Siem Reap: Floating Village, Preah Ko, and Bakong Tour

Exploring Cambodia often means visiting the well-known Angkor temples, but this tour offers a more local and authentic glimpse into Siem Reap’s surroundings. Designed for travelers wanting a balanced mix of culture, daily life, and history, this 7-hour experience takes you beyond the tourist crowds and into the heart of Cambodian life.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to roam a bustling local market and taste traditional desserts. Second, the opportunity to see how villagers live on Tonle Sap Lake — a floating community unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Third, the visit to the ancient temples of Preah Ko and Bakong, which are less crowded but equally impressive compared to Angkor Wat. A potential consideration is the early start and full day on your feet, which might not suit travelers with limited mobility or those seeking a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits those curious about local culture, history buffs eager to explore Cambodia’s oldest temples, or anyone looking to see a side of Siem Reap that most travelers miss. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and safe organic food, all wrapped into a compact, well-organized trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experiences: Visiting a bustling market and a floating village offers genuine insights into Cambodian daily life.
• Historical Significance: Preah Ko and Bakong provide a quieter, less touristy look at ancient temple architecture.
• Culinary Delights: Tasting local cakes and organic lunch showcases Cambodia’s fresh, traditional cuisine.
• Scenic Views & Photography: The boat ride across Tonle Sap and views from Bakong are picture-worthy moments.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding with local insights and stories.
• Flexible & Private: This is a private group experience, with flexible booking and cancellation policies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at This Unique Tour

Morning Pickup and Introduction

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 AM with a hotel pickup. Your guide — friendly, fluent in English, and knowledgeable about local life — will meet you at your hotel lobby. Having a private group means a more personalized experience, allowing your guide to tailor parts of the tour to your interests.

Exploring Psa Rolous Market

First stop is Psa Rolous, a lively hub of local commerce. Here, you’ll observe daily trading practices and browse fresh produce, traditional goods, and vibrant street stalls. The market is a fantastic place to soak in Cambodian daily life, from the chatter of vendors to the colorful displays of tropical fruits, spices, and crafts.

Many reviews mention how the market offers a “real glimpse into daily life,” with one guest noting the chance to “try local cakes and desserts” — a delightful way to sample authentic flavors. The guide often shares stories behind the local delicacies, making it not just a shopping stop but an educational experience.

Visiting a Local Village

Next, you’ll walk through a Cambodian village to see how residents live outside the tourist trail. This part of the tour provides a window into everyday routines — from farming and fishing to crafting. Guests have appreciated seeing “how people genuinely live and practice their daily chores,” making the experience more meaningful than a typical sightseeing stop.

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Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake

The highlight for many is the boat ride to the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. The waterway is dotted with floating houses, markets, and even schools. You’ll see residents living on water, their homes and shops bobbing with the lake’s fluctuations.

This part of the tour is often praised for its vivid imagery and authentic feel. One reviewer shared, “We loved the way the houses are built on stilts, and the community’s resilience is inspiring.” Keep your camera ready — the views are both charming and thought-provoking.

Organic Lunch in a Local Restaurant

After the boat ride, you’ll enjoy a local lunch featuring food grown by villagers themselves. The restaurant emphasizes safe and organic ingredients, offering dishes that reflect Cambodia’s flavors — think fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and local spices. Guests frequently mention the “delicious, fresh, and wholesome” meals, which add great value to the experience.

Visiting Preah Ko and Bakong Temples

Post-lunch, the tour visits Preah Ko and Bakong, Cambodia’s oldest temples built in 881 AD. These sites are less crowded than Angkor Wat, allowing for a more contemplative experience. Bakong is especially striking — a high, terraced pyramid with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Guests note the impressive architecture and how these sites reveal the early roots of Angkorian temple design. One reviewer pointed out that Bakong’s view from the top “gives a real sense of scale and history.” The guide shares stories about the significance of these structures, adding depth to your visit.

Return and Optional Evening Activities

The tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel. For those interested, you can opt to extend your evening with a traditional dinner accompanied by Apsara dance or a visit to Phare, The Cambodian Circus. Both options support local arts and are highly praised for their energy and storytelling.

Practical Details & Tips

Transportation: Comfortable private vehicle ensures a smooth journey, with plenty of space for your gear and stops along the way.

Duration & Timing: The 7-hour schedule runs smoothly, starting with pickup at 8:00 AM. Expect to finish around 3-4 PM, giving you flexibility for the rest of your day.

Group Size: As a private experience, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to ask questions freely.

Cost & Value: While the tour’s price covers multiple sites, the inclusion of organic food and expert guides makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a genuine, enriching experience.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, a hat for sun protection, and bring your camera to capture the scenic views. Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are also recommended.

Accessibility: Not suitable for people over 95 years or those with mobility issues, due to walking and boat transfers.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re a traveler craving authentic insights into Cambodian life coupled with a touch of history, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for those who value local markets, scenic boat rides, and exploring ancient temples beyond the typical crowds. Foodies will appreciate the organic, safe lunch that showcases local flavors.

This experience balances culture with comfort, led by knowledgeable guides who bring stories and context to every stop. The private group setting ensures a more tailored and relaxed pace, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

However, be prepared for a full day of walking and boat riding — a good choice if you’re comfortable on your feet and eager to see a side of Siem Reap that few visitors experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Siem Reap at 8:00 AM.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the food safe and organic? The lunch is served at a local restaurant known for safe and organic ingredients, often grown by the villagers themselves.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, your camera, and a reusable water bottle.

How long does the boat ride last? The boat to the floating village is part of the overall 7-hour tour, and guests typically find it a highlight of the trip.

Are the temples accessible? The temples are ancient structures with stairs and uneven surfaces, so some walking is involved but manageable for most visitors.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors? It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and boat transfers. Not recommended for people over 95 or with mobility challenges.

Can I extend my evening with additional activities? Absolutely — options include a traditional dinner with Apsara dance or visiting Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

Is this a private tour? Yes, it’s a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized journey.

How does this tour compare to other Siem Reap excursions? It offers a more authentic, less touristy experience with a mix of culture, history, and local life, ideal for travelers wanting depth over surface sightseeing.

To sum it up, this Siem Reap tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Cambodia’s living culture and ancient roots. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking meaningful experiences, delicious local food, and a quieter side of Angkor’s surroundings. Perfect for those who value storytelling, scenic views, and genuine local interactions, it provides a memorable day that will enrich your understanding of Cambodia far beyond the typical tourist trail.

You can check availability for your dates here: