smiley lake tour khao sok

• 2 days overnight Khao Sok lake tour
• 3 days 2 nights Khao Sok lake tour
• How to get here?

No products in the cart.

SMILEY BUNGALOWS AND LAKE HOUSE

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Khao Sok Smiley Lake House

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 173
• Very Good 69
• Terrible 21
• All languages ( 308 )
• English ( 207 )
• Dutch ( 36 )
• German ( 22 )

" SO BE CAREFUL IF YOU GO WITH THIS COMPANY. "

" If you struggle with sea sickness, take some medication for the journey to and from the lake houses "

" Read all the reviews! Be aware of what you are getting into. Many people get badly injured during this tour. "

" Don’t expect smiley staff or to see any wildlife "

" Stay at local hotel and just have day trip on lake "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

KHAO SOK SMILEY LAKE HOUSE: 2024 Reviews (Khao Sok National Park, Thailand) - Photos of Specialty Inn - Tripadvisor

Impressive 2 Day Khao Sok Lake Tour – What to Expect

The Khao Sok Lake tour is one you should not miss if you happen to already be in the Surat Thani province.

The awe-inspiring scenery, framed by towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforests surrounding Cheow Lan Lake, creates a breathtaking backdrop. Staying in floating bungalows on the lake is one that you should at least try, especially if you’re looking for slower paced days to relax.

Beyond the stunning landscape, the tour also gives you the option to explore hidden caves to kayaking and wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you may encounter the active wildlife, including exotic birds, monkeys, and the possibility of glimpsing elephants along the shoreline.

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, the Khao Sok Lake tour at Smiley Lake House promises an enriching and immersive experience in the heart of Thailand’s natural wonders.

🔗 Related : 10 day Itinerary in Thailand – 3 BEST Routes for an Epic Adventure

Is that enough to get your interested? If yes, keep on reading about our experience in the Khao Sok Lake Tour.

Is the Khao Sok Lake Tour worth it?

What to consider, experience at the cheow lan lake tour, can you diy the khao sok lake tour, how far in advance should i book, when to do the cheow lan lake tour, how to prepare, must-have packing list for the khao sok lake tour, how much does it cost, how to get to khao sok national park, wrapping up.

That’s a resounding yes, and this is for a variety of reasons.

• The Guilin of Thailand was amazing to see in real life Experience the magic of nature as you admire the Guilin of Thailand, a comparison that doesn’t do justice until you see it in person. The towering limestone karsts create a unique and mesmerizing landscape, showcasing the wonders of geological formations shaped over millions of years. The view of these limestone towers against the blue green waters are equally as beautiful, albeit more rugged, as the views from Maya Bay.
• Spectacular Views and Relaxation The stunning views extend beyond limestone towers. There’s also the calm waters, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere that give off that therapeutic vibe. This tour can easily be marketed as a getaway tour because you’re really away from the bustle of touristic placs and large cities. We moved a lot in the past few days before this tour, so I was pretty antsy and restless. This tour helped reduced my stress levels.
• Unique Accommodations Staying at raft houses on the lake is more than just a place to rest; it’s also a spot to sightsee. The gentle lapping of the water beneath, the uninterrupted views from your floating abode was a nice touch when you wake up in the morning. All that is asked from your in your stay is to just relax.
• Wildlife Exploration The Khao Sok Lake is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The diverse ecosystem harbors a myriad of species, from the vibrant plumage of tropical birds to the playful antics of monkeys swinging through the trees. Encountering these creatures in their natural habitat provides a profound appreciation for biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts.

Who Doesn’t Love Cheap Flights?

Skyscanner is your trusted service for buying cheap flight tickets, with no extra fees or markups! Their flight search will not only find the best option for your specific dates, but it will also offer another period when the cost may be even lower.

Tour options

There are two options for this tour, the 2 day or the extended 3 day tour.

2-Day, 1-Night Tour

This tour is good if you want a quick look at the amazing Cheow Lan Lake.

Highlights:

• Safari Tours:  See the unique Guilin of Thailand and the wildlife in it.
• Cave Hikes:  Explore interesting caves, specifically Nam Taloo Cave
• Kayaking:  Enjoy peaceful paddling in the massive Cheow Lan Lake.

3-Days, 2-Nights Extended Tour

This tour is for those with more time, with some extra activities. It builds on the 2-day one, offering a more relaxed pace and more time with nature.

Some of the extra Activities are:

• Tubing:  Relaxing float on the lake.
• Elephant Feeding or Bathing:  Meet elephants in nature.
• Activities:  Both options offer different things, like cave hikes and kayaking. The 3-day one has extra activities like tubing and time with elephants.
• Accommodations:  Both include the same floating houses
• Wildlife:  Both let you see wildlife, with the 3-day option giving you more time for encounters.

Choosing between the two depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you want at Khao Sok Lake.

Our adventure kicked off at 08:30 at Smiley Dome Camp in Khao Sok, where Phaïwan, the friendly owner, warmly welcomed us. After a brief but insightful tour briefing, we hopped into minivans bound for the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake.

Before reaching the lake, a quick stop at a nearby 7/11 allowed everyone to grab essentials. An hour later, we arrived at the dock, boarded local long boats, and set off to the Smiley lake houses. The highlight? The initial glimpse of the Ratchaprapa Dam overseeing the tranquil waters.

A bit of history: Cheow Lan Lake, a marvel created in 1982 by the Ratchaprapa hydroelectric Dam, brought electricity and reduced flooding to Surat Thani. The flooded area, once Ban Khao Phang, transformed into the Ban Cheow Lan Municipality.

As we traversed the lake, the striking Hin Sam Glur rocks, fondly known as the Guilin of Thailand, came into view. The moniker “Guilin of Thailand” pays homage to the resemblance these rocks bear to the surreal landscapes of China’s Guilin. These towering limestone cliffs, adorned with thick moss and greenery, create a breathtaking panorama that has earned them a lasting impression on anyone who explore the Cheow Lan Lake.

I’ve heard that there are some climbers that go here to deep water solo or climb the cliffs and jump down into the water. Sadly, I didn’t find any tour that talks about despite a decent time googling for such a tour.

Noontime brought a nice buffet lunch and free time. Smiley’s meticulous scheduling synchronized our arrival with the departure of the previous group.

Once lunch was done, we really had the time to ourselves to walk around the lake house, kayak or just swim in the lake.

First impressions of the accommodations? They’re very clean and nice! Smiley’s bungalows may not be the nicest looking lake houses in the massive Cheow Lan lake, but it’s well maintained and clean. I know there’s bamboo bungalows near the Nam Taloo caves but Smiley’s location was by far better and their facilities seem to be better maintained than those “rustic” looking bungalows.

There’s two beds, a fan, and a bathroom with working sewer system for the toilets. Sad to say though that water you use to shower goes straight back to lake, and there’s no signage to avoid using soap to not harm the wildlife.

Each lake house has chairs at the front for relaxation, and a ladder for one to climb up after swimming in the lake. There’s also a pair of kayaks with life vests for every two houses. The lake houses were truly designed for relaxation.

The common area where most people gather for dinners are spacious, and it’s in this area where you can also plug in your devices. Note though that there’s only a limited number of sockets available. Moreover, they also have wifi that you can use for internet access.

During this free time, we spent an hour kayaking within the lake. The lake is impressively massive, and I’m convinced that you can spend days just kayaking to every nook and cranny of the lake. There’s so many small islets to explore. Soil was red from what I suspect to be high levels of iron. You’ll also see dead trees that make a surreal landscape while padding around.

