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You’re already familiar with the streets of Bangkok and have perhaps driven to Hatyai for a weekend of food and shopping. You’ve been to Thailand’s best island destinations and even spent long weekends at those breathtaking beach resorts. And even scale through the mountainous province of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. What’s next? – Enter the floating overwater villas of Thailand.
The concept of overwater villas is not something new but has been recently put under the spotlight with new properties opening in some of the most exotic regions of Thailand. Think of the floating architecture of Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson in the setting of Ha Long Bay – expect a lot of interaction with nature as you allow your mind to wander in the tranquillity of surrounding waters.
Floating communities are also common sights in Thailand with many floating markets and water villages scattered around the country. In fact, Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East, with canals that crisscrossed the city serving as key transportation routes. At that time, most residents lived on the water.
Perhaps for city dwellers, it’s a respite to return to simpler ways of living, so book yourself a trip to one of these overwater villas in Thailand.
Related: Finding Moments Of Peace At The Newly Opened Avani + Khao Lak Resort In Thailand
(This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok)
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500 Rai Floating Resort is located in Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand. 11 overwater villas carefully line the edge of Chiewlarn Lake amidst one of the world’s oldest forests. Enjoy magical views of the sunset as you sit back and relax on the floating cabanas in front of your villa. There are plenty of activities for you to do including a tour around the wilderness for bird watching and spotting wildlife.
Address: 21 Tambon Khao Wong, Amphoe Ban Ta Khun, Chang Wat Surat Thani, 84230 Thailand
Contact: +66 77 953 013
User ratings:
Booking.com:
Trip Advisor:
Agoda.com: 7.9/10
How to reach: Surat Thani Airport – 56.8km
There are only 15 private villas available in this luxurious floating ark-like sanctuary. The quasi-futuristic architecture has no resemblance to tropical or Thai influences but a rather Nordic approach that suggests a meditative vibe. Catch the glorious sunsets over the open water from the comfort of your room. The rooms are also equipped with life jackets, so even if you cannot swim, you can still take a dip in the river.
Address: F4JG+99H Unnamed Road Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Contact: +66 63 239 4459
User ratings:
Booking.com:
TripAdvisor:
Agoda.com: 8.4/10
How to reach: Kamphaeng Saen Airport – 95km
This beautiful resort comprises the main overwater premise and a cluster of floating straw huts surrounded by emerald-green water. The beach-fronting dining area makes a romantic evening with your loved one. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go kayaking, diving and snorkelling. There are also Thai boxing classes and cooking demonstrations for those who want to immerse in traditional Thai culture at the Blue sky resort.
Address: Sapanpla Road, Koh Phayam, Koh Phayam (Ranong), 85000 Thailand
Contact: +66 80 611 4614
User ratings:
Booking.com: 7.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.5/10
How to reach: Ranong Airport – 19km
If you want to be close to nature but still have the facilities and convenience of a luxury beach club, KC Resort & Over Water Villas will be your choice. Perched on Koh Samui’s white sandy beach, the somewhat ‘floating’ resort is just minutes away from shopping and dining hotspots. Each villa comes with its own private ‘waterscape’ in a cascading fashion. Admire the stunning views of Chaweng Bay and the sapphire Gulf of Thailand from the infinity-edge private pool.
Address: 166/98 Moo 2 Bophut T Koh Samui Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Contact: +66(0)77 915 155
User ratings:
Booking.com: 7.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 7.7/10
How to reach: Samui International Airport – 2.8km
Situated on the scenic Ratchaprapha reservoir in Suratthani, The Greenery Panvaree is the first air-conditioned floating resort in Thailand. The resort is tucked in a private location surrounded by deep emerald-green waters and limestone mountains. There is also a beautiful coral cave just 15 minutes away from the resort. Dubbed the ‘Guilin of Thailand’, The Greenery Panvaree is the perfect getaway for those who want to just switch off from the hullabaloo of the city.
Address: Ratchaprapha, Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani 84230, Thailand
Contact: +66 89 132 0007
Approximate price: INR 42,330
Ratings:
Booking.com: 8.7/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.4/10
How to reach: Surat Thani Airport – 50km
Tucked in the peaceful nature reserve at Sri Lanna National Park, Mountain Float is a private floating resort with only four houseboats available. Each villa comes with two bedrooms and is great for large groups. Enjoy water activities like kayaking or zorbing, or simply lounge in the water pods and let the day pass by. Accessible only via water taxi, Mountain Float is considered one of the best-kept secrets in the mountains of northern Thailand.
Address: 538M+WC6, Cho Lae, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Contact: +66 93 615 6365
User Ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.6/10
How to reach: Chiang Mai International Airport – 44.8km
Kwai Tara Riverside Villas is at a very short distance from some of the most popular tourist attractions such as Kaeng Lawa Cave and Sai Yok National Park. The War and Memorial Museums are only a couple of the many neighbouring Kanchanaburi attractions that are close by. Making ensuring that every visitor has the utmost in comfort and convenience is one of the water villa’s top priorities. Each room has a big Screen tv, air – conditioners, a bathtub or shower, canoes, and a private entrance for guests occupying the respective villas. You can reach Sai Yok Noi Waterfall and River Kwai Golf and Country Club with a short drive from Kwai Tara Riverside Villas located in Ban Kaeng Raboet. At the front desk, you can rent gear for water sports. Staff members speak Thai as well.
Address: 62R8+GJF, Unnamed Road, Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Contact: +66 93 925 8883
User ratings:
Trip Advisor: 4/5
MakeMyTrip: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.1/10
How to reach: Dawei Airport (Myanmar) – 88.9km
Tourists, divers, newlyweds, and admirers of nature frequently choose Koh Tao, or Turtle Island. Koh Tao Bamboo Huts are located in this area, which is filled with coral reefs and natural beauty. An amazing resort, Koh Tao Bamboo Huts, is perched atop a rocky outcropping in a tropical forest beside the sea. The resort welcomes guests who are 16 years of age and older. The huts are constructed around the oddly shaped outcropping rocks, with thatched roofs, open balconies, and natural woods ensuring that each home blends seamlessly with its environment. The Bamboo Sunset Huts have a pool with a Jacuzzi and sun chairs. A variety of Western and Thai delicacies are offered in their all-day restaurant.
Address: 30/2 Jax Trek, Koh Tao, Suratthani, Thailand 84360
Contact: +66 (0) 7745 6394
User ratings:
Agoda.com: 7.9/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to reach: Samui Airport – 65.1km
(Image Credit: kohtaobamboohuts.com)
