Floating Villages Siem Reap: What You Need to Know Before You Go
When people think of Siem Reap they usually picture the majestic Angkor Wat or perhaps the neon lit chaos of Pub Street. But tucked away in the countryside just beyond Siem Reap city, another world awaits: the fascinating and utterly unique floating villages of Siem Reap. If you want to see what rural life looks like on water, you’re looking in the right place!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about floating villages in Siem Reap, from which ones are worth visiting and how to get there to what it costs, what to expect, and how to make the most of your day.
So grab a coconut (or a beer), kick back, and get your reading goggles on.
What Are the the Floating Villages Siem Reap?
Floating villages are exactly what they sound like – communities that live on the water. Homes, schools, shops, and even churches all float on wooden platforms or are raised on stilts above the waterline. These villages exist because of the nearby Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, which floods and recedes dramatically between seasons.
The Tonle Sap Lake is a lifeline for the communities who fish its waters and call its shores home. Visiting these villages offers a glimpse into a very different side of Cambodia – one that’s (mostly) authentic, humbling, and totally unforgettable.
Floating villages aren’t exclusive to Siem Reap – they can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia, and even in parts of Africa. The floating villages of Siem Reap however offer a very unique view into the highly resilient and adaptable qualities of the Cambodian people. The floating villages in Siem Reap are not to be missed, and should be part of any travellers plans when coming to the beautiful country of Cambodia.
The Main Floating Villages Siem Reap
There are four main floating villages near Siem Reap, each offering a slightly different experience. Some are more touristy, some are more authentic, and your choice might depend on how much time you have, what kind of experience you’re after, and how far you want to travel.
1. Kompong Phluk
If you’re looking for a mix of accessibility and authenticity, Kompong Phluk is a great choice. Located about 45 minutes from Siem Reap, this village features tall stilt houses (up to 6 metres high!) and winds through flooded forests you can explore by boat. It can sometimes feel a bit touristy at times, but still maintains a strong sense of local life.
Best for: First-timers who want a balanced experience.
Highlights: Flooded mangrove forest boat rides, tall stilt houses, friendly locals.
Cost: Around $20-30 USD per person for the boat tour and entrance fees. Don’t forget you’ll also need to pay for transport to the entrance of the floating village, a tuktuk should cost $20-$25 for the day.
The flooded forest boat trips are definitely the highlight of visiting Kompong Phluk and we highly recommend doing it. You’ll be taken through the mangrove forests on a small boat and paddled by one of the locals who make their living by taking tourists on this journey. Don’t forget to tip your captain – they work hard and don’t earn a lot of money.
There will also be vendors selling snacks and drinks from other boats that will approach you. We always buy a nice refreshing bottle of water or a cold beer! Yes, the prices are inflated. But these people often rely on tourism money to survive, and we do think you should help support them. As a tourist, it’s easy to forget that this isn’t just some made up custom built attraction – this is actually home for these people and they generously welcome us into their lives.
2. Kompong Khleang
This is the largest and most authentic floating village near Siem Reap. Kompong Khleang is less visited due to its distance (about an hour and a half by car or minivan), but that just means fewer crowds and more genuine encounters.
The village has both stilt houses and truly floating homes that move with the water. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a deeper, more respectful travel experience.
Best for: Travellers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Highlights: Quiet canals, expansive views of the lake, true local life.
Cost: Tours usually start from $25 – 40 USD per person depending on the operator for your driver/guide (plus additional entrance fees)
3. Chong Kneas
Chong Kneas is the most touristy of the floating villages near Siem Reap and is often included in big tour group itineraries. While it’s the closest village (just 30 minutes from town), it has a bit of a reputation for being commercialised and sometimes pushy with tourist traps.
Still, if you’re short on time or want a quick look at life on the water, it’s not a terrible option. Just go in with realistic expectations. It’s also a great place to board a boat if you’re looking for a great boat cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake.
Best for: Travellers on a tight schedule.
Highlights: Proximity to Siem Reap, easy logistics.
Cost: Around $20 USD per person for your driver/guide (plus additional entrance fees)
4. Mechrey Floating Villages Siem Reap
Mechrey is a lesser-known floating village about 1 hour from Siem Reap, and a good alternative if you want something quieter than Chong Kneas but don’t want to travel all the way to Kompong Khleang.
It’s also a starting point for bird watching tours into the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve.
Best for: Nature lovers and bird watchers.
Highlights: Wildlife spotting, fewer tourists.
Cost: Expect to pay $25-35 USD for tours, more for specific birding excursions. Entrance fees may be required if entering floating villages themselves.
You’ll probably spot a few floating crocodile farms during your tour of the floating villages Siem Reap – yep, actual pens full of crocs bobbing on the lake. These have been a big part of the local economy, mainly used for leather and sometimes meat, though they’re more of a curiosity for tourists these days. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but they do offer a glimpse into another side of life on the Tonlé Sap.
