Review Author: Lucas Broer

Review Date: 14 Mar 2026

Review Body: There would be alot to review, so I'll make it short: It was absolutely amazing! 😍 Most important - The adventure: First on, literally every corner makes up for a perfect motive. So you'll be able to make alot of photos. At the first day you'll have a nice hiking trip with lots to discover. On the second you'll going for a boat ride before breakfast and then you can do whatever you wan't. Later you'll going for a second boat ride, where you'll discover even more. It'snot gurananteed but both times we saw elephants!! 🐘Alone for that it was worth it. The staff: All people at the Raft House where super nice. There were some really funny guides. On our first trip to a coral cave, our Guide showed us some cool animals (spiders) and Bob! I hope that was his name. Such an interesting being! At the boat tours they are suuuper patient. Means, that they wait with you for like an hour just so you can maybe see the glimpse of an elephant. Also communication works very good. Most of them speak good english and they are trying very hard Hygiene: Everything was clean. The toilets, the huts, the food and so on, there was never a second where I thought that something looked dirty. The Huts: They are super comfortable with big beads (180x200). There will be some insects and lizzards coming to your hut. But you are in their evironment, so it's fair and nothing there is interested in you. :) The food: You'll get 3 meals per day and all of them where super good! Didn't expected that but I loved it. They also made some vegan and gluten free stuff for my friend extra. I think the price is very low considering what you'll get: More than enough tasty food, nice activities, great people, looking at alot of animals and sometimes getting to hear some interesting facts. Also you'll meet Bob in the cave!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rita

Review Date: 11 Aug 2026

Review Body: We are so grateful to have found the perfect place to explore Khao Sok National Park. From start to finish it was a wonderful experience. From the organized transportation from Don Sak Pier, to the itinerary and opportunities to see wildlife and meals- everything just made the stay easy so we could enjoy the moment. HUGE shout out to our guide Dom (Batman) for sharing his in depth knowledge of the park. He made time to connect with each guest and made the hike to the cave especially fun for the kids in our group by making them hats with leaves as elephant ears. He also made us a beautiful bouquet of flowers etc and even did a fire show for guests after dinner on the pier! The resort itself is very barebones which for me was perfect after coming from, and going to, different Thai resorts with all the expected creature comforts. The room was comfortable and the fan kept us cool enough at night. Electricity is only on from 6am-6pm (I think) and the rooms are not equipped to charge devices so definitely take their advice and bring a battery pack! Bring Baht if you want to order a beverage or two from their little shop. And it’s useful to bring snacks as lunch and dinner are served 6 hours apart so you may get hungry in between. They had some games, books and packs of cards (but if you can, bring cards because theirs were pulled together from different packs). If you’re staying on the 3 day 2 night package bring a good book, or take advantage of the kayaks and drift along taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle. It’s an experience I cannot put into words but the peace I felt there was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I highly recommend Praiwan raft house for your visit to Khao Sok National Park!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Victoria

Review Date: 27 Apr 2026

Review Body: The Praiwan Raft House is located in a quiet tucked away corner of the lake, making for a very peaceful stay. We stayed in one the deluxe cabins and it was perfect for our stay. The bed was comfortable, the cabin was clean, it was great not having to share a bathroom, and the fan did wonders at night to make sleeping more comfortable. We were lucky enough to get the end cabin which meant you woke up with the most beautiful view through your bedroom window, and it felt very private as there was no one walking past your room. The guides and staff were lovely and would always communicate where you would need to be. They told stories and made sure to point out plenty of wildlife on our boat tours. We stayed for 2 nights, and I could not recommend this enough. The first day is filled with travel and exploring of the local wildlife sanctuary. This only leaves you with a couple of hours before dinner to kayak and swim in the lake. Not having to pack and up and leave with the masses the next morning meant we had all day to kayak, swim and relax. One night in my opinion is not enough to soak in how beautiful Khao Sok really is. The food was fantastic, with different variations of curries vegetables and fruits for every meal. One thing you won’t be on this trip is hungry. We found there was a lot less mosquitos on the lake than in Khao Sok Village which was a great surprise. Overall, I truly can’t recommend this enough. An absolute must do if coming to Thailand.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ale & Reza

