🌊 Kompong Khleang — Life on the Great Lake of Cambodia

By Peter Gardiner | Tara Riverboat Blog

Deep on the shimmering waters of the Tonlé Sap Lake, far from the bustle of Siem Reap’s streets, lies a village like no other — Kompong Khleang. Here, time moves with the rhythm of the lake, and daily life is shaped by the rise and fall of the water.

🛶 A Village Built on Stilts and Spirit

Kompong Khleang is one of Cambodia’s largest and most authentic floating villages, home to more than 6,000 residents. The homes tower on wooden stilts up to ten meters high, built to withstand the dramatic seasonal changes of the Tonlé Sap.

In the dry season, visitors can walk along dusty roads beneath the towering stilt houses, with fishing nets hanging out to dry and children playing below. When the rains arrive, the same streets vanish beneath the lake, and families move around by boat, gliding from one floating home to another.

It’s a remarkable transformation — a living example of how people have adapted perfectly to the pulse of nature.

🌾 Daily Life on the Water

The villagers of Kompong Khleang live almost entirely from the lake. Fishing is at the heart of their world — from catching, drying, and selling fish to crafting the nets and traps used daily. You’ll see floating schools, temples, and small shops drifting peacefully on the water, creating a vibrant aquatic community.

Smiles come easily here. Children wave as you pass, families invite visitors for tea, and monks in bright orange robes bless passing boats. Every corner feels alive with the warmth of Cambodian hospitality.

📸 A Photographer’s Dream

For photographers and curious travelers alike, Kompong Khleang offers endless inspiration. The reflection of stilt houses in the water, the colorful boats, and the ever-changing light of the lake create scenes that feel timeless and cinematic.

Whether it’s the golden hues of sunrise or the calm mirror-like waters at sunset, each moment tells a new story.

🚗 Getting There

Kompong Khleang is located about 55 kilometers from Siem Reap — roughly a 1.5-hour drive through scenic countryside and rice fields. Most tours include a local guide and a private boat ride, allowing visitors to explore the waterways and learn directly from residents about life on Cambodia’s Great Lake.

If you’re traveling with Tara Riverboat, you will be in great hands as they use local guides on this tour.

❤️ Why Visit Kompong Khleang?

• Authentic, community-based experience

• Fewer tourists than other floating villages

• Unforgettable views in both dry and wet seasons

• A rare chance to witness real life on the Tonlé Sap

🌅 Final Thoughts

Kompong Khleang isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a reminder of resilience, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Whether you come for the photography, the culture, or the peaceful boat rides, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s incredible waterways and the people who call them home.