Khao Sok Floating Bungalows: 14 Raft Houses, 4 Tiers, One Lake
Deep inside Khao Sok National Park, on the glassy surface of Cheow Lan Lake, float 14 raft houses unlike anything else in Thailand. Limestone karst towers rise from the water on every side. The jungle presses to the shore. At night, the only sounds are the lake and the forest.
These are not hotel rooms with a lake view. They are rooms on the lake — tethered to the water, open to the elements, surrounded by one of the oldest rainforests on earth. Older than the Amazon. Older than the Congo.
Khao Sok Lake Co., Ltd. is the only tour operator physically based on Cheow Lan Lake. Not in Khao Sok village — on the lake itself. We have worked with every raft house here for 12 years, and nobody knows these options better. All 14 floating bungalows fall into one of four tiers. Choose yours below.
Khao Sok Lake® is the only operator with direct access to all 14 floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. We will always place you in a raft house of equal or greater quality to the one you select.
DISCLAIMER: All bookings are subject to availability. Conditions on Khao Sok Lake vary from week to week. Khao Sok Lake® does not guarantee a specific raft house, but we will always place you in one of equal or greater quality.
Trying to save money? Have a look at our Group Tours.
Khao Sok Floating Bungalows — Frequently Asked Questions
What are floating bungalows on Khao Sok Lake?
Floating bungalows — also called raft houses — are traditional Thai-style accommodation built on bamboo or wooden platforms anchored on the surface of Cheow Lan Lake inside Khao Sok National Park. They range from rustic open-air bamboo rooms to modern en-suite bungalows and fully private luxury teak villas. All are accessible only by boat.
How many floating bungalows are there on Khao Sok Lake?
There are 14 floating bungalow operations on Cheow Lan Lake, spread across the lake’s various inlets — known as klongs. Khao Sok Lake Co., Ltd. works with all 14 and is the only operator physically based on the lake, giving us direct relationships and real-time availability across every option.
What is the difference between bamboo and luxury floating bungalows?
Bamboo raft houses are the original, authentic experience — simple open-air rooms on bamboo platforms, shared bathrooms, and direct exposure to the jungle sounds and lake breeze. Luxury floating villas such as the Panvaree are fully private, air-conditioned teak structures with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and premium bedding. Between these two extremes sit modern and superior tiers offering varying levels of comfort. We offer all four tiers — see above to compare.
Can I book a floating bungalow without a tour?
No. All floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake are only accessible by boat, and all guests must travel with a licensed operator. Independent access to the raft houses is not possible — the lake is inside a national park and all activity requires a TAT-licensed guide. Booking through Khao Sok Lake Co., Ltd. includes boat transfers, all meals, and a licensed local guide throughout your stay.
How much do Khao Sok floating bungalows cost?
Prices vary significantly by tier. Bamboo group tours are the most affordable entry point. Private bamboo (Bamboo Bliss), modern (Modern Comforts), and superior (Lake Superior) options sit in the mid-range. Luxury teak villa experiences (Luxury on the Lake — Panvaree) are at the premium end. Contact us directly for current pricing, or browse our individual tour pages for full details.
When is the best time to stay in a Khao Sok floating bungalow?
The dry season — December to April — offers the clearest water, the best cave trekking conditions, and the most reliable weather. The wet season (May to November) brings lush green jungle and excellent wildlife sightings, with occasional rain. The floating bungalows operate year-round. Peak season is December to February — book well in advance for those dates.
How do I get to the floating bungalows on Khao Sok Lake?
All guests travel by longtail boat from Ratchaprapha Pier, approximately 65km east of Khao Sok village. The pier is roughly 2.5 hours from Phuket, 3 hours from Krabi, and 1.5 hours from Khao Sok village. We can arrange transfers from all major southern Thailand hubs — contact us for details.
Is it safe to swim in Khao Sok Lake?
Yes. The lake water is clean and swimming near the raft houses is common and safe. There are no dangerous currents. Small freshwater fish may occasionally nibble — harmless and very much part of the experience.