Kompong Phluk Floating Village: Half-Day Tour with Boat Ride

Summary

Tonle Sap lake mornings, floating homes, market colors, pagoda quiet

You’ll wander through Rolous Market’s lively stalls before gliding by boat through Kompong Phluk’s stilted homes and flooded forest on Tonle Sap Lake. With an English-speaking guide sharing stories along the way—and time to pause at a Buddhist pagoda—you’ll get glimpses of daily life you might never expect. Some moments just linger.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the clatter of scooters and voices at Rolous Market—every stall bursting with green herbs and slippery fish, the air thick with something sweet and smoky. Our guide, Dara, waved us over to a pile of tiny eggplants. He told me their name in Khmer (I tried to say it back; he grinned but didn’t correct me). I liked how everyone seemed to know each other—lots of nods and quick jokes in between weighing out vegetables. It felt like we were peeking into someone else’s daily routine, not just passing through.

After that, we piled into a van for the short drive to Tonle Sap Lake. The road was bumpy—my seat rattled so much my water bottle nearly rolled away. The Kompong Phluk floating village appeared suddenly: houses on tall stilts, kids waving from wooden walkways above the water. The boat ride was quieter than I expected except for the engine’s low hum and the slap of water against the hull. There was this moment when we drifted near the flooded forest—sunlight flickered through tangled branches and everything smelled green and wet. I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful.

Dara pointed out a Buddhist pagoda tucked behind some trees; we stopped there too. A few monks were sweeping leaves from the steps, orange robes bright against all that pale stone. He explained how villagers rely on each other here—sharing food, helping with repairs after floods—which made sense after seeing how close everyone lives together. I kept thinking about how different life must be when your front yard is a river half the year.

On the way back, I realized my shirt smelled faintly of wood smoke from somewhere along the lake. It stuck with me longer than I thought it would—like some part of Kompong Phluk came home with me. Not sure why that matters exactly, but it does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kompong Phluk Floating Village Tour

• Hotel pickup and transfer
• Meet guide at Nearadey Coffee
• Visit Rolous local market
• Visit Wat Roga Buddhist pagoda
• Boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake
• Explore Kompong Phluk floating village
• Optional rowing boat in flooded forest

Top questions

How long does the Kompong Phluk Floating Village tour take?

The tour is a half-day experience, available in both morning and afternoon options.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip to Kompong Phluk?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before heading to Nearadey Coffee as a meeting point.

What will I see during the boat ride at Kompong Phluk?

You’ll float past stilted homes in Kompong Phluk Floating Village and through parts of the flooded forest on Tonle Sap Lake.

Are guides provided on this tour?

Yes, an excellent English-speaking guide leads the group throughout the tour.

Is lunch included in this half-day tour?

No lunch is provided; however, bottled water and a cold towel are included.

Are children allowed on this shared group tour?

This shared option isn’t suitable for infants or children under 12 years old.

What should I wear or bring for Kompong Phluk?

Wear comfortable clothes; bring sun cream, hat, insect repellent; respect religious sites by dressing modestly.

Is travel insurance included in this day trip?

Yes, travel insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Siem Reap hotels, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Nearadey Coffee for introductions with your English-speaking guide and fellow travelers, entry fees for all stops including Rolous Market and Wat Roga pagoda, motorized boat ride through Kompong Phluk Floating Village and flooded forest on Tonle Sap Lake (with optional rowing boat), bottled water and cold towel for comfort along the way, plus travel insurance for peace of mind before returning you to town.