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Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

Where to Stay in Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand Travel Guide

Accommodation Options

Khao Sok has diverse lodging, focused on immersion in the natural environment. Large chain hotels are not here.

Standard Lodging

  • Hostels

    Limited, offering dormitory-style rooms. These present a budget-friendly option and opportunities for socializing with other travelers. Basic amenities are common.

  • Guesthouses/Bungalows

    Most common in Khao Sok Village. Simple fan or air-conditioned rooms, often with private bathrooms. Set in garden or jungle surroundings.

  • Treehouses

    Popular and unique, elevated bungalows blending with the jungle. An adventurous, immersive experience, sleeping among the trees. Our Jungle House is famous.

  • Floating Bungalows (Raft Houses)

    Directly on Cheow Lan Lake, with direct lake access. Ranging from basic huts to luxurious resorts with private facilities. Electricity might be intermittent.

Specialized Stays

  • Resorts

    Small to mid-sized in Khao Sok Village, with amenities like pools, restaurants, and tour desks. More comfort than basic guesthouses.

  • Unique Local Stays

    Treehouses and Floating Bungalows represent the most distinctive local offerings, creating memorable experiences unique to Khao Sok.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Limited availability; Khao Sok serves like a natural park destination, not a typical vacation rental area. Some larger guesthouses have family bungalows.

  • Homestay/Community Tourism

    Some local guesthouses offer intimate, family-run experiences. Community tourism supports local guides. Inquire locally for specific arrangements.

Neighborhood Guide

Khao Sok has two main areas for accommodation, each with a distinct character and appeal.

Khao Sok Village

Advantages
  • Wide array of accommodation and dining for all budgets.
  • Easy access to the park entrance for land activities.
  • Better connectivity (Wi-Fi, mobile signal) than the lake.
  • Lively evening atmosphere with travelers.
Considerations
  • Can feel touristy in some parts.
  • Not directly on Cheow Lan Lake, requiring separate transfer for lake activities.

Cheow Lan Lake

Advantages
  • Unique, immersive experience staying directly by the water.
  • Gorgeous landscapes and views.
  • Very peaceful and quiet, dominated by natural sounds.
  • Direct access to lake activities.
Considerations
  • Limited amenities (basic electricity, no mobile signal in many areas).
  • Higher the fee for accommodation and food.
  • Less dining choice, often resort's restaurant only.
  • Boat transfer needed. Power outages are common.

General Information

Safety & Proximity
  • Both areas generally safe.
  • Village: standard precautions against petty theft.
  • Lake: water activity safety, life jackets. Limited medical facilities.
  • Village: close enough to walk to Park HQ, jungle trails.
Travel Tips
  • Connectivity: Village has better Wi-Fi/signal.
  • Lake Access: Only by boat from Ratchaprapha Pier.
  • Noise & Ambiance: Village has some bustle; lake is profoundly tranquil.

Important Travel Information

Safety Advice

Both Khao Sok Village and Cheow Lan Lake areas are generally safe. Practice standard precautions against petty theft in the village. On the lake, always wear a life jacket when on boats or swimming. Note limited medical facilities in remote lake areas.

Access & Atmosphere

Khao Sok Small town offers walking access to land-based park entry. Cheow Lan The lake itself is remote, accessed by boat, with extreme peace. Village has some bustle; the lake is profoundly tranquil.

Booking Strategies

Booking smart secures your preferred accommodation, especially during busy times.

Planning Your Booking

  • High Season (December - March): Strong booking advised, especially for popular treehouses and all floating bungalows. These can book months ahead. Consider booking 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season (April - June, November): Booking advised for floating bungalows. Village accommodation allows more flexibility, but a few weeks ahead is still a good idea.
  • Low Season (July - October): Generally possible to find walk-in accommodation in the village. Booking for floating bungalows remains advisable, as fewer might operate.
  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda.com, or direct accommodation websites/contact. Local tour agencies often handle reservations for floating bungalows.

Policies & Pricing

  • Negotiation Customs: Less common for online bookings. For walk-ins at more compact guesthouses in low season, slight negotiation might occur, especially for multi-night stays. Do not anticipate major discounts.
  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Vary by accommodation. Floating bungalows often demand full payment or a substantial deposit due to not much capacity. Review specific policies prior to secure a bookinging.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are generally higher during the dry season (December-March) and public holidays, reflecting increased demand. Anticipate lower prices in the wet season.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are highly-rated accommodations in Khao Sok, for different styles and budgets. Availability and exact offerings change.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Options

Khao Sok River Lodge: Simple bungalows near the river, good value, peaceful. Khao Sok Green Valley Resort: Basic, clean bungalows, popular with budget travelers. Often a social common area.

Mid-Range Stays

Our Jungle House: Famous for unique treehouses and comfortable bungalows. A strong eco-focus, memorable jungle experience. Visit Our Jungle House

  • Khao Sok Paradise Resort: Comfortable bungalows with good amenities, often including a swimming pool. Relaxing after exploration.

Luxury & Niche Stays

Luxury Options

500 Rai Floating Resort: High-end floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake. Modern amenities, private bathrooms, comfort, service in a stunning natural setting.

  • Panvaree The Greenery: Another luxurious floating resort on the lake, known for excellent service, well-appointed facilities, beautiful lake views.
Specific Travel Needs

Family-friendly: Resorts in Khao Sok Village cater to families with more substantial bungalows. Treehouses are popular with kids. For the lake, choose a floating a resort with family-sized bungalows or safe swimming. Solo traveler: Guesthouses and hostels in Khao Sok Small town offer chances to meet other travelers in common areas.

  • Long-stay: Most accommodations are for shorter stays. For longer trips, some guesthouses might discount weekly or monthly rates. Inquire directly.
  • Cultural/Historical: Not directly applicable; properties here integrate with nature (treehouses, floating bungalows) rather than historical significance.