Panvaree Resort

The stay was so uncomfortable I couldn't wait to leave. For all the places I've ever stayed, even super cheap hostels, this was the most unhygienic. There was even a bandaid on the ceiling. Most of the staff were lovely, though, and this isn't a reflection on them. I had been looking forward to staying here and was really disappointed. I'd booked online months earlier, and the room being above the restaurant hadn't been made clear to me. Maybe I missed it, but I could have sworn it wasn't implied. Even so, I expected it to be lovely because this resort cost three times as much as anywhere else we'd stayed in Thailand. Instead, the room was disgusting: cobwebs everywhere, dirt and dust on appliances and surfaces, bugs throughout, and a washroom that stank and clearly hadn't been cleaned in a while. The wet, stained bathmat had been rolled up on the toilet seat. The bathroom windows wouldn't close, letting in lots of bugs, and the door between the washroom and bedroom wouldn't shut from the bedroom side, so we used a rope from a pair of pants to tie it closed. Bedroom windows had a big gap that let in bugs and heat. WiFi was advertised but unavailable the whole time. The AC only worked from around 5pm and was switched off again early in the morning. They call it a resort, but the atmosphere felt more like a camp. They had a drinks menu, but when we tried to order cocktails in the afternoon, staff said no because only one person was trained to make them. Not a big deal, but I really needed a drink by then. Day-use customers also had access during the day and took up all the seats and kayaks, which I felt should have been left for guests paying so much to stay. The food was hit or miss: some was good, but a lot came out cold and wasn't appetizing.

The safari was unforgettable. We were lucky to see three rare wild elephants in their natural habitat, including a baby, a really special moment. Food and hospitality were highlights of our stay at Khao Sok Panvaree Resort. We're pescetarian, and the team was flexible and accommodating with our diet. Miss Benny was especially warm and friendly, regularly checking whether we were happy with our meals and thoughtfully arranging suitable options. You really feel cared for here. The food exceeded our expectations, and the service was outstanding: after finishing a plate, they asked right away if we wanted more. Bananas, coffee, and water were available in the dining area all day. Everyone on staff was smiling, attentive, and eager to help, and guest satisfaction clearly matters. We highly recommend it for the hospitality, food, and nature experience.

The limestone scenery really is breathtaking, but my stay at Panvaree left me feeling ripped off. Booking.com charged me for two people even though I booked for one, and Panvaree only offered a discount on a future visit. They wouldn't even arrange a free ride from my hotel to the pier. I won't be returning, because the experience didn't justify the cost. The room was above a restaurant, despite the place being advertised as floating. The small deck also filled up with day visitors arriving to eat, swim, and kayak. Four boats of tourists were there the day I visited, so finding a quiet spot or getting a kayak was a struggle. The advertised morning and evening “safaris” were each just an hour-long ride around the area to look at the towering limestone formations. I saw one monkey and no other animals, fish, birds, unusual insects, or lizards. I had hoped for caves, a short jungle walk, and maybe wild elephants. Later, people I met who stayed at Praiwan Raft House said they got the rainforest experience I had wanted. The room was clean and the bed comfortable, and the food was good without being remarkable. Wi-Fi didn't work in the room, and the bathroom was across the hall. I also lost interest in swimming after seeing fish gather behind the resort while I kayaked. They seemed to be feeding on grey water discharged straight from the kitchen, with a greasy film running into the lake. I suspected the fish had been gathered there for day visitors to feed, since feeding them was on their itinerary, and I saw no fish elsewhere in the lake. I'm sure Benny is good at her job, but she may have needed a break while I was there.

The boat outings and activities were a highlight, and I hope I get to come back. On my first trip to Thailand, Panvaree Resort turned out to be a lovely place to slow down. The views are stunning, the food was delicious, and the room was very comfortable. Thanks to the staff and our guide, Bunny, I felt right at home.