Vol. 03 - Sept 2025

Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip or planning a return, Thailand stays with you. For first-timers, it’s the thought of misty jungles, glowing lakes at sunset, and tiny cafés serving the best coconut coffee. For those who’ve been, it’s the memories calling you back - to relive, rediscover, and add new chapters to your story.

That’s what Amazing Thailand means when they say “Your Stories Never End.” Every visit adds something new: a jungle trail to hike, a floating bungalow to sleep in, or simply the comfort of a favorite dish you’ve been craving since your last trip.

If Thailand’s already part of your story (or you’re ready to start a new chapter), find inspiration and plan your next adventure at:

amazingthailand.com.

Khao Sok feels like stepping into another world. The air is heavy with the scent of rain and jungle, and Cheow Lan Lake is this amazing green color that changes depending on the light.

It’s a unique spot with it’s towering limestone cliffs rising, like floating mountains straight out of the movie Avatar. This is a place where time slows down and nature takes center stage.

📍 Locations: This week we added all the Khao Sok spots to our Google Map - floating bungalows, jungle trails, and riverside cafés. You can find it in the ‘Insider’ section of this newsletter.

Happy reading,
Ploy & Jochem

A travel story

We started our trip in Khao Sok village, just outside the national park entrance. At Our Jungle Camp, we had breakfast in a treehouse-style restaurant. The eco-resort is built with bamboo and natural materials, with paths winding down to the river. Breakfast here is farm-to-table: fresh vegetables from their own garden, free-range eggs, and tropical fruit picked right from the trees.

After a delicious breakfast, we joined a guided jungle trek into Khao Sok National Park. Hiking in the jungle has become a major trend in Thailand, with YouTube influencers sharing their adventures through rivers, caves, and rainforest trails. Our guide pointed out wild herbs and even the spot where rafflesia - the world’s largest flower - blooms during season.

By afternoon, we checked in at 360 Issara Floating Resort, where wooden bungalows float gently on Cheow Lan Lake. From our deck, we stepped straight into our kayak and paddled across emerald waters, limestone cliffs towering above us. As the sun set, the cliffs glowed orange and the water was still, a quiet moment that felt almost unreal.

At night, lanterns lit the floating walkways and the sky was filled with stars. No Wi-Fi, no distractions, just the sounds of the jungle and the lake surrounding us.

Thai life, up close.

Khao Sok village moves at a slow pace. In the mornings, farmers tend their vegetable plots or rice fields, and fishermen check their nets along the river. School kids in uniforms run past on their way to class, laughing and waving at visitors.

The village market is full of color and life: vendors selling fresh fruits, sticky rice, and homemade snacks while locals chat over tea. Grab a mango smoothie or banana & nutella roti from one of the stalls - it’s the perfect way to start the day and experience local flavors.

Temples are the heart of the community. Near Khao Sok village, Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat offers a peaceful space where locals come to make merit, meditate, or enjoy a quiet moment. Visitors can watch the monks’ morning routines or simply soak in the calm atmosphere - a simple, authentic glimpse into everyday village life.

For a unique experience, consider bamboo rafting with Moo Ka Ta. Glide down the river on a traditional bamboo raft while grilling your own Thai BBQ. It's a fun and immersive way to enjoy local cuisine amidst stunning natural surroundings.

At the end of the afternoon - smoke rises from cooking fires, chickens wander freely, and families gather around small tables for dinner. Head over to Rafflesia Café, a cozy spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals. It's a great place located in the jungle greens, next to a small river. The perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Use this when looking at the lake, the cliffs, or a pink-orange sunset over Cheow Lan.

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

If you liked this week’s adventure, here’s how we’d spend a day in Khao Sok:

• 7:00 am : Breakfast at Our Jungle Camp with fresh fruit and jungle sounds.

• 8:00 am : Jungle hike into Khao Sok National Park. Spot wildlife, bamboo groves, and the rare rafflesia flower. Join the growing jungle-hiking trend that even YouTube influencers are filming.

• 1:00 pm : Transfer to 360 Issara Floating Resort. Check into your floating bungalow right on Cheow Lan Lake.

• 3:00 pm : Kayak straight from your deck into the emerald lake. Paddle between limestone cliffs at your own pace. Tip: bring water and some snacks, and spend the afternoon enjoying the slow life on the lake.

• 6:00 pm : Sunset paddle or float slowly as the sky glows orange. Then return to the resort for a quick fresh-up.

• 8:00 pm : Dinner at the 360 Issara resort. Lanterns, stars, jungle sounds. This is the life!

• Roti stands (a sweet treat, try with Nutella & banana).

• Som tam (papaya salad) with grilled chicken. Fresh yet savory flavours.

• Mango smoothies for a nice refreshment.

• Jungle curries - spicier than average, cooked with local herbs.

💡 Tip: when ordering food, ask for: “Mai Ped” - this means not spicy. Southern dishes are known to be more spicy, ask for less spicy if you are not into it, better safe than sorry :)

Khao Sok’s best spots that should not be missed during a visit here:

• Our Jungle Camp : Eco treehouse stay with riverside views.

• 360 Issara Floating Resort : Sleep on the lake, stars above, jungle all around.

• Rafflesia Café : cozy spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious Thai & international meals.

• Chiew Larn Lake viewpoint : Early morning mist and sweeping vistas.

• Chill Out Bar : Friendly village bar with reggae vibes.

Every week we drop new pins onto our Local Secrets Map - special spots you won’t always find in the guidebooks. Street stalls tucked down alleys, rooftop bars only locals know, temples that feel like they belong to you alone.

This map is just for Insiders, and it grows with every edition - a living guide that keeps unlocking Thailand, piece by piece.

This week’s new pins: Floating bungalows, riverside cafés, jungle trails, and bars added to our Local Secrets Map.

👉 Tap the link on your smart phone or computer, and choose “Open in Google Maps” for the full interactive experience.

Bring a dry bag! Whether kayaking or hiking, sudden rain showers are part of the adventure. Keeps your phone and camera safe while you enjoy the ride.

That’s this week’s adventure. Next stop: Kanchanaburi - stunning waterfalls, riverside vibes, and a taste of Thailand’s rich history await 🌊🌿

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Thai List. If you did, please share the love by inviting your friends and family to join us. Each week we uncover local secrets, hidden escapes, and the best food and drinks Thailand has to offer. Don’t miss out on the journey.

Wishing you save travels,

The Thai List - Your weekly postcard from Thailand.