The current also gets a bit stronger the farther you go, so careful when kayaking.

At around 5pm, evening boat safaris begin where roughly 3 long boats head to the small islets with much vegetation and wildlife. We were out for 2 hours keeping an eye for monkeys (we saw a slow loris and a langur monkey) and a water buffalo. The longboats are quite loud which probably scared a lot of wildlife before we even get there.

Despite not seeing a whole lot that evening, the views of the lake at sunset were enough to justify our stay there.

By the time we headed back, it’s already dark and everyone was ready for a second round of buffet that closes the day for everyone. There’s not much programming in the evening, and it’s mostly socialising with other guests.

The day commenced with a morning boat safari, a second attempt to spot wildlife, followed by a buffet breakfast. A hike to the Nam Taloo cave, available only in the dry season, revealed fascinating stalactites and narrow passages. The trek, though humid, offered a refreshing change from the lakeside lounging.

This trek required using water shoes that you can borrow from Smiley’s free of charge. I would highly recommend taking their shoes if you don’t have any because it does get slippery and their shoes have sufficient grip to avoid slipping in the mud.

Once the hike was done, we headed back to the lake house for our last buffet lunch. We saw the boats heading to the lakehouse which signalled our eminent departure. Next thing you know, the lakehouse was packed with both groups of guests leaving and entering the lakehouse.

We were then called to start boarding the boats to make our way back to the dock. It is recommended to potentially wear a raincoat on the wayback. For some reason, water splashed everywhere on the way back and everyone was splashed with lake water.

Some people had arranged for them to be taken straight to Surat Thani town / Surat Thani airport, Donsak pier (go to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao), Krabi or Phuket. However, most of us went back to the Smiley Bungalows.

Planning your own Khao Sok Lake adventure is absolutely doable, especially if you’re aiming for a delightful day trip. However, if the allure of spending a night amid the lake’s beauty captures your imagination, opting for an organized tour becomes a more appealing choice.

However, if you intend to stay overnight at one of the lake houses, you might as well sign up for a tour. The do-it-yourself or DIY option seem to only make sense if you’re just wanting to go on a sightseeing day trip.

If you are travelling by yourself, first you should take a bus to  town of Ban Ta Khun in between Surat Thani and Khao Sok on Road 401.

From there, you can hire a taxi for around 300 baht. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike for the same price and that bike can take you from start to your destination—the Cheow Lan Lake Ratchaprapa dam. This may be the most fastest and most cost-efficient option.

At the pier, you can try to find another group to split up the cost of a longboat. A 2-3 hours trip will set you back by around 2,000 baht so it’s really only worthwhile if you can find a larger group to go with.

Last-minute reservations are possible—we booked a day before our eagerly awaited tour. The array of tour operators ensures a sufficient number of options, although maybe booking a tour on the same day might be cutting it too close.

We still recommend booking it a couple of days in advance.

The best time to go for a Cheow Lan Lake tour is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when you can fully enjoy the experience, especially gaining access to the Nam Taloo cave.

The dry season ensures smoother exploration and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your trip. Aim for this period, and you’ll likely have the best weather and opportunities to make the most of your Cheow Lan Lake adventure.

Just make sure you have everything on our recommended packing list, and just have fun! The tour is intended to be mostly for relaxation.

So if fitness isn’t your forte, fret not. This tour is designed to accommodate various preferences, allowing you to opt-out of the hike if it doesn’t align with your mood and energy levels that day.

• 300 Baht National Park Entrance Fee plus service fee – this goes down to 150 for children under 10
• Sun protection like hat, sunscreen, long sleeves
• Headlamp or torch because it gets really dark in the evening
• Hiking clothes – expect these to get very dirty once you do the Nam Taloo cave hike
• Hiking or running shoes
• Mosquito repellent for hiking
• Extra clothes in case the van runs cold on the way back to Khao Sok
• Optional towel – the floating raft houses will sometimes run behind on laundry

For this tour, we paid  ฿2,500.00 each , which translates to roughly USD 35 per person. It’s reasonable considering that it includes all the activities, accommodations, and the buffet meals.

Plus, all the logistics are already planned out and all you need to do is go with the flow.

Getting to Khao Sok a couple of transfers, and we talked about it on our Khao Sok guide .

There you have it, an extensive review of our time on the Cheow Lan Lake tour. It’s one of those tours that you should put on your list if:

• you enjoy observing wildlife from a comfortable distance
• you appreciate stunning geological formations and breathtaking natural views
• you enjoy slow-paced travels

Khao Sok is a very quiet town, growing interest from both tourists and locals hints at its rising popularity. Given the chance to do the Cheow Lan Lake tour, do it. You can also bundle up this tour with other experience such as the night safari right at the heart of the Khao Sok National Park .

I can almost guarantee that Khao Sok will be a highlight of your Thailand trip.

Related Posts

Introduction Khao Sok is a breathtakingly beautiful national park located in southern Thailand. This large virgin rainforest covers an area of over 700 square kilometers and is home to a…

Are you looking for an unforgettable stay amidst the natural wonders of Khao Sok National Park? I've personally explored Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake, staying in various accommodations, and…

What is Khao Sok known for? Khao Sok National Park is a popular tourist destination located in Southern Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. The park is known for…

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Destinations

Remote work.

© Half Digital Nomad

• 13 January 2024

Your ultimate Khao Sok Travel Guide – Overnight tour to the lake

Thailand highlight: your ultimate khao sok travel guide including the overnight tour to the lake.

Khao Sok National Park was the highlight of my Thailand itinerary. Before travelling to Thailand, Khao Sok National Park was high on my list, especially the overnight tour towards Cheow Larn Lake. Located in southern Thailand, on the mainland, this beautiful destination offers a lush scenery. Next to the beautiful lake, for which you will probably visit Khao Sok National Park, the town is also surprisingly nice to stay. In this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ll explain everything you want to know about your stay and overnight tour. 

How to get to Khao Sok?

From koh tao, koh phangan or koh samui to khao sok:.

Fortunately, travelling from the islands on the east coast of Thailand to Khao Sok is relatively easy. Multiple boats are departing towards Surat Thani, the main connection on the mainland. I took the 7:00 am speedboat in the morning from Koh Tao , which also stops in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. With this boat, I arrived in Khao Sok at 12:30 pm. The boat to Surat Thani takes between 3 hours (Koh Tao) and 1,5 hours (Koh Samui). It is possible to book your bus combined with your boat ticket at Lomprayah. Busses will wait for you upon arrival of the ferry and you will be directed to the right bus. You can book tickets at many tour offices on the islands, or pre-book your ticket online on 12go.asia .

From Pai , Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Khao Sok:

When you are travelling from or to either northern Thailand or Bangkok, the easiest option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport. From the airport, it is only a 1.5-hour drive to Khao Sok. Unfortunately, it is not possible to pre-book the minivan online on 12go.asia. However, it is possible to heat to the stand of Phantip Travel at the airport upon arrival (you need to arrive before 16:15). A bus ticket costs 300 baht including drop-off at your hotel. In high season this service might not be running, which leaves you to take a taxi (there is a taxi service available at the airport).

From Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Krabi to Khao Sok:

From Koh Phi Phi, you can book a boat + bus combination to Khao Sok. The boat is leaving at 9 am and there is only one daily connection including the bus. Therefore, make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially in high season. From both Phuket and Krabi, busses/vans are running multiple times a day, lasting around 4 hours.

How many days in Khao Sok?

