Thailand is famous for its crystal clear waters surrounding its tropical island getaways, breathtaking rugged coastal havens, and majestically reflective inland lakes.
While Thailand promises an abundant variety of lodging options, the best way to experience these magical water destinations is by staying in an over water bungalow.
What’s even better about Thailand is that these famously expensive accommodation options are often much more affordable than those found in other popular destinations, offering plenty of luxury for amazing value.
From exclusive resorts floating atop some of the country’s most primeval lakes to beautiful yet affordable beach villas, these are the 15 best over water bungalows in Thailand.
The 15 Best Over Water Bungalows in Thailand
1. 500 Rai Floating Resort
Over Water Bungalows Floating Atop A Breathtaking Reflective Lake
Promising an isolated retreat within the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake of Khao Sok National Park, the 500 Rai Floating Resort can only be accessed along an hour-and-half-long tailboat ride and is one of the most surreal over water bungalows in Thailand.
Along with being surrounded by pristine natural beauty, this luxury resort features an extensive complex of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, all set atop the azure waters of the lake.
Meanwhile, the accommodation offers plenty of opportunities to explore your breathtaking surroundings, with kayak rentals and tours available directly through the hotel’s reception.
The 500 Rai Floating Resort extends its premium services to its selection of floating rooms and villas. Each bungalow is equipped with luxury amenities, including both an indoor and outdoor seating area that provides direct access to the lake along with beautiful sunrise and sunset views.
2. Panvaree The Greenery
Lake Bound Resort At The Base Of Picturesque Mountains
Another luxurious over water bungalow in Thailand’s Cheow Lan Lake, Panvaree The Greenery places guests in one of the most naturally surreal settings of Khao Sok National Park and promises breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Offering a selection of luxurious floating bungalows, this 3-star resort provides limitless access to the natural setting, promising direct access to the water from your back door. Meanwhile, additional in-room comforts include a terrace with mountain views and a wide range of modern amenities, such as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free toiletries.
The resort also features an extensive complex of facilities open to guests, including an onsite restaurant and watersport facility offering kayak rentals for exploring the lake’s more elusive corners.
3. Jamesbond Bungalow Koh Panyee
Affordable Over Water Bungalows For Luxury On A Budget
You don’t have to break the bank to experience the luxury of an over water bungalow in Thailand. The Jamesbond Bungalow provides one of the best-valued experiences from its beautiful locations along the shores of Panyee Island in Phang Nga Bay.
Promising luxury at affordable nightly rates, Jamesbond Bungalow offers its premium lodging in a selection of budget-friendly bungalows fully equipped with a private bathroom, seating area, and terrace with direct sea views.
The property also features a shared kitchen, 24-hour security, and a water sports facility offering canoe, fishing, and kayak rentals. Meanwhile, Koh Pan Yi is less than 300 meters from the hotel, providing convenient access to the local restaurants, stores, and services.
4. Z9 Resort
Extensive Floating Wellness Retreat In Sinakharin Lake
Nestled along the southern banks of Sinakharin Lake in Kanchanaburi, Z9 Resort boasts a soothing setting for enjoying a relaxing wellness retreat to the breathtaking nature of the region while presiding directly on the lake in a selection of over water bungalows.
Along with providing a fantastic base for exploring nearby attractions that include the Erawan Waterfall, the Nine-Army Battle Historical Park, and Sai Yok National Park, Z9 Resort also provides top-of-the-line onsite comforts and facilities.
The resort features onsite restaurants and watercraft rentals, while each private bungalow is equipped with flatscreen TVs, free toiletries, and private outdoor seating areas with surreal views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
5. Yotaka Khanom
Over Water Bungalows With Direct Pool Access
Yotaka Khanom is not your traditional overwater bungalow. Villas don’t sit over a lake or the ocean. But they do boast a beachfront location and open up directly into the property’s large outdoor pool, providing the over water feel while boasting a fantastic location in Ban Phang Phrao.
Offering a variety of rooms and suites, each unit at Yotaka Khanom is equipped with air-conditioning, wardrobes, a refrigerator, a flatscreen TV, and a balcony with a pool view.
Meanwhile, the property also features luxurious additions, including an onsite restaurant and bar, private beach access, a buffet-style breakfast, and a water sports rental facility.
While the extensive complex promises a full-service stay for guests, the hotel’s location near town also provides convenient access to several popular restaurants and attractions.
6. The Floathouse River Kwai
Traditionally-Styled Villas Floating Atop The Picturesque River Kwai
Promising a sense of idyllic isolation along one of Thailand’s most beautiful rivers, The Floathouse River Kwai is a folk-style resort boasting the backdrop of tropical inland forests and the towering mountains of Saiyoke.
While this luxury hotel features rustic elegant decor playing into its natural setting, the experience it provides is entirely modern and provides premium amenities and facilities, including an onsite restaurant and bar and water equipment rentals for exploring the river.
The resort provides its premier lodging services in a selection of floating villas with varied packages that either include breakfast, breakfast, and lunch or an inclusive package that features three meals a day.
Meanwhile, in-room amenities include luxury bedding, a minibar, opulent bathrooms with rainfall showers, and an outdoor patio with direct access to the river.
7. Conrad Koh Samui
Beautiful Hill Side Villas On Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui is another luxury hotel that adapts the traditional overwater bungalow to provide a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Instead of sitting directly on the water, Conrad Koh Samui is perched along 25 acres of a tropical hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and Aow Thai Beach.