Review Date: 30 Nov 2025

Review Body: This trip has been the highlight of our Thailand trip. From the moment we got picked up at our hotel in Phuket to the moment when they dropped us off again, the service was 5 star. The night before we went on the tour I got food poisoning and the driver was kind enough to stop along the way to help me get some electrolytes. The checkin and arrival was organized. They were clear on the instructions and the timings of the tours. The rafthouses are super clean. There were no bugs or mosquitoes 🦟. They are also well supplied and are very comfortable. The food looked amazing (unfortunately I couldn’t have any) and there was plenty of variety. Every night they served a traditional Thai menu complemented with fruit. Coffe and tea. The tours were great. There is a short hike so make sure you bring the appropriate shoes. I didn’t bring any sneakers but was lucky enough to have packed my scuba diving boats. The tourguides are amazing! They really want to make sure you have the best experience. They take their time and point at any animal they see to show it to the guests. They allow plenty of time for the guests to enjoy the sightseeing. We saw a Tapir, and spend like 20 minutes watching it chomp through Bamboo. All the staff is incredibly nice and welcoming. We also saw an elephant, tons of monkeys and multiple birds of different species. It was the perfect balance between relaxation and activities. I truly recommend this experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anish P

Review Date: 04 Jan 2023

Review Body: Beautiful location, lovely well kept clean lodges, amazingly friendly staff, delicious food and a wealth of natural attractions literally on the doorstep, The Raft House is a true hidden gem of Thailand. We stayed for only 2 nights but we felt so rejuvenated, our next stay will certainly be longer! The breath-taking scenery together with the serene sounds of the tropical birds and nature in general made for a uniquely beautiful environment that we had not experienced before. We were taken on a private tour organised by the very helpful Praiwan Raft House staff and our equally friendly guide took us through the various terrains on land and water (highly recommend the ancient caves). We were fortunate enough to see elephants, monkeys and various colourful birds which was another special experience. The staff were incredibly friendly; they catered towards our needs (we requested no beef) and they provided us with 3 large delicious meals a day and would always ask if we wanted more. The rooms were very clean and had amazing views of the lake, the limited electricity hours were a great blessing as it allowed us to reconnect with nature. Thank you for the amazing experience Praiwan Raft House, we hope to see you again soon!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kat

Review Date: 27 Aug 2026

Review Body: You should absolutely stay at Praiwan Raft House. Why would you miss the chance to swim in a beautiful lake surrounded by forested mountains while warm rain patters gently on your face? Or kayak while gibbons sound off all around you? Don’t be a fool and miss out. The boat safaris are fun (we saw tons of monkeys and a bear), the food is plentiful, the toilet/shower facilities are surprisingly good, and the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. The 3D/2N stay is worth it - you get to go animal watching more times and you also get quiet periods when the 1N guests are out. I had the lake to myself a couple of times. Pure bliss. Now let’s get this clear - “comfy” doesn’t mean what it means back home. This is a *rustic* stay. The hut is open (although there aren’t many mosquitoes around), you’ll want to check the toilet bowl for creepy crawlies before you sit down, and you are living on a literal raft, which will rock every time another guest walks past. But it’s amazing how little these things bothered me considering where I was. Do yourself a favour - embrace the goblin mode and go have a rainforest adventure. Just remember to wear long socks and pants on the hike if it’s been raining recently…

Review rating: 5

Review Author: magic

Review Date: 25 Apr 2025

Review Body: MAGIC! First of all the elephants! on our morning safari, we saw a family of 9 elephants swimming and bathing - I cried haha. My boyfriend and I went back with a kayak right after breakfast and sure enough, a hundred meters from the raft houses, we saw a mother and her baby by the shore. Absolutely magic and incredible <3 on our evening safari, again we saw many elefants, including one who was playing football and trumpeting on a beach. Unreal!!!!! Second: the staff : everybody was adorable, from our guides to the boat drivers. It was really fun and homy and lovely <3 Third : food : fantastic! it was so good, and there was so much food. It´s not my first time on this lake so i was expecting something like my first time where we had 1 fish to share between 10 people LOL it´s NOT like this! we were very well fed and it was really really delicious, with tofu/fish options if you don´t eat meat :) Fourth: the rooms were super comfy, what luxury to have a fan, private toilets and a bathroom! Beware if you are tall please tell when doing the reservation so you can get rooms with higher roofs. My 188cm tall boyfriend really hurt himself hitting his head ALL THE TIME in the roof or door opening

