Kampong Phluk – A living painting on the waters of Tonlé Sap

Temporarily wave goodbye to the temple fatigue of Angkor—Kampong Phluk is Siem Reap’s wild card. This village of stilted homes and weathered boats sits proudly on Southeast Asia’s mightiest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. Ever wondered why this place captures so many hearts? Keep reading to find out!

kampong phluk

The unique location of Kampong Phluk

Located in the Prasat Bakong commune, about 30 kilometers (a half-hour drive) southeast of the heart of Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk invites visitors to venture off the well-traveled routes of prominent marvellous temples.

The voyage takes place on a boat, winding through vast watery plains and channels lined with mangroves. From afar, the silhouettes of stilted homes emerge, extending a quiet invitation to this remote sanctuary - a place where time seems to slow, and the pulse of the lake dictates the rhythm of life.

kampong phluk

The Heart of the Village – The stilted houses

The defining feature of Kampong Phluk is its architecture: rows of wooden homes balanced atop towering stilts, crafted from local timber and capped with corrugated metal roofs. Many houses are constructed on platforms elevated between 6 to 9 meters to accommodate the dramatic changes in water levels between the rainy and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (June to October), when Tonlé Sap swells to engulf the land, these homes appear to hover above the water, linked by makeshift bridges and nimble boats.

In the dry season (November to May), the tall, bare stilts reveal the village’s remarkable adaptability. Each modest home tells a quiet story of resilience - of families who have endured and flourished alongside the lake’s shifting rhythms for generations. This natural harmony reflects a profound bond between the people and their environment - a bond as enduring as the tamarind trees.

Good to know: The village's name, Kampong Phluk, meaning “Harbor of the Tusks” in the local language, derives its name from local legends - some speak of elephant herds that once shaped the river’s path, while others tell of ivory buried beneath its waters.

The authentic village life at Kampong Phluk

In Kampong Phluk, you’ll witness firsthand the daily life of a riverine community.

The lake’s bounty shapes the village’s cuisine. Savor freshly caught fish grilled over charcoal with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or gently steamed to bring out its natural flavors. Adventurous eaters can try dishes made with prahok, a pungent fermented fish paste that adds depth and richness to dips, soups, and stir-fries.

Good to know: Children here start learning English from a young age. Most middle-aged and younger people - even kids - in Tonlé Sap in particular, as well as in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, speak English quite commonly and fluently.

prahok dish — *Adventurous eaters can try dishes made with prahok!*

The pagoda of Kampong Phluk – A spiritual anchor

In the center of the village is a small pagoda that is raised on stilts like its neighbors and serves as a holy sanctuary amid the ebb and flow. This Buddhist sanctuary, which was constructed on somewhat higher ground, is filled with vibrant murals that portray the life of the Buddha and has a subtle incense scent.

The boats of Kampong Phluk

The wooden boats that pulse as the village's lifelines are dotted throughout it.

The mangrove haven

When visiting Kampong Phluk, you absolutely must experience the feeling of sitting in a wooden boat drifting slowly along the water. The view of the floating village amidst the lush mangrove forest bursts with life.

mangroves in Kampong Phluk — *The trees, with roots deeply anchored underwater, combined with the cool air of the lake, create a sense of closeness to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.*

Especially, you can opt for a rowing boat to quietly glide deeper into the tranquil mangrove forest, where the only sounds are the gentle waves and the wind rustling through the leaves.

Watching sunset in Tonlé Sap

Observing the sunset over Tonlé Sap Lake is one of the most memorable experiences in Kampong Phluk. It’s the perfect time for any traveler to relax and soak in the serene beauty of the lake’s vastness.

If you want the best view, you can head to the rooftop of a floating restaurant or choose a shaded seat below - both offer front-row access to nature’s spectacle. The calm waters reflecting the vibrant sky create a soul-soothing moment of tranquility.

sunset on boats — *I highly recommend pairing this experience with local Khmer cuisine for a true taste of the region.*

Best time to visit Kampong Phluk

The most ideal time to explore this unique floating village is during the flooding season, from August to November, when Tonlé Sap Lake reaches its highest water levels. During this period, Kampong Phluk transforms into a picturesque water world, which is perfect for photography lovers.

If you’re more interested in exploring mangrove forests and witnessing daily life on dry land, consider visiting between December and April. During the dry season, the lake recedes to reveal red dirt roads and the full height of the stilted homes. This is a perfect time for walking tours, cultural encounters, and experience the peaceful charm of Cambodia’s countryside.