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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an authentic, genuine, and ethical trip to the floating village in Siem Reap.
Planning an authentic trip to see the floating village in Siem Reap is not as straightforward as it sounds. In this article, we will tell you everything that you need to know to plan your trip, including transport information, prices, cultural tips, and we will also help you get to grips with this beautiful and yet complicated part of the world.
So if you are planning a trip to the floating village, please read this article carefully. We have aimed to keep this article as helpful, accurate, relevant, and concise as possible. However, there is some very important information that we don’t want you to miss. A little more time researching now could save a lot of stress, money, and time later.
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Floating Village: Getting to Grips with the Area
Firstly, it is important to recognize that there is not just one floating village near Siem Reap; rather, there are several different floating villages situated around the banks of the beautiful Tonle Sap lake.
Although these villages are called floating villages, they are not technically floating on the lake. Rather, most of these floating villages are comprised of wooden houses built on stilts above the water. This is a traditional Cambodian building technique. It may sound strange and laborious to build a house on stilts, but it is necessary in a country that has a lot of land and is prone to flooding in the monsoon season.
There are three main floating villages that you can visit from Siem Reap. One of these floating villages is not worth visiting because it is very touristy and is also home to a fake school (where they scam money from tourists). Getting to the floating villages is also not particularly straightforward. In this article, we will suggest several ways that you can travel to the floating villages.
TOP TIP: In Cambodia, you will see the word Kampong in front of place names. This is an anglicized translation of the Khmer (Cambodian) word for Village.
Top Tips for Visiting the Floating Villages
- During the dry season (April – June), the water level can be relatively low. This is less picturesque and can also make boat rides more challenging.
- If you are visiting during the monsoon season, bring waterproof clothing and a dry sack for your valuables. Cambodia can have sudden, intense tropical downpours which will soak everything through and can potentially damage your valuables.
- Bring snacks and drinks for the journey. The journey to the floating village is long and potentially tiring. Remember to bring plenty of water.
- Remember to protect yourself from the sun. The boat rides around the floating villages are very beautiful but they can be exposed during sunny weather. We recommend wearing sun cream (SPF 50). Also, bring sunglasses and a sun hat.
- If you are planning to visit the floating villages independently, then we recommend setting off nice and early so that you arrive before the tour groups.
- If you’re planning to use a tuk-tuk to visit the floating villages, make sure you arrange it a day or two in advance. It is much easier to get a good price with a local driver if you are not trying to rush it. Find out more about ways to travel around Siem Reap and Everything you need to know about tuk tuks in Cambodia.
Language barriers in the Floating Villages
Many locals in the villages have very limited English, so if you are visiting the floating village independently, we recommend using Google Translate and downloading the Cambodian language so that you can access it offline. Tuk-tuk drivers generally have good English and they are normally very happy to help translate if you’re struggling to communicate with a local at the floating village.
1 Kampong Khleang – The most authentic floating village
If you are hoping to visit an authentic and remote floating village, then we highly recommend taking a trip to the Beautiful Kampong Khleang. This floating village is situated on the east side of Tonle Sap. Kampong Khleang is situated around 50 kilometers from Siem Reap by road.
This journey is likely to take around 1.5 hours by tuk-tuk. Even the journey to this floating village is very beautiful and takes you through some very remote and beautiful Cambodian countryside. Because this village is the most distant from Siem Reap, it also experiences the least tourism. There are some companies that arrange tours and trips to this area; however, if you arrange your own independent trip, there is a very good chance that you will not run into other tourists in this area. The main challenge of visiting Kampong Khleang is transportation.
You will need to arrange your own transportation to get to this floating village, and the distance means that it is likely to be quite expensive. The most affordable way to get here is to rent a motorbike in Siem Reap and ride. However, be aware that this is a long and potentially challenging journey by motorbike. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for some bumpy dusty roads. Motorbike rental in Siem Reap ranges in price from $8 – $16 per day, so it is great value for money if you’re planning to do a long trip like this. Alternatively, you could do this trip with a local tuk-tuk driver. A day trip to Kampong Khleang by tuk-tuk is likely to cost between $20 – $25.
2 Kampong Phuluk – Authentic and more convenient Floating Village
Kampong Phuluk is a very beautiful and authentic floating village situated around 30 kilometers from Siem Reap. The journey is likely to take around 45 minutes – 1 hour from Siem Reap. This village has plenty to see and do. You can explore a local Cambodian temple (Wat Kampong Phuluk). You can also arrange boat rides and walk around the village.
This village has a very peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. It is also more convenient to visit Kampong Phuluk. You can arrange a half-day tour to Kampong Phuluk from Siem Reap for around $20 – $30. This includes hotel pick up and drop off and an English-speaking guide. You can either choose a morning or afternoon tour (the afternoon tour includes sunset!) Taking a tour is a great way to get some local insight and information about the culture and meet new people. Because this floating village is closer to Siem Reap, you are more likely to see other tourists and travelers in the area. However, it still has a very authentic feel and is a great way to experience rural Cambodian life.
3 Phnom Krom Floating Village – Touristy & Scam school
This is the classic and traditional floating village of Siem Reap. This floating village is situated 15 kilometers from Siem Reap. If you read any old information and tour guides, they will recommend this as the main floating village in the area. However, we do not recommend a visit to this floating village.
Although it is very convenient and close to Siem Reap, it is also the most inauthentic and touristy floating village. Worse still, there is a fake school at this location. Tourists visiting the school will be told that they do not have stationary and school books, and then you are directed to a shop where you can buy stationery and books to donate. Of course, all books and stationery are returned directly to the shop once the tourist has left so it can be resold to the next tourist. During this time, the kids are not receiving any education (apart from seeing how to be dishonest!).
Floating Villages near Siem Reap – Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we have delved into the intricacies of planning an authentic and ethical journey to Siem Reap’s floating villages. We have shared the unique challenges posed by the multiple wooden-stilt villages situated around Tonle Sap lake, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when navigating this captivating but complex part of Cambodia. Offering invaluable tips for visitors, we have discussed crucial aspects such as seasonal variations, transport options, and the importance of early planning, ensuring a seamless and culturally rich experience.
We have also taken a closer look at three distinct floating villages, each with its own character and considerations. Kampong Khleang emerges as the most authentic but distant option, requiring careful transportation arrangements, whether by motorbike or tuk-tuk. Kampong Phuluk, located closer to Siem Reap, balances authenticity with convenience, offering half-day tours for a well-rounded experience.
Conversely, we are not so keen on the Phnom Krom Floating Village due to its touristy nature and the presence of a deceptive school scam. Throughout, the guide underscores the significance of thorough research to navigate the nuances of each village and ensure a memorable, stress-free exploration of this unique Cambodian landscape.