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Matthew Walker

Review Date: 30 Nov 2025

Review Body: We absolutely loved our time at Praiwan Raft House! From the minute we arrived until we were leaving, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. The food was great and we were extremely well fed each day, with staff walking round to check if you’d like a refill of any of your dishes multiple times throughout each meal time. The rooms are fairly basic but the beds are comfortable and cold showers were quite refreshing! The fan was more than enough for us, so not having A/C was no issue. Also having a basic room meant we wanted to spend as much time on the lake as possible so this certainly wasn’t a bad thing! We opted for the 2 night option, and think it was definitely worth doing! You have much more free time to explore the lake by kayak on day 2, which is when we saw most of our wildlife (an elephant, tonnes of monkeys and even a tapir!). I would highly recommend this stay to anyone wanting to visit Cheow Lan Lake!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Eilee

Review Date: 26 Feb 2026

Review Body: Khao Sok National Park was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The nature is absolutely breathtaking — wild, peaceful, and unlike anywhere else. During our tour we were lucky enough to see so many animals: elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar, and countless birds. It felt surreal. The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. You could really feel how much they tried, with every little detail, to make our stay special and unforgettable. We highly recommend the 2-day tour — it’s the perfect amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the rainforest and the lake. One small downside was that a few guests didn’t respect nature as much as they should, which was a bit disappointing. Also, it’s very important not to put paper into the toilets there. And we strongly recommend using your own bottled water for brushing your teeth. A huge thank you — especially to Dom!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jasper & Nastya

Review Date: 21 Feb 2026

Review Body: What an unforgettable authentic experience! It goes without saying that Khao Sok is one of the places you should see at least once in your life. Make sure to have 2 nights because settling and arriving at this place deserves a bit more time than just one night. The team of the raft house and our tour guide made sure we had the best time. Everything was thoroughly cleaned and looked after. The food was delicious making us full every time. The fan in our bungalow was very handy not only for the heat but also for keeping the mosquitoes away. We didn’t get bitten once in three days (ofc we used the repellent spray too). We had towels, water supply, kayaks at our disposal by the house. Big thanks to our guide Dong! His humor and positive attitude were contagious. He kept things in accordance to the schedule too. And we were lucky to see wild elephants with him! We definitely recommend this experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Claudia

Review Date: 18 Apr 2026

Review Body: We loved our stay at Praiwan rafthouse! I highly recommend this trip. The national park is amazing and the rafthouse is well placed. You get a great view of the lake on your journey to and from the rafthouse, the view when waking up there and the boat tours are all amazing. I felt the bed was comfortable, the staff were lovely and helpful, the food was great. We did the 3 day, 2 night tour and I felt this was the perfect time (we both said we were very glad not to be leaving after one night as we felt it wouldn’t have been enough time there). The itinerary was well balanced, personal I love the tours etc but it’s also nice to spend some time on your own chilling, and I felt the 2 days have a good balance of this, as it allowed time for kayaking on our own etc. we also seen loadssss of monkeys and other wildlife. Can’t recommend it enough! Do it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Harvey Mitchell-Divers

Review Date: 10 Aug 2026

Review Body: This was honestly one of the most surreal experience of our entire SE Asia 3 month bagpacking route so far. Definitely not one to miss for sure. We booked the 3D2N tour as we wanted a bit more time to relax and chill and not feel rushed, it was definitely worth the money and we even got to kayak in the morning and seen a baby elephant and its mother. An amazing time and can’t speak highly enough about this place. The food was really nice and always plenty to go around. Our guide dom was a legend, very knowledgeable and helpful but made the whole trip super fun and memorable for us. Couldn’t recommend seeksophie enough for the trip too they handle all the logistics of booking the raft house and the itinerary so it’s stress free. This was a big help as after researching Khao Sok quite a lot this was the easiest hassle free method. 100% do this trip.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tracey

