Khao Sok: Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret

Although I was initially nervous about the accommodations, we decided to stay overnight, and I’m so glad we did. During our honeymoon, my husband and I spent one unforgettable night on the lake at Panvaree Luxury Floating Bungalows, and it far exceeded my expectations. I was genuinely impressed by the comfort and accessibility of the bungalow. There are several different sizes available, each with varying numbers of beds, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. The experience was the perfect blend of comfort, rustic charm, and luxury.

Stunning crystal clear waters of the lake

Our day began with a hotel pickup in Krabi and a comfortable drive to our tour company’s office, approximately one hour and 45 minutes. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality, along with snacks and water. All packages included a scenic longtail boat ride from the office to the floating bungalows, making for a seamless beginning to our adventure. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to private transportation for your group. As soon as we boarded the boat, our jaws dropped at the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the breathtaking scenery.

Our longtail boat ride to the floating bungalows

Upon arrival, we were treated to a delicious lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, followed by some free time to relax and settle in. Later that afternoon, we embarked on an adventure that included a guided hike, a peaceful bamboo raft ride, and an unforgettable walk through a cave. Along the way, we spotted all kinds of wildlife—birds, monkeys, and even elephants—offering a truly authentic Thai nature experience. After the hike, one of my favorite moments of the entire trip was unwinding on the deck of our bungalow and jumping straight into the lake to cool off. It was pure bliss. The rest of the evening was slow and serene. We enjoyed dinner, took a peaceful walk around the property, and capped off the night with a cold beer (or a glass of wine), both available for purchase. It was the perfect ending to the best day of our trip.

The view while sitting on our private dock on the lake

The hotel has one restaurant and all meals were included in our stay and served within designated time frames. The food was absolutely delicious. Each meal featured a variety of dishes—flavorful Thai curries, rice, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options. They were also incredibly accommodating of my dairy allergy, which made the experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. And I have to mention: My husband is still talking about how good the pancakes were at breakfast!

Beginning of our hike through the national park

I highly recommend booking one of the luxury bungalows for your stay. These come with the added comfort of a private bathroom and air conditioning, which make a big difference in the tropical climate. Keep in mind, you're sleeping in the heart of a national park, so the accommodations are still quite rustic—but in the best way. All the rooms were clean, safe, and comfortable. Think of it as a glamping experience—immersed in nature, but with just enough luxury to fully relax and enjoy it.

Each bungalow had a hammock and raft to enjoy during your stay

If you're planning to visit Krabi and Phuket, make a stop at Khao Sok National Park along the way. That’s exactly what we did—we used the park as a midpoint during our trip. For an additional fee, the tour company picked us up directly from our hotel in Krabi and, after our stay, dropped us off at our hotel in Phuket. They also offer pick-up and drop-off services from various other locations and airports, making logistics super convenient.

Keep in mind, the boat transportation to the resort is small, as are the rooms. The company requires you to leave oversized luggage at their office before heading to the bungalows. I recommend packing a backpack or small duffle bag with just the essentials for your stay. Your remaining luggage will be securely locked and stored at their office.

Also, remember—you’ll be sleeping inside a national park, so bugs and mosquitoes are definitely part of the experience. Don’t forget to pack bug spray! I found citronella bracelets on Amazon and wore them on my wrists and ankles to help keep the bugs at bay.

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