Thailand is one of the best places in the world to spend a honeymoon or romantic getaway – what better place to stay than in an overwater bungalow in Thailand? Visitors to Thailand will be spoiled with beautiful natural scenery, from its chilled-out islands to jungley lakes and rivers. Enjoying incredible Thailand views from an overwater bungalow is not just a dream, it’s a possibility!
Compared to other parts of the world where overwater bungalows are a hit (the Maldives or French Polynesia’s Bora Bora), overwater bungalows in Thailand can be rented at a fraction of the price. Some of the Thailand overwater bungalows listed below are secret spots popular with local Thai tourists too.
12 Incredible Overwater Bungalows in Thailand
Here’s my list of 12 overwater bungalows in Thailand, perfect for your next romantic or adventurous getaway to Thailand. The Thailand overwater bungalows listed below are ordered by type of water body, whether it’s located over the sea such as on an island, over a lake, or over a river. Bungalow stays in Thailand are common on all three types!
I’ve also included the price (USD) at the time of writing, however, it’s best to check Booking.com to confirm the latest rates.
If you’re looking for a budget overwater bungalow in Thailand, the cheapest options I recommend here are Baannai Lake View Resort in Aonang ($30 USD per night) and Jamesbond Bungalow Koh Panyee in Phang Nga ($46 USD per night). Both are definitely on my list for the next time I’m traveling in Thailand!
Overwater Bungalows in Thailand: Islands
1. Jamesbond Bungalow Koh Panyee
Koh Panyee is a one-of-a-kind floating village in Thailand that is a perfect place to stay for adventurous travelers to Thailand (especially those traveling with a drone). It is home to about 1,600 locals, many of them ethnic Malay fishermen. Koh Panyee is located two hours away from both Phuket and Krabi in the Phang Nga province. The island is also near Thailand’s famous Khao Phing Kan, or James Bond Island.
Jamesbond Bungalow is named after this iconic island, and is one of few accommodation options for tourists on Koh Panyee. Being an entirely overwater island, Jamesbond Bunaglow is by default… an overwater bungalow in Thailand. The property has a spacious balcony that overlooks the sea and neighboring limestone cliff islands, and has shared kitchen facilities with breakfast included. Rooms have a TV and private bathroom attached as well.
Guests can rent kayaks to explore the island themselves, and join James Bond island tours booked through the bungalow hosts.
The shared bungalow costs $46 USD per night for two people, breakfast included. Check out the latest rates for this overwater bungalow here.
2. The Blue Sky Resort at Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is an off-the-beaten-track island located partway between Bangkok and Khao Sok National Park (if you’re following my Thailand one month itinerary) off the west coast of Thailand. Within the Ranong province in Thailand, Koh Phayam and neighboring Koh Chang are known for their serene beaches, laid-back vibes, and for scuba diving.
The Blue Sky Resort at Koh Phayam offers beautiful thatched-roof overwater bungalow accommodation on their private mangrove lagoon. Bungalows are in either “Maldives Zones” L or R, and offer spacious interiors, private balconies and bathrooms, air conditioning, and TVs.
Guests have access to kayak and bicycle rentals, perfect for exploring land and water, as well as a travel desk that can coordinate diving and other types of tours from Koh Phayam. A restaurant on-site also overlooks the ocean and serves both Western and Thai dishes, and free breakfast for guests each morning.
The Maldives Villas here are $160-$175 per night for two guests, breakfast included. Check prices and see more photos of these overwater bungalows in Thailand here.
3. KC Resort & Overwater Villas, Koh Samui
KC Resort & Overwater Villas is another technically overwater bungalow in Thailand. Each beautiful villa is built on stilts over a private pool. A section of the floor in each room is even a glass window that looks down into the pool! If visiting Koh Samui as part of a honeymoon or romantic getaway, there’s no better place to stay.
KC Resort is located in the outskirts of Chaweng, a lively neighborhood in Koh Samui that I recommend as part of my island-hopping itinerary. The resort has a restaurant, tour desk, fitness center, massage parlor, and hot tub on site for guests’ use. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom and private pool, TV and a picture-perfect balcony overlooking Chaweng beach and the Koh Samui coastline. Select villas come with BBQ facilities, a mini fridge, and mini bar.
Unfortunately, as of 2023 KC Resort & Overwater Villas is not operating. Keep an eye on the villas becoming available again soon here.
Although not overwater bungalows, check out these other honeymoon-worthy, five star accommodation options in Koh Samui:
- The Ritz-Carlton’s Tropical Pool Villas have outdoor private infinity pools for each villa, evoking an overwater bungalow feel. $720-$800 USD per night.
