During my trip to Cambodia, I made it a point to visit a floating village near the ancient city of Siem Reap — and what I saw was nothing short of incredible. With schools, a hospital, homes of all sizes built on stilts, children rowing small boats to school, and the presence of joy amid poverty — life on Cambodia’s Kampong Phluk Floating Village was a vivid tapestry of contrasts.
Background
I spent nearly two weeks in Cambodia as part of a broader Southeast Asian journey (which also included Singapore and Malaysia). Naturally, Siem Reap was my first destination in Cambodia.
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MY POST & VIDEO ON
SINGAPORE – SIEM REAP BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHT
After exploring the majestic Angkor Wat and other ancient temples, I turned my attention to a lesser-known but equally captivating experience — a tour of a floating village. I booked the trip through my local travel guide, eager to witness this unique way of life.
What Are Floating Villages?
Floating villages are communities that exist on the water. Residents typically live in homes built on stilts or old boats converted into makeshift houses. While this lifestyle is seen in various Asian countries — such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar — Cambodia boasts one of the highest concentrations, with estimates suggesting there are over 170 such villages on Tonle Sap Lake.
Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Fed by the mighty Mekong River, Tonle Sap is not just a lake; it’s a lifeline for thousands who depend on it for food, transportation, and shelter.
Though most villagers are Khmer, there are also many Vietnamese migrants living here, often without land rights.
My Cambodia’s Kampong Phluk Floating Village Experience
Kampong Phluk is one of the most prominent floating villages on Tonle Sap. With a population estimated at around 3,000, it’s more than just a cluster of homes — it’s an entire ecosystem.
My Video on My Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour
To get to the village, we drove through rural hamlets and lush greenery until we hit the red-soil roads. I wondered whether these roads were passable during the annual monsoon season. Sometimes we passed fields of rice paddies; other times, houses stood on stilts above water.
Eventually, we reached the pier and boarded a bright blue, old-fashioned boat.
The Boat Ride — Old Charm on Water
Our boat looked like a vintage relic: the steering wheel connected to the rudder with ropes, and the throttle appeared handmade. The worn-out wheel had three metallic spokes stripped of padding, and our helmsman used both technology and muscle to get us going.
As we sailed, we passed by colorful, anchored boats — some decked out for tourists, others clearly family homes.
We soon entered a narrow waterway lined with mangroves and wooden buildings on stilts. This was Kampong Phluk proper.
During the dry season (November to March), the water level recedes. But during the monsoon, fed by the mighty Mekong, water levels can rise up to six meters. Homes are either elevated or built to float with the tides, some resting on large rubber tires for buoyancy.
Along our journey, we spotted a police station, health center, schools, small stores, temples, and even fish and crocodile farms.
Life bustled in every corner: clothes hung out to dry, smoke rose from chimneys, children laughed from boats, and ladders connected homes to the water.
One of the most endearing sights was that of a child rowing a boat with another toddler seated behind. It was heartwarming — and a little heart-wrenching.
A woman paddled over with snacks in a boat. I wasn’t hungry, but I couldn’t resist buying a freshly cut mango.
Later, we reached a two-decked floating restaurant. It was too early for a meal, so I simply sipped on fresh coconut water and continued observing the landscape.
Realities of Life in Cambodia’s Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Life in Kampong Phluk is not easy. Most villagers rely on fishing, but the catch is dwindling. Some now maintain gardens on land.
One of the gravest concerns is access to clean water. There’s no central water delivery system. Residents often purchase drinking water — a financial burden for low-income families. Unfortunately, lake water is still used for washing and cooking, despite also being a disposal route for sewage. Waterborne diseases are, understandably, a major health concern.
After about two hours of this immersive journey, it was time to return.
Final Thoughts on My Trip to Cambodia’s Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Visiting Kampong Phluk was like stepping into a world both forgotten and essential. Floating villages are not just homes — they’re a testament to human resilience and adaptability. They are part of Cambodia’s cultural and social heritage.
I wish I could have entered a home and had a conversation with the locals. Still, even from a distance, I gained insights into the challenges and vibrancy of this way of life.
If you’re visiting Cambodia, a trip to a floating village — especially Kampong Phluk — is an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss.