Kompong Phluk’s 9 Best Tours & Experiences

Kompong Phluk offers one of the most authentic water-based experiences in Cambodia. Its floating houses and lush landscapes provide a glimpse into daily life on Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. We love the Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat for its engaging mix of scenery and cultural interaction, as well as the Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour for combining rural life with a spectacular sunset. Whether you’re after a quick half-day or a full-day adventure, these tours highlight what makes Kompong Phluk special: the chance to see how local families live and work around the water.

If you’re looking to understand Cambodian village life firsthand, these experiences are hard to beat. They bring you close to floating houses, schools, pagodas, and the surrounding flooded forests, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and snap photos. For a broader day exploring temples, waterfalls, and the floating village combined, the Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap Tour offers a full-on immersion into the area’s diverse highlights.

1. Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour with Boat

At number one, this highly-rated tour (4.9/5 from over 2,700 reviews) is a classic for anyone wanting an authentic Kampong Phluk experience. For around $20, you’ll participate in a 6-hour guided trip that takes you among stilted houses and into Tonle Sap on a boat, with the chance to watch the sunset from a floating restaurant. The tour is praised for its engaging guides—one reviewer called out “Chout,” who shared stories about village life and even visited local schools. The boat ride offers stunning views of the painted houses on stilts and a chance to see how residents adapt to seasonal water levels.

The tour emphasizes cultural exchange—interacting with local families and observing their daily routines. Visitors appreciate the balance between scenery and education, and the opportunity to relax with a cold drink while watching the sunset. The price point offers great value, especially given the enriching experience of seeing a different way of life. If you prefer a full immersion with knowledgeable guides, this tour is hard to beat. Perfect for those interested in local culture and photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: A well-rated, engaging half-day that combines scenery, local life, and sunset views. Ideal for first-timers and those seeking a well-rounded introduction to Kampong Phluk.

2. Siem Reap Floating Village Kampong Phluk Sunset with Boat

Coming in at a close second (4.9/5 from 846 reviews) is this 5-hour tour focusing on sunset views and the lifestyle of the villagers. The trip includes a boat ride through the village and onto Tonle Sap, with an optional visit to a local house where guides share insights into daily life. This experience is especially popular because it combines sightseeing with the magic of Cambodian sunset—the sky over the water turns spectacular, offering perfect photo moments.

Guests rave about guide Tom’s thorough explanations, and the chance to see the contrast between wet and dry seasons adds a layer of understanding to this water-based culture. The tour also includes a visit to a floating restaurant to enjoy Cambodian cuisine while soaking in the sunset. The itinerary covers a scenic boat cruise, cultural insights, and memorable photo opportunities, making it suitable for travelers wanting a more relaxed afternoon with a spectacular finale.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a deeper look into local life at sunset and a chance to +capture stunning Cambodian waterway scenes—ideal for sunset lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

3. Siem Reap: Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap Tour

At number three, this 10-hour, comprehensive tour (rating 5/5 from 84 reviews) takes you beyond Kampong Phluk to explore Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and the Tonle Sap. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full-day experience of Cambodia’s diverse landscapes. The tour includes visiting the birthplace of the Khmer Empire at Kulen Mountain, with waterfalls, a Reclining Buddha, and the 1000 Shiva Lingas river, followed by an exploration of Beng Mealea, the atmospheric jungle temple.

The highlight for many is the boat ride to Kampong Phluk, giving a well-rounded view of the region’s natural beauty and rural life. The guide, Jan, is praised for enthusiasm and deep knowledge, making each stop informative and engaging. The tour also includes a picnic lunch at a waterfall, with time for swimming and relaxing. It’s a full package, best suited for active travelers interested in temples, waterfalls, and local culture.

Bottom Line: For those with a full day and curiosity about Cambodia’s history and nature, this tour offers an exceptional balance of temples, waterfalls, and floating village insights.

4. Kompong Phluk and Tonlé Sap Lake: Half-Day Tour

Number four on our list offers a quick but rich glimpse into Kampong Phluk in just 4 hours, costing $45. This group tour includes a guided visit to the floating village, a boat cruise on Tonle Sap, and some free time to explore. The tour is praised for its straightforward approach—perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see how Cambodian villagers live on the water.

The highlight is the cruise on Tonle Sap, which allows you to witness floating houses, schools, and pagodas. Guides like Nak and Jose are lauded for their helpfulness and local knowledge. Travelers love the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to watch birdlife around the lake. However, some reviews note that the organization could be smoother, and the experience is somewhat brief.

