Siem Reap: Tonle Sap Lake & Kampong Phluk Village Boat Tour

Summary

Tonle Sap lake boat ride to Kampong Phluk village with local stories

You’ll glide by stilted homes on Tonle Sap Lake, meet villagers in Kampong Phluk with your local guide, and see daily life unfold from a boat. Watch birds overhead, spot schools and pagodas balanced above water, and catch glimpses of kids playing beneath their houses. This half-day trip leaves you feeling both curious and oddly calm.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the sun hit the wooden stilts of Kampong Phluk as our boat drifted closer—like a row of long-legged birds waiting in the water. Our guide, Dara, waved at a fisherman paddling by and told us about the meaning behind the village name (“harbor of the tusks,” which I’d never have guessed). The air smelled faintly of river mud and something sweet—maybe fried bananas from a stall we passed on the drive out from Siem Reap. It was about 45 minutes out of town, but honestly, it felt like we’d crossed into another world.

I kept staring at those houses perched so high—some looked almost precarious, but Dara just laughed and said they move with the seasons. Kids were splashing under their homes, shouting to each other in Khmer (I tried to say hello but totally butchered it; one boy grinned anyway). We passed a school on stilts and then this bright pagoda set up on a little hill—the only building not balancing above water. The sound of our boat engine echoed off everything, mixing with bird calls overhead. There’s something about seeing Tonle Sap Lake spread out in front of you that makes you feel tiny and sort of peaceful at the same time.

If you come during rainy season, there’s this option for a canoe ride deeper into the flooded forest (we didn’t do it, but someone from our group did and came back grinning). Even just drifting along in the main boat though, it’s wild how quickly city life feels far away. Dara pointed out how villagers shift between fishing huts and stilt houses depending on water levels—he made it sound normal but I still can’t imagine packing up my whole house every year. The tour included hotel pickup and cold bottled water (needed that), plus Dara answered every random question we threw at him. I still think about that view over the lake as we headed back toward Siem Reap—sort of quiet, wide open, nothing rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tonle Sap Lake and Kampong Phluk tour

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Drive 45 minutes to Kampong Phluk village
• Arrive at quay and board local boat
• Boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake and village
• Visit village and pagoda on butte
• Learn about villagers' culture and lifestyle
• Optional canoe ride in flooded forest
• Return to Siem Reap and hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long is the drive from Siem Reap to Kampong Phluk?

It takes about 45 minutes by air-conditioned vehicle from Siem Reap to reach Kampong Phluk village.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tonle Sap Lake tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Siem Reap city center are included in your booking.

What do you see during the boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake?

You’ll see stilted houses, floating schools, a pagoda on a hill, villagers’ daily activities, birds overhead, and wetland scenery around Kampong Phluk.

Can you take a canoe into the flooded forest?

Yes, during rainy season (August to January), there’s an optional extra canoe ride deeper into the flooded forest for an additional fee.

Is lunch included in this half-day tour?

No lunch is included; however cold bottled water is provided during the tour.

What languages does the guide speak?

The local guide speaks English during this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 3 and up can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there different departure times available?

You can choose between morning or afternoon departures when booking; pick-up times vary slightly within each window.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap city center, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, sharing a local boat ride across Tonle Sap Lake to Kampong Phluk village, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout the experience, plus cold bottled water to keep you comfortable along the way before returning to your hotel or chosen drop-off point.