A Guide to Kampong Phluk: The Stilted Village on the Tonle Sap
Approx. 30 km (1 hour) southeast of Siem Reap.
Touring a village on stilts and the nearby mangrove forest.
~$20 for the community boat, ~$5 extra for the canoe ride.
Just a short journey from Siem Reap lies one of the most fascinating communities on the Tonle Sap Lake: Kampong Phluk. This is not a "floating village" but a village of incredible stilted houses, built to withstand the dramatic seasonal changes of Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. A visit here offers a powerful glimpse into a unique way of life and the surreal beauty of a submerged forest.
The Experience: A Two-Part Adventure
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Part 1: The Village Boat Tour
Your journey begins on a larger community boat that takes you down the main waterway of the village. You'll be amazed by the towering wooden houses, some standing as high as 10 meters on their stilts. You will see schools, a pagoda, and local shops—all adapted to life on the water. It's a vivid demonstration of incredible human ingenuity.
Part 2: The Mangrove Forest Canoe Ride
After the village tour, you'll have the option to take a smaller, more intimate canoe ride. A local woman will paddle you deep into the otherworldly mangrove forest. Drifting silently through the submerged trees is a beautifully serene and unforgettable experience. This part of the tour is highly recommended!
CRUCIAL: When to Visit - Wet vs. Dry Season
Timing is Everything!
Your experience at Kampong Phluk will be DRAMATICALLY different depending on the time of year.
This is the BEST time to go. The water levels are high, the houses look like they're floating, and you can take the canoe ride deep into the lush, green mangrove forest.
The water recedes completely. You will see the massive stilts exposed and can walk on the ground beneath the houses. The canoe ride in the forest is NOT possible. It is still interesting, but a very different experience.
Traveler's Notebook
Getting There: The easiest way to visit is to book a tour or hire a tuk-tuk/car from Siem Reap. The driver will take you to the boat dock where you buy your ticket for the community boat.
Costs: Expect to pay around $20 per person for the main boat tour. The optional canoe ride through the mangrove forest is an additional fee, typically around $5, paid directly to the woman who paddles your canoe.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are essentials. It's also a good idea to bring small bills (USD or Riel) for the canoe ride and any snacks or drinks you might want to buy from boat vendors.
