500 Rai Floating Villas is a place of peace where you go to disconnect to reconnect! This article includes everything you need to know to reconnect with yourself and those you love.
Table of Contents
Is 500 Rai Floating Resort for you?
500 Rai Floating Resort is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty. Whether planning a romantic honeymoon getaway or a family vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this resort offers something for everyone.
The tranquil setting of the emerald green lake in Khao Sok National Park provides a serene ambience for relaxation and reconnection. If you are on your honeymoon or want to find a place that has you relaxing by the edge of the lake and thoroughly chilled, then 500 Rai Floating Villas is precisely the place.
Also, if you and your little ones want something more than a resort by the beach full of unnecessary distractions, this is the place for you. Nestled in the most beautiful crystal-clear, emerald-green lake, amongst the most impressive landscapes in Khao Sok National Park, is what I can explain as pure serenity. Calm, chilled vibes with a bit of luxury thrown in—that is how I would describe 500 Rai Floating Villas.
The 500 Rai Floating Resort
500 Rai Floating Villas is a unique resort in Thailand’s stunning Khao Sok National Park. This exceptional resort was built to offer a unique experience, with 18 villas floating on the emerald-green waters of the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake.
The resort provides a serene setting, allowing guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life while reconnecting with nature. The floating villas at 500 Rai enable guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural surroundings of Khao Sok National Park, making it an exceptional and unforgettable destination.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a stunning natural paradise in south Thailand. It is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse rainforests, with lush greenery, towering limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, and breathtakingly beautiful lakes.
The park is home to many flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Rafflesia flower and the Asian elephant. When you visit Khao Sok National Park, you can explore the wonders of nature through activities like jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and taking a leisurely boat ride on the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake.
The park offers a peaceful and serene retreat, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the natural world.
How to Get to Rai Floating Resort
Do not be deterred by the daunting task of getting to the most magical place on earth. It truly is worth the journey. Where you start your trip will depend on how you get to Ratchaprapa Pier.
Private Transfers can be organised directly with the hotel from any of the following locations –
From Phuket: The driving time from Phuket International Airport is approximately 2.5-3 hours and about an hour more if you are further south.
From Khao Lok National Park—It takes approximately 1 hour to get to and around the National Park area.
From Surathani – This airport is by far the closest. However, flights are limited. The driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.
From Krabi—If you fly into Krabi, you can arrange a transfer that will take approximately 2.5 hours. However, there are more options, such as other companies offering private transfers online.
Other Transfer options to consider-
- Buses
- Minibuses
- Grab
- Taxi’s
Ratchaprapa Pier
Ratchaprapa Pier is the gateway to the stunning Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. This picturesque pier is where you begin your journey to 500 Rai Floating Resort, accessing the lake’s emerald-green waters and lush surroundings.
Upon arrival, you must pay the national park and pier fees, totalling 340 Baht at the time of writing. The pier provides a starting point for a mesmerising adventure into the natural wonders of Khao Sok National Park.
There is an ATM, food stands, a taxi stand, and a restaurant where you can order a cup of coffee. Once you arrive, you can not miss the 500 Rai Floating Villa check-in location.
Here, you can choose your activities for your stay and then be escorted to your longtail bumboat, which starts your breathtaking ride to the resort (they do stop for a photo opportunity along the way). It will get you there in just under 1.5 hours.
Although the office is open from 830am to 430 pm, the ferry times are 1130am and 330pm. If you have a lot of luggage, you can leave the bigger bags at the pier; remember that there is a chance your luggage may get a little wet on the bumboat, so be mindful of what bag to bring.
What is Special About 500 Rai Floating Resort
The resort is hidden away in the Chiew Lan Lake, with the most spectacular backdrop. Remote, relaxed and without disruption, these villas are amazing. Rustic but comfortable, friendly and accomodating staff with the wilderness at it’s doorstep. Here are somethings you should know before you go;
- Although remote, there is electricity in your villa 24 hours a day.
- There is an air con in your room from 12 pm to 6 am for the Deluxe and family rooms (gives you every reason to get out and enjoy the activities and amenities of the resort. However, it is 24 hours for the villas and suites.
- There are spa services on offer from 10 am to 9 pm!
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are open at specific times, so make sure you arrive on time!
- There are quiet times (if you have to ask) after 10 pm.
- If swimming in the lake, a life jacket is always recommended, not just for water sports.
- There is a limited amount of wifi. You will receive a voucher to use per day so you can disconnect to reconnect (can you tell I love their slogan?).
The Villas at 500 Rai Floating Resort
There are 4 room types for all types of visitors and budgets. These include –
Deluxe Room
These are your standard rooms. They have all the same amenities as all the other rooms:
- An outdoor toilet and separate shower
- A beautiful queen-size bed
- A loft area for an extra two people
However, the air conditioning is restrictive at times. All rooms do have fans, though.
Family Rooms
These are the same as the deluxe rooms but are a little bigger and have more space for the little ones (and parents) to enjoy.
Our Villa at the 500 Rai Floating Resort
My experience at the 500 Rai floating villas was in villa 4, to be exact, and it exceeded my expectations. As I stepped into the room, I knew I would be blown away!
