Kampong Phluk: A Guide to the Village on Stilts
On the Tonle Sap Lake, approx. 1 hour from Siem Reap.
Approx. $20 - $25 per person for foreigners. Prices can vary.
A boat tour through the stilt village and the surrounding flooded forest.
For those looking to escape the heat of the temples and witness a completely different side of Cambodian life, a trip to Kampong Phluk is an unforgettable experience. This remarkable village on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake offers a fascinating glimpse into a community uniquely adapted to the dramatic rise and fall of Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
A Village of Two Worlds: Wet vs. Dry Season
The experience of visiting Kampong Phluk changes dramatically depending on the time of year.
WET SEASON
(Approx. June - December)
This is when the village is at its most magical. The Tonle Sap lake swells, and the water rises right up to the doorsteps of the houses. You'll navigate through the village by boat, seeing schools, markets, and homes seemingly floating on the water. This is also the best time to take an optional canoe trip through the submerged mangrove forest.
DRY SEASON
(Approx. January - May)
During the dry season, the water recedes, revealing the incredible architecture of the village. The houses stand on towering stilts, some as high as 10 meters! You can walk on the village floor among the stilts, observing daily life, fishing repairs, and kids playing in a landscape that was underwater just months before.
The Experience: A Boat Ride Into Another World
Your journey begins after a drive from Siem Reap to the boat dock. From there, you'll board a local boat that takes you down the river and into the main village. As you float between the colorful houses, you'll see a unique way of life unfold: fishermen mending nets, children paddling to school, and vendors selling groceries from their boats. The fresh air, the green view of the flooded forest, and the blue reflections of the sky create a serene and memorable atmosphere. It's a fantastic choice for those who want a break from walking around temples and want to experience the hydrology and human ingenuity of the Tonle Sap.
