Tonle Sap Lake Sunset Cruise Small Group From Siem Reap

The Tonle Sap Lake Sunset Cruise from Siem Reap offers an enchanting escape into Cambodia’s natural beauty. This small group tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the tranquil lifestyle of the Chong Kneas Floating Village and visit the historic Wat Athvea temple. As the sun dips below the horizon, guests can soak in the breathtaking views while enjoying complimentary Cambodian refreshments. Whether you’re seeking a serene respite or a chance to learn about local culture, this three-hour journey promises an unforgettable experience.

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

Key Points

• A 3-hour sunset cruise across Tonle Sap Lake, including a visit to the Chong Kneas Floating Village and complimentary Cambodian beer, soft drinks, and canapes.
• Tranquil and scenic experience with breathtaking views of Cambodia’s natural landscape and a stunning sunset.
• Small group tour format for a personalized experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off from Siem Reap.
• Opportunity to explore the 12th-century Wat Athvea temple and observe the unique lifestyle of the Chong Kneas Floating Village.
• Highly rated tour with positive reviews emphasizing the quality of service and overall experience.

Overview and Experience

The sunset cruise across Tonle Sap Lake offers visitors a breathtaking view of Cambodia’s natural landscape.

Departing from Siem Reap, the tour includes a visit to the Chong Kneas Floating Village, where travelers can observe the local way of life along the floodplains.

During the cruise, guests can enjoy complimentary Cambodian beer, soft drinks, and canapes as they experience the tranquil sunset at a secluded spot on the lake.

The tour duration is approximately 3 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights include a visit to Wat Athvea, a 12th-century temple located outside of Angkor that was built by the same workers as the iconic Angkor Wat. Guests will also have the opportunity to cruise through the Chong Kneas Floating Village, where they can observe the daily life of the local villagers along the floodplains of Tonle Sap. The total tour duration is approximately 3 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for added convenience.

Activity	Duration
Visit Wat Athvea	30 minutes
Cruise Chong Kneas Floating Village	60 minutes
Sunset Cruise	90 minutes

Logistics and Details

A small group tour is offered to avoid crowded experiences on the Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise. The tour includes convenient hotel pickup from selected points in Siem Reap.

Travelers should be ready 30 minutes prior to the 3:00 PM start time. The tour duration is approximately 3 hours, including the boat trip and return to the hotel.

The small group size ensures a more personalized and immersive experience exploring the floating village of Chong Kneas and witnessing the tranquil sunset on the lake.

This sunset cruise is an excellent way to escape the bustling city and take in Cambodia’s natural landscape.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise includes several key elements. The tour package provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a shared air-conditioned vehicle and shared boat trip. Complimentary Cambodian beer, soft drinks, and canapes are also included during the cruise.

Included	Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Other meals
Shared air-conditioned vehicle	Drinks not mentioned
Shared boat trip	Tipping
Cambodian beer, soft drinks, canapes	Travel insurance

However, other meals, drinks not mentioned, tipping, and travel insurance are excluded from the tour package. Customers can expect a well-organized and immersive sunset cruise experience on Tonle Sap Lake.

Positive Reviews and Ratings

Though the Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise has received only 6 reviews so far, it boasts a perfect 5.0 rating on both Viator and Tripadvisor.

Positive feedback highlights the quality of service and overall experience. Travelers have praised the tranquil and scenic sunset setting, as well as the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.

The small group size has also been noted as a key benefit, allowing for a more personalized and less crowded experience.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, the Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise offers a reliable and enjoyable way to explore Cambodia’s natural landscapes.

Tranquil Sunset Cruise

Departing from Siem Reap, the Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise offers travelers a tranquil and scenic experience on the serene waters.

As the boat meanders across the lake, passengers can enjoy:

1. Breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape, including the floodplains and floating villages.
2. A complimentary selection of Cambodian beer, soft drinks, and canapes to enhance the relaxing ambiance.
3. The opportunity to witness a stunning sunset, with the sky ablaze in vibrant hues, creating a serene and unforgettable atmosphere.

This small group tour provides a peaceful escape, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of Tonle Sap Lake and observe the daily life of the local communities.

Chong Kneas Floating Village

As the boat cruises through the serene waters, it offers a captivating glimpse into the daily life of the Chong Kneas Floating Village. This thriving community resides entirely on the floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake, with houses, schools, and even a floating market all built atop the water. Visitors can observe the local residents going about their routines, from fishing and farming to trading goods and socializing. The floating village is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Cambodian people, who have adapted to the ebb and flow of the lake’s water levels over generations.

Feature	Description
Homes	Houses built on stilts or floating platforms
Schools	Floating educational facilities for local children
Markets	Lively floating markets selling fresh produce and goods
Transportation	Boats and canoes as the primary mode of transportation
Livelihood	Fishing, farming, and trading as the main economic activities

Wat Athvea Temple Visit

After departing from Siem Reap, the sunset cruise takes visitors to Wat Athvea, a 12th-century temple located outside the Angkor complex.

This temple was built by the same workers who constructed the iconic Angkor Wat. Travelers can explore the temple’s intricate carvings, admire the unique architectural style, and learn about its historical significance.

The visit to Wat Athvea offers:

1. A glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
2. An opportunity to witness the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Khmer builders.
3. A chance to appreciate the tranquility of a lesser-known temple site away from the crowds.

This stop on the sunset cruise provides a well-rounded cultural experience, complementing the serene lake views and local village life observed during the rest of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Boat Capacity for the Cruise?

The boat capacity for the cruise is not explicitly stated in the provided information. The tour is described as a "small group tour to avoid crowded experiences," suggesting it likely accommodates a limited number of passengers, but the exact capacity is not specified.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on the cruise. The tour provides complimentary Cambodian beer, soft drinks, and canapes during the sunset cruise experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Cruise?

Yes, photography is allowed during the cruise. Travelers can capture the stunning sunset and scenic views of the Tonle Sap Lake and its floating village. However, it’s polite to ask permission before taking photos of local residents.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?

The dress code for the sunset cruise is casual and comfortable. Participants are encouraged to wear light, breathable clothing suitable for the warm tropical climate. No formal attire is required for this relaxed and scenic boat tour.

Are Children Welcome on the Tour?

Children are welcome on the tour. The sunset cruise welcomes all ages, so families can enjoy the scenic lake and floating village together. However, caretakers should supervise young children for their safety during the boat trip.

Recap

The Tonle Sap Lake Sunset Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience Cambodia’s natural beauty and traditional way of life. With a visit to the historic Wat Athvea temple, a scenic cruise through the Chong Kneas Floating Village, and breathtaking sunset views, it’s an enchanting escape that’s not to be missed. The small group tour from Siem Reap provides a tranquil and memorable experience.