From Siem Reap: Floating Village Tour by Boat

The floating villages along Tonle Sap Lake offer a captivating glimpse into the unique way of life of the Khmer people. Embarking on a guided boat tour from Siem Reap, visitors can enjoy this picturesque setting, exploring the stilted homes, vibrant markets, and witnessing the resilience of a community that has adapted to life on the water. With insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a deeper understanding of the rich culture and traditions that have endured for generations. However, the true charm of this experience lies in the opportunity to connect with the local community and witness the extraordinary adaptability of the human spirit.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Siem Reap.

Good To Know

• This 5-hour Siem Reap tour offers a boat ride through the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, showcasing the unique way of life along the water.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, a visit to a traditional Cambodian village, and a stop at a local pagoda or market.
• The 2.5-hour motorized boat tour is the main highlight, allowing visitors to witness the vibrant floating markets, fish farms, and rice paddies.
• An optional canoe excursion through the flooded forest is available during the wet season, from October to January.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides commentary on the local history and culture, offering participants a deeper understanding of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Floating Village Tour by Boat is a 5-hour excursion that takes visitors to the scenic Siem Reap region of Cambodia. Priced from $26.13 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) provides an immersive experience into rural Cambodian life.

Guests will be picked up from their hotel and transported by air-conditioned mini-bus or private vehicle to the tour sites. The itinerary includes a visit to a traditional village, a pagoda or local market, and a 2.5-hour motorized boat tour showcasing floating homes, shops, and schools.

Sunset views from a floating café are a highlight. The tour is conducted in English and includes hotel transfers, transportation, entrance fees, guide, and essential supplies.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from the participant’s hotel or a designated meeting point in Krong Siem Reap.

Transportation is provided via a shared air-conditioned mini-bus or private vehicle.

The first stop is a traditional Cambodian village for a 30-minute visit.

Next, the group heads to the Kompong Phluk area, where they’ll visit a pagoda or local market for another 30 minutes.

The highlight is the 2.5-hour motorized boat tour of the stilted buildings.

During the boat ride, participants can opt for an additional canoe excursion in the flooded forest, available from October to January.

The tour returns to Krong Siem Reap around 1:30 PM.

Highlights

Experience rural Cambodian lifestyle as the tour takes participants on a scenic journey alongside floating homes, shops, and schools.

Marvel at the vibrant floating markets, fish farms, and rice paddies that dot the landscape. An insightful guide provides commentary on the local history and culture, offering a deeper understanding of this unique way of life.

Stop for a sunset viewing from a small floating café, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Whether exploring by motorized boat or opting for a canoe ride in the flooded forest, this tour showcases the remarkable adaptability and resilience of the Khmer people living on the water.

Inclusions & Additional Costs

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by high-quality air-conditioned vehicle, complimentary cold face towels and bottled water, entrance fees (for the shared tour option), and the services of a professional guide.

Additional costs include a guide fee for private tours, the entrance fee for private tours, motorized boat fees for private tours, and a rowing boat fee for the optional canoe ride in the flooded forest.

Participants are also expected to tip the guide and cover the cost of any meals and alcoholic drinks.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended to bring along on the tour.

Pets, smoking, and large bags aren’t allowed.

The tour has a flexible booking policy, allowing travelers to reserve their spot and pay later. If a cancellation is necessary, full refunds are available up to 24 hours in advance.

The shared tour option includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, beverages, and a professional guide to provide insightful commentary on the local history and culture.

For the private tour, additional costs apply for the guide, entrance fee, and boat fees.

Customer Reviews

Based on the two reviews cited, participants have praised the tour guide Seila for his knowledgeable and friendly demeanor, recommending the trip as a must-do for anyone visiting Siem Reap.

The tour has received a 5/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting the scenic views of the floating markets, fish farms, and rice paddies, as well as the insightful commentary on local history and culture.

Tour Booking

Booking the Floating Village Tour by Boat is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot online or contact the tour operator directly.

The tour offers both shared and private options, with prices starting from $26.13 per person for the shared tour. Guests can choose their preferred pickup location in Siem Reap and secure their booking by paying a deposit.

The tour company provides flexibility, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

Tour Experience

Typically, the Floating Village Tour by Boat in Siem Reap, Cambodia provides an immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the unique way of life along the Tonle Sap Lake.

The tour begins with a visit to a traditional Cambodian village, followed by a stop at a local pagoda or market.

The highlight is the 2.5-hour motorized boat tour, where guests can observe the floating homes, shops, and schools that make up the vibrant community.

An optional canoe ride through the flooded forest is available during the wet season.

The tour concludes with a sunset viewing from a small floating café, offering a serene end to the day’s adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boat Shared With Other Tourists or Private?

The tour offers both shared and private boat options. The shared tour has a limited group size of 10 participants, while the private tour allows for a more personalized experience with just your group.

How Much Time Is Spent in the Floating Village?

The tour spends 2.5 hours exploring the floating village by motorized boat, allowing visitors to witness the unique way of life in this rural Cambodian community. Participants can observe the floating homes, shops, and schools during this scenic boat ride.

Can Children Participate in the Optional Canoe Ride?

Children can participate in the optional canoe ride, which is available from October to January. However, the tour guide may have restrictions on the age or size of children allowed in the canoes for safety reasons.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour guidelines don’t mention any restrictions on photography during the excursion. Participants are free to take photos throughout the boat ride and on-shore visits, capturing the scenic floating village and local life.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Purchase Local Handicrafts?

The tour includes a visit to a traditional village, where participants may have the opportunity to browse and purchase local handicrafts. However, the itinerary doesn’t specifically mention a dedicated handicraft shopping stop.

Sum Up

The "From Siem Reap: Floating Village Tour by Boat" is an immersive experience that allows visitors to witness the unique way of life along Tonle Sap Lake. From visiting a traditional Cambodian village to exploring the vibrant floating markets, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the resilience and rich culture of the Khmer people. With a knowledgeable guide and a scenic boat ride, this excursion provides a memorable and insightful journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: