Thailand is perhaps best known for being a budget backpacker haven.
However, there’s more to Thailand than its full moon backpacker scene and shoestring budget hostels!
With a vast array of amazing overwater bungalows and floating resorts, Thailand offers the perfect opportunity for a luxury getaway, overlooking some of the country's most beautiful views.
We’ve spent a lot of time in Thailand over the years, exploring the whole country from north to south. There’s so many amazing towns and cities to immerse yourselves in, and paradise islands to relax on.
If this sounds right up your street, you’ll want to pack your bags, and find the best water villa in Thailand that's suited to you.
There’s so many to choose from so we’ve done some of the groundwork for you.
Here are our top recommendations of the best overwater bungalows in Thailand...
This floating resort in Thailand is found at one of the best locations in the country!
The stunning natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park, and its beautiful blue Cheow Lan Lake are not to be missed on your trip to Thailand.
To access the resort, guests must take a long tail boat which takes around 90 minutes from Ratchaprapa pier. 500 Rai Floating Resort can help you with your boat reservation so don't worry about that.
There’s also shuttle services available!
Surat Thani International Airport is 60 miles from the pier, and the piers found at Koh Samui are 77.7 miles away.
Features and facilities of the overwater bungalows include two bedrooms, air con, ensuite bathrooms, sunrise and sunset views and an outdoor balcony.
There’s an outdoor pool and incredible views of the surrounding greenery for all guests to enjoy!
Not only that but the on-site Talay Nai Restaurant offers both local and western cuisines.
For those wanting to get out and explore more of Cheow Lan Lake, all bungalows come with two-seat kayaks and life jackets.
Guests can also book onto hiking, trekking, wildlife watching, paddling and Thai massage experiences.
Special Highlights:
This Siamese Living Heritage Town, found in Tha Kradan has the philosophy ‘recharge your life energy, renew your spirit’.
The aim of Z9 Resort (pronounced Zinine) is to offer a peaceful and tranquil shelter to rehabilitate you, both physically and mentally.
Each floating house unit has a seating area, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bathrobes, a bidet, free wifi, and a fridge. A buffet or a la carte breakfast is also included in the rates.
Nearby attractions include the Erawan Waterfall (4.5 miles away), Nine-Army Battle Historical Park (13 miles away) and Saiyok Noi Waterfall (27.3 miles away).
The nearest airport to Z9 is Dawei which is over 160 miles away, and the resort offers a free shuttle service.
If you're looking for over the water bungalows in Thailand then make sure you check this place out!
Special Highlights:
If you’re looking for scenic overwater bungalows in Thailand, look no further than The FloatHouse River Kwai.
With overwater villas sitting on the River Kwai, this resort is immersed in the beauty of the surrounding tropical forests and Sai Yok Mountains.
The resort takes inspiration from traditional Thai folk-style, so there’s a unique stay to be had!
All villas are air-conditioned with a comfortable bed, luxurious bedding and a flat screen TV. A well-stocked mini bar and personal safe are included, as well as a fabulous waterfall shower.
Guests can sunbathe outside of their villas on their private sundeck, complete with day beds, or have a relaxing Thai massage on site.
But, if you’re after something more adventurous, staff at the resort are happy to help arrange activities both onsite and nearby, including canoeing, mountain biking, long tail boat trips, bird watching, jungle trekking, bamboo rafting and SUP.
Some amazing attractions are within touching distances of the Floathouse River Kwai, including Lawa Cave, Mon Village and Sai Yok National Park.
Their on-site Pontoon Restaurant specialises in European and Thai Cuisines, and also offers buffet spreads.
Moon Lounge & Bar serves cocktails on an open-air deck, the perfect place to unwind of an evening. As you can see this River Kwai resort has a lot to offer!
Special Highlights:
KC Beach Club offers modern rooms with sea views, and private villas with pools, in the heart of Chaweng in Koh Samui.
It’s only a 10 minute drive from Samui airport, and the property offers a shuttle service.
