Why visit Siem Reap floating villages

Siem Reap is renowned for its historically grand Angkor temples and the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia - Tonle Sap. So, when you visit this city, don't forget to include a visit to one of Siem Reap's floating villages on your exploration list.

Siem Reap Floating Villages

What to see in Siem Reap floating villages?

Here are the factors that make Siem Reap floating villages so captivating and worth a visit for travelers to Cambodia:

  • A must-visit: The daily life of Siem Reap people is closely tied to Tonle Sap, giving rise to unique cultural practices, lifestyles, and intriguing indigenous culinary creations.

  • The scenery: Here, you can behold the picturesque views of old stilt houses on the water with floating flow life, the mangrove ecosystem, flocks of birds, and the serene beauty of the lake at sunrise or sunset.

  • Boat tour: The primary and ideal mode of transportation when exploring the Siem Reap floating villages is the long, wooden boats of the residents. These boats will take you from residential areas to further on the lake or engage in fishing activities.

  • A unique way of life: A trip to Siem Reap floating villages will bring you up close to observe and experience how the local people of Cambodia have lived for centuries, from the way they construct houses for daily activities to trading, studying, fishing, etc.

Best Siem Reap floating villages to visit

Siem Reap floating villages are definitely a must-try experience. In this part, I'll introduce you to some notable names to visit and how to explore them.

Kampong Phluk

Siem Reap Floating Villages - Kampong Phluk floating village

A Catholic church in Kampong Phluk floating village

  • Location: 30km from Siem Reap town

  • Size: About 4,000 people

  • Meaning: Harbor of tusks

  • What to see: Discover rural life in Cambodia with stilted houses above water, mangrove forests, local markets, schools, shops, fishing activities, crocodile farming, sunset boat rides, and Khmer cuisine.

Kampong Phluk stands out as one of the most renowned names when it comes to Cambodia's floating villages. It is close to Siem Reap town and offers a plethora of unique cultural and natural aspects to explore.

Kampong Khleang

Siem Reap Floating Villages kampong khleang floating village

Kampong Khleang floating village in Siem Reap

  • Location: 55km from Siem Reap town

  • Size: over 10,000 people

  • Meaning: Harbor warehouse

  • What to see: Visit Wat Khleang Buddhist pagoda, the Cambodian and Vietnamese floating houses, schools, mobile convenience stores, and crocodile farms, enjoy stunning sunsets, witness the daily life of locals, and participate in fishing activities.

Kampong Khleang is the largest floating village in Siem Reap. During the dry season (Nov - Apr), you can explore this village on foot.

Mechrey

Siem Reap Floating Villages

Mechrey floating village in Siem Reap

  • Location: 40km Southwest Siem Reap town

  • Size: 2,000 residents

  • What to see: Experience the enchantment of Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a crocodile farm, and floating houses inhabited by Khmer families, nestled within floating gardens and a floating cemetery, with scenic surroundings of rice paddies, lotus farms, and duck farms.

This is a rare Siem Reap floating village that persists throughout the year with minimal impact from the wet and dry seasons.

Chong Kneas

Siem Reap Floating Villages

Chong Khneas floating village in Siem Reap

  • Location: 16km from Siem Reap town

  • Size: More than 5,000 people

  • Duration: Half day

  • What to see: Floating houses, crocodile farm, floating church, school, restaurant.

Chong Khneas is the nearest Siem Reap floating village to the town. It is also a gateway to Battambang and the capital city of Phnom Penh. This village boasts a rich 300-year history, with a diverse population, including Vietnamese residents.

Tips

Siem Reap Floating Villages

Tips for visitors to Siem Reap floating villages

  • The best time to visit Siem Reap floating villages is during the wet season from May-Oct. The increased water levels will make it more convenient to enter the Kampong Phluk mangrove forest.

  • I recommend finding a companion or hiring a tour guide for a guided and smoother travel to Siem Reap floating villages. Full-package tours cost around 20 - 35 USD per person.

  • If you rent a boat independently, the price is about 20 - 28 USD per boat, accommodating 5 people.

  • Bargaining the tuk-tuk fare for transportation to the villages is possible, and you can secure a trip for around 20 USD.

  • The weather in Siem Reap can get quite hot during the summer, so you should prepare sunscreen.

  • If you are looking to delve deeper into the experience over a few days, you can stay at homestays in the villages. These accommodations generally provide basic and clean facilities.

​Find out more in our comprehensive guide on Cambodia travel!

A visit to Siem Reap floating villages is a journey to discover a distinctive side of Cambodian life, where residents adapt to the unique challenges of life on Tonle Sap Lake. It also offers a chance to appreciate the scenic beauty and natural surroundings of Cambodia country. In case you help in planning your visit or exploring other tour options in Cambodia, don't hesitate to leave a message for our team.