When people think about Siem Reap, they think about majestic temples, night markets and amazing food and nightlife. 

But once the rainy season ends and the water in the Tonle Sap Lake is at optimum levels, better set aside a few hours to visit Cambodia’s famous floating villages and see how unique the lifestyle is in this part of the region.

Yes, these communities have actually learned to live with water beneath their homes. This way of living is the perfect display of the Cambodians’ resilience, making a tour of the Tonle Sap floating village an important part of your to-do list.

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Moving with the Water

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is where fishing families get their livelihood. 

A vast expanse of water that makes it seem like the ocean, the water level greatly rises between June and October because of the steady flow from the Mekong River. But once the drier months set in, the water in the lake flows right back into the Mekong River.

The regular rise and fall in the water level was a huge problem for the fishing community in the area as early as the 1800s. For context, the water level in the lake rises as high as 9 meters during the rainy season and goes down to a mere 1 to 2 meters during the dry season. This means that having a regular home could be a problem considering the 7-meter difference in water levels every time the season changes.

This is how the floating villages started.

By having floating homes and businesses, the community is able to sustain their livelihood without disruption. They move with the water, rising and falling depending on the tide.

More Than Just Tourism

Cambodia is now thriving, with a steady growth in the economy despite the pandemic. But this wasn’t always the case. Behind the country’s beauty is a dark and deadly past that haunts them to this day.

This is why touring the floating village should not just be considered as a regular part of anyone’s itinerary. It’s a way of celebrating how Cambodians continue to rise through challenges. It highlights their culture and the heart that they put into their work and lifestyle. It’s the perfect way to show them that their hard work is worth it.

Tours around the floating village have different varieties, with whole-day tours that also include other tourism spots in the area, to quick tours perfect for visitors with a packed schedule. 

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tours

Admire the different floating village communities while enjoying an amazing dinner aboard the Queen Tara, the biggest boat touring the lake. You can choose the 4-hour Sunset Dinner Tour, which is perfectly timed to give you beautiful views of the sunset before going back to shore. If you want an earlier tour, you can go for the Half-Day Tour, which goes through the same route.

Aside from the floating village, both tours allow you to take pictures of the lotus flowers along the way as long as the conditions are right. You also get to visit the Crocodile and Fish Farm, which plays a huge role in the livelihood of the local families.

For those who want a bit more interaction with members of the floating village community, you can choose the full-day tour where you also get to stop at the local floating school and give out school supplies to students. This also includes a tour around the flooded forests and the floating markets.

While all three of the tours mentioned are aboard the Queen Tara, you can also opt for a different tour operator aboard a smaller private boat. Also a 4-hour tour, the Floating Village Exploration Tour gives an in-depth look into the way of life around the floating village community of Kompong Phluk.

Enjoy Cambodia’s Heritage in Siem Reap

At The Aviary Hotel, we offer assistance in booking tours of the Floating Villages, as well as other notable sites that you just can’t miss while in Cambodia.

It’s the best place to go if you want the comforts you look for while on vacation, while showing you the rich heritage that Cambodians celebrate. It’s also where you can dine and drink with friends and family, or meet other adventurers like you.

Check out our special offers and when you’re ready to book, we’re here to welcome you.