Review Date: 15 Mar 2026

Review Body: We had the most incredible time at Praiwan Raft House. We were so happy that we had taken the 2 night tour rather than the 1 night. That extra day gave us time to explore the area ourselves by kayak and soak up the atmosphere of such a wonderful place. The food was great, like Thai Tapas, just bringing lots of plates out to try. Loved our raft house, it was very comfortable and surprisingly quiet, I thought I would need ear plugs but not at all. The sound of the birds, monkeys and insects at sunrise was so calming and gorgeous. The guides were really great and on the sunset tour on our second day our fabulous guide found a wild elephant for us! Just incredible. Thank you Praiwan for the most special part of our time in Thailand, would 100% recommend and definitely choose the 2 nights and give yourself that extra time there.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Hannah Powless

Review Date: 03 Feb 2026

Review Body: A magical experience surrounded by elephants, monkeys, and birds! Tucked away about an hour boat ride from civilization, this was the nature escape I wanted and more! Take advantage of the kayaks if you want the best opportunities for spotting wildlife. You will be disappointed if you only go on the boat safaris and don’t explore on your own. The boat safaris all go out at the same time and crowd around the wildlife and you won’t be able to see anything through all the boats in front of you. My partner and I spent an entire day in a kayak and saw so many elephants all to ourselves. The raft house is so cozy and everything you need for your stay in Khao Sok, and the food was quite good as well and our dietary restrictions were accommodated. Stunning views, perfect weather, a peaceful and serene 2 days.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Patrick Van den Dorpel

Review Date: 24 Jan 2026

Review Body: Highlight of our trip so far! We had an absolutely fantastic and magical time on Khao Sok Lake. The surroundings are truly breathtaking, and we were lucky enough to spot monkeys, wild boars, spiders, iguanas, and even elephants. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made us feel completely at home from the moment we arrived. We highly recommend staying at least two nights, one night is definitely too short to fully experience this special place. We stayed in the deluxe bungalow, which was a perfect option for us. The water is wonderful for swimming, and the excursions are great. That said, we personally found the canoe trip we organized ourselves to be more peaceful than the boat tour with its loud engine. An unforgettable experience that we would recommend to anyone visiting this region!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sandra and Zac from Canada

Review Date: 26 Nov 2024

Review Body: Highly recommend checking out Khoa Sok National Park. Our pictures will not give this place justice - it must been experienced. The cleanest air we have ever smelled, the quietness of nature and the overall surrounding spectacular. Our hosts were the Praiwan Raft House and they were outstanding and the food amazing!! Great staff, very helpful and friendly. Whenever we talk about our experience - we cant stop smiling as it was the highlight of our trip to Thailand. We went on 2 wildlife safari’s by boat, hike through the jungle, bamboo raft to the coral cave which was incredible. Floating in the warm lake was amazing and as there was an abundance of kayaks we went out exploring the area a few times! We had 2 glorious nights and could easily have stayed at least one more night.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Avril

Review Date: 01 Feb 2026

Review Body: Great accommodation surrounded by breathtaking scenery and ideally situated close to where the wild elephants tend to roam - I was lucky enough to witness a mother and baby elephant bathing in the lake. The kayaks were crucial for wildlife spotting, it was great to be able to paddle out whenever I liked. The nature hike in the jungle, cave visits and early morning boat trip were all enjoyable and provided ample opportunity for spotting the elephants, tapirs, hornbills, sea eagles, langurs, macaques and gibbons. The staff of the rafthouse were so friendly and accommodating (they ensured my vegan dietary requirements were met). The food was plentiful and delicious. The deluxe cabin was so comfortable with a powerful shower and electric fan to keep cool during the night.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kitty Dewick-Eisele

Review Date: 12 Jan 2026

Review Body: Amazing experience, memories we will always remember. Staff were fantastic, excellent service provided by everyone. The tour guides were so amazing and knowledgeable, they spotted animals we would have never noticed without their expertise, we saw elephants on two separate days, birds, monkeys, little bears! The staff made the experience for us. The food was incredible, there was so much variety and every dish we had was delicious. A huge thank you for making my mum a pancake birthday cake for her birthday, it was a lovely surprise for her and made her day even more special. The accommodation was as described. We were incredibly sad to leave, it was an experience we will never forget and treasure forever. Thank you for the best three days, we are very grateful!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: David

