longtail Boat Tour on Cheow Lan Lake

If you’ll be in Krabi like I was, you can join this tour that will take you out to the majesty of the lake in Khao Sok National Park for a daytrip. While I think staying in the park for at least a night is so worth it, if you don’t have the time, this will do. You just have to see the amazing karsts and limestone cliffs.

Book this 1 day trip to Khao Sok National Park on Klook or on Viator.

The highlight of our Thailand adventure

While many travelers flock to Thailand’s beaches and moon parties, this serene lake and its floating bungalows offer an underrated adventure. Highlight of my Thailand adventure? It definitely was.

As we embarked on a boat ride to reach our floating houses, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring landscape reminiscent of Jurassic Park. The immense beauty of the lake, stretching as far as the eye could see, combined with the towering mountains and karsts, left us speechless. Our group of misfits sat quietly just taking in the scenery that unfolded before us. Shades of blue, green, and brown blended harmoniously, creating an enchanting escape perfect for reconnecting with old and new friends.

As we journeyed through the lake, we marveled at the absence of other boats or signs of civilization, allowing us to truly appreciate the grandeur of the karsts and the vastness of the surroundings. Our driver made sure to speed up and slow down at just the right moments so we could enjoy the ride. Comparable to the renowned Halong Bay in Vietnam that I had visited some years earlier, Khao Sok exceeded all expectations, leaving us in awe of its immensity.

Our floating houses were connected by planks leading out onto the water, providing endless opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and lazing about on floaties. It was a true digital detox, with no phone signal and limited electricity, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful ambiance. Be prepared to disconnect with the world and connect with those you’ve brought along.

In the evenings, we ate simple but delicious meals together that were prepared by the staff and just enjoyed each other’s company and some games of cards. Live music accompanied our lazy days, thanks to our talented in-group musician, who had everyone singing and dancing along.

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand; Thai food

What to do in Khao Sok National Park

Various activities are available within the park, such as guided jungle treks, canoeing or kayaking, and boat tours on Cheow Lan Lake.

Trekking

Take a hike into a limestone cavern or through the lush jungle to find waterfalls. You may even spot the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. There are some gorgeous places in the forest but do be aware, this is an activity that you are highly discouraged from doing on your own. From Khao Sok Village, there are some trails that you can do on your own from here. Other than those, you are required to have a guide as the forests are very thick and it is easy to get lost.

As of 2023, there are nine areas you can walk from the visitor center and three of them allow you to go on your own. To access the other six, you are required to have a guide. The distance for these treks varies from 2km to 7km. There are longer trails aside from these ones, but all require a guide so best to book through a local agency to choose what will suit you or your group best. Also good to wait and book when you arrive to see how the weather has been. If it’s been especially rainy, you may not want to take the longest and muddiest treks of your life.

Longtail boat rides

What we opted for. Explore Cheow Lan Lake by water. The boat drivers know the best little coves and secret turns to take with karsts rising high above you. It is intense and beautiful. Make sure to wear something that can get wet so you can jump into the water when there’s a good spot for a swim.

FAQ

How long should I spend in Khao Sok National Park?

If you only have time for a one day trip, it’s worth it. However, if you can, I’d recommend at least 3 days to really have the experience and do as much as you can there. As mentioned, the park is massive. There’s plenty to do to fill your time or plenty of time to detox and break away from time.

When is the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park?

The best period to visit is between November and April if possible.

What should I pack for Khao Sok National Park?

If you’ll be visiting the park for an overnight adventure, there are a few things I’d recommend bringing aside from your standard clothes and toiletries.

Insect repellant. There can be a lot of bugs. Generally during the day, out on the water, it wasn’t an issue. At night, if they bug you, you might want to bug them.
Anti-itch cream. Your bound to get a few bites anyway. If you have kids who will be especially annoyed by this, be sure to take some anti-itch ointment.
Sun cream. Always on the list. Sun cream should be a standard part of your skincare routine, but especially necessary when you’ll be out on reflective water all day.
Sunglasses/sunhats. It can be very bright and as mentioned, the reflective water will have the light bouncing at you from every direction.
Water resistant bag. If you have anything that you’re especially worried about getting wet, be sure to take a water resistant bag. You’ll be on the water a lot.
Charged power bank. The great thing about Khao Sok is that you can disconnect. There is little wi-fi and some electricity but it’s fairly rustic in most places. Take some extra power for cameras and phones if you think you’ll need it.

How rustic are the floating bungalows?

The ones I linked to above are by far the best options on the lake. They also offer their own private longtail boat connections so be in touch with them about that. Ours, was much more rustic. Picture a cabin with just a bed, open windows that don’t close, mosquito net and an overhanging light. We had shared bathrooms and shower stalls. To be honest, I don’t think any of us actually showered. We just enjoyed the dips in the lake. It was rustic but in an appealing camping sort of way.

Our time at Khao Sok National Park was filled with laughter, storytelling, and peaceful contemplation. As we bid farewell to our newfound friends from Ohio, California, Canada, and Thailand, a sense of gratitude permeated the air. This journey had been a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for us all. Indulge in the tranquility of Cheow Lan Lake and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery that surrounds it. Whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, or a memorable getaway with friends, Khao Sok is the place for it all.

Did you like this post? Pin it!