All rooms have 42-inch LCD televisions, minibar and safety deposit box. They also have an ensuite bathroom, with bathrobes, hairdryer and free toiletries. Breakfast is included in all rates too!
Their on-site restaurant, Neo, serves both Thai and western dishes. There’s also the Beach Pool Bar where guests can enjoy colourful cocktails with happy hours throughout the day.
Or if you want to head out for a meal, there are plenty of dining venues within walking distance of KC Beach Club.
The resort is only 3 miles from the popular Fisherman’s Village and Bophut Beach. Lamai beach is just a 20 minute drive from the resort too.
The resort tour desk can help with sightseeing trips and motorbike rentals. There’s also currency exchange, laundry and valet parking services available onsite.
Daily shuttles are offered and there are various on-site facilities including an infinity pool, a day spa and a fitness centre.
If you're planning to go island-hopping in Thailand then this is the perfect place to stay!
Special Highlights:
This great value resort aims to offer guests a truly relaxing holiday, and enjoy everything that Kanchanaburi has to offer.
Facilities on site at River Hill Side include laundry service, a restaurant, garden, free toiletries, luggage storage and room service.
If you’ve missed something from your Thailand packing list there’s convenience stores on-site for those last minute essentials, or some souvenirs to take home.
Guests can choose from a bungalow, king room, double room, or family room, and they come with either a mountain view, river view or a courtyard view.
Dining options on-site include in-house BBQ facilities, and a cafe serving excellent coffee throughout the day. All rates include complimentary breakfast too!
There’s a huge array of activities for guests to enjoy throughout their stay including fishing, boating and canoeing, as well as some great attractions nearby such as Erawan Waterfall, Phra That Cave, and Sai Yok National Park.
Special Highlights:
Kept Bangsaray is found in the fishing village of Bang Sare.
One of the best features of this hotel is the free bicycles for all guests! This means that you can get out and explore the whole resort, as well as the local area.
There’s also an outdoor pool available to all guests if you're looking for a break from Thailand's heat and humidity.
All rooms have balconies, as well as a desk, private bathroom, air conditioning and a wardrobe. Some rooms have pool views, whilst others offer fantastic views of the sea.
Kept Marine is the on-site restaurant, serving local and international dishes. Or if guests really want to treat themselves, there’s the special private ‘Loy Lom’ dining experience. Here, meals are served at an infinity table, with a panoramic view of the ocean.
A continental breakfast is included in all rates too.
Nearby attractions include the Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park which is 2.5 miles away, and the RamaYana Water Park which is 5 miles away. This is one of the biggest water parks in Southeast Asia!
The closest airport to Kept Bangsaray is Utapao-Rayong-Pataya International Airport, which is 9.3 miles away.
Special Highlights:
This small resort in the Sai Yok district has just 20 rooms. There’s a choice of ‘Canal Access Villas’ and Floating Villas.
A swimming pool designed to imitate the River Kwai is in front of all the Canal Access Villas. The water used is pumped straight from the River Kwai, and they’re system ensures fresh water circulates throughout the day.
All rooms at Kwai Tara have a flat screen TV, king size bed, mini bar and free wifi, with breakfast included in all rates. There’s also free parking for guests arriving with their own car.
Kwai Tara’s convenient location places the resort near to interesting dining options, and popular attractions such as the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Special Highlights:
If you’re looking for amazing overwater bungalows in Thailand, look no further than Panvaree The Greenery.
This excellent 3 star resort is a secluded paradise situated in Ratchaprapha.
Everything you need for your stay is taken care of with all food included in the rates. Breakfast options include an American breakfast or a buffet breakfast!
There’s a bar and watersports facilities on-site, along with lots of activities for guests to enjoy in and around Ratchaprapha, like canoeing and trekking.
Each room has a balcony with mountain views, as well as air-con and an ensuite. Family rooms are also available!
There’s a floating patio for all guests to use, which sits on the lake and offers incredible views. From here, guests can kayak right onto the lake!
