Kampong Phluk Floating Village: Private Boat Tour & Pickup

Summary

TonLe Sap’s stilt houses, flooded forests and village rhythms

You’ll travel from Siem Reap with a local guide to Kampong Phluk floating village by private boat, seeing stilt houses, flooded forests and daily life along TonLe Sap lake. Watch children fishing from their porches, glide through shaded mangroves, and share a laugh with locals before heading back with new stories (and maybe muddy shoes).

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t go exactly as planned — I’d forgotten my hat in the rush, so I was squinting against the Siem Reap sun when our guide, Dara, showed up with a grin and two cold bottles of water. The drive out to Kampong Phluk took about 40 minutes. We passed rice paddies that looked almost too green to be real and a few kids waving from the roadside. Dara told us stories about growing up near TonLe Sap; his uncle still fishes here, apparently. I liked how he paused sometimes to point out something small — like a woman balancing baskets on her bicycle or a flock of birds scattering over the fields.

The boat for our private half-day tour was waiting at a dusty pier — wooden benches, worn smooth by years of use. There was this low hum from the engine as we drifted toward the floating village. In dry season, you see these wild stilt houses towering above you (Dara said some are nearly eight meters tall). The air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and river mud. We passed a floating school painted blue and white, and Dara waved at some kids who were fishing off their porch — they waved back, shy but curious. At one point I tried saying “hello” in Khmer; my pronunciation made everyone laugh, including me.

We glided through the mangrove forest, branches arching overhead so it felt cooler suddenly — like stepping into another world for a minute. The light changed too, sort of dappled and greenish. I kept thinking about what it would be like living here when the water rises right up under your floorboards every year. It’s hard not to feel respect for how people adapt to TonLe Sap’s moods. On the way back, Dara handed out cold towels (which felt amazing) and pointed out where his family used to catch fish after school. I still think about that view across the lake — wide open sky, just boats and birds in every direction.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Kompong Phluk floating village

• Pick up from hotel in Siem Reap
• Drive 40 minutes to boat pier
• Board private boat to Kompong Phluk
• Explore stilt houses and floating hospital
• Discover fishery and flooded mangrove forest
• Enjoy boat ride for 1.5 to 2 hours
• Admire view over TonLe Sap lake

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Siem Reap to Kampong Phluk?

The drive takes around 40 minutes each way from Siem Reap to the boat pier for Kampong Phluk.

Is hotel pickup included in this Kampong Phluk tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you provide your hotel information when booking.

How long is the private boat ride at Kampong Phluk?

The boat ride lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on season and water levels.

Are there English-speaking guides on this day trip?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

What will we see at Kampong Phluk floating village?

You’ll see stilt houses, floating schools and hospitals, flooded mangrove forests, and everyday village life on TonLe Sap lake.

Is this half-day tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Are meals or snacks included during this tour?

No meals are included; only cold water is provided during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Siem Reap by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide leading you to Kampong Phluk; enjoy cold water and refreshing towels along with your private boat ride before returning back after exploring TonLe Sap’s floating village life.