The 18 Best Overwater Bungalows in Thailand
Have you always dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow? Wake up and descend directly into the ocean for a morning swim and then pass your relaxing hours with uninterrupted views of the ocean. While overwater bungalows aren't as prevalent in Thailand as in some other countries, such as the Maldives or Bora Bora, there are many excellent options for your next Thailand vacation.
Below is a list of the best overwater bungalows in Thailand for every budget. You will find traditional beachfront bungalows and also exotic river and lakefront bungalows in the Thai jungle.
Does Thailand Have Overwater Bungalows?
Overwater bungalows aren't as common in Thailand as they are in places such as the Maldives or Bora Bora. This is because their construction requires large sections of shallow, gentle water. These are common in places such as the Maldives thanks to extensive coral reefs breaking the waves.
But Thailand is a beautiful country with a long coastline, so there are some areas where overwater bungalows can be built, and they are also constructed on lakes and rivers, including the famous River Kwai. Areas where you are likely to find overwater bungalows, include Kanchanaburi, Khao Sok, and Phuket.
In some areas, resorts have created an overwater bungalow aesthetic with sea views and private infinity pools.
1. Splurge: The Best Luxury Overwater Bungalows in Thailand (over US$250/night)
Best Jungle Escape Bungalows: 500 Rai Floating Resort
In the heart of Khoa Sok National Park, these luxurious overwater bungalows sit on top of the Ratchaprapha Reservoir, also called Cheow Lan Lake. The bungalows are reached by a one-and-a-half-hour ride on a long-tail boat.
The bungalows are air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms. The bungalows are serviced by the Talay Nai Restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities, and 24-hour room service. Grab a kayak to explore the surrounding National Park.
Location: Khao Sok National Park, Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$416 per night
Sleeps: 2-4 bedrooms, sleeps up to 10 people
Why stay here? Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and having access to private kayaks.
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Best Private Island Bungalows: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui
These bungalows are set on a private island just off the coast of Koh Samui. The bungalows are not directly over the water but rather on elevated rock cliffs just meters from the beach, but each bungalow opens onto its own sea-view pool.
The luxury resort is located 2.7 km from Bang Rak Pier and has all the facilities guests could need, including a restaurant, bar, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, private beach, and snorkeling gear.
Location: Choeng Mon Beach, Koh Samui
Price: from US$379 per night
Sleeps: 1-2 bedrooms, sleeps 2-5 people
Why stay here? The private island feels like paradise on Earth.
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Best Floating Resort: Yotaka Khanom
It is not just the floating villas that sit over the water; the entire resort is built over artificial rivers and lakes, making it feel a little like a tropical Venice. The beach itself is just a short walk away.
These are large and well-equipped bungalows with ensuite bathrooms and small kitchen facilities. The resort is serviced by various outdoor pools, a bar, a restaurant, and room service.
Location: Ban Phang Phrao
Price: from US$503 per night
Sleeps: 1-3 bedrooms, sleeps 2-6 people
Why stay here? The little Venice vibe and the excellent facilities.
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Best Cliffside Bungalows: Conrad Koh Samui
Again, these aren't traditional overwater bungalows but cliffside villas, each with steps out onto their own infinity edge private pool overlooking the ocean. The resort is spread over 25 acres of tropical hillside and descends on a private beach.
The resort has a spa and wellness center offering massages, beauty treatments, and yoga classes, an outdoor pool, and excellent snorkeling just steps away. It has three onsite restaurants serving Thai and Mediterranean cuisine.
Location: Koh Samui
Price: from US$481 per night
Sleeps: 1-2 bedrooms, sleeps 1-3 people
Why stay here? Sunset views from the infinity pool and Thai food at the award-winning Jahn restaurant.
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Most Serene Bungalows: Z9 Resort
The Z9 bungalows are internationally renowned for their stunning aesthetic that creates an environment of relaxation and rejuvenation over Srinakarin Dam. Embrace the mountain float ambiance with the Khao Wang Masang mountain peak behind you.
Rooms are spacious and come with air conditioning, and you can see the sunrise from all the overwater bungalows. The food served by the onsite restaurant and the staff welcome are excellent. There are lots of activities available at the nearby Erawan National Park.
Location: Tha Kradan, Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$291 per night
Sleeps: 1-2 bedrooms, sleeps 2-3 people
Why stay here? The serenity of the location, far from civilization.