Special Highlights:
This resort is located in the Ban Ta Khun area of Surat Thani, just 4km away from the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake.
To reach the Panvaree Resort you must take a 45 minute boat from Ratchaprapa Dam. Panvaree offers a round trip transfer, and it’s a 1.5 hour drive from Surat Thani airport to reach the resort.
Each room comes with a balcony, lake or mountain view, tv, fridge and ensuite bathroom. Some rates even include breakfast!
The front reception desk is 24 hours, offering luggage storage. There’s also a tour desk where guests can get advice on local tours, as well as kayaking and hiking experiences.
There’s even a games room for guests to enjoy and massage treatments available on-site.
Not only that but you'll find plenty of fantastic things to do in the area!
One of the best local attractions has to be the Surat Thani Night Market, considered to be the most famous in the province.
Special Highlights:
5km away from Sai Yok National Park, WangNokkaew Park View is a small, quaint hotel offering hotel rooms with pool access, rooms with a river view, and kingsize pool villas.
All rooms offer air con and free wifi, and there’s also free parking onsite for those who drive to the resort.
The nearest international airport is Dawei, 80km away over the border in Myanmar.
There’s a large onsite pool, as well as a restaurant but you'll also find plenty of restaurants closeby in the local Sai Yok neighbourhood including Off Road Kitchen and Pita Steakhouse.
Popular local attractions include Kaeng Lawa Cave, Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park, Wat Sunantawonarum and Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail.
Special Highlights:
Dubbed ‘The Maldives of Thailand’ the stunning Bluesky Resort is on Mae Mai Beach, on the secluded island of Koh Payam.
This island is widely considered one of the most beautiful, and undiscovered of Thailand’s islands. It’s slightly harder to access than some of the other, more popular islands, but definitely worth it.
To get here, you first have to get to Ranong Pier, which you can reach either by plane or bus. Then you must take a boat over to Koh Payam!
The slow boat is cheaper and takes two hours, whilst the slightly pricier speedboat takes only 40 minutes. It’s then just a short walk from Koh Payam pier to the resort.
Bluesky can help you out with shuttle services from the airport or bus station in Ranong if you wish, to make the journey simpler.
Bluesky Resort is set amongst the mangrove forest and offers 4 types of villas, spread access 30 units.
Their luxurious villas have beautiful thatched roofs and boast amazing panoramic views of the sea.
All villas have private balconies, ensuite bathrooms, a TV, and large windows providing an abundance of natural daylight.
There’s free bicycle and kayak rental for all guests, as well as local diving and sightseeing trips available to arrange at the on-site tour desk.
The on-site Blue Sky Restaurant is beachside so has amazing views, as well as delicious Thai and international foods. If you fancy a chilled night in, room service is also available.
Special Highlights:
All rooms have air conditioning, a desk, fridge, kettle, safe, flat screen TV, and private bathroom. Continental or American breakfast is also included in the rates.
The resort offers city views, an outdoor swimming pool for all guests, a shared lounge and a garden. There’s also free wifi throughout the property, and the front desk is open 24-hours.
The local area around Mango House is popular for cycling, so bike hire is available too!
Mango House Resort is just 8 miles from the Sukhothai Historical Park, one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage Sites. Other nearby attractions include Ban Khwang and Ban Kluai!
Many of the reviews from former guests praise how friendly and accommodating the staff are, which is always a bonus.
When planning your journey to the resort, there’s the option of a paid airport shuttle service from Sukhothai Airport.
Special Highlights:
Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is one of the most popular island destinations in Thailand.
Koh Tao Bamboo Huts is a natural resort, only for guests over 16, so a truly relaxing experience is guaranteed.
With a private beach and direct ocean access you’re sure to leave Koh Tao feeling rejuvenated after your stay.
All huts have thatched roofs and balconies, and are made from natural wood so blend in with the natural surroundings. Amenities include a TV, coffee maker, mini bar, bottled water, hairdryer and bathrobes.
