Kompong Phluk — Life on the Water, Spirit of the Tonle Sap
A Journey with Tara Riverboat
Hidden along the edge of Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk is a village like no other — a place where houses rise on towering stilts, schools float with the seasons, and the rhythm of life follows the flow of the water.
At Tara Riverboat, we invite you to explore this extraordinary community and see firsthand how people have built their lives in harmony with the Great Lake — Cambodia’s beating heart.
🏠 The Floating Village That Rises and Falls with the Lake
Kompong Phluk lies about 30 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap. What makes it so special is the way the entire village transforms with the seasons.
During the dry months (November to May), the water level drops, revealing tall stilted houses — some standing up to 10 meters high above the lakebed. Locals move around by motorbike or on foot through sandy tracks.
Then, as the monsoon rains arrive and the Tonle Sap Lake swells, the water rises dramatically, flooding the forest and surrounding areas. The village turns into a floating world — boats glide where roads once were, and children paddle to school.
It’s a beautiful, ever-changing scene that captures the resilience and ingenuity of Khmer lake life.
🌿 Exploring the Flooded Forest
One of Kompong Phluk’s highlights is its mystical flooded forest, where ancient mangrove trees rise from calm, green waters. Gliding silently beneath the canopy, you’ll hear only the dip of paddles and the call of birds.
This serene experience offers a glimpse into a world where nature and people coexist — and where the lake provides everything: fish, transport, and life itself.
🚤 Cruising with Tara Riverboat
When you join a Tara Riverboat Kompong Phluk Tour, you enjoy more than just a boat ride — it’s a journey through culture, community, and connection.
Our tour includes:
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Comfortable transfers from Siem Reap
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A scenic cruise through floating villages and the flooded forest
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Insights from local English-speaking guides
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Safe boats with experienced Captains
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Time to relax and take in the incredible sunset over the Tonle Sap Lake
We believe in responsible tourism, working closely with local families to ensure that your visit benefits the community directly.
🌅 A Glimpse into Cambodia’s Living Heritage
Visiting Kompong Phluk is not just sightseeing — it’s a window into a traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.
From fishermen casting nets at dawn to families cooking over open fires on wooden decks, every moment tells a story of adaptation and spirit.
Whether you visit in the dry season or during the floods, Kompong Phluk will leave you with a deep appreciation for the heart and soul of the Tonle Sap.
🌏 Join Us on the Great Lake
Let Tara Riverboat be your guide to Cambodia’s most unique water world.
Cruise, explore, and connect — discover Kompong Phluk and the Tonle Sap Lake with the team that knows it best.
Book your Tara Riverboat adventure today and see why life on the lake is one of Cambodia’s most unforgettable experiences.