Kampong Phluk: A Unique Stilt Village on Tonle Sap Lake

Kampong Phluk is a commune in Prasat Bakong District in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. The name means "Harbor of the Tusks" in Khmer. The commune consists of three villages: Tnaot Kambot, Dey Krahom, and Kok Kdol. The villages are built on wooden stilts that range from 6 to 9 meters high, depending on the water level of the lake. The villagers mainly depend on fishing and farming for their livelihood, and they have adapted to the seasonal changes of the lake. During the wet season (May to October), the lake expands and floods the surrounding area, creating a vast aquatic ecosystem. During the dry season (November to April), the water recedes and exposes the land, allowing the villagers to cultivate crops and vegetables.

Kampong Phluk is not only a home to the human residents, but also a habitat for various wildlife, such as fish, birds, crocodiles, snakes, and monkeys. The area is rich in biodiversity and has been designated as a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance. The most notable feature of Kampong Phluk is the flooded forest, where the trees have adapted to the submerged conditions and create a surreal landscape.

Things to See and Do

Village: The main attraction of Kampong Phluk is the stilt village itself, where you can observe the daily life of the locals and their culture. You can take a boat ride through the narrow waterways and see the houses, schools, temples, shops, and restaurants on stilts. You can also interact with the friendly villagers and learn more about their history and traditions. Some of the villagers may invite you to visit their homes and offer you some snacks or drinks. You can also buy some souvenirs or handicrafts from the local vendors.

Flood Forest: Another highlight of Kampong Phluk is the flooded forest, which is best explored by a small rowboat or kayak. You can glide through the submerged trees and admire the natural beauty and tranquility of the place. You can also spot some wildlife, such as birds, fish, and monkeys, along the way. The flooded forest is especially scenic during the sunset, when the sky and the water turn into a golden hue.

Sunset: If you have more time, you can also visit the nearby Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is home to many floating villages, such as Chong Kneas and Mechrey, where you can see more examples of the water-based lifestyle of the Cambodians. You can also visit the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, where you can see hundreds of rare and endangered birds, such as storks, pelicans, and ibises.

Price

The price of visiting Kampong Phluk depends on how you arrange your transportation and tour. The cheapest option is to hire a tuk-tuk driver from Siem Reap and negotiate with a boat operator at the dock. This way, you can expect to pay around $25 USD to $30 for the tuk-tuk and $20 USD per person for the boat ride.

A better option is to book a half-day tour online or through a reputable travel agency in Siem Reap. This way, you can enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable trip, with a professional guide and a guaranteed boat. The price of a half-day tour ranges from $25 to $40 USD per person, depending on the quality and inclusions of the tour. Some tours may include lunch, snacks, drinks, or entrance fees, while others may not. Make sure to check the details and reviews of the tour before booking.

Best Way to Get There

The best way to get to Kampong Phluk from Siem Reap is by car or tuk-tuk. The distance is about 32 kilometers, and the journey takes about an hour. The road is mostly paved, except for the last 10 kilometers, which is a dirt road. You can either hire a private driver or join a group tour, as mentioned above.

What to Know

Before visiting Kampong Phluk, there are some things that you should know to make your trip more enjoyable and respectful. Here are some of them:

The best time to visit Kampong Phluk is after the wet season (October to January), when the water level is high and the flooded forest is more impressive. During the dry season (February to August), the water level is low and the stilts are exposed, which may not be as attractive. However, you can still visit the village and see the different aspects of the local life.
The weather in Kampong Phluk can be hot and humid, so make sure to wear light and comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring a raincoat or an umbrella, as it may rain unexpectedly. You may also need some insect repellent, as there may be some mosquitoes or flies in the area.
The villagers of Kampong Phluk are friendly and hospitable, but they may also be shy or curious about the visitors. You should always ask for permission before taking photos or entering their homes. You should also respect their culture and religion, and avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes, especially when visiting the temples. You can also show your appreciation by buying some souvenirs or making a donation to the community.
The boat ride to Kampong Phluk may be bumpy or wet, depending on the weather and the water conditions. You should wear shoes that can get wet and bring a waterproof bag or case for your valuables. You should also follow the instructions of the boat driver and guide, and wear a life jacket if provided. You should also avoid littering or feeding the wildlife, and keep the environment clean and natural.

Tips

To make the most of your visit to Kampong Phluk, here are some tips that you may find useful:

Try to visit Kampong Phluk in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and the light is better for photography. You can also avoid the crowds and have a more authentic experience.
If you want to visit the flooded forest, you will need to pay an extra $5 USD per person for a small rowboat or kayak. This is optional, but highly recommended, as it is one of the best parts of the trip. You can also tip the rower or paddler, who is usually a local woman or child, to support their income.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Kampong Phluk, you can hire a local guide or join a tour that includes one. The guide can explain to you the stories and facts about the village and the lake, and answer any questions that you may have. You can also tip the guide, if you are satisfied with their service.
If you want to have a more immersive and memorable experience, you can also stay overnight in Kampong Phluk, either in a homestay or a guesthouse. This way, you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise over the lake, and participate in some activities with the locals, such as fishing, cooking, or dancing. You can also witness the daily routines and rituals of the villagers, and gain a deeper insight into their life.

Contact Information

The ticket price for visiting Kampong Phluk is $20 USD per person, which includes the boat ride to the village and the lake. You will need to pay an additional $5 USD per person if you want to visit the flooded forest by a small rowboat or kayak. You can buy the tickets at the dock, or book them online or through a tour operator.
The opening hours for visiting Kampong Phluk are from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, every day of the week. However, the best time to visit is between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, when the light and the water conditions are optimal.
Phone number: +855 63 760 070 (Apsara Authority)