Most tourists visit Khao Sok because of the overnight lake tour. Most tours start in the main town, where you can find accommodation and plenty of restaurants and bars. Because many tours leave in the morning, around 9 am, it is best to spend the night before in Khao Sok. Next to that, if you arrive in the afternoon, you also have the chance to do another afternoon or evening tour in the National Park. However, I think a 2-day/1-night tour of the lake is sufficient. 

Nevertheless, if you want to wind down and spend an additional day remotely, it is possible to book a 3-night/2-day tour. Also, it is possible to continue your journey to the next destination after the tour, as you arrive between 13:30 and 14:30 back at your accommodation. However, if you have the time, I advise spending another day in Khao Sok and continuing your journey the next morning to not stress about making your transfers.

Overnight cheow Larn Lake Tour from Khao Sok

|| where to book your overnight lake tour.

You can book the overnight lake tour at almost every accommodation in Khao Sok. Most accommodations don’t require prior booking, so you can book the tour upon arrival at your hotel or hostel. When I asked my hotel whether I could book in advance, they mentioned that only booking at the accommodation was possible. Therefore, no stress, it is always possible to join a tour. 

Nevertheless, reach out in advance, i f there is a specific tour you want to join,   . For example, the Smiley tour is popular with the younger crowd. Bear in mind, that all tours are advertised the same way, however, it depends on the accommodation what type of hut you will be staying in and what the exact tour looks like. At the end of this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve also placed an overview of the best places to stay in Khao Sok.

Also, in this Khao Sok Travel Guide, I’ve described my experiences with the tour. This tour was booked with Tree Tops River Huts and executed by Khao Sok Happy Tour (the tour office is next to the bus stop). 

|| What does the overnight lake tour look like?

As mentioned, almost all overnight lake tours that you can book are pretty similar. The itinerary looks as follows:

Day 1: – Pick up around 09:00 – Drive towards the long tail boat departure point. The drive will be approximately 1 hour. On the way, you stop at a small village with a local market and 7/11 to stock up on snacks and drinks. Also, at most accommodations, you can buy some crisps, sodas and beer – Buy the national park and pier ticket and board the long-tail boat together with your guide – Arrival at the bungalows where you will stay the night and lunch – Free time to swim or canoe  – Afternoon safari where you will board the long-tail boat again. The activity depends on the weather and the tour, but on most occasions, you will visit one of the caves or do a short hike and visit a waterfall.  – Time to relax and have dinner at the bungalow, potentially followed by some drinks with your fellow travellers

Day 2:  – Morning safari at 6:00 or 6:30 to try to find some animals. Get up early so you can also watch the beautiful sunset on the lake!  – Breakfast at the bungalow  – Some more time to relax, swim or canoe and pack your bags – Long-tail boat back to the ‘harbour’  – Drive back to Khao Sok with some lunch on the way and a quick stop at the viewpoint

|| What to expect of the bungalows

If you book the standard tour (most of the time this costs 2500 baht), you will sleep in basic bungalows. However, there are also more luxury experiences available by booking the luxury tour option or booking a night at one of the overnight bungalows that can be booked through, for example, Booking.com.

However, for me, part of the charm of visiting the lake was staying in a more remote place for a night. I had a small bungalow, with two mattresses on the ground and a little ‘balcony’. There is no toilet or shower in the bungalow. However, on both sides of the accommodation, there is a shared toilet including a shower. As we were staying on the lake for 1 night only, most visitors chose to shower back in their accommodation in Khao Sok. Also, at the shared area lunch and dinner are served and snacks and drinks can be bought. 

Be aware that the bungalows are floating on the water, and therefore you have to be careful walking around.

|| What to pack for the overnight lake tour from KHao Sok

A full Khao Sok Travel Guide should also give some directions on what to bring during your tour. As you will board a long-tail board and sleep in a small bungalow, they expect you to only bring a day-pack. If you book your tour at your accommodation in Khao Sok, they are happy to store your luggage. If you book directly with a tour operator, you can leave your luggage there. 

In my day pack I brought the following:  – Camera  – E-reader – (Head)torch – Bikini – Sunscreen – Set of clean underwear – Rain jacket – Microfiber towel – Long legging – Slippers / Sneakers – Extra pair of clothing – Mosquito spray – Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up wipes, contact lens kit,  – Dry bag/rain cover for your daypack

It is possible to charge your phone in the main area at the beginning of the evening. In that case, don’t forget your phone charger. Alternatively, you can take a power bank or limit the use of your phone ;). There is no wifi at the bungalows and not all providers have coverage at the lake. 

|| Why visit khao Sok and the Cheow Larn Lake

The pictures in this Khao Sok Travel Guide already show all reasons why you can’t miss out on the Khao Sok Lake tour, when in Thailand. The lake and its bamboo bungalows are a unique experience and a great way to escape the busy cities. Next to that, it is a jungle, so you can spot different types of animals during your boat safari, such as gibbons and elephants. Lastly, it is a unique experience to wake up on a quiet lake while watching the impressive sunrise.

|| Costs of the overnight lake tour

Most tour providers offer an all-inclusive fee for the 2-days/1-night Cheow Larn Lake Khao Sok overnight lake tour. When researching the tour, I felt that everyone offered the tour for the same price of 2500 baht (around €75). Next to that, there is a single surcharge of  1200 baht , however, when I booked the tour no one asked and I was lucky enough to be placed in a bungalow by myself. 

Next to the tour costs, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to the park as well as a small fee to be able to use the pier with the long-tail boat. The additional costs at the entry of the park are 240 baht per person. Lastly, you have to pay for drinks (besides) water yourself. At our lake resort, a Chang beer cost 80 baht. 

The Best Bars & Restaurants in Khao Sok

I have to admit that I was positively surprised when arriving in Khao Sok (village). Firstly, I had no clue what to expect, except for knowing the main town equals one large street. Nevertheless, in my mind, it was less modern than it turned out to be. Next to some decent Thai restaurants, there are fun bars with happy hour and a couple of great coffee bars. Therefore, I also recommend staying in Khao Sok village before and after your tour, instead of travelling to for example Surat Thani.

|| The Best Restaurants in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe – A backpacker favourite and a great place for a drink, a relaxed afternoon and some dinner. 

2. Pawn’s restaurant – One of the best Thai restaurants in Khao Sok and popular with travellers. Their curries are great.

3. Ciao Pizzeria – If you want to enjoy some non-Thai food, Ciao Pizzaria is a great place to go. They also have some nets to chill next to the restaurant. I was positively surprised by the quality of the pizza.

4. Low Budget Youth Restaurant  – Unfortunately the cook was sick and the restaurant was closed during my time in Khao Sok. Nevertheless, this restaurant receives high ratings and is also popular with backpackers.

|| The best (coffee)Bars in Khao Sok

1. Black Stone Cafe  – I have to start with Black Stone Cafe again. They have a happy hour with cocktails and it is the perfect place to spend your afternoon with a book or have a drink in the evening.

2. Hungcup Slow Bar  – This coffee bar is located next to the famous Coco Hostel and offers good coffee and breakfast.

3. Little Wild Cafe Khao Sok  – The same coffee bar chain as Hungcup but this coffee bar is located at the end of the main street. The waffles are amazing.

4. Chill out bar  – Also this bar was closed during my time in Khao Sok, however, with so many good reviews it is worth giving a try.

5. The Heaven Bar  – An extensive cocktail and happy hour list, 2 floors and the opportunity to relax on the bean bags next to the water. 

