How to Book A Floating Bungalow in Khao Sok National Park

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Thailand, staying overnight in a floating bungalow on the lake at Khao Sok National Park should be at the top of your list.

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After experiencing life on a floating bungalow myself, I can say that it’s an adventure worth every bit of booking effort! You can see everything we got up to in Khao Sok in my YouTube vlog below!

Here’s everything you need to know about booking a floating bungalow in Khao Sok National Park.

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What Is Khao Sok National Park?

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and diverse natural wonders, home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests and the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake.

Staying in a floating bungalow on the lake offers a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature, and it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

Getting to Khao Sok is easier than you might think. It’s located in southern Thailand, roughly halfway between Phuket and Surat Thani. Here’s how you can reach it:

From Phuket: About a 3-4 hour drive or bus ride
Arriving from Krabi: About 2-3 hours by bus or car
From Surat Thani: A 2-hour bus or car ride
From Khao Lak: About 2 hours away

Important Note: The boat that transports you to the floating bungalows typically leaves in the morning, so you’ll need to stay near the pier the night before to catch it. Most accommodations in the village can help arrange your transfer to the lake.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of staying in a floating bungalow varies depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for. Basic bungalows are more budget-friendly, while luxury options come with higher price tags. Here’s what you can expect:

Basic Bungalows: 2,500 – 3,500 THB per person, including meals and activities
Mid-Range Bungalows: 3,500 – 4,500 THB per person
Luxury Bungalows: 5,000+ THB per person, offering more amenities and a private bathroom

These prices usually include boat transfers, meals, guided activities, and the 300 THB entrance fee for Khao Sok National Park.

How Do I Book a Floating Bungalow on Khao Sok?

Booking in advance is a must as there are limited bungalows available, and they fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Here’s how to make the booking process smoother:

Contact Tour Operators or Accommodation Directly: Reach out to them via email, Facebook, or WhatsApp. This makes communication easier, and you can ask any questions you have about the stay.
Look on GetYourGuide: Experiences listed on GetYourGuide take care of everything.
Plan Ahead: Be prepared to plan your stay well in advance, as last-minute bookings can be tricky.
Check What’s Included: Ensure your package includes meals, guided activities, and boat transfers, so you don’t get hit with extra charges.

How to Book A Floating Bungalow in Khao Sok National Park

What’s the Accommodation Like?

Staying in a floating bungalow is as unique as it sounds! The accommodation options range from basic wooden huts with shared bathrooms to luxury bungalows with private bathrooms, large decks, and incredible views.

The bungalow we stayed in didn’t have air conditioning, and the electricity was only available during certain hours, making it a true “back-to-basics” experience.

It’s an excellent opportunity to switch off from technology and enjoy being surrounded by nature. Waking up to the sight of mist rising over the lake and taking a morning swim right from your doorstep is an experience you won’t forget.

How We Booked Our Floating Bungalow

We found booking the floating bungalows quite difficult and not easy to navigate online. We read a few blog posts for help, but were still left confused. Hopefully this blog post will make everything so much easier for you!

We found Phutawan Rafthouse via this website, and reached out to the Whatsapp number to book directly. You can see there are many floating bungalows to choose from here, so you’re spoiled for choice!

The night before, we stayed near to Khao Sok at Baandin Chiewlarn Guest House for one night. A driver then collected us the following morning to take us to the pier where we were then transported to the floating bungalows along with others that would be staying there too.

I also made a short video about our floating bungalow which went kind of viral on both TikTok and Instagram. I’ll link the Instagram Reel below, but check out the comments on TikTok for some interesting reading.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by orlagh claire | slow travel 🌴 (@orlaghclaire)

Meals and Food Options

The place we stayed at included meals in the package, which was great, but there was also a tuck shop on-site and an additional menu where you could pay for extra meals or snacks if you were feeling peckish.

It’s handy to have some options, especially after a day of activities. We enjoyed the ice cream and ice lollies since it was so hot!

What is There to Do?

One of the best things about staying in a floating bungalow is that it’s more than just a place to sleep – it’s your base for exploring the wonders of Khao Sok National Park!

Here’s a taste of what you can do:

Sunrise and Sunset Boat Tours: These tours are included in most packages and offer the chance to spot wildlife like gibbons, hornbills, and elephants.
Kayaking and Swimming: Spend your time kayaking around the limestone cliffs or swimming in the crystal-clear waters right from your bungalow.
Jungle Trekking: Guided treks into the rainforest will introduce you to the unique wildlife and plants of Khao Sok.
Cave Exploration: Discover the secrets of Coral Cave or the more adventurous Nam Talu Cave with an experienced guide.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! Staying in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The breathtaking scenery, the peacefulness of being surrounded by nature, and the chance to explore one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks make it an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Top Tips for Booking Your Floating Bungalow

Book early: Especially if you’re traveling during peak season (December to February or June to August).
Choose your bungalow level wisely: If you’re comfortable with a more rustic experience, basic bungalows are fine. But if you prefer a bit of comfort, go mid-range or luxury.
Bring essentials: Snacks, toiletries, a power bank, and a good book to fully enjoy the “switch-off” experience.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a chance to disconnect and relax, Khao Sok’s floating bungalows offer the perfect escape.

So, if you’re ready to experience the magic of Cheow Lan Lake, book your stay and prepare for an unforgettable journey into Thailand’s natural paradise!

And, if you still have questions about booking a floating bungalow, drop them in the comments below or reach out to me directly via Instagram.

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