The resort is idyllically located on rocks in the jungle, overlooking the clear blue sea. It’s just 900m from Sai Nuan Beach, and is within close proximity of lots of local points of interest.
The most popular local attraction is John-Suwan Viewpoint which is just 2.6km away!
Bamboo Huts Koh Tao provides shuttle services to transport guests around the island, allowing them to take full advantage of everything Koh Tao has to offer.
Staff are on hand at the tour desk to help you join popular water activities including snorkelling, non-motorized watersports and diving.
There’s also an on-site coffee shop, and a restaurant. If you fancy a night out but don’t want to head too far afield, a night at the in house bar should do the trick.
Special Highlights:
The 5 star Mountain Float resort offers the perfect private villa stay in the Mae Taeng area of Chiang Mai.
There are plenty of interesting local restaurants nearby, as well as popular attractions including Wat Chedi Luang.
This resort has five different floating villas, or ‘house boats’ to choose from. The largest has capacity for up to 12 guests whilst the smallest is suitable for 2.
Guests at Mountain Float can take advantage of 24h room service, airport transfer, bicycle rental and a laundry service.
There are so many great facilities on-site to help guests wind down, including a pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and spa.
There’s also the option to take part in both motorised and non motorised water sports.
A restaurant, bar and coffee shop is onsite serving an array of food and drinks. Breakfast and dinner is included in all rates too!
Special Highlights:
This luxury resort in Kanchanaburi sits on the banks of the River Kwai.
Kanchanaburi is the largest province in western Thailand and is home to some amazing attractions including the Bridge over the River Kwai and Erawan National Park.
It’s easily accessed from Bangkok with a notoriously scenic ride taking you to Cross River Kwai, from the Thai capital. The resort will help you organise transfers if needed!
The resort prides itself in its unique design which blends the traditional vintage train station style with modern and contemporary elements.
There’s a stunning panorama of the Kwai River and surrounding mountain ranges around the resort, so guests can wake up to a beautiful, uninterrupted view every morning.
Each unit has a flat screen TV, air-con, sofa seating area, private bathroom and free toiletries. All units are surrounded by mesmerising mountain ranges too.
There’s an outdoor pool and free bicycle hire for all guests to enjoy too, so you'll get plenty of bang for your buck.
Dining options include The Bridge Bar offering refreshing drinks, and the on-site restaurant serving Thai and international dishes. Complementary breakfast is served every day too.
The staff at the tour desk can help guests find out what fun activities there are in the local area.
Special Highlights:
If you’re looking for some amazing water villas in Thailand you really need to head to some of the country's incredible islands and national parks.
Some of the most popular islands in Thailand include Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the Phi Phi Islands. Phuket and Krabi are popular areas to stay in to access the Phi Phi Islands.
Surat Thani is closer to the islands in the east - Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
But there are also some more secluded, and undiscovered islands that can offer some of the most beautiful and relaxed experiences in Thailand!
These islands include Koh Payam, Koh Lipe,and Koh Mak.
Thailand is home to some amazing national parks including Khao Sok National Park, with its amazing Cheow Lan Lake, which should without doubt feature on your Thailand itinerary.
There’s also Sai Yok National Park, known for its caves, waterfalls, raft houses and historical sites.
You'll find plenty of 'floating hotels' in Thailand, so it's more the area you choose as your base that you'll want to focus on!
Now that you’ve seen all our best recommendations for water villas in Thailand, you can decide where you will stay!
Or perhaps you’ve been to Thailand before, and we’ve missed one of your favourite Thailand overwater bungalows.
Let us know in the comments below if that's the case!
After choosing your perfect bungalow it’s time to plan your trip to Thailand! Hopefully your head is already bursting with exciting trips and ideas, but if not we can help!
This incredible country is home to endless places to visit, with some of the most popular being Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Pai.
If you're planning a trip around Thailand then here are some guides that you might find helpful:
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