Each villa is equipped with a marble bathroom with an oversized bathtub, a private lounge area with a flat-screen TV, and a 10-meter private pool promising breathtaking views of the surrounding hillside and water.
Along with providing premier lodging, this luxury resort boasts plenty of opulent additions, including an award-winning steakhouse, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a seafood bar and grill. Further onsite comforts include an extensive spa facility, a yoga studio, and snorkel rentals for exploring the coral-filled waters.
8. Koh Tao Cabana
Cliffside Villas Perched Atop The Gulf Of Thailand
Like Conrad Koh Samui, Koh Tao Cabana is not a traditional over water bungalow in the fact that it isn’t actually located atop the water. Instead, it is perched just above the Gulf of Thailand in a selection of villas located on the rocky cliff sides.
Each bamboo-style villa is equipped with bamboo furnishings, a semi-open bath area, and a private wooden deck promising awe-inspiring views of the rugged coastline and the private sand beach located just next door.
Other onsite amenities include the Kajavari Spa, beautifully landscaped gardens along the beach, and a water sports facility with canoe and snorkel rentals.
9. River Hill Side Resort
Budget-Friendly Water Villas Floating On The River Kwai
Offering budget-friendly bungalows sitting just off the banks of the picturesque Khwae River, the River Hill Side Resort provides the luxury over-water lodging experience for affordable nightly rates.
While the resort doesn’t boast the bells and whistles of the more luxurious options featured on this list, it does provide fantastic value with a wide array of onsite amenities, including complimentary buffet breakfast, a BBQ facility, and a selection of bungalows equipped with private balconies with breathtaking mountain views and river access.
The property also features a water sports facility with canoe, fishing, and kayaking rentals perfect for engaging in a variety of activities along the river.
10. Cape Shark Villas
Beautiful Coastal Cliff Villas With Water Access
Occupying a beautiful location atop the Gulf of Thailand from its perch along the hillside cliffs of Ko Tao, Cape Shark Villa offers a variety of onsite amenities that include a large outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a tour desk for exploring the island and surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
Elevated in the cliffs just above the water, each of the resort’s private villas features premium luxury amenities, including a dining area, air-conditioned bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and a private terrace with gorgeous views of the surrounding area.
Guests staying at the hotel can easily access the cooling waters of the gulf via the staircase leading from the main resort complex, or they can head over to Sai Daeng Beach, which is located just a short walk from the front door.
11. Tonmai Aquablue
Private Water Villa In Koh Lanta Old Town
Set directly in Koh Lanta Old Town, Tonmai Aquablue is a luxury over water bungalow boasting a fantastic location for enjoying the waterfront, touring the sights of the town, and exploring the breadth of Ko Lanta island.
The private villa features three bedrooms, a living room, four bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and coffee machine. While guests have the entire bungalow complex to themselves, the villa does come with onsite staff readily available to facilitate any excursion or service you may need.
12. Kept Bangsaray Hotel Pattaya
Rustic Water Bungalows Near Pattaya City
Promising a romantic setting atop the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Kept Bangsaray Hotel Pattaya accentuates the natural beauty of the coast while providing convenient access to a myriad of attractions around Pattaya City, including the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse just 4 km from the hotel.
While there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, guests staying at the Kept Bangsaray also have a fantastic selection of onsite amenities and entertainment options, including free bike rentals, an onsite bar and restaurant, and an outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the water.
Along with offering a selection of rooms in its main hotel complex, the Kept Bangsaray also features premium lodging in a selection of floating villas promising luxury amenities, direct access to the gulf, and a terrace with breathtaking sunset views.
13. Poonsiri Resort Aonang
Hidden Lagoon Resort With Elevated Luxury Amenities
Set within its own private lagoon of the Son River, the Poonsiri Resort Aonang promises a tranquil setting rivaling Thailand’s luxury overwater resorts while boasting mid-range nightly rates for one of the best value luxury experiences in the country.
Surrounded by dense mangroves and rugged limestone cliffs, Poonsiri Resort is set in the refreshing visage of a beautiful natural location, promising plenty of outdoor adventures while providing fantastic onsite comforts, including an onsite restaurant, water rental facility, and an extensive spa center.
Meanwhile, each of the hotel’s over water bungalows features top-of-the-line amenities, including flatscreen TVs, spacious seating areas, a kitchenette, and a private outdoor terrace with direct access to the azure lagoon.
14. Ruknam Resort
Romantic Lake Bound Bungalows Perfect For Couples
Floating along the reflective waters of Sinakharin Lake in Ban Hin Hak, Ruknam Resort is one of the most exclusive accommodation options, offering a romantic experience in one of the most fantastical settings.
Located just 19 km from Erawan Waterfall, this luxury resort features free private parking, an onsite bar and restaurant, and even an onsite waterpark leading directly into the lake.
The extensive complex offers its premium accommodations in a selection of stilt-bound overwater bungalows, each decked out with premier luxury amenities, including a kitchenette, flatscreen TVs, and private balconies with surreal mountain views.
15. Angsana Laguna Phuket
Extensive Lagoon Resort With Over Water Bungalows
One of the most extensive 5-star resort complexes in Thailand, Angsana Laguna Phuket is an amazing beachfront hotel surrounded by a 300-metre free-form pool and a collection of small lakes.
The resort is a full-service complex, complete with two massive outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, five onsite restaurants and bars, and an award-winning spa providing Asian-inspired massage treatments.
Angsana Laguna Phuket promises a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly rooms in its main hotel complexes to luxury over water bungalows and even a private island suite.
FAQs About Thailand’s Over Water Bungalows