Sure, it has that rustic feel (which I love) and the amenities that make your stay comfortable (this includes air conditioning, a warm shower, a comfortable queen-size bed, and loads of space). I love the extra room upstairs for the kids.
Honeymoon Suite
Although the suite’s name implies it is just for a couple, it can accommodate up to five people. Upstairs is a loft room and a lounge area that can convert into a bed.
However, if it is just the two of you, then it is pure bliss, with your own pool, outdoor jacuzzi, massage table/area, inside shower and toilet, upstairs viewing/sunbathing deck, hammock, and a little outdoor table and chairs.
This suite is so secluded that you can only get there by a transfer from the reception (or you can kayak there on your own).
Secluded Deluxe Family rooms
These are also secluded from the villa with no walking deck, so you would have to call reception to be picked up, or you can kayak from your room.
There are two types of deluxe family rooms: one for 4 and one for 5. Each has two bathrooms and a living space that can convert into the 5-person room.
Activities at Rai Floating Resort
Enjoy the pool
If swimming in warm lake water is not your thing, take advantage of the beautiful pool by the lake’s edge. Here, you can swim without a life jacket and soak in the serenity of the lake.
Jump in the Lake
You cannot be at one of the most stunning lakes in the world and not take advantage of it. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also very calm and comfortably warm—the perfect combination.
Explore the Lake by Kayak
Every floating villa has its own kayak. There is no need to book a time; just step off our deck and straight into your kayak for a scoot around the calmest, crystal-clear water you might ever experience.
Have fun with the Stand-Up Paddle.
With its calm waters, this is the perfect location if you want to learn how to SUP. The water is so calm that you won’t need as much balance as you would in the ocean.
Join up To one of the Resort Activities.
They have daily activities ranging from Palm Leaf weaving to Morning yoga. The in-house activities are in two slots, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
However, you can also do the afternoon jungle safari (by boat) and the early morning sunrise (by boat) tour. Check out my three-day, two-night activity here to see what I did.
External Activities
There are a few ways to book off-villa activities; these include everything from exploring the caves to insert activity here, which can be booked –
- At the 500 Rai Ferry Pier, the resort members welcome you to your waiting bumboat, take all your details, and can also book activities for you.
- At the 500 Rai Floating Resort reception – There is a tour desk at reception that can help with your requests.
- Online – there are several online tours that you can book separately before you arrive.
Head out On a Jungle Safari
The resort offers two resort run tours, one in the afternoon and the other early morning. The Jungle Safari is 2 hours long but our guide was incredibly informative and a great source of knowledge. There is no guarantee of seeing any big animals, but we were lucky enough to see a lot of Indian Bison. The morning was more of a photo opportunity and was only an hour long.
Read a book
Yes, I know you can do this anywhere, but when do we have the time? Here you have the time, the ambience and the reason to stop and unwind with a good book (bring two just in case)
Play a game of Badminton.
There is an option (if you ask) for them to put up a net right next to the pool. So that you can occupy the kids (or us big kids) while the adults sit by the pool chairs and watch.
Enjoy a Drink
A bar overlooking the lake is the perfect little spot to have a drink at almost any time of the day. They have a great cocktail and mocktail list and old favourites such as gin and tonic and vodka, lime, and soda.
The Food at Rai Floating Resort
There are both local Thai options and western options, you can also enjoy a full board banquet or choose al a carte. Either way there is plenty of choices at the restaurant to choose. Breakfast also has a wide range of dishes, with a help yourself coffee service and tea until 10am.
Drinks where they are alcoholic or not, are all extra. There are no tea and coffee in your room, so you will have to come out to the restaurant to enjoy your hot beverage at any time of the day.
How Long Should You Stay at Rai Floating Resort
If you are after some “me time,” disconnecting from the world and enjoying total relaxation, this is the perfect place. It is the ideal place to be present. With little wifi connection, you are forced to sit back and enjoy what nature offers. So 2 nights and 3 days seems to be what most people at the resort were opting for. Don’t believe me? Check out Little Wandering Wrens thoughts
I could stay longer as there was still plenty to do, but a weekend trip is a great little getaway from the hustle and bustle of life outside the lake.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. This post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.
Pin it for later
Important Information
Visa—If you are looking for an easy way to get a visa or if you aren’t sure if you really need one in the first place, Ivisa makes the process easy. With a click of a button and a few simple steps, you will be able to sort out your visa requirements in a flash!
Insurance- We all know how important travel insurance is when you are abroad, but we also know how expensive it can be, right? Well, I am here to help solve both of those problems. Safetywings is affordable, reliable, and, better still, easy to purchase. There are no hidden agendas; choose the dates you will be away and check the coverage you need. It is that simple.
Car Hire—If you are planning to hire a car on your next trip, DiscoverCars is the perfect solution. You can find it in most countries worldwide, and all mandatory fees are included in the price, so there are no hidden surprises.
E-sim—If you want to know the most affordable way to stay connected when travelling, you can do so with an e-sim. I have to admit I have come late to the party on this one, and I wish I had known earlier, as it would have saved me hundreds of dollars in the past. I have been using Airalo for the past few months now, and it has been so easy to set up and use while I am away.
Airline Tickets– CheapOair is a leading provider of airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages with top travel brands to choose from globally. The CheapOair brand provides diversified travel services. However, I highly recommend their airline ticket options for the best prices.
