Cambodia is often synonymous with the grandeur of Angkor Wat, but beyond the ancient temples lies another world—one that floats. A day trip to Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang, two traditional stilt villages on the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake, offers an authentic glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to water, rhythm, and resilience.
Kampong Phluk, located about 45 minutes from Siem Reap. Unlike the more tourist-heavy Chong Kneas, Kampong Phluk offers a more intimate and authentic experience.
The first sight was breathtaking—rows of tall stilt houses, towering 6 to 10 meters above the water. During the dry season, these houses seem to hover high in the air, while in the rainy season, water rises to their doorsteps, transforming the village into a floating world.
Where Kampong Phluk is small and intimate, Kampong Khleang is vast and rarely visited. It’s the largest of all the Tonlé Sap stilt villages, home to over 10,000 people. Unlike other villages, Kampong Khleang is far less influenced by tourism, making it a great destination for travelers seeking a more raw and authentic experience.
The houses here are even taller and more striking, and the village stretches along a network of waterways and dusty roads. During the dry season, the boats rest on dry land under towering homes, but in the wet season, the streets become canals, and boats replace motorbikes.
As the sun began to set, casting golden hues across the lake, we slowly made our way back to Siem Reap. The day had been more than just a tour—it was a journey into a different world, one that survives and thrives in harmony with nature’s rhythms.
Kampong Phluk and Kampong Khleang may not have ancient stone temples, but they are living
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