Kompong Phluk is one of those places that really show you a different side of Cambodia. It’s not just about ancient temples; it’s about how local people live and work on the water. The floating houses, schools, and pagodas are striking, and visiting these villages gives you a rare chance to see how communities adapt to life on Tonle Sap Lake. We’re especially fond of the Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat for its immersive experience and highly-rated guides, which make the floating life come alive in vivid detail.
If you’re considering which tour to pick, this list highlights a mix of half-day, full-day, private, and sunset cruises—each offering their own unique window into Cambodia’s water-bound communities. Whether you want a quick glimpse or an in-depth adventure, there’s an option here that will fit your style.
Quick Overview
Our top picks cover everything from half-day cruises to full-day explorations, with options such as Kampong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake: Half-Day Tour for a quick peek, to comprehensive adventures that combine mountain, temple, and floating village visits. There’s also a private tour for those wanting a more personalized experience, and a sunset cruise that’s perfect for capturing photos. Read on to find the one that suits your timing, budget, and curiosity.
1. Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat
At number 1, this highly-rated floating village tour is a top choice for its comprehensive and authentic experience. For around $20, you get a 6-hour guided trip from Siem Reap that takes you into Kampong Phluk’s stilted houses and onto Tonle Sap Lake. The tour’s standout feature is the boat ride, which offers a peaceful perspective of how the villagers live on the water’s edge.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to interact with locals and see their unique adaptation to seasonal water levels. Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides who explain the intricacies of village life, including visits inside local schools and homes. The sunset from the boat provides a magical photo opportunity and a perfect end to the day.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a meaningful look at everyday life beyond temples, with a value that’s hard to beat considering the friendly guide and rich experience. If you’re after an immersive and personal tour, this fits the bill.
Bottom Line: An excellent value for a full experience that combines scenery, culture, and the chance to interact with local people.
2. Siem Reap Floating Village Kampong Phluk Sunset with Boat
At number 2, this sunset tour offers a slightly shorter, 5-hour experience for $20 per person, with a focus on capturing the stunning sunset over Tonle Sap. After a scenic drive from Siem Reap, you’ll visit Kampong Phluk, where you’ll walk among flooded houses and learn about local life.
The highlight? Riding two boats—one through the village and the other on the lake—followed by a dinner at a floating restaurant. Many reviews mention the excellent photo opportunities as the sun dips behind the water, creating perfect lighting. The guide’s storytelling about how local families prepare for different water levels adds depth to this serene trip.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a shorter but visually spectacular experience, especially if you’re a photographer or love sunset views. It combines cultural insight, scenic beauty, and good food, making it a well-rounded choice.
Bottom Line: A beautiful, compact tour ideal for sunset lovers and those short on time.
3. Siem Reap: Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap Tour
Number 3 on our list is a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty, ancient temples, and floating villages. For $50, this 10-hour tour covers Kulen Mountain’s waterfalls, the Reclining Buddha, and the 1000 Shiva Lingas. The highlight is the boat ride to Kampong Phluk, which is included as part of the extensive itinerary.
This tour offers a rich mix of history, nature, and water life. Visitors praise the expert guidance and the chance to see multiple contrasting sights—from the lush waterfalls at Kulen to the atmospheric Beng Mealea temple. The picnic lunch by the waterfall adds a relaxing touch. The boat ride to Kampong Phluk gives a deeper understanding of how people live on the water while enjoying picturesque views.
It’s best suited for travelers who want an all-encompassing day—a good balance of temples, nature, and floating village exploration. The reviews consistently highlight the diversity of sights and enthusiastic guides.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you’re after a comprehensive day trip with plenty of variety—perfect for active travelers.
4. Kompong Phluk and Tonlé Sap Lake: Half-Day Tour
Number 4 offers a half-day glimpse into Kampong Phluk’s floating village, priced at $45 for about four hours. It’s a good option if you want a quick but meaningful experience during your stay in Siem Reap. The tour includes a boat cruise on Tonle Sap and a visit with a local guide who explains how Cambodian water communities live.