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Best Bungalows for Groups: Cape Shark Villas
All the Cape Shark water villas have ocean views. While they are set back on a hill rather than directly over the water, each villa has its own private balcony and pool, and it is just a few steps to the private beach below.
Each villa has its own dining area, and while there is no restaurant on-site, you have access to menus from several local restaurants that will deliver. You also have access to a fully-stocked fridge. There are several larger overwater villas ideal for bigger groups.
Location: Koh Tao
Price: from US$255 per night
Sleeps: 1-5 bedrooms, sleeps 2-9 people
Why stay here? Snorkeling with turtles and reef sharks right outside the villa.
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2. The Best Mid-Range Overwater Bungalows in Thailand (US$150-$250/night)
Best River Bungalows: The Float House River Kwai
These Float House River Kwai bungalows feel like dramatic wooden treehouses, but they sit over the water of the River Kwai. The accommodations are surrounded by the mountains of Saiyoke, covered in tropical forests.
Enjoy your own traditional Thai wood bungalow with a fully stocked mini-bar and luxurious rain shower. Swim in the river, go bamboo rafting, or head to nearby attractions such as Lawa Cave, Mon Village, and Sai Yoke National Park. Eat at the Pontoon Restaurant, which serves Thai and European cuisine, and sip a cocktail at the Moon Bar.
Location: Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$192 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-3 people
Why stay here? Having an authentic floating bungalow experience and the nearby attractions.
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Best Bungalows for Jacuzzi Lovers: Leaf Lake Kan Resort
These genuine floating bungalows sit on the calm waters of the Srinakarin Dam, and it is not just the bungalows that are floating. There is also a floating pool spa, a floating jacuzzi, and more. There are excellent views of the Sai Yok mountains, and Erawan National Park is close by.
The whole resort has a sleek dark wood and metal design, and you get access to a personal kayak to explore the lake.
Location: Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$213 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2 people
Why stay here? The large schools of giant golden fish that swim up to meet guests.
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Best Green Resort: Cross River Kwai
This resort, set in a green park on the River Kwai, has a select number of floating bungalows, plus water villas with river views and private pools. The resort has an excellent Thai restaurant and serves food all day at the Bridge Bar and Bistro.
The floating cabins come with fall amenities, including an air-conditioned private bathroom, a minibar, and a coffee machine.
Location: Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$150 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2 people
Why stay here? The beautiful location and evening stargazing.
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Best Bungalow Community: Panvaree The Greenery
This small collection of floating bungalows sits on another lake in Ratchaprapha with small floating water villas in a traditional Thai-style resort setting. You will see the lake on one side and stunning forested cliffs springing up behind you.
Expect large, comfortable bedrooms but shared bathrooms and a dining area with a restaurant and bar. It is a highly social resort offering a range of activities, including canoeing and excursion to local attractions.
Location: Ratchaprapha
Price: from US$275 per night
Sleeps: 1-2 bedrooms, sleeps 2-4 people
Why stay here? The amazing community environment in a stunning setting.
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Best Phuket Bungalows: Angsana Laguna
This resort sits on a narrow pathway of land between the beach and a lake, which means it can offer both a beachfront resort and floating bungalows over the lake right in the heart of Bang Tao Beach.
As well as comfortable bungalow villas with private bathrooms and balconies, the hotel features the award-winning Angsana Spa with massage therapies, yoga, and a personal instructor. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and there are several restaurants on-site to choose from.
Location: Bang Tao Beach, Phuket
Price: from US$181 per night
Sleeps: 1-2 bedrooms, sleeps 2-4 people
Why stay here? The choice of 323 square meters of pool plus beach and excellent spa therapies.
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Best Khao Sok Floating Bungalows: Panvaree Resort
These genuine floating bungalows sit on Ratchaprapha Dam in the shadow of stunning forested cliffs. It is located next to the stunning Khao Sok National Park, and you can book an all-inclusive stay with meals and day tours included.
There is a range of accommodations from budget double rooms to deluxe water villas, all with their own private bathroom, flat screen TV, and minibar.
Location: Ratchaprapha
Price: from US$158 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-4 people
Why stay here? The opportunity to explore Khao Sok National Park.
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3. The Best Affordable Overwater Bungalows in Thailand (less than US$150/night)
Best Budget Bungalows: Poonsiri Resort Aonang
These bungalows circle a small lagoon near Ao Nang Beach on Krabi, with each villa sitting over the water and overlooked by sheer limestone cliffs. Swim in the outdoor pool or explore the area by kayak.