Bottom Line: A practical, well-priced option for a quick immersion into Kampong Phluk’s water-world, best suited for travelers on a schedule.

5. Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour

Number five offers a more adventurous take on the floating village with a sunset boat ride combined with a countryside jeep tour. For $70, you get about five hours exploring beyond the water, including visits to a local home, mushroom factory, and rice wine distillery. It’s perfect for travelers interested in rural Cambodian life and enjoying a relaxed sunset.

Bunsom, the guide, is praised for storytelling and making the experience lively. The jeep ride through the countryside takes you through rice fields and local farms, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and learn about agriculture and local customs. The highlight, of course, is the floating village, seen from the boat at sunset, giving a breathtaking view. The tour includes drinks and a lively, informal atmosphere.

Bottom Line: An engaging, multifaceted tour suitable for those wanting a mix of water, land, and local village experiences with a relaxed sunset finale.

6. Private Floating Village Kampong Phluk Tour

Number six offers an intimate, private tour for up to four people at $60 total. It’s perfect if you prefer a personalized experience. This tour focuses on exploring Tonle Sap, seeing flooded forests, and fishing methods, with plenty of time to learn directly from your guide, Phally. The private arrangement means a flexible schedule and more individual attention—great for families or small groups.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity for photo stops and detailed explanations about local life. Visitors mention how well the guide explains the indigenous practices and shows you views of the lake and floating houses. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a good option for a half-day adventure with a relaxed pace.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a tailored experience with flexibility and in-depth local insights in a private setting.

7. Kompong Pluk Tour

This 3-hour tour (rated 5/5 from 3 reviews) is designed for a short visit to Kompong Pluk. It includes a boat cruise and onshore exploration of floating houses, schools, and pagodas. The tour’s simplicity makes it suitable for those with limited time or as part of a larger day exploring Siem Reap.

The highlight is the cruise on Tonle Sap, where you see local families living on the water and explore the floating village firsthand. The guide shares basic insights into village life, and the experience is relaxed but rich in authentic sights. A notable feature is the opportunity to see the sunset over Tonle Sap, which many find photogenic.

Bottom Line: A straightforward, intimate experience that offers essential sights of Kampong Phluk in a quick trip, ideal for busy travelers.

8. Tonle Sap, Kompong Phluk Floating Village

This 5-hour tour with a focus on floating village life costs about $15 per person and includes a school visit, pagoda, and sunset boat ride. It offers a relaxing, no-frills look at Kampong Phluk, with a simple itinerary that emphasizes local community and scenic views.

While reviews are limited, the experience is described as “pretty decent” with a relaxing atmosphere. The focus is on seeing local schools and pagodas on the water, with a sunset cruise providing a peaceful end to the day. It’s a budget-friendly option for travelers who want a taste of Cambodian water life without extra frills.

Bottom Line: A basic, affordable tour that covers the essentials, best suited for those on a budget or short on time.

9. Tonle Sap, Kompong Phluk Private Tour

This private experience (rated 3.6/5 from 7 reviews) offers a 5-hour customized tour for about $23 per group up to four. The focus is on exploring the floating village, learning about local fishing, and visiting floating forests. The private nature allows flexibility in timing and focus areas, making it suitable for small groups who want a personalized look at Cambodian river life.

Reviewers mention the guide’s ability to answer questions thoroughly and show views of the lake, schools, and pagodas. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter, more tailored experience, or those wanting to combine photography and cultural insights.

Bottom Line: A good private option that allows a personalized look at Kampong Phluk’s waterway life, especially if you want to avoid crowded tours.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a Kampong Phluk tour, consider your time availability, interests, and budget. If you’re after a comprehensive full-day experience, the Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap Tour offers a mix of temples, waterfalls, and floating village insights. For a quick taste, the half-day Kampong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake or short guided tours are practical choices.

If you love sunset views, then the Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour is a fantastic pick. For those seeking a personalized experience, the private tours provide flexibility and deeper engagement. Also, check which tour includes local interactions or photo stops—these can turn a good trip into a memorable one.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and better tailor your experience.

Final Thoughts

Kompong Phluk offers a wide range of tours that showcase both river life and the natural beauty of Tonle Sap. For travelers on a limited schedule, the half-day tours give a taste of local life, while the full-day options like the Kulen Mountain trip provide a deeper understanding. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic experience, the sunset boat tours are hard to beat.

No matter what you choose, early booking and clear expectations will ensure you get the most out of your visit. These tours reveal how Cambodian communities live and work on the water—something you’ll remember long after you leave.