Are you heading to South Thailand and wondering where to go? Well, I’m here to tell you to add Khao Sok National Park to your list. Now. I promise you won’t regret it!
When you think of Southern Thailand, the stunning islands and clear blue waters usually come to mind. But tucked away from the beautiful but bustling beaches lies Khao Sok National Park – a place that still feels like an undiscovered gem.
Despite its incredible landscapes and unique experiences, Khao Sok remains under the radar for many travellers. Before I visited, I was surprised how few people I met had even heard of it! After spending time in its rainforests and floating bungalows, I can honestly say Khao Sok turned out to be one of my favourite adventures in Southern Thailand.
Today, I’m sharing how you can experience Khao Sok National Park. As a budget backpacker, I found affordable ways to explore, including a stay in floating bungalows with unforgettable lake views.
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Why Stay in Floating Bungalows in Khao Sok
It’s hard to put the beauty of Cheow Lan Lake into words. This 165-square-kilometre lake is surrounded by lush rainforest and towering limestone cliffs and looks like something out of a fantasy film. As we took the boat toward our floating bungalows, it felt almost surreal – the landscape didn’t look real.
Not only that, but once you get to your accommodation, you can swim in these beautiful waters, explore by kayak, and go on boat rides to see even more of its beauty. Some of the most memorable moments were watching the sunset behind the cliffs, and waking up and the first thing we saw was the mist rising off the lake. It really was one of those pinch-me moments.
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How Can You Stay on a Floating Bungalow in Khao Sok National Park
To stay on the lake, you’ll need to book a tour with a company of your choice. The bungalows are only accessible by water, and foreigners cannot access the lake without a guide. This means your accommodation will collect you and take you to your floating bungalows.
There are plenty of tours available, and most accommodations in Khao Sok Village will advertise various options. Most tours typically allow for just one night on the lake, which is a bit of a shame since it’s so stunning – you could easily spend longer here! However, perhaps it’s better to keep it short and sweet. Each tour offers different activities, so while I think I’ve found a great option to share with you, feel free to explore others that might suit your preferences better.
After extensive research and conversations with fellow travellers, I’m super excited to share the tour I chose to do with you. I loved every minute of it, and I hope you will too!
Note: This post is not sponsored! I chose and paid for this tour with my own money and all opinions are my own 😊
Best Budget Floating Bungalows Tour Option: Khao Sok Smiley Bungalow
I decided to book my 2-day, 1-night lake tour with Khao Sok Smiley Bungalow, and after researching and chatting with other travellers, I’m really glad I did as they all had questionable reviews.
The trip cost ฿2,500 (about £57), which can feel like a lot for a budget backpacker to drop on one activity. But, it’s absolutely worth it—not only do you get a lot for your money, but the experience itself is unforgettable.
The price includes four hearty meals (two lunches, one breakfast, and one dinner), your floating accommodation on the lake, transport to and from Khao Sok Village (with an option to add a direct transfer to your next destination), as well as a river safari, cave exploration, and a rainforest hike. Activities can vary based on the season, which keeps each tour unique.
The accommodation was cosy but had everything you could need, with fresh bedding, a small towel, and an ensuite shower and toilet. They even provide free kayaks for guests to explore the lake on their own. Smiley offers two accommodation options, with a ฿900 upgrade for newer bungalows.
I lucked out with a free upgrade, possibly because I was a solo traveller sharing with others, but I spoke with a few people staying in the older bungalows, and they found them comfortable and above expectations too.
What to Expect on Your 2-Day Tour of Khao Sok
Smiley Bungalow offers two options: a 3-day, 2-night tour or a 2-day, 1-night tour. But be aware – the 3-day option doesn’t include an extra night on the lake. Instead, it’s a night in their bungalows in Khao Sok Village followed by the 2-day lake tour.
Personally, I recommend booking the 2-day 1-night tour and finding your own place in Khao Sok Village to stay the night before the tour’s start day. This gives you flexibility in choosing accommodation – from budget options like Coco Khao Sok Hostel and super-budget options like Secret Khao Sok Hostel (this is where I stayed and found perfect for a quick stop) to more luxurious stays like Khao Sok Jasmine Garden Resort which even has it’s own pool.
