How to Plan Your Full-Day Tour of Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake by Boat in Siem Reap

If you’re traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia, taking a full-day tour of Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake is a must-do experience. The tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local life, witness traditional fishing methods, and witness stilted homes in a floating village. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you plan your tour.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

Booking your tour to Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake is easy via the online platform Viator (https://www.viator.com/tours/Siem-Reap/Full-Day-Tour-of-Kompong-Phluk-and-Tonle-Sap-Lake-by-Boat/d5480-13389P6?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383). The tour is all-inclusive and family-friendly. You can expect informative friendly and professional guides and a small group tour. Additionally, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at your hotel via an air-conditioned car. The tour includes a yummy buffet lunch aboard the Queen Tara Riverboat and gratuities for the guides.

Step 2: Choosing a Pickup Point and Time

When booking your tour on Viator, there will be various pickup points to select from. You can choose a pickup point that is most convenient for you. The tour starts at 10:00 AM, so make sure to arrive at your pickup point at least 15 minutes before.

Step 3: Meeting Your Guide

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Tara lake guide who will take you on an unforgettable adventure to experience local life. They will guide you to the air-conditioned car that will transport you to your first destination- Kompong Phluk.

Step 4: Experiencing Kompong Phluk

Kompong Phluk is a floating village located on the northwestern shore of the Tonle Sap lake. It sits atop of tall stilts, which allows the village to be fully submerged in water during Cambodia’s rainy season. Once you arrive, you’ll board a local boat with a professional guide to cruise around Kompong Phluk. You’ll observe traditional fishing methods such as weaving fishnets and see how locals live in their stilted homes.

Step 5: Cruise Along Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is a crucial part of Cambodia’s ecological system. Once you’ve explored Kompong Phluk, you’ll head out on another boat tour to cruise along Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll see the dramatic scenery of the flooded forest and witness the vibrant and lively floating village of Chong Khneas.

Step 6: Lunchtime at Tara Floating Restaurant

After cruising along the lake, you’ll head to Tara Floating Restaurant for a delicious buffet lunch. The lunch is included in the tour package, and the restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxing environment where you can sip a cocktail and soak up the views while enjoying lunch.

Step 7: Return to Your Hotel

After lunch, you’ll head back to your air-conditioned car and return to Siem Reap. You can expect to reach your hotel by 5:00 PM.

The Bottom Line

Taking a full-day tour of Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake is an unforgettable experience that provides the opportunity to witness traditional fishing methods, stilt houses, and a floating village. This all-inclusive, family-friendly tour is a must-do experience in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Book the tour here (link to Viator tour page) to immerse yourself in local life and make unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap: Answered

Siem Reap is a vibrant city in Cambodia known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. It’s a popular destination among tourists who come to explore its stunning temples, vibrant culture, and authentic Khmer cuisine. Siem Reap is a city that has a lot to offer for everyone, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations.

If you’re planning to visit Siem Reap, you might have some questions about the city and its attractions. In this blog post, we aim to answer the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to make your trip planning easier.

1. What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to February, as the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius. During this time, the humidity is low, and the skies are clear, making it the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Siem Reap?

The must-see attractions in Siem Reap are the Angkor Wat temples, the Angkor National Museum, the Tonle Sap Lake, and the Floating Village. Siem Reap also has several night markets, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine and buy souvenirs.

3. What is the dress code when visiting temples in Siem Reap?

When visiting temples in Siem Reap, it’s important to dress conservatively. Sleeveless shirts, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is mandatory. Visitors who fail to comply with the dress code are not allowed to enter the temple.

4. What is the local currency, and where can I exchange it?

The local currency in Siem Reap is the Cambodian Riel, but US dollars are widely accepted. You can easily exchange your currency at the airport, banks, hotels, and authorized money changers. ATMs are also available throughout the city.

5. What is the local language spoken in Siem Reap?

The official language of Siem Reap is Khmer. However, due to the increasing number of tourists, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist spots. It’s always good to learn some basic Khmer phrases to enhance your experience with the locals.

6. What is the food like in Siem Reap?

The food in Siem Reap is diverse and flavorful. Khmer cuisine includes a mix of salty, sweet, sour, and bitter flavors influenced by Chinese, French, and Thai cuisine. Some popular dishes to try are Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, and Beef Lok lak.

7. What is transportation like in Siem Reap?

Transportation in Siem Reap is easy and affordable. You can rent a bicycle or a scooter to explore the city at your own pace. Tuk-tuks are also widely available and are suitable for short distances. You can also hire a car with a driver to visit nearby attractions.

8. What are some useful tips for visiting Siem Reap?

Some useful tips for visiting Siem Reap are:

• Wear sunscreen and carry a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
• Negotiate the fare before hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi.
• Be respectful when visiting temples and follow the dress code.
• Learn some basic Khmer phrases to interact with the locals.
• Try the delicious street food but make sure it’s cooked well.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and friendly locals, it’s an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. We hope that this blog post has provided you with useful information about Siem Reap and has answered some of your frequently asked questions. Plan your trip, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create unforgettable memories in Siem Reap.