Overview
Placeholder overview text. Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, and its shores are home to floating and stilted villages where entire communities live on the water, houses, schools, markets, and temples included. A handful of villages near Siem Reap, including Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas, are the most commonly visited by boat tour.
The lake's water level shifts dramatically between wet and dry season, so the village looks different depending on when you visit: fully floating and vibrant in the wet season (roughly June–January), or resting on tall stilts above dry, cracked earth in the dry season. Either way, a sunset boat tour is the most popular way to see it.
Best Photo Spots
Boat Tour Options & Pricing
Tours are typically booked as a shared or private boat trip, often combined with a sunset viewing on the open lake.
| Tour Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shared group boat tour | ~$20–25 / person | ~2.5 hours |
| Private boat tour | ~$35–60 / boat | ~2–3 hours |
| Sunset add-on | ~$5–10 / person | +30–45 min |
Travel Tip: Book through a reputable, community-focused operator. Some tours directly support local families, while others have drawn criticism for exploitative practices. A little research before booking goes a long way.
How to Get There
Placeholder directions. The floating village and boat launch sit about 25–35 km (35–45 minutes) south of Siem Reap, depending on which village you visit.
- Tuk-tuk to boat launch: ~$15–20 round trip
- Private car/driver: ~$30–40/day
- Most tours include hotel pickup
