Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows: What You Need To Know (2025)
- Kate Colliety
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 18
Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows are a highlight for many travellers and backpackers. Amongst the vertical limestone cliffs, jungle vegetation, and floating on Cheow Lan Lake is a unique set of accommodations. Basic bamboo huts float effortlessly on the lake, waiting for you to discover the free-roaming elephants, enjoy morning swims surrounded by a jungle soundtrack, and watch traditional boats gliding past.
If this sounds like a dream (it does to us!), you're in the right place. as we share everything you need to know about the Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows from the luxury honeymoon getaways to the budget backpackers top pick.
Contents
Where Is Khao Sok & The Khao Sok Floating Bungalows?
Khao Sok is located in Thailand’s Surat Thani Province. Khao Sok National Park's floating bungalows are located on Cheow Lan Lake which is about an hours drive from Khao Sok Village.
The Khao Sok Floating Bungalows scattered across the lake, each offering a different unique service at different budgets. You will need to take a longtail boat to reach your accommodation, most of the tours include the transfer in the fee.
About Khao Sok National Park
Dating back millions of years, Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It’s not hard to be transported back into the past as your guide maneuvers your boat round limestone karst revealing layers of jungle and a sense of unknown exploration.
In 1980 the area was designated as a national park protecting its residents that include: gibbons, elephants, tigers, hornbills and more!
The Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows
Khao Sok is also a thriving tourist destination with frequent boat tours departing from Ratchaprapha Pier. You can however take your adventure further and stay in one of the Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalows which float seamlessly on the largest freshwater lake in Thailand. This allows you to immerse yourself in nature, kayak along Cheow Lan Lake and swim in its cooling waters.
There’s multiple resorts lining the lake and each has their own budget. You can spend as little as one-night on the lake but two-nights will allow you to spend one day on a tour looking for wild elephants or trekking in the steaming jungle.
If you want to stay in a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park, the easiest way is to book a package due to its remote location and need for boat transfer. Tours include all meals, some activities and transfers.
How To Book The Khao Sok Floating Bungalows
The first thing you need to consider is your budget. The Khao Sok Bungalows range from budget bamboo huts to luxury villas with air-conditioning and a proper mattress! Lots of the up-market bungalows can be booked directly online with the choice of tour package allowing you to book transfer, excursions and meals. These bungalows are sought after and are often booked up months in advance!
For cheaper bungalows these can be booked through your accommodation at Khao Sok Village or at the Tourist Information Center at Ratchaprapha Pier. They will often be basic bamboo huts perfect for backpackers. When booking, be sure to check what's included in the price such as van and boat transfer, meals and other activities while you’re staying in the park.
Khao Sok National Park Floating Bungalow Resorts
500 Rai Floating Resort is a premium resort perfect for honeymooners or travellers seeking luxury. The resort has air-conditioned villas featuring proper beds, hot showers, and private sundecks. The resort has an excellent restaurant serving both Thai and Western cuisine and offers comprehensive packages including guided wildlife excursions.
Located in one of the most scenic parts of the lake, Panvaree offers comfortable bungalows with private bathrooms and fantastic views. Their excellent Thai food and knowledgeable guides make for a memorable experience. Their sunset viewpoint is one of the best on the lake.
Khao Sok Eco Raft (฿3,800-4,500 per person (£86-102))
This eco-conscious option uses solar power and focuses on sustainable tourism practices. The bungalows are constructed from natural materials but offer comfortable beds and private bathrooms.
Khao Sok Smiley Lakehouse (฿2,500 (about £57 for a 2-day tour))
Smiley Lakehouse offers excellent value. The bamboo bungalows are basic but comfortable, with shared bathrooms. What sets them apart is the incredibly friendly staff and delicious home-cooked meals. This is a top choice amongst backpackers.
Not to be confused with Panvaree The Greenery, this resort offers solid mid-range accommodation with private bathrooms and comfortable beds. Their three-day packages offer excellent value and include jungle trekking, cave exploration, and wildlife spotting.
How To Save Money DIY Khao Sok Floating Bungalows
Interestingly, when we were researching how to visit the floating bungalows on a budget, we found one couple who had done it without a guided tour. After reading their blog we decided it wasn’t worth saving the extra pennies as with their method no excursions or transfers were included, just a night in the bungalow.
How To Get To Khao Sok & The Khao Sok Floating Bungalows?
