Tonle Sap Lake & Kampong Phluk Village Half-Day Tour

Siem Reap , Cambodia

Tonle Sap Lake & Kampong Phluk Village Half-Day Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Half-day group tour from Siem Reap with a local guide. Enjoy your the tour in the morning or afternoon with about 45-minutes’ drive to the fishermen’s village of Kompong Phluk whose name means 'harbor of the tusks' and Cambodia great lake. Enjoy Tonle Sap Lake, it’s a lake with no ends in front of you, birds flying slowly overhead and surrounding with the interesting village as well as wetland area.

A local boat ride take you the Tonle Sap Lake and village where you will see nature in a way you’ve only seen in picture books and it’s where you will now see villagers houses, school, government houses built on high stilts but the pagoda on the only butte (the only building which is not on stilts) and see the activities of the villagers who your expert guide will teach you about their culture, the life style, and the ecosystem of this fascinating place.

This tour concludes hotel pick up and drop-off. Please choose from one of two departure times when you book.

Available options

Afternoon Tour (4-5 hours)

Tour starts at 2 pm, please ready in your hotel lobby from 1:30 pm till pick up by your tour guide & driver.<br/>Pickup included

Morning Tour (4-5 hours)

Tour starts at 8:30 am, please ready in your hotel lobby from 8 am till pick up by your tour guide & driver. <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local Live English Speaking guide

Sharing local boat ride

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Air-conditioned vehicle

Cold bottled water on tour

Detailed itinerary

Meet the guide at your hotel lobby in Siem Reap for morning or afternoon departure—morning pickups are variety between 7:30am to 8:30am, while afternoon trips depart at 2 pm and pick up variety between 1pm to 2pm. So guests are advised to wait in the hotel lobby and ready to go as soon as your guide arrives.

Tour set out this morning/afternoon on a group tour to the countryside which drive about 45-minutes to the fishermen’s village of Kompong Phluk whose name means 'harbor of the tusks' and Cambodia great lake. Enjoy Tonle Sap Lake, is a lake with no ends in front of you, and birds flying slowly overhead and surrounding with the interesting village.

During the dry season (February to Jul), the village can be reached by mini bus or motorbike, as the – bumpy - road that is normally flooded dries up.

In the rainy season (August to Jan), a short boat ride from the quay, through the wetland area will take you to Kompong Phluk. It is not a floating village but a village on high stilts as well as some floating houses and in spite of fishing is often the privilege of the Vietnamese minority but inhabitants of Kompong Phluk are almost exclusively of Cambodian origin. The villagers frequently move from house to another house during the rainy season, they live in houses built on stilts and move to small huts near the waterfront during the dry season to do fishing.

Arrive at the quay, board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake as well as village where you will see nature in a way you’ve only seen in picture books, and the tour of Kampong Phluk is worth the extra effort to get there, then we will visit the village, the pagoda on the only butte (the only building which is not on stilts) and see the activities of the villagers who your expert guide will teach you about their culture, the life style, and the ecosystem of this fascinating place.

Optional (August to Jan): you can pay an extra to take a small canoes paddle by villagers (or wait for the group about 40 mns); will take you deep into the dense flooded forest. The trees of this forest are perfectly adapted to their unusual existence as they are completely submerged a part of the year.

Return to Siem Reap and drop off at your hotel or requested drop off point within Siem Reap city center.

What's not included

Canoe ride in mangrove forest (Aug-Jan)

Food and drinks

Travel insurances

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

71 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

954 reviews

5★

848

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Variety group size depends on bookings of the day

Minimum age is 3 years

No wheelchair accessible

Travel insurances

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Important notes

• Morning tour pickup is variable between 7:30 am to 8:30 am and we invite you to be ready from 7:30 am and ready to go as soon as your guide arrives.
• Afternoon tour pickup is variable between 1 pm to 2 pm and we invite you to be ready from 7:30 am and ready to go as soon as your guide arrives.
• From Jan to Sep of the year, the village and lake is dry, so no canoe is available for your optional. But the small boat ride is still included on the low murky river taking you to the lake in the dry season.
• No wheelchair accessible

About Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.

Top Attractions

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.

Historical Half to full day USD 37 for 3-day pass

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.

Historical Half to full day USD 37 for 3-day pass

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.

Historical 1-2 hours USD 37 for 3-day pass

Pub Street

Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.

Entertainment Evening Free to explore, budget for food and drinks

Siem Reap Night Market

The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.

Shopping 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.

Main dish Vegetarian options available

Nom Banh Chok

A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.

Breakfast Contains meat

Lok Lak

A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.

Main dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Angkor Archaeological Park Exploring the bamboo train in Battambang Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying a traditional Khmer massage Exploring temples and historical sites Attending traditional dance performances Boat tours on Tonlé Sap Lake Swimming in waterfalls

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of scams and overcharging.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Siem Reap International Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wat Bo Wat Damnak Sivatha

Day trips

Battambang

150 km from Siem Reap • Full day

Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.

Kampong Phluk

16 km from Siem Reap • Half day

Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Kbal Spean

25 km from Siem Reap • Half day

Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 13-15 (dates vary) Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) • November (dates vary) Angkor Photo Festival • December (dates vary)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a deeper understanding of the temples' history and significance.
Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Try local street food like nom banh chok and bai sach chrouk for an authentic culinary experience.
Bargain for better prices at markets and street stalls, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
Use a map app like Google Maps for navigation, as street signs can be limited and confusing.