Floating Bungalows and a Freshwater Lake
(by Curtis Smith) (photos by Chad Smith)
Thailand is well known for its tropical climate, secluded islands, and white sand beaches, but the interior of the country also has a plethora of experiences that exceed the hopes of any traveler to Thailand. Khao Sok National Park is part of an ancient rainforest that extends all the way down into Northern Malaysia, and is home to some of the world’s most unique species – including the world’s largest flower the Rafflesia
The village of Khao Sok is more like a single road of guesthouses, bars and restaurants, but seems to have that perfect mix of simple construction and untouched nature. Along with incredible rainforest that soars above you, the sounds of gibbon calls and cicada bugs entice your senses to make you certainly feel that you have stepped into a remote area of Thailand.
I decided to join a 2-day trip that would take that remoteness to an entirely new level. A short drive, and a 3-hour hike and we arrived at the edge of a huge freshwater lake that is enclosed by enormous limestone cliffs – the kind that make Phang Na in Thailand (James Bond Island), and Halong Bay in Vietnam as famous as they are. The only sign of human-life was the longtail boat, and the friendly Thai driver that was patiently waiting for us to arrive. It had already been a thrilling adventure, but now setting off into this huge lake with majestic cliffs and wide open space was a feeling like no other.
Our destination on the first day was known as the ‘Lakehouse’. A string of bamboo huts floating on the lake and connected to a tiny restaurant by a long bridge to all the huts. This was our homebase for the next day and a half, and with an easy-going group of travelers, and 3 hilariously funny Thai guides with Jedi-like skills along for our trip, it was continuous fun and adventure the entire time.
With the lake only 2 steps out of the front door of my hut, and the sun perfectly shining, we spent as much of our time floating on tubes and lifejackets in the freshwater as we did on the lakehouse. Bao and Ya, 2 of our guides, created the first game at the lakehouse with a freshly cut 30-foot bamboo tree. The idea was to walk along this unstable bamboo all the way from the bridge to Bao - who was sitting in a kayak holding the other end. After 30 minutes of some of us nearly making it the whole way, one by one, the Thais showed us how it was done…Then, Bao showed off his Jedi mastery when he walked out to the kayak, and walked backwards all the way back to the bridge!
Every activity was done in good fun, but most especially as darkness came and the cold Chang beers and Sangsom rum appeared into mix! Next was a contest of who can knock a rolling can with a carrot tied around their waste to a finish line…. The idea was to crouch down so your carrot nearly touches the ground, and with a thrusting motion who could push their tin can ahead. Ha ha….yes, there was more than a few times where the site of 2 people struggling to knock their can had the whole lakehouse in laughter.
The entire 2-days were fun-filled, like no other experience in Thailand. It was such a separation from the ordinary that I can certainly say if I had the option, I would have stayed out on that floating lakehouse for many days more. 