6. Jumanji Bar  – This bar is a late-night bar in Khao Sok and mainly gets active in the high season. If you want to have some late-night drinks, this is the best place to try.

- The best places to stay in Khao sOK -

Tree tops river huts - value for money.

During my stay in Khao Sok, I stayed at Tree Tops River Huts . Especially their riverside bungalows are a real treat as you are near the national park. At dawn, you see plenty of monkeys running around your bungalow. Also, they have a swimming pool and breakfast is included. The price of a bungalow starts at around €30 a night.

Khao Sok Palmview Resort - Local vibe

One of the best-rated accommodations in Khao Sok is the Khao Sok Palmview Resort. This is a charming and peaceful resort, with all the facilities you might need during your stay and very helpful staff. The price of a cottage starts from €17 a night.

Malulee Khao Sok Resort - Great tours

If you have a little bit more to spend, the Malulee Khao Sok Resort is a great option. I especially have heard great stories on the tour that was booked through the Malulee Resort. There is an on-site swimming pool available and bungalows start from €70 a night.

Tanoshi Glamping - Unique Experience

If you are looking for a special experience that is slightly off the beaten track, then a night in Tanoshi Glamping is exactly what you are looking for. You will sleep in a glamping tent while having the opportunity to relax with great views and some tents also offer a luxury bath. A special experience you can get starting from €90 a night.

Coco Hostel - Budget

The most popular hostel for backpackers and budget travellers in Khao Sok is Coco Hostel . All rooms have a balcony and the beds have curtains for more privacy. Also, the bakery next to the hostel is great. A bed in a dorm room starts from €8. 

More about Thailand

• 18 February 2024

The best places to stay in Thailand – Hostels, Hotels and more

• 13 February 2024

Your Ultimate 3-week Thailand Itinerary | The best places to visit

Learn more about thailand.

• 3 February 2024

Koh Samui Travel Guide – Explore Beaches and Culture in Thailand

• 27 January 2024

Wat Pha Lat Monk’s Trail to Doi Suthep – Hiking in Chiang Mai

Pin khao sok guide for later:.

SAVE KhAO SOK Travel Guide:

Privacy Overview

Guide to Khao Sok Floating Bungalows, Cheow Lan Lake

Staying in a Khao Sok floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake is the ultimate bucket list experience!

Covering an area of 165 km 2 , this huge man-made lake features high-rise limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and a dense rainforest teeming with wildlife from elephants to buffalos, hornbills, and more.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a Khao Sok overnight tour, including how to choose the best Khao Sok floating bungalow, how much it cost, updated entrance fees, how to get there, the best things to do, and other helpful tips.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Read more about Thailand:

• Krabi Thailand: 20 best things to do
• How to plan a 10-day Thai Islands itinerary
• The best Bangkok 4-day itinerary

Table of Contents

Why Stay in a Khao Sok Floating Bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake?

If you want to be fully immersed in nature, then you should definitely stay in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.

This huge lake is surrounded by soaring karst cliffs as far as the eyes can see and provides the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the outside world.

Apart from relaxing, you’ll find plenty of things to do from swimming to kayaking, wildlife spotting, or trekking.

Price of Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

The price of the Khao Sok floating bungalows is 2,500 baht for adults or 1,800 baht for children for an overnight tour (2 days and 1 night).

This includes van and boat transfers from Khao Sok village to Cheow Lan Lake and back, a private bungalow, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, unlimited water, tea, and coffee, 2 boat safaris, kayaks, and a cave or waterfall trek.

Best Floating Bungalows in Khao Sok

Smiley lake house.

Smiley Lake House is one of the best floating bungalows in Khao Sok, especially for budget-conscious travelers.

Their overnight lake tour costs only 2,500 baht and includes everything mentioned above.

Their bungalows are basic but clean and feature two double beds (well, more like 2 mattresses placed on a wooden platform), fan, private bathroom, and balcony.

While most of the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake have common bathrooms only, each one at Smiley has a private bathroom which is a huge plus considering the low price point.

They also provide towels, water bottles, and toilet paper as well as kayaks free of charge.

Another thing I love about Smiley is the delicious buffet spread which consists of Thai curries (including vegetable and meat options), rice, noodles, and fresh fruits.

500 Rai Floating House

500 Rai Floating House , on the other hand, has air-conditioned villas and suites, some of which feature a private jacuzzi and swimming pool overlooking Cheow Lan Lake. Each bungalow also comes with a free kayak. Check latest rates and availability here.

Panvaree The Greenery

If you’re after something more luxurious, take a look at Panvaree The Greenery Khao Sok Resort. They have only 10 rooms in total so it’s very peaceful. Similar to all Khao Sok National Park floating bungalows, kayaks are provided free of charge. Check latest rates and availability here.

How to get to Khao Sok National Park?

Since most Khao Sok overnight tours already include transfers from Khao Sok village to the floating bungalows and back, you only need to figure out how to get to Khao Sok itself.

Below I’ll explain how to get to Khao Sok from some of Thailand’s main tourist hubs.

From Bangkok

If you’re coming from Bangkok, you can book a transfer on 12go.asia which includes a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani followed by a mini-van to Khao Sok. The total journey should take about 16 hours.

You can also book a flight or sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani followed by a mini-van to Khao Sok .

BOOK A TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO KHAO SOK

From Ao Nang, Krabi

Since I was staying in Ao Nang, I booked a shared minivan and paid about 500 baht. The whole journey took about 4-5 hours. Private transfers to Khao Sok are also available but cost a lot more at around 2,500-3,000 baht.

BOOK A TRANSFER FROM AO NANG TO KHAO SOK

From Phuket

For those coming from Phuket, you can book a shared mini-van for about 900 baht. The journey should take about 3-4 hours. Private transfers are also available and cost about 2,500-,3000 baht.

BOOK A TRANSFER FROM PHUKET TO KHAO SOK

From Khao Lak

The drive from Khao Lak to Khao Sok takes on average 1-2 hours and costs about 600 baht for a shared mini-van or 1,600 baht for a private taxi.

BOOK A TRANSFER FROM KHAO LAK TO KHAO SOK

Alternatively, overnight tours are also available from Khao Lak or Phuket. This includes transfers to and from your hotel in Khao Lak, boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake, national park and pier fees, 4 meals with drinks, safari, cave trekking, and accommodation. Click here to book.

If your time in Thailand is limited, you can opt for a full-day trip instead which includes transfers to and from your hotel in Khao Lak, national park and pier fees, lunch with drinks, and an English-speaking guide. Click here to book.

Khao Sok National Park Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Khao Sok National Park is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children but for some reason, they were only charging 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children when I visited.

Note that you also have to pay a pier fee of 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.

Things to do on Cheow Lan Lake

Guilin rocks.

The first place that you’ll visit on your way to the Khao Sok floating bungalows is the Guilin Rocks. These three limestone rocks are stacked next to each other and are the most popular photo spot on Cheow Lan Lake.

Another best thing to do on Cheow Lan Lake is kayaking. Most floating bungalows will provide kayaks and paddles free of charge so you can fully explore the lake at your own pace.

Safari Boat Ride

Cheow Lan Lake is teeming with wildlife from elephants to buffalos, hornbills, monkeys, wild boars, and more. I even saw some “wild” chickens roaming around the lake!

The Khao Sok overnight tour with Smiley included 2 safaris – one in the evening and one in the morning. We didn’t see any animals during the evening safari but were able to see hornbills and monkeys the next morning.

The animals are the most active in the morning so I recommend the morning safari if you’d like to skip one of them.

