Exploring Kompong Phluk Floating Village From Siem Reap: A Guide to Your Tour

Are you looking for an exciting way to explore Cambodia while visiting Siem Reap? If so, a tour of the Kompong Phluk Floating Village is definitely one that you won’t want to miss out on. Located 16km south of Siem Reap, the village of Kompong Phluk provides a unique and remarkable insight into the culture and history of Cambodia, amidst a unique and serene setting.Kompong Phluk is one of the last remaining Tonlé Sap Floating Villages, and has endured through generations of turbulence and disruption within the country. Its existence is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Cambodian people. A visit to Kompong Phluk provides the perfect opportunity to get an insight into the traditional way of life of a rural Cambodian community, their customs and culture, and the local environment in which they have adapted so successfully. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information that you need in order to plan a successful tour of the Kompong Phluk floating village from Siem Reap. We will cover specific advice on planning your tour, what you can expect to see and experience during your visit, as well as key tips for making your trip comfortable, safe, and unforgettable!

What is Kompong Phluk Floating Village?

Kompong Phluk is a floating fishing village located in Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve. The Tonlé Sap is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, where each year the water level ascends to its highest when it is filled with snow melt and rainwater from its catchment area. This leads to large parts of the village being fully submerged during the monsoon season, while they are accessible during the drier months. Traditional life in Kompong Phluk revolves around fishing and farming, with many villagers having lived in the village for generations. The people subsist on what they produce or catch in the lake and aquatic resources provide them with a major source of income. During the wet season they are able to fish in an abundance of aquatic life which is only available during that period, while during the dry season they must rely on harvested crops, or trade trips to markets in other villages for seasonal items. Despite being on of the poorest communities in Cambodia, Kompong Phluk’s unique lifestyle has been relatively unchanged for centuries, making it a fascinating tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. People come from far and wide, drawn to the unique environment and traditional way of life which is found here.

Planning Your Tour

It is possible to visit the Kompong Phluk floating village as a day trip from Siem Reap, with many tour operators offering full day excursions that include return transfers and a guided tour of the village. To find a reliable tour operator we recommend booking a tour in advance through GetYourGuide, which allows you to pick an appropriate package tailored to your specific interests and budget. In terms of timing, it’s best to arrange your tour so that it coincides with the dry season (November to April), as this is when most of the village structures are visible above the water line and can be explored without any difficulty. This is also the most popular season for visitors, so bear that in mind when booking your tour.

What Can You Expect to See During Your Tour?

During your tour of the Kompong Phluk floating village from Siem Reap, you will be able to explore various aspects of life in this unique water-borne community. You will firstly be able to observe locals engaging in their customary subsistence lifestyle, with many engaged in fishing activities on boats just offshore. You will also be able to witness traditional housing known as “stilt-houses’ which are built on large wooden platforms – living examples so typical houses found in several parts of Southeast Asia. These houses are sturdily constructed to withstand both monsoon rains and floods. As you explore further you will also be able to purchase some locally produced souvenirs such as handmade crafts or baskets woven from bamboo. Various food stalls are scattered throughout the village selling freshly prepared delicacies such as noodles made from locally grown ingredients or fish caught earlier in the day – a perfect snack while wandering around! Whilst exploring, you will also be able to learn about rice cultivation and silk-weaving from traditional farmers, who will likely be more than welcoming towards visitors interested in their lifestyle!

Top Tips for Exploring Kompong Phluk

Dress Appropriately

It is important that when visiting any rural environment you should respect local customs by dressing modestly. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees so that you do not cause offence to local villagers who often dress much more conservatively than in other parts of Cambodia.

Stick to Established Paths & Wear Good Footwear

As you explore, stick to established paths as some areas may be flooded due to seasonal rains or run off from monsoon rains. It is also important to wear good footwear – flats or trainers are best – as some areas may contain mud or slippery surfaces.

Go Easy With Bargains & Souvenirs

Whilst exploring local souvenirs may be tempting, it is important not to bargain too hard with vendors who rely heavily on tourism for their income. Respect their trade by paying fairly and be aware that some items may be falsely advertised (for example rubies may not be real!).

Water Safety

Whilst visitors may be tempted by a cruise on the lake, travelers should keep safety paramount in their minds – tide levels can change quickly, leaving boats stranded or tipping over due to overloading. Make sure you have a knowledgeable guide and wear life jackets when out on a boat.

Keep Your Cool & Be Respectful

It is important to remember that this is a remote community and cultural differences may be present. If any issues arise approach them with an open mind – do not lose your temper or engage in any inappropriate behaviour as this could worsen any issues arising!

Conclusion

Exploring KompongPhluk floating village from Siem Reap is an incredible chance to experience traditional Cambodian rural lifestyle firsthand! During your tour you will be able follow in the footsteps of local villagers as they go about their daily lives – farming, fishing, weaving and selling souvenirs – along with numerous other activities. By taking our advice about what to expect and top tips for visiting this amazing place you can make sure that your trip will be comfortable, safe and unforgettable! So what are you waiting for? Book your tour now and explore this incredible hidden gem!