Review Date: 26 Jul 2025

Review Body: The Praiwan Raft House is located in a hidden place of the emerald Cheow Lan Lake. If you look for a digital detox in an eco-friendly place built in bamboo and woods, surrounded by a 160 million years old jungle, this is the place to go ! Very comfortable raft house with 2 large beds (family room), cold shower, no electricity during day light, but you feel like in the Jurassic Park or Avatar movie wherever your eyes go. And wild life exists.. we saw monkeys playing in the bamboos, wild pigs drinking at the lake and toucans. The personal is also very kind and the food is delicious. We booked a 3 nights / 2 days including the pick up at Surat Thani train station. Amazing experience !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: vibeke c

Review Date: 06 Jan 2022

Review Body: We went for an overnight visit to the Raft House on the Cheow Lan Lake. Literally a tiny House build on a Raft on the Lake! Both with everything you need for a peaceful night. The place is family-owned and they are very nice and helpful. The food is homegrown/-caught and -cooked: well cooked classic Thai dishes with great flavors. Sleeping in the small houses was a joy, bathing in the Lake was lovely, and sailing on the Lake enjoying both the majestic scenery and the natural wildlife of the Lake and jungle was sublime. NB. There is No cell service on the Lake, but the hotel has some wifi, if you're really desperate! But Who needs that, with all the beauty surrounding you!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Long Tail Boat trip, Kui Lin Thailand stop, jungle trek, bamboo rafting, visit coral cave.

Itinerary Description: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Please meet us at Ratchaprapa Pier for the start of your adventure. (Kindly note: If you arrive late, the boat will depart on time, and an additional charge will apply if another boat needs to be arranged.) 12:30 PM: Set sail from the pier as we begin our exciting journey through the stunning Khao Sok. 1:00 PM: Our first stop is Khao Sam Kloe, a breathtaking spot known as "Kui Lin Thailand." This iconic location is perfect for a photo op, offering panoramic views and the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. 1:30 PM: Enjoy a delicious local lunch at the raft house while taking in the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After lunch, take some time to relax and get ready for the thrilling activities ahead. 2:30 PM: Embark on a short 5-minute boat ride to Klong Saeng Sanctuary, where you’ll take a scenic 20-45 minute jungle trek. Surrounded by lush greenery, you'll be immersed in nature’s tranquility. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful 10-minute bamboo raft ride to Coral Cave, a hidden natural wonder awaiting your exploration. 4:30 PM: Return to the raft house and unwind as you watch the sun set over the lake—a truly magical way to end the day. 7:00-8:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the raft house, relaxing and savoring the serene atmosphere of the lake.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Boat safaris, wildlife spotting, water activities, relaxing scenery, dinner at a rafthouse.

Itinerary Description: 6:30 AM: Start your day with a warm cup of coffee or tea as you watch the morning mist slowly rise over the stunning landscape. The tranquility of Khao Sok in the early morning is truly special. 7:00 AM: Set off on your boat to experience the peaceful beauty of the lake at dawn. While wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, the serene atmosphere and the chance to spot animals like elephants and rhinos in their natural habitat makes this journey unforgettable. 8:00 AM: After your adventure, head back to the raft house and enjoy a hearty breakfast while taking in the breathtaking surroundings. 9:00 AM: It’s time to unwind! Relax by the water, take a nap, or simply enjoy the tranquil beauty of the area. The choice is yours. 4:00 PM: Hop back on the boat to experience the magical evening mist. Even if the wildlife stays hidden, the peace and beauty of the surroundings will make this an experience to remember. 5:00 PM: As the sun begins to set, return to the raft house and take in the beauty of the lake as the day winds down. 7:00 - 8:00 PM: End your adventure with a delicious dinner at the raft house. Sit back, relax, and savor the moment as you enjoy your meal with stunning views of the lake.

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Breakfast at the raft house and check out

Itinerary Description: 6:30 AM: Wake Up to Nature's Beauty - Start your day with a relaxing cup of coffee or tea, and soak in the calm and serenity of the morning. 8:00 AM: Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the raft house while taking in the tranquil views of the surrounding nature. 9:00 AM: It’s time to pack up and say goodbye to your lakeside retreat. Head back to the pier, cherishing the last moments in this beautiful place. 10:00 AM: Arrive back at the pier, filled with wonderful memories of your adventure. Safe travels as you head to your next destination!