Our Story: 22 Years of Heart, History, and the Great Lake

A Legacy Built by Hand

Since 2004, Tara Riverboats has been more than just a tour company—we are builders, educators, and guardians of the Tonle Sap. We don’t just buy boats; we build them. Our onsite Apprentice Training School, established in 2004, teaches local students traditional and advanced shipbuilding, ensuring that every vessel in our fleet is crafted with local soul and expert precision.

The Fleet: Where History Meets the Water

The Queen Tara: The Grand Dame of the Lake

• The Legend: Built in 1927, the Queen Tara is the largest vessel on the Tonle Sap (41m).

• The History: She has lived many lives—from a 1920s cargo vessel to a 1960s floating hospital boat serving remote villages.

• Today: Now a 100% solar-powered floating basecamp. We use our excess solar energy to provide power to the local floating villages, giving back to the community that hosts us.

The Mekong Tara Prince: Royal Heritage

Cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on a piece of history. Once owned by H.R.H. Prince Norodom Sirivudh, this luxury riverboat has been lovingly restored to its former glory. With its unique double hull, we can take you into secret channels and riverbanks that other boats simply cannot reach.

The PBR (Gun Boat): A Piece of the Past

For the adventurous, our 1966 Russian-built Navy PBR (as seen in the Vietnam War) offers a rugged, thrilling way to explore the villages of Kompong Phluk.

Why Travelers Choose Tara Boats

• 100% Local, 100% Expert: Most of our captains, guides, and waitstaff were born in the floating villages. They don’t just know the lake; they are the lake.

• No Waiting in Lines: Because we own our entire fleet, you never have to wait for “public boats” to fill up. Your time is yours.

• Award-Winning Dining: Our team was trained by Executive Chef Chris Butler (formerly of the Orient Express) to ensure that our Khmer and Western fusion is “fit for a king.”

• ChildSafe Certified: Since 2015, we have been certified by Friends International. We never exploit children or “orphanages” for tourism. We protect the communities we visit.

Join the Family

Whether you are sipping a cold beer in a hammock on the Queen Tara or weaving through mangroves in a nimble explorer boat, you are part of a 22-year tradition of excellence.

From the Royal Family’s deck to the heart of the floating forest—come see Cambodia through our eyes.

Our Commitment to Transparent & Sustainable Tourism

At Tara Riverboats, we believe that travel should do more than just provide a memory—it should leave a lasting, positive impact on the places we visit. As a social enterprise operating for over 20 years on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, we are proud to share exactly how your ticket price supports the local Cambodian community.

Where Your Ticket Price Goes: A 50% Local Impact Model

We have designed our pricing to ensure that the majority of our revenue stays within the local economy. Here is the breakdown:

• 25% — Direct Community Giving: This portion is reinvested into the floating villages we visit. These funds support critical infrastructure, clean water initiatives, and educational resources for local children.

• 25% — Fair Wages & Allowances: We are powered by a 100% local team of over 67 hardworking men and women. This ensures our “work family” receives fair, sustainable wages that support their households.

• 40% — Eco-Friendly Operations: This covers the maintenance of our unique fleet, including our flagship solar-powered vessels. It also ensures high safety standards and quality refreshments for every guest.

• 10% — National Taxes: Contributing to the growth and infrastructure of Cambodia.

Why Choose a Social Enterprise?

When you book a tour with us, 50% of your investment goes directly into the hands of the local people and their environment. By choosing Tara Riverboats, you are supporting a circular economy that prioritizes people and the planet over high profit margins.