During the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to swim in the lake. Just note that it’s mandatory to wear a life jacket when swimming although I saw some people swimming without any.

The lake is extremely deep with an average depth of about 40 meters so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Waterfall Trek

There are a few waterfalls scattered around the lake like Klong Yee waterfall or Bang Hoi waterfall. I’m not sure which one we visited during the tour but it was one fun adventure!

The waterfall we visited looked a lot like the sticky waterfall in Chiang Mai. We literally hiked up the waterfall and didn’t slip at all due to the “sticky” surface of the rocks.

Just be sure to wear close-toe shoes and long pants as this area is prone to leeches.

We took a 30-minute boat ride from the floating bungalows to the waterfall and the hike lasted about 1 hour.

Keep in mind that this activity is only available during the rainy season (around May to November). If you’re visiting Khao Sok during the dry season, you’ll visit a cave or viewpoint instead.

Kri Sorn Viewpoint

Kri Sorn viewpoint offers unparalleled views of Cheow Lan Lake and takes about 2 hours to hike. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit due to lack of time but if you’re staying for 2 nights, you can make arrangements with your host to do the hike.

Cave Trekking

Another activity to do here is cave trekking. There are two main caves to visit in Cheow Lan, namely Nam Talu Cave and Pakarang Cave (coral cave).

To get to Pakarang Cave, you’ll have to hike through the jungle and then take a bamboo raft. The cave isn’t too big so it won’t take long to explore.

Nam Talu Cave, on the other hand, is slightly more challenging as it’s filled with water year-round and can only be visited during the dry season when the water level is lower.

Honestly wading through waist-length water inside a pitch-black cave isn’t my idea of fun so I was glad when our guide took us to the waterfall instead.

My Khao Sok Overnight Tour Experience

I booked my Khao Sok overnight tour with Smiley Bungalows which cost 2,500 baht per person.

They picked me up at 8.30 a.m from my accommodation in Khao Sok (I stayed at Coco Hostel which I highly recommend) and brought me to Smiley Bungalows where I made the payment. They had free coffee and tea available.

After a briefing, we took a minivan to a local market and 7/11 where we could stock up on snacks. If you wish, you can also buy waterproof shoes for the waterfall trek for about 100-200 baht.

When we reached the pier, we paid the national park fee and pier fee before jumping on a longtail boat.

The boat ride from the pier to the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake took about 1.5 hours.

It was incredibly beautiful and peaceful with uninterrupted views of the giant limestone cliffs. I was in awe during the whole ride!

We stopped halfway through to the Guilin Rocks for photos and arrived at the floating bungalows at around noon just in time for a buffet lunch.

We then had free time to swim and kayak around the lake. At 5.30 p.m, we went on a safari and had dinner at 7 p.m.

The next morning, we woke up early for another safari at 6.30 a.m and then had breakfast at 8 a.m.

The checkout time was at 9 a.m so we brought our bags to the reception and then our guide took us on a longtail boat to a waterfall. The whole activity lasted about 3 hours including the boat ride and trek.

Lunch was served at noon and we had more free time to swim and kayak before it was time to leave at 2 p.m.

We got back to Khao Sok at around 4 p.m and I decided to stay another night at Coco Hostel before transferring back to Ao Nang the next day.

More things to know about Khao Sok floating bungalows

• The Khao Sok floating bungalows normally have electricity between 6 p.m and 6 a.m but when I stayed at Smiley Lake House, we had electricity all day. If needed, you can charge your phone inside the bungalows or at the reception.
• The phone signal on Cheow Lan Lake is poor and wifi isn’t available, so it’s the perfect excuse to fully disconnect from the outside world.
• Cheow Lan Lake can only be visited with a guide.
• Luckily there are no mosquitoes on the lake. I also didn’t come across any during the waterfall trek.
• It’s best to only take a day bag with all your essentials when going to the lake. You can leave your luggage at your accommodation in Khao Sok or with the tour operator you booked with.
• The overnight tours are all-inclusive with non-alcoholic drinks only but you can buy beer at the floating bungalow restaurant for about 100 baht.

Best time to visit

Khao Sok can be visited year-round but some activities like the waterfall trek can only be done during the rainy season (May to November) while the Nam Talu Cave can only be visited during the dry season.

For the best weather, I recommend visiting during the dry season (December to April).

I hope you found this guide to the Khao Sok floating bungalows helpful. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

• Krabi Town: 8 best things to do
• Where to stay in Krabi Thailand + Best Hotels
• The ultimate Krabi itinerary
• Ultimate Krabi Island hopping guide
• Top activities to do in Koh Lanta

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

A Local’s Guide to Getting Around Mauritius

Top things to do in koh yao noi + best beaches [2024], you may also like, where to stay in ao nang krabi for any budget + insider..., 20 top things to do in ao nang + underrated attractions, chiang mai vs chiang rai: which is better, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish. Accept Read More

Khao Sok National Park | The Ultimate Adventure Travel Guide

• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024
• by Post author: Chloe Smulian

The ultimate destination for nature lovers who want to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in one of the most unique natural surroundings in the world. You’ll feel like you traveled back through time as you experience one of the most majestic places in Thailand at Khao Sok National Park.

Not so long ago, we mentioned that  jungle trekking in Indonesia  and coming face-to-face with orangutans in the wild was THE most unforgettable experience we’ve had. Now we can add another to the list: witnessing the otherworldly beauty of Khao Sok and hiking through a water cave. Read on to find out how you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure for yourself.

If it’s your first time travelling to Thailand, make sure you read our  7 Krabi travel tips . We may have written it specifically for Krabi, but most of the tips are applicable for travelling anywhere in Thailand.

We share useful tips like how much to budget daily, whether it is card friendly and even how to rent a scooter in Thailand.

Why Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks and a magical hidden gem destination. The locals often compare its landscapes to Guilin in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam, but for those like us who love our fantasy movies, it is better known for its Jurassic Park/Avatar-like scenery.

And the cherry on top? A fraction of the tourists compared to Guilin and Halong Bay. And you don’t need a tourist visa to visit Thailand for most nationalities.

That means no more photos with tourists holding giant iPads in your photo’s background, and no queuing for tourists visas at the airport.

Now that’s what we call a win-win situation.

Top Things To Do in Khao Sok National Park

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do and explore in Khao Sok. From jungle trekking (guided and non-guided), visiting elephant sanctuaries to relaxing in natural hot springs and tubing down the river.

However the top, ‘not-to-be-missed’ attraction is the Khao Sok Lake Tour . Why? Because this is where you will be transported to Jurassic Park (without the dinosaurs), and for the more adventurous types, experience hiking through a water cave!

This was definitely the highlight of our trip and an experience we would do again!

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park

There are 3 ways to get to Khao Sok National Park. The easiest, but most expensive way is by private taxi transfer . This costs around €80 in total (max 4 people) and includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Phuket to Khao Sok.

The second option is to share a bus transfer from Phuket town to Khao Sok. This option costs €24 per person in a comfortable, air-conditioned van.

The last option to get to Khao Sok is by public transport. It’s the cheapest but also most adventurous option (mostly because of the language barrier). This costs a fraction of the price at around 220 Thai Baht per person or €6.50 .

Make sure you read our Thailand Transportation guide if it’s your first time. Otherwise, here’s how you get from Phuket to Khao Sok via public transport.