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Day 1: Morning
Your tour kicks off at the Smiley main office at 8:30 am. Here, you’ll check in, sort into buses, and can store any large luggage if you’re returning to Khao Sok afterwards (see more on what to pack below). For those heading to a new destination after the tour, bring your big bag and an overnight bag; you can leave your big bag at the pier for later collection.
The hour-long drive to the lake includes a 7-Eleven stop for last-minute snacks and cash (useful if you’d like to buy beers at the lake, but otherwise unnecessary). At the pier, you’ll hand off any big bags, pay the park entrance fee (฿300 for adults, ฿150 for children) and pier service fee (฿40 per adult, ฿20 per child).
Then, it’s time to board a longtail boat for the scenic ride to the floating bungalows. This 1.5-hour journey is breathtaking, with jaw-dropping views of the limestone cliffs and dense rainforest – it honestly felt like a dream.
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Day 1: Afternoon
On arrival, you’ll check into your bungalows and then enjoy lunch, which includes a tasty selection of curries, rice, and loads of fresh watermelon and pineapple (my favourite part of every meal on the trip). You’ll then have some free time to swim, kayak, or simply relax by the lake. Remember to take a book! There is no data service and the WiFi was limited to the main living area.
At around 4 pm, the group heads out for an excursion to visit a cave and one of the lake’s well-known photo spots, the “Khao Sam Kler” (Three Friends Mountain). Which cave you visit depends on the season, as two are inaccessible during the rainy season.
I visited a small but interesting cave with impressive stalagmites (although the cave I stayed in at Taman Negara National Park set a high bar!). While the “Three Brothers” was scenic, I personally found other spots on the lake even more captivating and unique for photos.
Day 1: Evening
On the return trip, you’ll catch an incredible sunset that bathes the cliffs in warm colours – an unexpected highlight of the day. Back at the bungalows, dinner will be ready, and the evening is yours to relax. Despite being a solo traveller, I managed to meet a few friends and we all played cards and got to know each other over the evening. Just don’t stay up too late – it’s an early start the next morning!
The floating bungalows are cosy and rock slightly with the water, which I found relaxing. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll likely share a room with other solo travellers, each with their own mattress – just a bit close together!
Day 2: Morning
Wake up early to enjoy the morning mist and quiet lake views with a cup of coffee on your bungalow’s porch – an incredibly peaceful way to start the day. Around 6:40 am, you’ll head out for a river safari. While the animals vary and you may be lucky enough to see a wild elephant roaming, we spotted two gibbons and a family of long-tailed macaques, including some adorable baby monkeys.
Afterwards, breakfast is served at 8 am, followed by a rainforest trek at 9 am. During the dry season, the trek includes exploring Man Taloo Cave, while the wet season offers an alternative: a unique trek up a waterfall. I can’t say safety was a high priority here, but it was an exhilarating experience that I will never forget.
Day 2: Afternoon
After the trek, you’ll return to the bungalows for a final lunch and, if there’s time, one last swim. Around 2 pm, the boat will take you back to the pier. Here, you can catch your pre-booked transfer with Smiley for an easy onward journey (highly recommended for hassle-free travel). I opted to arrange my own and saved only about 50 baht, but the added wait time made it less worthwhile.
Other Activities in Khao Sok National Park
If you’ve got some extra time in Khao Sok National Park, there is a range of unique activities you can do to see even more of the region’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and local conservation efforts. Beyond the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, these excursions offer opportunities to connect with nature and learn more about the wildlife. Here are some activities that might be a perfect fit if you’re looking to make the most of your time in Khao Sok:
1. Cheow Lan Lake Overnight with Elephant Day Care
This overnight experience combines a stay on the scenic Cheow Lan Lake with a day at an elephant care centre. You’ll start by travelling across the lake, where you can soak up views of towering limestone cliffs and clear emerald water. The trip includes a chance to stay on floating bungalows, enjoy local Thai meals, and participate in a jungle safari, ideal for spotting unique birds and monkeys at sunrise.
The following day, you’ll visit an “ethical” elephant daycare centre where you can feed and bathe these rescued elephants, learning about their histories and how they’re cared for.