- The Conrad Koh Samui’s Pool Villas with Ocean views have a private balcony and infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You’ll certainly feel like you’re floating over the water here! $970 for two people, $1010 for four.
4. Koh Tao Cabana
Koh Tao Cabana is a honeymoon-worthy accommodation in Thailand that stretches the label “overwater bungalow” a liiiittle bit. I hope you’ll forgive me when you see the photos and views from these gorgeous Thailand bungalows. Koh Tao Cabana’s luxury villas and cottages are built into the side of a rugged cliff, overlooking the ocean (so somewhat overwater). Each picturesque villa here comes with an open-air bath or shower, air conditioning, balcony and hammock. The larger villas, like the honeymoon villa, have a lounge area and private pool, also overlooking the sea.
Guests who stay at Koh Tao Cabana get free breakfast at the on-site restaurant, and have access to a bar and massage services on-site.
Prices vary depending on villa type, from $120 to $450 USD (with private pools). Check prices and see more photos of these Thai bungalows here.
5. Tonmai Aqua Blue, Koh Lanta
Tonmai Aqua Blue is an overwater bungalow in Thailand located in Koh Lanta’s historic Old Town district. Koh Lanta is a key stop on my Thailand island-hopping itinerary, and is an island located south of Krabi and near Koh Phi Phi. This overwater accommodation where you rent the entire property will allow you to experience local island life in Koh Lanta. Tonmai Aqua Blue has three large bedrooms, four bathrooms, a living room, a large overwater balcony (with hammock!), and full-sized kitchen.
The Koh Lanta Old Town location puts guests within walking distance of bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and travel desks. It’s the perfect overwater bungalow in Thailand for large groups, families, and for those seeking to disconnect while on vacation.
Tonmai Aqua Blue can be rented for a minimum of two nights, for $170 USD for the entire home (up to 6 people). Find availability and latest prices here.
Looking for a similar overwater bungalow in Koh Lanta? Mango House Seafront Suites also offers accommodation in a local home on stilts in Koh Lanta’s Old Town.
Overwater Bungalows in Thailand: Lakes
One of the most famous locations in Thailand where visitors can rent overwater bungalows is Khao Sok National Park. This incredible national park was designated in 1980, then flooded two years later upon the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam. Today, a massive, serene lake is bordered by dense Thai jungle on all sides, all of which is protected as Khao Sok National Park.
Read about my experience staying overnight on a floating bungalow in my blog post here.
6. 500 Rai Floating Resort
500 Rai Floating Resort is one of the best overwater bungalow and floating accommodation options in Thailand. Surrounded by Khao Sok National Park, this floating resort can only be reached by long tail boat ride, through some of the most beautiful scenery in Thailand.
Each bungalow here comes with two bedrooms (the second bedroom is up a wooden staircase in the attic, treehouse-style!), air conditioning, a private bathroom, an outdoor balcony, and kayaks. A deluxe honeymoon suite with a private pool, outdoor spa bath, and large terrace is also available for special occasions.
A restaurant is available on-site in the main resort building, as well as an outdoor pool. Breakfast is included in the reservation, and jungle and lake tours can be booked with the resort.
The honeymoon suite costs $1000 USD per night, while the remaining bungalows cost $580 per night for two people and $720 for four. Check the latest rates and discounts here.
7. Panvaree Resort, Khao Sok National Park
Panvaree Resort is a floating accommodation also located in Khao Sok National Park. The resort offers jungle and lake tours for guests, and organizes transfers by boat and bus or van to other parts of Thailand.
Each of the overwater bungalows here has a balcony where you can jump right into the water! Rooms come with single or double beds, an attached bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and kayaks.
A restaurant on-site serves Thai dishes, and also serves the breakfast that is included with every guests’ stay.
The price for an overwater bungalow here is $250 for two and $390 for four guests, breakfast included. Pay $30 USD extra for both group sizes for the “all-inclusive” meals option. Check the latest prices here.
8. Poonsiri Resort Aonang
Poonsiri Resort Aonang is located in the tranquil countryside a short shuttle ride away from bustling Aonang and Krabi towns (must-visit spots on my one month in Thailand itinerary!)
The bungalows here are situated on a large lagoon, perfect for kayaking and relaxing in the evenings on private overwater balconies. A separate pool is also available on-site, as well as a Thai restaurant and tour desk.
The bungalows are equipped with a seating area, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and Wifi, while the luxury villa options also have a kitchenette and dining area. Breakfast is included in the room price.
