Afternoon Siem Reap floating village tour is the best way to see the unique stilt villages that populate the Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll learn about their culture and traditions as you take a boat ride and watch the sunset.
This tour supports the local community with a portion of the fees going towards school, medical care, and food for families. It’s also operated by a local guide, making it a great choice for responsible travel.
Pickup from your hotel
Visit the famous Tonle Sap lake where the floating village lives and get a glimpse of Cambodia’s unique way of life. The tour includes an authentic and delicious meal, a boat ride on the lake, and sunset views. It is also a great way to support the local community.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Kompong Phluk, the traditional floating village. Then, you’ll board a riverboat and explore the stilted houses, floating markets, and fishing villages. You can even watch local fishermen at work and admire the natural landscape of a flooded mangrove forest.
The best time to visit the floating villages is during the wet season. During this time, the water levels rise dramatically and transform the village into a watery wonderland. The experience is more immersive and beautiful than ever before, and it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the Cambodian culture.
Explore the stilted village on foot
Unlike many other villages that are just big inauthentic set-ups to extract money from tourists, Kampong Phluk is real village where local people live their lives. When you get off the boat, you can explore on foot for quite a while and even wander into their houses.
You also have the chance to visit a flooded mangrove forest (depending on the time of day). It is the largest flooded forest in Southeast Asia.
After your walk in the stilt village, you’ll take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake. This is one of the most important lakes in Cambodia as it is a vital source of food for the whole country.
If you’re lucky, you can see a stunning sunset. You’ll then be taken back to your hotel in Siem Reap. The tour takes around 3.5 hours. The price includes a private boat ride, entrance ticket to the Floating Village, and transfer from and to your hotel in Siem Reap.
Take a boat ride
As this is a real-life floating village, it is important that you are respectful of the villagers and their space. Our tour guides use their local knowledge to provide insights and tales of the location.
Discover the unique life of the villagers as you take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake (the largest fresh water lake in South-east Asia). See traditional stilt houses, a floating hospital and fishery, and learn about their daily lives.
You may also have the chance to visit a nearby mangrove forest, depending on the tour you choose. As you cruise along, enjoy the spectacular sunset over the horizon.
After a wonderful experience, return to your hotel in Siem Reap by 8:30 PM. You’ll have a lifetime of memories to remember! Dress in comfortable, breathable clothes and bring sun protection and insect repellent. You should also bring a hat and reusable water bottle. You may wish to buy souvenirs or snacks, so it’s a good idea to have some Cambodian Riel.
Watch the sunset
A trip to the floating village is a must-do experience when visiting Siem Reap. However, choosing the best tour company can be tricky. It’s important to compare prices and inclusions to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
After a briefing, you’ll visit Kampong Phluk floating village by riverboat and gain fascinating insights into local life on South Asia’s largest freshwater lake Tonle Sap. You’ll also visit a large pagoda temple and cruise along the village’s rivers and canals.
Depending on your tour package, you may also be able to explore the mangrove forest that surrounds Kampong Phluk. Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the magical scenery. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also a good idea. And don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. You’ll also need cash to purchase souvenirs and snacks from the villages. You’ll need about 2,000 Cambodian Riel per person.