Staying overnight on a Raft House

As our Thailand Adventure continued... A new experience awaited us. After a few hours spent on a van which traveled from Kanchanaburi to a floating raft house community nestled along a lake, we didn't really know what to expect. We exited the van perched atop a mountain and took in the beautiful sights below. Homes that resembled town homes were floating on the water. What an interesting concept. I thought "this will be cool to sleep in one of these homes". But after the brief hike down the stairs and once nestled into our room. The house was no longer anchored on shore and instead was pulled by boat to the middle of the lake. Now this is amazing. 

As the entire house with restrooms, bedrooms, showers, dining area and etc glided across the water a storm became visible in the distance. Hard rain, howling winds and then nothing. Just a passing shower. We anchored on a mountain in the center of the lake and took in the vast view. This is the definition of peace and quiet. This was literally a single townhouse now floating on the water in the middle of a beautiful lake. 

We spent the day swimming, inner tubing, kayaking, eating, drinking and hanging out. The water was a deep green color and there didn't appear to be anything of interest in it, except for a few fish here and there. I spent the entire time in the water and when I wasn't paddling or jumping in and out I was floating atop a life vest. This was a clever idea because it was the perfect balance of floatation without taking away mobility. 

Our hosts brought dinner to us by boat and it was amazing. Fresh fried fish, curry, soup, rice, fruits, salad and more. We ate till our hearts content, played cards, drank some more, showered and then went to sleep. The next morning we had breakfast. Typical "American" breakfast in Thailand consists of eggs, meat and toast, nothing super special but good enough to fill our tummies and prepare us for a day of hiking and waterfalls. 

A short stroll down the mountain to our raft house. There was also a grocer below that sold water, drinks and snacks.

There's an entire community of raft houses down there. The lake kind of reminded me of something out of a loch ness monster story with its deep emerald color and unknown depths.

Using life vests to float in the water kept me submerged but still able to float and move about on my own.

Beautiful morning, with no one around for miles. There was a damn in the distance which helps to power the nearby communities but too far to swim or paddle to.

Our tug boat taking us back to reality.