Panvaree Resort

You come here for the rare experience of being right inside a national park. There are no city sounds, crowds, or distractions around, just nature and a small number of other guests. It's one of the most extraordinary places I've visited. The hotel itself doesn't need to be glamorous. Out here, having air conditioning and a proper toilet already feels like a luxury, and you still get basic comforts while experiencing somewhere unforgettable. A must-visit place.

The stay is quite regimented: everyone follows the same set itinerary, with no real room to change plans. Evenings are quiet, and after the restaurant closes at 9pm you're back in your room with little else to do. The sun disappears by mid-afternoon behind the mountain, so that calm may suit some people better than anyone wanting lively nights. The food was excellent and the staff really friendly. The rooms were good for bungalows on a lake, but passing boats made the water choppy, rocking the rooms and making the jetty and moorings creak. Power is off from 7am to 1pm, so charge your devices overnight, and expect the air conditioning to be off too.

Evening and early morning boat trips were lovely, and the restaurant served a good included Thai set menu along with a great breakfast. Kayaks are included too, and they're a fun way to explore the lake. It's a distinctive all-inclusive stay on the water. The surroundings are beautiful; rooms are compact but well equipped, with direct access to the lake.

We had a beautiful stay, and two nights felt like the right amount of time. The best part was day two: a jungle trek and a bamboo boat trip to the lovely coral cave. It was also great just floating and relaxing on the lake. Things wind down early, and the mountain's shadow covers the place from mid-afternoon. That makes for a peaceful evening, though a bar staying open later might help if you're after more entertainment.