Getting from Phuket to Khao Sok by Public Bus

• Head to the central bus station in Phuket town (refer to map)
• Go to the ticket desk and purchase a bus ticket from Phuket to Khao Sok
• Buses leave every hour from 7AM to 3PM so make sure you arrive at least 40 minutes before the hour to purchase your ticket (tickets can’t be purchased online and space is given on a first-come-first serve basis)
• Depending on the bus, you may need to change buses at Takua Pa (just ask the desk to double check)
• The entire trip should take 4 hours and you will arrive at the main bus station at Khao Sok town and VOILA!

Getting from Phuket or Khao Lak to Khao Sok

Want to head straight from the beach to the rain forests but it’s too much of a mission? Don’t worry, there is an easy way to get to Khao Sok from Khao Lak and Phuket!

It will take a few hours hours to get there, but we promise it is worth it. Book a day trip from Phuket to Khao Sok or a transfer from Khao Lak to Khao Sok  online and save yourself time and hassle later.

Khao Sok National Park Tours: Overnight Tour vs Day Tour

The absolute must-do Khao Sok National Park tour, is the Cheow Lan Lake Tour . You can just do the day tour or stay overnight on a floating bungalow for 1 or 2 nights.

We highly recommend staying over for at least one night to make the most out of this unique experience. That way, your tours won’t be as rushed, you have a higher chance at spotting wildlife and you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in the lake with many toothless fish.

We actually opted to stay over for an extra night (2 nights, 3 days) so we could have an entire day to ourselves, kayaking from island to island, swimming in the lake and have time to appreciate the lake and its beautiful surroundings.

If you’re short on time, then a day tour is better than nothing. If you’re arriving by bus from Phuket, stay the night in Khao Sok village and book your day tour for the following day. Find out how much it costs and what it includes below.

Cost of Khao Sok Lake Day Tour

1500 Thai Baht (€42) per person and 750 Thai Baht (€21) for children under 120cm tall.

What Does the Day Tour Include

• Jungle trekking through Tham Nam Ta Lu (Water Cave) or coral cave (depends on the season and water level) with an expert guide
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• Thai set lunch
• Drinking water
• Local Travel guide (English speaking)
• Long tail boat

Excluded items:

• Khao Sok National Park fee (300 Thai Baht per person)
• Other drinks (i.e. soda, beer, happy buckets, etc.)

Save Me For Later

Price of Khao Sok Lake Overnight Tour

2500 Thai Baht (€70) per person and 1250 Thai Baht (€35) for children under 120cm tall – this is for 1 night and 2 days and includes the floating bungalows accommodation and all meals.

The kayaks and tubes are free to use. Sounds like a great deal but don’t be fooled by these innocent boats. They can end friendships and relationships.

If you want to extend your stay by an extra night like we did, it costs an extra 1500 Thai Baht per person and includes all meals for the extra day.

What Does the Overnight Tour Include

• Morning jungle safari tour by long tail boat
• Visit Pra Kay Petch Cave (dry cave)
• Round trip transfer (from hotel in Khao Sok)
• 1 night’s accommodation on raft house (2 person/room)
• Free use of kayaks and tubes
• A towel each

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows

The price for the Khao Sok Lake tours are standardized, whether you book from a tour operator or from your hotel. But there may be differences in the type of hotel you get and whether or not the tour operator provides water shoes, head lamps and water bags so you don’t need to buy them yourself.

Make sure to ask which hotel it is, especially if you want your own bathroom. The bamboo bungalows look very pretty and romantic, but none of them have their own bathrooms, so you’ll need a torch to get to the loo at night.

If you don’t want to hike to the bathroom (ok, maybe ‘hike is over exaggerating) then make sure your tour operator books you to stay at  Smiley Bungalows . The accommodation is also very basic, but each bungalow has its own bathroom attached to each unit.

If it’s a special occasion and you don’t mind paying more, there are also some luxurious options available:

• Khao Sok National Park Overnight Stay in a Treehouse Bungalow (includes meals and excursions)
• 3 Day Floating Resort on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok (includes meals and excursions)
• 2 Day / 1 Night stay Cheow Lan Lake and Wildlife Tour (includes meals and transfer)

Before making those hotel bookings, read our Travel For Cheap Guide to find out how we save up to 53% booking flights, hotels and car rental.

Khao Sok Floating Bungalows Review

This part is more for managing expectations rather than a review. The floating bungalow on the lake is very basic. You’re on a lake after all, surrounded by one of the most ancient rainforests in the world. At least you don’t need to set up your own camp and dig a hole to handle your business right?

At Smiley Bungalows , each unit can sleep up to 3-4 people but the minimum is 2 in each unit. So you may be paired with someone if you’re travelling solo.There is no A/C, but there is a fan in the room. The shower is cold to lukewarm at best.

We found the accommodation to be more than sufficient. The only thing that can be improved is cleanliness. The bed sheets and pillow cases are not changed on a daily basis even though new people arrive every day (we’re only slightly OCD…).

If you’re addicted to the internet, you going to have to detox here as there is no cellphone signal or wi-fi. As internet addicts ourselves, we can tell you that it wasn’t so bad and was actually quite liberating. To conserve electricity, the rooms only have electricity between 6PM and 6AM, but you can charge your phones and cameras at the dining/bar area anytime of the day.

What to Pack for the Khao Sok National Park Tour

• Water shoes/comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy
• Headlamps (if your tour operator doesn’t provide them)
• Costume/bikini/speedo (whatever you fancy)
• A set of dry clothes for the second day
• Mosquito spray
• Leech spray (only necessary when you go during monsoon season)
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap)
• Extra toilet paper
• Dry bag (25 litre is the most versatile size)

We would recommend you pack everything into your dry bag and leave the rest of your luggage at your accommodation’s reception or storage area. Some tour operators will even store your luggage for you. It is important that you only take what you need.

We recommend getting the  Ocean Pack 25 litre dry bag , as it is the most versatile. If you love adventure, particularly ones that involve water, this bag will come very handy for all your future trips.

In Khao Sok town, they cost around 400 Thai Baht (€11) but you can also buy it on Amazon. There are cheaper dry bags, but the quality is not great and won’t last as long as Ocean Pack. We’ve had ours for 9 years and it’s still in perfect condition.

What Shoes to Wear For Khao Sok Lake Tour

If you don’t want to ruin your trainers, you can rent rubber shoes for the jungle trek for 50 Thai Baht (€1.40) at Smiley Bungalows. They will give you more grip than trainers, so we would recommend you rent these rather than wear your trainers.

We wore our usual  Mares Dive Booties  for the entire hike. They are meant for diving, but we use them for all our water sport activities and even hike with them when the terrain is muddy and slippery. We absolutely love that they are super lightweight, versatile and very resilient. We’ve have had ours for over 6 years and besides a small hole in the front, they work perfectly and are easy to clean.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:

• SafetyWing  (best for everyone)
• AXA  (for US residents)
• Outbacker  (for UK residents)
• Allianz  (for Germany residents)

Khao Sok National Park Itinerary

Hiking through water cave.

This was no doubt the highlight of the trip and one that shouldn’t be missed. Your tour operator will take you for a short, long tail boat ride to the start of the hiking trail through the rainforest, to get to the entrance of the cave. It’s a short 3km walk to the entrance of the cave, which was not difficult at all and mostly flat.

When you get to the cave, that’s when the real adventure and fun begins. It was our first experience hiking through a pitch black cave, with only our headlamps to guide us, amongst bats, frogs, spiders and who knows what else (eeek!).

And to add to the adventure, the water in some parts of the cave are over 2 meters deep, which means we had to muster all the doggy paddling skills we had to manoeuvre ourselves through some very narrow sections of the cave.

