Kampong Phluk Floating Villages in Siem Reap

Kampong Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. At this time of year many of the villagers move out onto the lake and build temporary houses. In the wet season when water level rises, the villagers move back to their permanent houses on the floodplain, the stilts now hidden under the water. Kampong Phluk's economy is, as one might expect, based in fishing, primary in shrimp harvesting. 

Kampong Pluk is about 20 Km locates on the Southeast of Siem Reap Town. Two ways are accessible to Kompong Pluk, a charter boat ride from Chong Kneas takes one and a half hour and the other by overland just one hour by car, upon arrival at dock meet a boatman drives a long a small stream to the village. In dry period we can drive motorbike or car all the way to the village because the road is clear.

Over 3000 inhabitants are real Khmers, their households made of wood and bamboo built on stilts of about 6m to 7m high. During dry season when the lake is low and lack of water those buildings look like the skyscrapers. At this time of the year many of villagers move out onto the lake and build a provisional stilted houses. In wet season while the water level rises up again, the dwellers move back to their permanent houses on the flood plain, the stilts now hidden under the water. People made a living by catching fishes produce as well as smelly fish paste, fermented fish, smoked fish, dried fish, dried prawn etc.

Upon arrival this village we will explore the above activities and we can have a chat with children at private English class, then stop at Buddhist Island to see Buddha paintings. The last fascinating spot, we take a mini boat row to see flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and it is home to a variety of wildlife including crabs, snakes, rats etc.

Note: From August to January the water level is still high enough to flood the forest surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake. For the remainder of the year you will not see a flooded forest but the houses of the village will appear as like standing on gigantic stilts which makes a visit to this village worthwhile all year round. 

   Halfday Tour Itinerary : Siem Reap to Kompong Phluk (17 USD One TUK TUK, No Pax 1-4)

Morning: Pick up from your Hotel or Guest House in Siem Reap to the boat pier of the Tonle Sap. You start with a boat ride along the surrounding flooded mangrove forests and enjoy the biosphere.

Kompong Phluk, a permanent village opposed to floating, is about 25 kilometers east of Chong Khneas. Here is a much better option for you to visit a village on the lake. Kompong Phluk is accessible by boat only. Kompong Phluk is relatively small village that provides very good insight into the village lifestyle of the Tonle Sap. This village exists almost exclusively on fishing and related activities. Houses are built on stilts up to 10 m high, and the village is surrounded by flooded forest.

* Lunch at Local Restaurant on your own account

* Back to your Hotel or Old Market in Siem Reap.

   To Get There by Angkor TUK TUK Travel Driver from Siem Reap to Kompong Phluk Village (Floating Forest)

       - Transportation by TUK TUK from Siem Reap to the the Kompong Phluk Village

       - English speaking Driver ( if you need English Speaking Tour Guide is 35 USD per day)

       - Boat Tickets is 20 USD per person.

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