Baan Rimnam Resort Khao Sok

The woman working at the hostel was genuinely interested in hearing about my trip when I got back. She said it mattered to her that guests have the best experience, and knowing she cared made me happy with my choice. I booked a two-day, one-night lake tour there and thought it was very inclusive. The food, bungalow setting, hike, canoeing and wildlife watching all made me happy with it. The hostel was really clean and spacious, with plenty of room to relax. She was such a kind, accommodating person. Thanks so much for the stay!

The one-day lake tour we booked with the helpful, friendly young woman at reception cost a special price of 1050 Baht. It included a good continental breakfast at the hostel, transfer, boat trip, lunch, jungle trekking, cave swimming, water and a snack. She speaks good English. The dorm is clean and has both fans and AC, plus small tables, hooks, fresh towels and soap for everyone. Curtains divide the beds, though they make it feel a little clinical. At least each person gets a proper bed. There are small lockers in the hall for valuables, but no key for the dorm, so you can’t secure your whole backpack. The bathroom light wasn’t working, so bring a phone light. There’s a tiny balcony with clothes racks, a chair and ashtray. Downstairs they provide drinking water and a few kitchen items, including microwaves, hot water and toasters. Wifi was good about half the time and completely out the other half.

The comfortable dorm beds were a great price, with working AC and curtains between neighboring bunks. We also enjoyed spending the hot part of the day at the pool next door, which the hostel partners with. We stayed at Khao Sok Hostel before arranging an overnight lake house stay. We chose Smiley's lake house resort, though the hostel has its own overnight lake house tour for about 200 baht less than Smiley's. The disappointing part was that the receptionist tried to sell us their tour, then seemed much less friendly once I said we were booking with Smiley's. It made us uncomfortable. Still, I’d stay here again, if only for the pool.

Great value, and I had a really good time on the one-day tour I booked at reception. The four-bed dorms were nice. The bathroom sink and tap were the one problem, they didn’t work properly and splashed water everywhere. Make sure to book the tour at reception.