It was one of the most exhilarating experiences we’ve had to date and we would do it again in a heartbeat!

Morning Jungle Safari Tour in Khao Sok National Park

Early morning wake up at 5:30AM to start your morning safari around the lake. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you’ll get to see the most magnificent sunrise, peeking out between the majestic limestone cliffs.

Thereafter, it’s a 90 minute lake safari tour with the chance of spotting some wildlife. We saw monkeys, a large monitor lizard, a variety of birds and a family of river otters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see gibbons, elephants and cobras that often hang in the tree branches.

Pra Kay Petch Cave Hike in Khao Sok

A small cave you will visit on your way back to the Ratchaprapha Marina. This cave is dry and much easier to navigate through than Water Cave, but also less exciting. The highlight of this cave is seeing coral rocks that are thousands of years old, spotting snake eggs and even a live snake! Don’t worry, they’ll be long gone by the time your brain figures out what you just saw.

Where To Book Khao Sok National Park Tours

The price of the tour is pretty much standardised but what the type of experience you’ll get will differ. Some tour operators are only able to book the bamboo hut floating bungalows, which has a communal bathroom to share amongst all the units.

Other tour operators will be able to book you into floating bungalows like Smiley’s where you can have a bit more privacy with your own bathroom. With or without bathroom, both tour packages will cost exactly the same. So take your pick based on your personal preference.

Khao Sok National Park Hotels

We booked our tour at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel  (renamed from Khao Sok Royal Cliff Resort and Spa) where we stayed overnight before going on the Khao Sok Lake Tour.

The price of the tour cost exactly the same as what the tour operators were selling. The difference was that the hotel had kindly arrange to pack toiletries and extra toilet paper for us to take with, so that we didn’t have to buy.

The hotel also kept our luggage safe in their storage room while we were on the Lake Tour so we didn’t have to pay for accommodation we wouldn’t use.

If you would like to stay at the Bamboo Huts, you can book directly with Sunny from Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . When you book with him, he includes the rubber shoes that you can use for the cave as well as a dry bag. He is also an amazing guy to speak to and ask for recommendations on the best places to visit in Thailand.

Besides being super friendly, he is also very honest and will tell you which tours you should or shouldn’t go on, even if it means you don’t book the tour with him.

It was honestly so refreshing to meet and befriend him. Someone who wants travellers to come and enjoy every moment in his home country, rather than just trying to make a quick buck off tourists. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have enjoyed Khao Sok as much as we did and be able to share all these travel tips with you.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Khao Sok National Park

We stayed for 4 days and were only able to visit the Monkey Temple (actual name Wat Tham Phanthurat), explore Khao Sok town and do the 2 night, 3 day Khao Sok Lake Tour. If you want to jungle trek in Khao Sok National Park or visit an elephant sanctuary, then you’ll need an extra day or two.

We stayed at the  Montania Lifestyle Hotel , which we enjoyed thoroughly. It’s a great option for couples or families as they have a big garden and a lovely pool too.

If you’re travelling alone or looking for a more budget friendly option, check out  Khao Sok Jungle Hostel . It’s very affordable and you get great value for money.

Is there Malaria in Khao Sok National Park

No, but there are mosquitoes, so make sure you get some bug spray. But don’t worry, you’ll get a good night’s rest at the floating bungalows as there are no mosquitoes there.

Is Khao Sok A Family Vacation Destination?

All the activities on the lake tour are kid friendly except for the water cave. There are several points in the water cave where it is more than a meter deep and the deepest section is around 2 meters deep, so children (and adults) need to be strong swimmers.

Best Time of Year to Visit Khao Sok National Park

The best time of the year to visit Khao Sok is outside the rainy season, between November and April. But with that being said, it may rain even in the dry season since the province receives some of the highest rainfall in Thailand.

You’ll need some luck with the weather because some of the activities are weather dependent, like hiking through the water cave.

If it looks like it will rain or is raining, then that leg of the trip will either have to be cancelled or postponed. No one wants a repeat of the Thai soccer team cave rescue mission (unless you want to sign a deal with Netflix).

Best Places To Visit In Thailand

We loved every moment in Khao Sok, from its friendly people to its unique, mystical natural scenery. If you’re on an extended trip in Thailand, why not explore more of its beautiful landscapes and other hidden gems? We have a complete  guide on how to get around Thailand  using its extensive public transport system. This is how we got to some of the  most beautiful beaches in Thailand  on the island of Koh Phangan.

If you like a bit more adventure and want to experience some of the most exciting hiking adventures in Thailand, then check out our  3 day itinerary in Krabi . If you’re more of a water baby,  why not scuba dive  around the Similan and Surin Islands? It is voted as one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world.

Make sure to read our  first scuba dive liveaboard experience in Thailand  before chartering on your own adventure.

Thank You For Reading

If you enjoyed reading this guide, share it with your friends and family or leave a review . Have a question or need advice? Contact us via Email, Messenger or WhatsApp. And if you'd like to leave a comment, tweet us . Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media !

Buy Us A Coffee

Our content is free and always will be. But if this guide has saved you time, money or made your life easier, feel free to buy us a coffee . We’ll really appreciate your support.

Support Our Work

Can't donate? No problem! You can still support us by buying products and services that we recommend. Check out our resource page for all offers and discount codes.

📣 This guide contains affiliate links. This means if you click on our links and buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to work on the website full time and keep Nomad And In Love alive and thriving. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Guides

10 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan You Don’t Want to Miss

Best Outdoor Things To Do in Krabi, Thailand: An Epic 3 Day Krabi Itinerary

7 Krabi Travel Tips That Will Save You Time, Stress and Money: Thailand Travel Guide

Khao Sok Lake: All You Need to Know Before Visiting Khao Sok National Park

(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

If you are planning a trip to Khao Sok Lake in Thailand, this guide is for you!

Khao Sok Lake, also known as Cheow Lan Lake, is a jaw-dropping freshwater reserve in Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. This might just be the most beautiful place I have ever visited. If you are exploring southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park needs to be on your itinerary. 

In this guide, I’ll share the best time to visit Khao Sok National Park, how to get to Khao Sok Lake and everything else you need to know before you visit. 

I studied abroad in Bangkok, Thailand during my junior year of college and we decided to visit Khao Sok National Park during a weekend trip. This was the absolute best weekend trip – this national park is absolutely stunning. Khao Sok Lake is 100% one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. You have to squeeze in a couple of days to visit this gem. 

Looking for more Thailand guides? 

• The Best Local Foods to Try in Thailand
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Erawan Falls
• How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Phuket

This post is about visiting Khao Sok Lake in Khao Sok National Park Thailand. 

Table of Contents

How to Get to Khao Sok National Park 

There are nearby cities you can fly into to reach Khao Sok National Park. You can fly into Surat Thani, Phuket, or Krabi, and then take a bus or taxi to Khlong Sok. 

When I visited I flew from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then took a Grab (rideshare) to my accommodation. It was about an hour and a half drive from the airport.  

Overnight Bus 

There are overnight buses you can take from Bangkok to Surat Thani if you are on a tighter budget. From Surat Thani, you can take a taxi or rideshare to reach your accommodation. 

Train from Bangkok 

There is an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The train will take about 14 hours – so be prepared!  

