How to Plan Your Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake Cruising Tour from Siem Reap

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, then you don’t want to miss out on the Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake half-day tour. The tour takes you to the edges of Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and provides an opportunity to witness how the Khmer people live and interact within this unique ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap.

Overview

The half-day tour to Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake gives you an insight into the unique lifestyle of the local Khmer people. The tour takes you to the floating village of Kompong Phluk and provides an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.

On the tour, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the lake and the silted houses that form the floating village of Kompong Phluk. You’ll also travel through a mangrove forest during the wet season using a canoe. Your professional guide will help you understand how the villagers adapt to the changing seasons and show you highlights of the floating villages that are difficult to access on your own.

What’s Included

The tour includes an English-speaking guide who has a license to guide tourists during Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake cruising. The guide will provide you with relevant information about the lake, floating village, and the local communities. The tour also includes air-conditioned transportation in a van or bus, depending on the size of the group.

You’ll also receive bottled water to keep you hydrated throughout the tour. The tour also includes a meal (lunch or dinner). It’s important to note that during the low water season, the view of the lake may not be as beautiful as during the high water season. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the season before booking the tour.

What to Expect

The tour departs from Siem Reap early in the morning, and you’ll be back in the city by the afternoon. The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Once you arrive, you’ll transfer to a boat to explore the area. During the wet season, you’ll travel through the flooded mangrove forest on a canoe.

While on the tour, you’ll witness how the local villagers live in houses built on stilts and how they adapt to the changing seasons. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and gain insights into their way of life. The tour provides an opportunity to see the natural landscape of Cambodia and learn about its ecosystem.

What to Bring

While on the tour, it’s important to dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting temples, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You should also bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Booking the Tour

You can book the tour online using the following link: book the tour here. It’s recommended to book the tour in advance to ensure availability as it’s a popular tour among visitors to Siem Reap.

Conclusion

The Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake cruising tour from Siem Reap is an incredible opportunity to witness the unique way of life of the local Khmer people. The tour provides an insight into their way of life and how they adapt to the changing seasons. You’ll be able to enjoy the natural landscape of Cambodia and gain insights into its ecosystem. Don’t forget to book the tour in advance and to dress appropriately for the tour.

Discovering Siem Reap: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re planning for a trip to Cambodia, then exploring Siem Reap is a must-do. Located in the northwest of Cambodia, the city is famous for its stunning Angkor Wat temple complex, ancient ruins, and rich cultural heritage. As Cambodia’s tourist capital, Siem Reap offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to help you make the most of your trip.

1. What is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap?

Siem Reap experiences a tropical climate, which means it’s warm and humid all year round. The best time to visit this city is from mid-November to late February, the cooler and drier months. During this time, the daily temperature hovers at around 25-30°C. The peak season from December to February offers a more comfortable traveling experience. However, you can also consider visiting in the low season, from May to October, which has fewer tourist crowds, and you might get better deals on accommodation and travel.

2. How Can I Get to Siem Reap?

You can arrive in Siem Reap by both air and land. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) offers numerous domestic and international flights from major cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach your destination. You can also travel by bus from Phnom Penh, the capital city, which takes around six hours. If you wish to explore some of the scenic countryside routes, travel by boat is also an option.

3. What are the Must-Visit Places in Siem Reap?

It’s impossible to explore everything that Siem Reap has to offer in a short period, but some must-visit sites include:

Angkor Wat Temple Complex

This UNESCO world heritage site is the most popular attraction in Cambodia. The majestic ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat covers over 400 square km, and it is believed to be the largest religious monuments in the world. It is an iconic feature of Cambodia and is a must-visit if you are visiting Siem Reap.

Angkor Thom

Built-in the 12th century, Angkor Thom is another sprawling complex of temples and palaces. It served as the capital city of the Khmer empire at its height, and its massive, enigmatic stone faces make it a unique and fascinating monument.

Bayon Temple

Located in the Angkor Thom complex, Bayon temple is famous for the hundreds of stone faces that adorn its walls. Visiting this temple is like traveling back in time, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and history.

Ta Prohm

This temple has been engulfed by giant trees, which make it a picturesque and unique monument and is one of the most popular and photographed sites at Angkor Wat. It has also been featured in the movie Tomb Raider, making it a popular destination with visitors.

4. What is the Currency of Cambodia, and Can I Use Credit Cards?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely accepted in Siem Reap. You can exchange your currency for dollars at the airport or any banks in Siem Reap. Small shops, restaurants and street vendors also accept the US dollar. Hotels and expensive restaurants also accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, but you should be prepared to pay in cash at most other places in the city.

5. What Should I Wear in Siem Reap?

Cambodians are known for being modest, so it’s essential to dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. If you are visiting in the hot season, it’s okay to wear shorts and light clothing. However, covering your torso and arms is still preferable to avoid getting sunburn.

6. What are the Best Trekking and Adventure Tours Available in Siem Reap?

While Siem Reap is famous for its ancient temples and ruins, it has a lot more to offer. There are several fun and exciting trekking and adventure tours available for adrenaline junkies out there. Here are some of the best:

Scarlet Blue Butterfly Tour

If you love nature, trekking, and wildlife, you must take this tour. The tour takes you through the Kulen Mountain Forest Reserve, home to vibrant butterflies and rare and endangered species.

Quad Bike Adventure

Explore the Cambodian countryside on a unique and thrilling ride on the back of an ATV. This tour takes you through rice paddies, remote villages, and isolated temples.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a fascinating city and a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting Cambodia. It offers a unique blend of ancient history, adventure, nature, and culture. We hope this guide answers some of your most frequently asked questions and helps you to plan and enjoy your trip to this beautiful and exciting city fully. Remember, always carry sufficient cash, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and respect local customs and traditions. Have a great trip to Siem Reap!