Note: There is some question about the ethics of the elephant sanctuaries in the park. Since I have not personally visited these sanctuaries, I can’t say for sure, but it’s worth doing some research.
Ethical sanctuaries do not force elephants into contact with humans, do not harm the elephants, and provide large areas for them to roam. If you want to learn more about what makes a sanctuary truly ethical (hint: it’s not just having “ethical” in the tour title), check out this article by PETA.
2. Bamboo Rafting and Cave Temple Visit
For a more serene experience, consider the bamboo rafting and cave temple tour. This activity offers a peaceful float down the Sok River on a traditional bamboo raft, surrounded by lush rainforest scenery and the soothing sounds of the river. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way, such as birds and monkeys, as well as interesting plant species.
After rafting, you’ll stop at the Tham Phung Chang Cave, a Buddhist temple built within a cave that’s known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Here, you’ll learn about the temple’s cultural and historical significance while exploring its mystical, candle-lit interior. This tour offers a mix of nature and culture, making it ideal for those looking for a quiet yet memorable outing.
3. Private Longtail Boat Tour of Cheow Lan Lake
This private longtail boat tour is an ideal option if you want a more personalised exploration of Cheow Lan Lake. With a private guide, you’ll set out across the lake, stopping at quieter spots to swim, kayak, or simply take in the jaw-dropping views of the karst cliffs. You’ll have more flexibility with your schedule, allowing for spontaneous stops and opportunities to enjoy the lake at your own pace.
This tour is well-suited for travellers looking to capture memorable photos or simply enjoy a relaxing, customizable day on the water. It’s a great way to explore the lake without the crowds, making it a more intimate experience of Khao Sok’s natural beauty.
4. Half-Day Waterfall and Wildlife Trek
If you’re looking to explore Khao Sok’s rainforest on foot, this half-day trek to the park’s waterfalls and prime wildlife spots is a great option. Guided by a local expert, you’ll trek through the forest trails, learning about the flora and fauna native to Khao Sok. You’ll pass hidden waterfalls where you can stop for a refreshing dip, with the chance to spot some of the park’s elusive wildlife, like gibbons and colourful bird species.
This activity is perfect for adventurous travellers and nature enthusiasts who want a closer look at the biodiversity that makes Khao Sok so special. The trek is suitable for all fitness levels and is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty on foot.
Packing Tips for Budget Travelers
Whilst you can take your entire bag with you to the lake, I would recommend packing a smaller, overnight bag and leaving your larger one on the mainland. Here’s what you should pack:
- Walking shoes with good grip (which you don’t mind getting wet)
- Swimsuit
- 1 Change of clothes
- Microfibre Towel
- Insect repellent (I use this natural DEET-free repellant and it’s great)
- Suncream
- Dry bag or waterproof phone cover (especially for waterfall hikes)
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Toiletries for one night
- Camera – a GoPro of Osmo Action Camero would be great to use in the water!
- Reusable water bottle – there is a clean water refill station in the bungalow
- Basic snacks (although I didn’t need any as the food provided was more than enough).
- Cards and a book! (WiFi is limited and there’s no service on the lake)
How to Save Money on Your Stay
Honestly, once you’ve paid your initial payment for the trip, you shouldn’t have to spend anything more. With everything included in your trip, and more than enough food provided, you can keep on a very tight budget.
They do sell beer and flavoured drinks such as Coke at the bungalows, but you can easily go a day without these. Personally, I loved having a day where I didn’t have to think about buying food or spending money. I simply let myself enjoy the trip without a care in the world!
The Wrap-Up: Floating Bungalows At Khao Sok National Park
My night on Cheow Larn Lake in Khao Sok National Park stands out as one of my favourite experiences in Thailand. While the photos and videos on Instagram are stunning, nothing compares to the experience of being there yourself.
The boat ride through the serene waters, flanked by towering limestone cliffs, was breathtaking. The floating bungalows provided a comfortable retreat, enhancing the magic of the surroundings. And whilst I would have been happy with just that, the excursions around the park were equally memorable, filled with unique encounters and unforgettable sights.
This adventure is a testament to the incredible natural beauty that Khao Sok has to offer. I hope with this guide you too will be able to experience the lake and come away as amazed as I was.