Short on time? Here is everything you need to plan your trip to Thailand

🏠Book accommodation in Thailand via Booking.com and Hostelworld

✈️Book flights to Thailand on Skyscanner

🏔️Find activities and tours for Thailand via Get Your Guide and Viator

👩🏽‍💻Get travel insurance for your trip to Thailand through SafetyWing

🚌Find trains and buses for your trip to Thailand with Omio and Trainline

📱Access the internet anywhere in Thailand with Airalo

💭Find more travel recommendations for Thailand on the Out Of Office app

🚘Rent a car in Thailand with Rentalcars.com

🌎Looking to join a group trip? Search tours with EF Ultimate Break

Where to Stay – Khao Sok Hotels 

If you are looking for an amazing and affordable place to stay in Klong Sok, Coco Hostel Khao Sok is the place. It’s seriously the cutest little hostel, walking distance to restaurants, cafes, and shops. 

The rooms were clean, the staff was incredible, and there was the most delicious restaurant on the ground floor. I couldn’t recommend Coco Hostel Khao Sok enough!

Book Coco Khao Sok Hostel here.

Khao Sok Lake Floating Bungalows 

If you do the 2-day, 1-night tour you will be able to stay in the iconic floating bungalows on Khao Sok Lake. More about the 2-day tour later in this guide. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Hostel Packing List

Khao Sok Weather – The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Khao Sok National Park is from November to February (During the dry season). If you visit outside of these months there is a good chance it will be quite rainy in southern Thailand. 

Khao Sok Lake Tours

Booking a guided tour that works for you is the best way to experience Khao Sok National Park. However, just make sure you know what you are getting into before your tour. 

We ended up booking on a whim and I honestly had no idea what to expect. Our tour included an intense hike with lots of scary bugs and deep water – I opted out of this part because I had no dry bag and had a sundress on.

There are also some pretty adventurous night hikes like trekking through the jungle with only a guide with a machete. The moral of the story – know what you are getting yourself into so you can be prepared!  

There are various tours you can take in Khao Sok National Park. The tours typically fall into one of two categories – a full-day trip or a 2-day and 1-night tour. You can find more information on each of these tours below. 

Khao Sok Lake: Day Trip 

If you opt for a day trip, your tour will likely include transportation to and from your accommodation, lunch, snacks, a few hours to explore Khao Sok Lake, and hang-out time at the floating bungalows. Some tours will also include a Nam Talu Cave tour.

Prices will range anywhere from 20 USD to 150 USD depending on which tour you choose. You can search for day trips to Khao Sok Lake here.

Because my friends and I were short on time for our weekend trip, we chose to do the day tour and it was absolutely unforgettable. However, as mentioned above, do a little more research than I did and be prepared for whatever tour you sign up for. 

Khao Sok Lake: 2-Day, 1-Night Tour 

Alternatively, you can book the 2-day, 1-night Khao Sok Lake tour . If you book this tour you will likely be staying in the floating bungalow overnight. 

There are many different styles of bungalows, ranging from very basic, to pretty high-end for staying on a lake. Of course, this will all depend on your budget and the tour you decide to book.

The 2-day tours will include everything that is typically included plus a few more hikes, and more time spent on the water. Some overnight tours can pick you up from Phuket – but these are pricier. 

Prices for the 2-day tours typically are around 70 USD but can cost up to 400 USD. These tours will include all meals, transportation, time on the lake, a jungle walk, kayak use, and more. 

If you have the time, I think a two-day tour would be well worth it. This certainly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Smiley’s Lakehouse is a great place to book your Khao Sok Lake tours. 

Additional Things to Do in Town – Khao Sok National Park

If you are spending time in the town itself. Here are a few other fun things to do in Khao Sok. 

• Massage : There was a cute little massage spot right across from Coco Hostel. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon and the massages were very affordable. 
• Motorbikes : For a fun mode of transportation you can rent motorbikes in town.  
• Shopping : There are great shops around town to pick up gifts and souvenirs.  
• Jumanji Bar : If you are looking for fun nightlife in Khao Sok, head to Jumanji Bar. It’s such a fun beach bar vibe. 
• Food ! Plenty of great spots to eat in town. 

RELATED POST: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Siem Reap, Cambodia

Khao Sok Lake Packing List

• Bug spray  
• Tiger balm (helps relieve itchy bites) 
• Reusable water bottle  
• Day backpack  
• Portable charger  
• Waterproof phone case 
• Water shoes (or waterproof shoes/sandals) 

Khao Sok National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on this planet. I hope this guide to Khao Sok Lake was helpful! If you have any questions, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at [email protected] . 

Travel Insurance

Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.

Recommended Tours

Like this post pin it to save for later.

Want to Support?

I always appreciate it when friends and family reach out wanting to support Syd Abroad. If you’d like to support the blog, here are a few brands that I am affiliated with. All you do is click the links, and I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

• Get Your Guide (Tours)
• EF Ultimate Break (Group trips)
• Booking (Hotels)
• Hostelworld (Hostels)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred (Credit card)
• Out Of Office app (Trip planning)
• SafetyWing Travel Insurance
• Arialo (eSIM; access internet anywhere)
• Bluehost (Hosting)
• Perfecting Blogging (Course)
• Perfecting Pinterest (Course)
• Keywords Everywhere (Keyword research)

Travel Content Creation

• CaliCase (Waterproof phone case)
• Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera
• Digital Camera
• Camera Tripod
• Reliable Hard Drive
• DJI Mini 3 Drone
• Phone Tripod
• Portable Light

You may also like:

19 best things to do in hilo, hawaii + …, how to spend 3 days in los angeles, …, the fairmont el san juan, a stunning …, the 10 best santorini instagram spots.

• Pingback: How to Spend Three Days in Bangkok, Thailand - Syd Abroad

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GPS: 9.030560679508561, 98.64353656768799

Google Map:

Aerial view 2023

The restaurant 2017

Bungalows 2017

All 42 Bungalows with restaurant

Bungalows inside

All rooms with toilett/bathroom

all with toilet and shower

The A bungalows

In front of the Lake House

In front of the lake house

Guilin of Thailand

Landscape of the lake

From you bungalow you can see a great landscape

Mr. Bao on the longtailboat

The water is very clean and have most time about 30C.

In the night we have a batteries for electricity if you want charge some electric equipment.

Do you like fishing? You can do, but bring your own equipment. Fishing only outside of the lake house (with canoe) because the fish near the lake house are for looking.

On the Lake house ONLY  ais (1,2 call) mobile connection!

ENG: +66 098 686 2328

ภาษาไทย: +66 085 786 3810

Khao Sok Lake Private Tours

Discover the lake any way you want...with a private tour.

Khao Sok Lake Private Tours are the best way to make the trip your own !

With a combined experience of over 12 years of offering the very best khao sok has to offer, we've put together khao sok private tours. choose from bamboo, modern, superior or luxury choose 1, 2, even 3 night tours.

Searching Availability...

© 2016 Khao Sok Lake Co.,LTD. 20/18, Moo 3, Khao wong, Ban Ta-Khun, Surathani, Thailand 84230, TAT license no. 34/01518

• Khao Sok One Day Lake Tour
• 2 Day Group Safari – Bamboo
• 2 Day Group Safari – Superior
• Bamboo Bliss
• Modern Comforts
• Lake Superior
• Khao Sok Luxury on the Lake Tour
• Khao Sok Wildlife Explorer
• Fishing On Khao Sok Lake
• Elephant Experience
• Khao Sok Lake & Local Life
• Khao Sok Classic Tour
• Bamboo Raft Houses
• Modern Raft Houses
• Superior Floating Bungalows
• Luxury Floating Villas
• Getting Here
• About Khao Sok National Park
• Make a Reservation