At the time of writing, this resort was renting rooms for 50% off: $60 for standard bungalows, $120 for family bungalows (up to 4 people) and $305 USD for the deluxe villa (up to 6 people). Find the latest rates for this Thailand overwater bungalow here.
9. Baannai Lake View Resort, Aonang
Baannai Lake View Resort is another picture-perfect Thailand overwater bungalow near Aonang. It is located 10-minute drive away from Aonang town, and features a row of pretty blue bungalows for a perfect Thailand getaway. The bungalows are built on sturdy brick pillars over a saltwater lake home to local fish, and have views of the limestone cliffs that Southern Thailand is famous for.
Rooms all have air conditioning, a private balcony, private bathrooms, and TVs. A simple breakfast is available and included in the room price, and a kitchen is also available on-site for guests to use. Both an indoor and outdoor pool are available for guests, as well as an on-site restaurant, motorbike rental service, and tour desk.
Deluxe Bungalows here cost $30-$40 USD per night for two people. Check the latest prices for this overwater bungalow in Thailand here.
10. Z9 Resort, Sinakharin Lake, Kanchanaburi
Z9 Resort is a luxury overwater accommodation option in Thailand that is sure to help you recharge and unwind on your next vacation there. These overwater bungalows are located on Central Thailand’s Sinakharin Lake in Kanchanaburi province. Nearby tourist spots include Erawan National Park and the Hellfire Pass (Burma-Thailand Railway) World War II Museum.
Z9 drew inspiration from Mount Sinai, a mountain of religious significance where Moses/Prophet Musa received the Ten Commandments from God. Visitors will find a similar sanctuary-feel here, in the wood and concrete interiors of each floating bungalow.
Each bungalow at Z9 resort has floor-to-ceiling windows, a large private balcony and private bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and unimpeded views of the beautiful lake. A restaurant is available on-site where guests can enjoy free buffet breakfast each morning. Kayaks and guided boat rides on the lake are also available here.
At the time of writing, accommodation cost $145-$160 USD per night depending on the bungalow type. Check the latest rates for Z9 Resort here.
Overwater Bungalows in Thailand: Rivers
11. Erachon Raft Resort, Khwae Yai River, Kanchanaburi
Erachon Raft Resort is a highly-rated and budget-friendly option for renting an overwater bungalow in Thailand. This newly-opened facility is located on the Khwae Yai river, downstream from Sinakharin Lake and near Erawan National Park. The Khwae Yai river eventually meets Khwae Noi (the River Kwai) and both become the Mae Klong River. It’s the perfect overwater bungalow to experience top-notch Thai hospitality and spend time exploring the surrounding Thailand National Parks.
The overwater bungalows at Erachon Raft Resort feature sleek and spacious rooms, a private balcony, private bathroom, hammock and canoe for exploring the river. Each bungalow even has access to the rooftop, perfect for watching the sunset over the Thai jungle. Buffet breakfast is available to guests at the on-site restaurant. The resort also has a pool and lounge area for guests to enjoy.
The floating bungalows are a hair over $100 USD per day, and deluxe rooms on land with the spa baths are $94 USD per day. Check the latest rates here.
12. The Float House River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
The Float House River Kwai is a Thai folk-style, luxury bungalow located on the famous River Kwai (or Khwae Noi in Thai) in Thailand. The spacious wooden bungalows here have private open-air bathrooms, outdoor patios, air conditioning, and a TV. Activities at the Float House River Kwai include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and orgainized jungle hike and river cruises. A full restaurant and massage lounge are also available on-site.
Room booking options are all the same here, however pricing differs by the number of meals included. Breakfast-only bookings cost $180 USD for two people, breakfast and dinner included costs $230, and full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) costs $270 USD. Property discounts were applied to the price at the time of writing – check the latest rates here.
That’s a wrap for my list of best overwater bungalows in Thailand! Be sure to treat yourself to one of these traditional, chic, and beautiful overwater bungalows on your next trip to Thailand.
First time traveling to Thailand? Check out my 120+ travel tips for Thailand first-timers, perfect for preparing for your next trip.
Are You Prepared For Your Trip to Thailand?
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights and their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation around the world. For backpackers, Hostelworld.com is also a favorite.
- Check Visa Requirements – From E-Visas to Visas-on-Arrival, iVisa has all the info on country visa requirements. If one is required, you can order one hassle-free through their site.
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences by booking tours and tickets online, ahead of your arrival. GetYourGuide has fun experiences from all around Thailand like visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, day-tripping to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, or island-hopping from Phuket!
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read my 120+ Thailand Travel Tips blog post to prepare yourself for backpacking Thailand.