From Khao Sok Village to Cheow Lan Lake
If you're already staying in Khao Sok Village, you’re about 1–1.5 hours away from Cheow Lan Lake. Most floating bungalow tours include round-trip transport from your accommodation in Khao Sok Village to the lake pier (Ratchaprapha Pier).
DIY Option
If you want to book you Khao Sok Floating Bungalow or boat tour in person at the pier, rent a scooter in Khao Sok Village for 300 ฿/day and drive to Ratchaprapha Pier. You can book your accommodation or day trip directly at the Tourist Information Center at the Pier.
From Surat Thani to Cheow Lan Lake
If you're coming from Surat Thani a shared van takes 2 hours and costs ฿300, Some vans go directly to the Ratchaprapha Pier, while others drop you at Khao Sok Village or you can get a private taxi.
Khao Sok FAQs
How Much Is The Entrance Fee For Khao Sok National Park ?
To stay in the Floating bungalows you will also have to pay the Khao Sok National Park Fees, the entrance fee is ฿300 and the municipal fee is ฿40 per person. This isn’t included in most tours and needs to be paid by cash before you board a boat at the pier. You will only need to pay this once if you're staying in the floating bungalows for multiple days.
When To Visit Khao Sok
The best time to visit Khao Sok is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this period, you’ll enjoy more consistent sunshine and ideal conditions for jungle trekking and boat tours.
That said, we visited during the wet season (May to November) and still had an amazing experience. Rain showers are typically short but intense, often passing quickly and leaving behind a fresh, misty jungle atmosphere that adds to the magic of the place. Plus, the waterfalls are at their most powerful, and the park is lush and vibrant.
So don’t let a bit of rain put you off! Khao Sok is a year-round destination!
What Do I Do With My Luggage?
If you’re moving on to a new destination after your Khao Sok Floating Bungalow tour you can pack a smaller rucksack for the bungalows and leave your bigger bag at the pier to collect later.
Therefore what should you pack in your overnight bag? Here’s what we recommend:
Trainers
Swimsuit
1 Change of Clothes
Towel
Rain jacket
Toiletries
Camera such as a GoPro
Water Bottle - we use our Lifestraw that filters the water we drink
Book or games such as cards or Monopoly Deal
Is There WIFI?
There is no Wifi and no Cell Service you will be completely disconnected!
How Much Does It Cost To Stay In A Khao Sok Floating Bungalow
Budget Khao Sok Floating Bungalows are around ฿2,000-3,500 per person ($60-105). This typically includes Shared bathroom facilities, basic mattress with mosquito net, 3 meals, boat transfer & kayaking.
Mid-range Khao Sok Floating Bungalows are around ฿3,500-5,500 per person ($105-165). This typically includes private bathrooms, a proper bed, 3 meals, boat transfer, guided activities & kayak rental.
Premium Khao Sok Floating Bungalows are around ฿5,500-9,000+ per person ($165-270+) and typically include air conditioning, private bathroom with hot shower, quality bedding, gourmet meals, premium guided tours, private kayaks & private transfers.
Other Things To Do In Khao Sok
Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary
We didn’t visit so we’re unsure how ethical this sanctuary is, however we’ve heard you can bathe and feed the elephants so decided to skip this sanctuary.
Bamboo Rafting & Cave Temple
Float down the river in a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy the natural rainforest scenery around you. Along your journey the guide will point out wildlife including birds and monkeys. The raft will take you to Tham Phung Chang Cave, a Buddhist temple. By candle light you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites, the perfect blend of nature and culture.
Jungle Trekking & Waterfalls
Half-day or full-day guided hikes through the ancient rainforest to spot wildlife and learn about the ecosystem. Difficulty levels range from easy walks to challenging full-day treks.
LongTail Boat Tour
If you don’t want to spend the night in a floating bungalow or if it blows your budget consider a longtail boat tour instead. The tour will take you around Cheow Lan Lake showcasing the famous limestone cliffs, jungle terraces and wildlife in the park.
Final Thoughts on Staying in Khao Sok Floating Bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake
Staying in a Khao Sok floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake is truly one of the most unique and memorable experiences in Thailand. The combination of breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and the peaceful serenity of lake life creates moments you’ll never forget. Waking up to the misty rainforest, the distant sound of elephants, and taking a cool plunge into the lake is a morning to remember.
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Thailand adventure. You can reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels, we always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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