Where should you stay in Khao Sok? Jungle villas vs Cheow Lan Lake floating bungalows

Jungle villas and floating bungalows offer two completely different experiences in Khao Sok National Park. Choosing both gives you the best of both world

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Thailand, you’re probably facing the same struggle travelers like yourself have faced in the past - choice. One thing Thailand is spoilt for is choice. You have to choose between its beautiful beaches, jungles, bustling markets and delicacies, and numerous scenic spots for a wholesome travel experience.

You’ve chosen to take a trip to Khao Sok National Park, now, you have a decision to make. You can choose whether to stay in a jungle villa near Khao Sok village or in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Both of them are memorable, but they offer different experiences.

If you’re a first time visitor, our local team would say you should spend two nights in a jungle villa and one night on Cheow Lan Lake. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds with the perfect balance of comfort, activities, and an iconic lake experience.

Where are the main places to stay in Khao Sok?

Khao Sok National Park consists of two main accommodation areas: Khao Sok Village and Cheow Lan Lake. Staying in both allows you to experience the rainforest and the lake in one unforgettable trip.

In Khao Sok, there are two main accommodation areas:

1. Khao Sok Village

2. Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok Village is the gateway to the national park. It has easy access to numerous activities like jungle treks, bamboo rafting, wildlife safaris, restaurants, and transportation.

For Cheow Lan Lake, it is located 60 to 90 minutes from the village and is reachable only by road transfer and long-tail boat. Because this lake is inside the national park, it is perfect for travelers who want to stay somewhere more remote and secluded.

What is it like to stay in a jungle villa in Khao Sok?

A jungle villa is an experience in and of itself. If you’re thinking about what makes one appealing, it is because it combines rainforest surroundings with the comfort of a boutique hotel. In a jungle villa, you get to enjoy air conditioning, private bathrooms, reliable electricity, and easy access to restaurants and activities.

If you’re staying for 2 to 4 nights, traveling as a couple or with families, this is usually the most practical choice.

Why Khao Sok Boutique Camps is one of the best jungle villa options

When Khao Sok Boutique Camps started out, it built its reputation as one of the best tent camps available. Now, it is no longer a tent camp. The property now offers private boutique villas for travelers, each one with its own unique design and character. At Khao Sok Boutique Camps, you’ll stay in spacious villas surrounded by limestone mountains and a tropical forest that is a short drive from Khao Sok National Park’s activities. This proximity makes it a great idea for travelers who want to experience an authentic jungle atmosphere without giving up comfort and privacy.

What is it like to stay in a Cheow Lan Lake floating bungalow?

If you’re thinking about choosing a Cheow Lan Lake floating bungalow, note that it is about the experience, not the amenities. You wake up to mist rising from the lake, hear gibbons calling from the cliffs and birds chirping from treetops, and take a dive directly from your room into the water.

Staying here is generally simpler than staying in village villas. Some raft houses have limited electricity and Wi-Fi may also be weak and unavailable due to the location. Dining options are also restricted to what the raft house restaurant offers.

Should you split your stay?

If you’re coming to Thailand and thinking about maximizing your experience, then you absolutely should. This is the option we’ll recommend because those two areas complement each other.

Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you plan better:

● Night 1–2: Khaosok Boutique Camps (jungle villa)

● Day 3: Transfer to Cheow Lan Lake, boat tour, cave or wildlife activity

● Night 3: Floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake

● Day 4: Sunrise boat ride and return transfer

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, Khao Sok Village is the best base. A boutique jungle villa like Khaosok Boutique Camps offers the best combo of comfort, scenery, and access to activities.

Extend your trip by one overnight stay on Cheow Lan Lake if your schedule allows it. It is the experience that you’ll remember long after you leave Thailand.