Kompong Phluk is a fascinating spot to experience Cambodian life on the water. Unlike other lake villages, this area features impressive stilted houses, thriving communities, and vibrant local culture. Exploring via boat is the best way to appreciate the unique water-based lifestyle — and the variety of tours available makes it easy to pick one that matches your interests. We love tours that combine authentic village encounters with stunning sunset vistas and delicious local food, like the Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat, which offers a full-day immersive experience and excellent reviews.
For an easier, shorter trip, the Siem Reap Floating Village Kampong Phluk Sunset with Boat is perfect for those who want a taste of village life with a beautiful sunset — and at the same price point. And for travelers seeking a more comprehensive day out that mixes rural Cambodia with countryside adventures, the Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour inclusive Drinks combines a boat ride with jeep excursions and visits to local farms and distilleries.
Below you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which fits your time, budget, and curiosity level.
1. Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat
This full-day guided trip offers a comprehensive look at Kampong Phluk, where you’ll explore stilted houses and watch the vibrant community go about its daily life. Starting from Siem Reap, the tour includes a 1-hour bus ride to the village, followed by a guided walk through the painted houses on stilts, where you see how families adapt to seasonal changes. The highlight is a boat ride on Tonle Sap, Asia’s largest freshwater lake, where you’ll float past floating restaurants and shops.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on interacting with locals and understanding their livelihood, with guides like Tom or Pon who are familiar with the area’s history and culture. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see the difference between dry and rainy seasons. The boat ride is relaxed, and the sunset view from the floating restaurant offers a perfect photo opportunity.
Costing around $20 per person for approximately six hours, this tour is exceptionally good value. It’s ideal for history buffs, culture seekers, and anyone wanting an authentic experience with friendly, local villagers. The only potential downside is the fixed schedule, so check availability in advance.
Bottom Line: If you want a full, immersive day that combines village life, boat riding, and sunset views, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Siem Reap Floating Village Kampong Phluk Sunset with Boat
This shorter, more focused experience takes you through Kampong Phluk’s floating village during the late afternoon and sunset, providing a concentrated glimpse of local life. With a duration of about five hours, the tour includes a guided walk through the village, where you learn how families live, and a boat trip that takes you across Tonle Sap to witness the spectacular sunset.
The tour is praised for its clarity and friendliness—guide Tom, in particular, is highlighted for explaining how the village adapts to seasonal water changes. You’ll also visit a local house to see daily routines, and ride two boats—one through the village and another on the lake—offering contrasting views of the water world. The experience includes high-quality Cambodian cuisine served at a floating restaurant, making this a comfortable yet authentic outing.
Priced at about $20 per person for five hours, reviews consistently mention how interesting and insightful the tour is. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see Cambodian village life and capture a memorable sunset. The trip’s moderate length and focus on the best sunset views make it appealing for families, photographers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: For those looking for a well-paced, scenic sunset cruise with meaningful village stops, this tour offers great value and a beautiful ending to your day.
3. Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour inclusive Drinks
This more luxurious and varied tour combines a sunset boat ride with a jeep excursion through the Cambodian countryside. Priced at around $70 per person, it lasts about five hours and is designed for travelers who want to see more than just the water. It starts with an open-air jeep ride where you’ll hear stories and tales from your guide, traveling through rice fields, visiting a local home, a mushroom farm, and a rice wine distillery.
The boat ride takes you to Kampong Phluk, where you’ll see the floating village and learn about daily life in these water communities. The tour emphasizes authentic interactions, with visits to local farms, factories, and distilleries, giving a hands-on look at Cambodian rural life. The sunset cruise on Tonle Sap offers gorgeous views and the chance to relax with included drinks, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive cultural experience.
Reviewers describe Bunsom, the guide, as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, helping visitors understand Cambodian farming, food, and water-based living. The tour is particularly suitable for adventurous travelers who want variety in their day and don’t mind a slightly higher price for the added experiences. The main caveat is the duration and cost, but many find it worthwhile for the rich content and scenic boat trip.
Bottom Line: If you want a full-day adventure that combines water, countryside, and culture with a social aspect, this tour is a top pick.
How to Choose Your Perfect Kompong Phluk Boat Tour
When selecting a boat tour in Kompong Phluk, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after a full-day immersive experience and want to see village life and sunset, the Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat delivers excellent value. For a shorter, scenic sunset cruise, the Siem Reap Floating Village Kampong Phluk Sunset with Boat is ideal. Want a more elaborate day with countryside visits and drinks? The Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour inclusive Drinks may be worth the splurge.
Think about the season too—some tours highlight the dry versus rainy season differences, especially if you’re curious about the seasonal changes in village life. Booking early is recommended during peak travel months, as these tours are popular and often fill up quickly.
Kompong Phluk offers a range of boat tours that can suit the curious traveler, the culture lover, or the adventure seeker. Whether you choose a comprehensive day tour or a sunset cruise, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s water-based communities and their resilience. For a memorable experience, I recommend booking your tour well in advance and confirming availability, especially during peak seasons. Enjoy your trip — and don’t forget your camera!