While shorter, this trip provides a focused overview of the floating village and birdlife. Many reviewers mention friendly guides and the chance to see authentic village life without a full-day commitment. It’s perfect if your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of Cambodia’s aquatic culture.
The main limitation? Less time for in-depth interaction or multiple sites, but it’s excellent for introductory experiences.
Bottom Line: A practical option for travelers wanting a short, engaging tour with essential sights.
5. Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour inclusive Drinks
Number 5 is a unique, multi-modal experience blending water and land. For $70, this 5-hour tour takes you on a sunset boat ride through the floating villages, then cruises the countryside in a jeep. It’s a great way to see how Cambodian rural life extends beyond water.
Highlights include visiting a local home, rice wine distillery, and mushroom farm, with stories and local tales from your guide. Many reviews emphasize the authentic insight into local life and the beautiful sunset views from the boat.
This tour is suited for those interested in both water and countryside, especially if you want a blend of cultural and natural sights with some fun stories. The inclusive drinks add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a varied experience that combines village life, scenery, and local culture.
6. Floating Village, Kampong Phluk Private Tour
Number 6 caters to those seeking a personalized experience. For $60 per group (up to four), this private tour offers a more relaxed, flexible schedule. The itinerary includes views of Tonle Sap, fishing, and local life, with the option to explore at your own pace.
Many reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guide, who explains local customs and takes photos. The small-group format makes for an intimate experience, and the transfer from Siem Reap is hassle-free.
This option is ideal if you’re traveling in a small group or with family and want customization. The private nature means you can focus on what interests you most, making it a more personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an exclusive, flexible, and relaxed visit to the floating village.
7. Tonle Sap, Kompong Phluk (Floating village)
Number 7 is a simpler, more budget-friendly floating village tour for $15. It includes visits to Kompong Phluk, a school, pagoda, and a sunset boat ride. This basic package suits travelers who want a quick overview without many frills.
While it’s less detailed, the tour covers the key highlights of village life. The one review mentions that the tour was relaxing but notes that the guide could have shared more about the village.
This is a good budget option for first-timers or those on a tight schedule. If you’re curious about daily life on Tonle Sap but don’t want to spend much, it fits the bill.
Bottom Line: A simple, affordable introduction to Kampong Phluk and floating villages.
8. Tonle Sap, Kompong Phluk (Floating village) Private Tour
Last on our list is a private tour at $23 for up to four people, lasting about five hours. It’s similar to the other private options but offers a more tailored experience, including fishing and exploring the floating village and highlighting local life.
Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the personalized attention and more relaxed pace. Visiting schools and pagodas along the way, you get a good sense of community life—with enough time to ask questions and take photos.
This tour suits travelers who want a more private, uncrowded experience, with some flexibility to customize the day.
Bottom Line: A good pick for small groups seeking a personalized, in-depth look at floating village life.
$23 per group up to 4
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your Kompong Phluk experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re tight on time but still want a taste of water-based life, the half-day tour is perfect. For those craving depth and variety, the full-day tour combining Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap offers a full immersion.
If you prefer personalized attention, the private tours are ideal, especially for small groups or families. Budget travelers might choose the more economical options that still deliver authentic experiences, though with fewer frills.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred times and ensure a smooth trip.
Final Thoughts
From quick visits to full-day explorations, the tours in Kompong Phluk offer a fascinating look at Cambodia’s water-centric communities. For travelers interested in culture, nature, or photography, each option provides a different angle. If you want an immersive experience, the number 1 and number 6 tours stand out. For a spectacular sunset, number 2 and number 5 are top picks.
Whatever your style, booking in advance helps guarantee a spot on these popular excursions. Exploring Kampong Phluk is a reminder that Cambodia isn’t just about temples—it’s also about the people and life on the water. Enjoy your trip and take plenty of photos!