All bungalows have their own dining area and minibar, and the resort is serviced by a Thai restaurant and convenience store. The resort also hosts an impressive fitness center.
Location: Ao Nang Beach
Price: from US$92 per night
Sleeps: 1-3 bedrooms, sleeps 2-6 people
Why stay here? The quiet but central location and the tirelessly helpful staff.
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Best Cheap Bungalows in Ao Nang: Baannai Lake View Resort
These lake-perched bungalows offer open living spaces that still offer plenty of privacy in a quiet area near Ao Nang Beach. While rooms are modest and affordable, they feel spacious and idyllic over the lake.
Enjoy a social atmosphere around the pool, terrace, and restaurant before returning to your bungalow with a private balcony and ensuite bathroom. There are lush green mountain views in every direction.
Location: Ao Nang Beach
Price: from US$40 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2 people
Why stay here? Free lifts to Ao Nang Beach and the incredibly quiet and tranquility at night.
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Best Bungalows Close to Bangkok: Khum Damnoen Resort
This is a big resort community with some of its bungalows situated on an artificial lake or alongside a long pool. But these bungalows are very close to Bangkok and offer an unexpected old European meets Thai getaway.
You can expect regal staircases to lead to tropical private balconies and comfortable rooms with air conditioning, ensuite, and flatscreen TV. Lots of activities are available at the resort, including biking, swimming, and canoeing.
Location: Ratchaburi
Price: from US$74 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2 people
Why stay here? It is an oasis of calm and relaxation.
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Best Budget Floating Bungalows: VeeVaree River Kwai Resort
These River Kwai floating villas are in the heart of Sai Yok National Park. It is close to attractions such as Lawa Cave and Saiyok Noi Waterfall.
Rooms have their own balconies, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. Guests rave about the jacuzzi bathtubs located on the private terrace of each floating villa.
Location: Ban Kaeng Raboet
Price: from US$101 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2 people
Why stay here? Relaxing in your private jacuzzi bathtub while watching the river flow past.
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Best Bungalows With Easy Accessibility: Baan Rai Darun Home Stay
These simple floating river bungalows are more accessible than many in the area, with free parking on-site, rather than having to be ferried to your accommodation by boat.
The rooms are simple but have everything that you need, and many guests rave about the quality of the food and service at the restaurant.
Location: Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$61 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-3 people
Why stay here? If you are looking for a great base to explore the rest of the area by car.
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Best Local-Style Bungalows: Baan Krupong
These six floating villas are part of Erawan National Park and are set up as a classic Siamese floating village. You can enjoy the river on one side and the sprawling forested hills on the other.
All rooms have their own balcony and dining area, and a canoe for you to explore the river. You can expect dinner and breakfast to be brought to your room daily.
Location: Ban Tha Thong Mon, Kanchanaburi
Price: from US$81 per night
Sleeps: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-3 people
Why stay here? Experience a more local vibe while still staying in comfort.
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The Best Overwater Bungalows in Thailand – Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Is staying in an overwater villa in Thailand worth it?
Staying in an overwater bungalow is worth it if you are looking to relax and enjoy the great outdoors from the privacy of your accommodation. You are just metres away from the water, with stunning views in every direction and plenty of places to sunbathe. This is why choosing an overwater bungalow in Thailand is often a favorite with honeymooners and couples.
❓ Are overwater bungalows in Thailand pricey?
Staying in an overwater bungalow can be more expensive than other accommodations because there are few good locations for these kinds of bungalows in Thailand. Therefore the hotels that host them can charge a premium. But these bungalows are still very affordable by international standards and compared to booking yourself an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora or the Maldives.
💸 How much is it to rent a water bungalow in Thailand?
How much it costs to rent an overwater villa in Thailand depends very much on location, the size of the bungalow, and the facilities offered by the accompanying resort. You can find simple bungalows for less than US$40 per night, but you might pay US$800 a night for a luxury villa that sleeps six to eight people.
✔️ Do overwater bungalows have a toilet or bathroom?
Yes, overwater bungalows usually come with their own toilet and bathroom. While the water pressure can be a little lower than in standard hotel accommodations, many times, you might not notice a big difference.
The Best Overwater Bungalows in Thailand – Final Words
There is something romantic and exciting about staying in an overwater bungalow.
Whether you want to stay in a seafront resort or an exciting jungle retreat, Thailand has many incredible overwater bungalow options. Plan your next overwater bungalow vacation with our list of the best options for every budget.
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