Art's Riverview Lodge

Great place to explore local area, hotel is a beautiful place to stay in the heart of the jungle.

I stayed at this hotel for three nights in March 2025, and it was a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the jungle. Located just 1.5 km from the official entrance of Khao Sok National Park, it was the perfect base for organized jungle treks and day trips to Cheow Lan Lake. I can wholeheartedly recommend this hotel! Tucked away from the main road (less than 1 km), the property is fully immersed in the lush nature of Khao Sok, surrounded by tropical vegetation, towering limestone cliffs, and right next to the Sok River. Upon arrival, we were immediately welcomed by a group of playful monkeys on the doorstep of our treehouse. Watching them jump from tree to tree, swim in the river, and live their carefree lives was magical. While swimming in the river myself, I was even greeted by a group of curious otters – an experience I’ll never forget. The accommodation consists of wooden cottages and treehouses along the riverbank. While simple, it exceeded our expectations: comfy beds with mosquito nets, a spacious and clean bathroom, and even a private balcony. There’s no air conditioning, but fans kept the room comfortable in March. Wi-Fi is only available in the common areas such as the restaurant and reception – which honestly adds to the feeling of being off the grid. Make sure to close the wooden windows when leaving the room, as curious monkeys might try to sneak in. Luckily, we only had a brief visit from a lizard and a cockroach on our last day. Surprisingly, there weren’t many mosquitoes or insects overall. Breakfast was served as a delicious buffet, including fresh fruit, eggs, pancakes, coffee, juices, and a few other options. Most tables are located outside on a terrace with a beautiful river view – perfect for watching monkeys during your morning coffee. The on-site restaurant also serves a wide variety of à la carte options until the evening, from traditional Thai dishes to western fast food, ideal if you're too tired to walk to the main road after a full day of activities. The nearest bar is halfway back to the road. The service deserves a special mention: the staff were always smiling, warm, and helpful. We booked several tours directly through the hotel, including a day and night jungle hike and a lake tour – all were well-organized and professional. Khao Sok village itself is very touristy, with many bars, at least five pizza places, and very few truly local Thai restaurants. One real gem is Nongsaw Thai Food, which offers delicious, homemade Thai dishes – but be warned: spicy really means spicy! Overall, my stay in Khao Sok National Park was absolutely amazing. Being so close to untouched nature and wildlife brought peace and calm to my heart. It’s the perfect place to relax, listen to the sounds of the jungle, and forget about all the stress of daily life. There was a noticeably peaceful and respectful atmosphere among all tourists – very different from what you often experience in bigger cities or on Thailand’s popular islands. I truly hope this place stays as it is and doesn’t become overcrowded in the future.

It was an incredible experience: so many beautiful night sounds!)