Baygrass Top Excursions - Spend a night on a floating bungalow at Khao Sok (#2)

The floating bungalows can range from basic bamboo huts to ensuite villas, depending on the size of your purse. Whether you are travelling on a luxury trip or a tight budget, there’s something for everyone.

Budget Bungalows:

• Budget bungalows are usually meant for the backpackers who want to soak in the beauty of the lake without having to spend a lot.

• Basic bamboo huts with a mattress on the floor, and come with or without bathroom facilities.

• Average price can range from $70 - $130 (about Rs 6000 to Rs 11,000) per night

• Bookings can be made online but the best way is to arrive at Khao Sok town a day or two in advance and approach a local tour agency who can help with the booking.

Recommendations :

• Saichol Resort

• Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort

Mid-Range Bungalows:

• These are bungalows that offer amenities like comfortable bed, air conditioning, private balconies, and bathrooms. Suitable to those who are willing to shell out a little extra for their comforts.

• Average price can range from $100 - $225 (Rs 8400 to Rs 19000) per night. This is generally inclusive of Cheow Lan lake tour, food, and activities.

• Bookings can be made online through various sites like booking.com, Klook, etc,.

Recommendations:

• khao sok smiley lakehouse  - 3 days and 2 days tour packages with an option to personally choose the activities one can do on each day like canoeing, tubing, bamboo rafting, night safari, elephant bath,etc., for the 3 day package.

• Khao Sok Eco Raft  - Package includes meals, local guide, kayaking, 

Luxury Bungalows:

• These luxury villas come with all the amenities and are generally part of a private tour but can also be booked separately.

• These bungalows have direct lake access and offer an inclusive breakfast with the stay.

• The average price ranges from anywhere between $225 to $340 ( Rs 19,000 to Rs 30,000) per night.

Recommendations:

• 500 Rai Floating Resort  - Various offerings ranging from all-inclusive packages of minimum days, which take care of boat transfers, meals, complimentary kids stay, nature & wildlife activities; to “stay longer” packages of minimum 5 days, that include activities like kayaking, guided nature walks, traditional Thai craft workshop, etc,.

• Panvaree the greenery  - Depending on the length of your stay, the resort offers 1 day tours, 2 days 1 night tour, 3 days 2 nights tour, and 4 days 3 nights tour. These trips include activities such as swimming, kayaking, boat trips, etc ,

• Panvaree Resort  - They have 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights packages , along with shuttle service. While it is exclusive of the national park fee and trekking fee, it includes activities like cave trip, morning safari, Kayaking, Cheow Lan Lake view point, etc for a 3-day trip.

Apart from the above mentioned bungalow charges, one also needs to keep in mind that there are separate charges, of about $8 (Rs 700) per head, for entering the Khao Sok National Park of which the lake is a part of.

Irrespective of the type of bungalow you book, the itinerary includes a tour of the lake, trek to a waterfall or a cave, swimming and kayaking, along with food.

• Cave Exploration - Depending on the season you travel, cave exploration is part of the tour package and can prove to be an adventure for the thrill seekers out there. Caves like Nam Talu Cave and Pakarang Cave, also called coral caves are some of the known ones with limestone formations and subterranean streams 

  
  

• Swimming and Kayaking - Swimming and kayaking on the emerald green waters of the Cheow Lan Lake is a popular activity to partake while at the floating bungalows. Kayaking provides an amazing opportunity to explore the mangrove forests and views of limestone structures.

  
  

• Safari Boat Rides offer a look into the variety of wildlife surrounding the Cheow Lan Lake, from elephants to hornbills to wild monkeys. Early morning safaris is great to spot many of these animals.

  
  

• Waterfall treks and jungle walks - Being surrounded by expansive flora and fauna, one can also take hikes to waterfalls like Klong Yee and Bang Hoi waterfalls, and enjoy the vast biodiversity Khao Sok has to offer.

  
  

• Alternatively, one can simply just relax by fishing on the lake side.

To reach Khao Sok from India, one can take a direct flight from most major cities in India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore to Bangkok or Phuket. Phuket is however the closest to Khao Sok.

Bangkok to khao Sok: 

Take a flight to Surat Thani (1 hour) or Phuket (1.5 hours) and then transfer by van or car (2-3 hours).

Direct overnight buses are also available (10-12 hours journey).

Phuket to Khao Sok:

Shared minivans or private taxis are available (3-4 hours journey)

Khao Sok to Floating Bungalows:

Book a long-tail boat ride from Ratchaprapha Pier to the bungalows (30-60 minutes).

Some packages include complimentary boat transfers from the pier to the bungalows.

Khao Sok can be visited throughout the year but some activities like waterfall trek, that can be done only during rainy season, and cave visit, only open for dry season, are season specific.

The dry season offers clear skies and smooth lake conditions while the rainy season offers a verdant forest with bustling wildlife.

Rainy Season - May to October

Dry Season - December to April

Keep your packing practical with lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, quick-drying clothes, and a light rain jacket.

Additional things to include - Insect repellent, flashlight, sun protection, and a power bank.