How to Get to the Floating Villages from Siem Reap Town
Getting to the floating villages is fairly easy, but distances vary. You can go by:
– Tuk Tuk: Affordable and fun for closer villages like Chong Kneas or Kompong Phluk (around $15–25 return). We usually recommend getting a tuktuk if you’re not going as part of an organised tour. It’s more fun and you get a lovely view of the countryside on your way there.
– Private Car or Van: Ideal for Kompong Khleang or Mechrey, especially if you’re going as a group (prices start around $35–60 depending on distance)
– Guided Tours: Often include hotel pickup, (sometimes) boat fees, guide, and lunch. Prices range from $25 to $60+ depending on how fancy you go.
Make sure to book with a reputable operator or ask your guesthouse to help arrange a visit that’s respectful and ethical.
What to Do at the Floating Villages Siem Reap
Visiting the floating villages isn’t just about ticking off tourist attractions. It’s about soaking in daily life and experiencing a way of living that’s entirely shaped by life on the water. Bear in mind that depending on the time of year that you visit, some places may be floating above the water line or some places may be on stilts above the dry bed of the lake.
Some things you might do include:
– Boat Tours: Navigate through canals, past homes and floating schools.
– Flooded Forest Trips: At Kompong Phluk, take a canoe ride through the flooded mangrove forest.
– Sunset Cruises: Chill with a cold drink as the sun sets over the Tonlé Sap. There are many sunset cruise options in the area and we always enjoy them. Many offer full buffet options too!
– Visit Local Markets or Pagodas: Some villages have small markets on boats or stilts. There are also pagodas in several of the floating villages that local people use as religious sites.
– Photography: Golden hour on the water? Pure magic!
Should You Visit the Floating Villages Siem Reap?
Definitely – especially if you’re short on time and want to see more than just temples while you’re in Siem Reap. Visiting the floating villages is one of the easiest and most interesting ways to explore Tonle Sap Lake, which is honestly one of Cambodia’s most underrated natural wonders. This isn’t just any big lake, it literally changes size with the seasons, swelling massively during the rainy months and creating a super unique, constantly changing ecosystem. It’s a lifeline for millions of Cambodians and home to all kinds of wildlife, from birds and plants to fish and crocodiles!
By visiting a floating village, you’re basically hitting two birds with one boat: you get to witness the incredible local life built around the water and take in the scale and beauty of the lake itself. It’s relaxing, eye opening, and just a really cool experience you won’t find anywhere else.
When to Visit the Floating Villages Siem Reap
Timing your visit to the floating villages is key. As they are located on the Tonle Sap Lake, which has fluctuating water levels throughout the year, when you visit will determine the kind of experience you can have.
Wet Season (June to November): The best time to visit. The water levels are high, the houses appear to float, and the canals are lush. You may get rained on a bit, but that just adds to the fun!
Dry Season (December to May): Water levels drop, so the villages on stilts are more exposed. Still cool, but less atmospheric and much of the “floating” villages won’t be floating.
👉 YOU MIGHT LIKE : “When is the best time to visit Cambodia? High and Low Season explained”
Responsible Tourism Tips for Floating Villages Siem Reap (and in general!)
– Avoid giving money to children. It encourages begging and keeps kids out of school. In some of the more touristy areas, you may be approached by children asking for money for school supplies. This is a sales tactic and your money will not be doing what you think it is. If you want to give back to the local communities, do so via official organisations who can ensure the money is being used responsibly and effectively to improve conditions in the area.
– Support local guides and boat drivers instead of booking through massive tour companies. Most local tuktuk drivers can arrange floating village tours for you, and if you’re unsure, simply ask at your accomodation – they’ll usually be able to arrange a tour with a guide they trust.
– Respect people’s privacy. Don’t stick your camera in someone’s face. This is something you should be respectful of everywhere, but especially at the floating villages. The people who live here open up their homes and villages to tourists so they can get an understanding of their lifestyle, but this should not be taken advantage of.
– Leave no trace. Don’t drop trash or plastic in or around the lake.
– Check what your tour cost includes! The main villages do charge an entry fee to visitors which goes to local governing bodies who then use this money to help fund conservation, local schools, local health clinics etc. This fee usually includes the cost of the boat ride. If booking a tour from within town, make sure you enquire as to whether the amount you’re paying includes the entrance fees to the floating village or not! In general the entrance fee is around $16-$20 per person (including the boat ride) but this can vary and sometimes you can get group discounts.
Floating villages in Siem Reap offer one of Cambodia’s most memorable travel experiences. Yes, Angkor Wat is a must. But if you want to see a different side of the countryone that’s an authentic representation of life for many Cambodians in the area, the floating villages shouldn’t be missed.
Whether you choose Kompong Phluk for the forest, Kompong Khleang for authenticity, or Mechrey for nature, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of life on the Tonle Sap Lake after doing a tour of the floating villages Siem Reap.
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