Tonle Sap Floating Village Cruise & Dinner with Drinks

Summary

Sunset cruise on Tonle Sap with dinner drinks & floating villages

You’ll ride out from Siem Reap to Tonle Sap’s vast floating villages with a local guide, stopping at a lotus farm before cruising past schools and homes on water. Enjoy dinner and unlimited drinks aboard the historic Queen Tara riverboat as sunset colors spill across the lake—a feeling you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the pickup because I couldn’t find my other sandal (classic me). Our guide, Dara, just grinned when we finally tumbled into the tuk tuk, sweaty and apologizing. He didn’t seem bothered at all. On the way to Tonle Sap, he pointed out the lotus farm — not something I’d ever thought about before, but he showed us how locals use every part of the flower. The air smelled faintly sweet and muddy at the same time. We only stopped for a few minutes, but it stuck with me.

The floating village was bigger than I expected. Kids waved from doorways; there were schools and even a basketball court bobbing on the water. Dara explained how everything floats because the lake swells so much during rainy season — I tried to imagine living like that. We made a quick stop at a fish farm (the crocs were lazing in the sun) before boarding this old riverboat called Queen Tara. She’s over 100 years old and creaks in all the right ways — you can feel her history under your feet.

Dinner was buffet style — nothing fancy but honestly good after a day outside: grilled fish, rice, some spicy salad I still can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Khmer). Unlimited drinks meant my friend went for cocktails while I stuck to cold beer; both hit the spot as we watched the sky turn gold over Tonle Sap Lake. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet for a second — even Dara — watching the sun dip behind all those floating houses. It felt peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Floating Village Sunset Cruise

• Visit lotus farm
• Cruise floating villages and fish farm
• Buffet dinner and drinks on Queen Tara Riverboat

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tonle Sap cruise?

Yes, hotel or guesthouse pickup and drop-off are included in Siem Reap.

What food is served on the Queen Tara Riverboat?

A buffet dinner or fixed menu is provided, with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

Are drinks included during the sunset cruise?

Yes, unlimited beers, wines (red and white), cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, tea, and coffee are included.

How long does it take to reach Tonle Sap from Siem Reap?

The drive takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

What will we see during the floating village tour?

You’ll pass floating schools, churches, shops, homes, police station—even a basketball court—and visit a fish/crocodile farm.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Vegetarian meals are available—just mention any dietary needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned taxi or tuk tuk; all checkpoint fees and taxes; an English-speaking local guide; stops at a lotus farm and floating fish/crocodile farm; an evening cruise through Tonle Sap’s floating villages aboard Queen Tara; buffet dinner or fixed menu; unlimited drinks including cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks; plus onboard restrooms for comfort throughout your trip.