Kompong Phluk City
Seasonal flooded village on Tonle Sap with stilt houses
Upstream of Siem Reap, Kompong Phluk's stilted houses rise out of the Tonle Sap during flooding; boat tours navigate flooded forests and seasonal wildlife.
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Why Visit Kompong Phluk?#
Kompong Phluk attracts visitors for its remarkable stilt-house village and flooded forest on Tonle Sap, where seasonal water levels reshape daily life. Boat tours, wooden walkways and simple lakeside temples offer a close look at floating agriculture and local fishing traditions. Birdwatching and community-run homestays add depth to a short visit.
Best Things to Do in Kompong Phluk#
Kompong Phluk Bucket List#
Kompong Phluk Stilt Village - Boat through elevated houses and teak stilt homes above the Tonle Sap.
Flooded Forest Walk - Glide among submerged trees at low water for unique ecosystem views.
Local Fishing Market - Watch fishermen unload seasonal hauls and barter at the village market.
Pagoda Viewpoint - Climb the small pagoda for quiet sunset views over flooded stilt houses.
Boatmakers’ Workshop - Visit family workshops where wooden boats and paddles are handcrafted and repaired.
Floating Vegetable Gardens - See villagers tending floating gardens that sustain the community during floods.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary - Take a full-day trip to Prek Toal bird sanctuary for rare waterbirds.
Siem Reap and Angkor - Combine a Kompong Phluk morning with afternoon visits to Angkor’s temple complex.
Best Time to Visit Kompong Phluk#
Kompong Phluk is best visited during the dry cool season (November-February) when water levels are lower and walking is possible. The wet season (June-October) floods the Tonle Sap, transforming the area into an impressive floating world.
November - February
22-32 °C (72-90 °F)
Dry, comfortable days are ideal for seeing floating villages and walking the dry lakebed-less mosquitos and lower water levels.
March - May
25-38 °C (77-100 °F)
Scorching afternoons make boat excursions sticky but mornings are dramatic and atmospheric for photography.
June - October
24-32 °C (75-90 °F)
The lake swells and villages become truly waterborne-spectacular for boat trips, though heavy rain can make travel slow.
Kompong Phluk's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1299 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (203 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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How to Get to Kompong Phluk#
Kompong Phluk is a seasonal floating village on the Tonle Sap floodplain reached from Siem Reap. The normal approach is to fly or bus to Siem Reap and then take a tuk‑tuk and boat for the final leg.
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (REP): Kompong Phluk is accessed from Siem Reap town; most visitors fly into Siem Reap (REP). From the airport to Siem Reap town center tuk‑tuks cost about $2-4 per person (10-20 minutes); taxis or private car transfers are typically $8-15 depending on luggage and time of day.
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): If approaching from Phnom Penh you can take a bus or arrange a private transfer to Siem Reap; bus fares are usually $7-$12 for Phnom Penh-Siem Reap and take around 5-6 hours, after which you’ll transfer to a tuk‑tuk/boat for Kompong Phluk.
Train: There is no regular passenger train service to Siem Reap.
Bus: Intercity buses and minibuses from Phnom Penh and Battambang arrive in Siem Reap; reliable operators include Giant Ibis and Mekong Express with fares commonly $7-$15 and journey times of 4.5-6 hours from Phnom Penh. From Siem Reap town you’ll typically hire a tuk‑tuk or arrange a motorboat to reach Kompong Phluk (river/tonle sap area).
How to Get Around Kompong Phluk#
The most practical way to reach Kompong Phluk is to base yourself in Siem Reap, then take a tuk‑tuk to a boat pier and a motorboat onto the flooded village. Boat and tuk‑tuk combos are the standard visitor option and give the most direct access.
- Tuk‑tuk ($2-$15) - $2-$15. Tuk‑tuks are the most common way to get from Siem Reap town to boat piers near the Tonle Sap; expect $5-15 for a round trip to the pier and waiting time depending on distance and bargaining. Good for short group transfers and flexible timing.
- Motorboat / Boat tour ($10-$40) - $10-$25 per person (or $15-$40 per boat depending on negotiation). Boat trips from the Chong Kneas or other Siem Reap piers take 30-60 minutes to Kompong Phluk depending on water level. Prices vary with season and whether you hire a private boat; agree the price and route in advance.
- Private taxi / Car ($20-$50) - $20-$50 one way from Siem Reap (depending on vehicle). If you prefer door‑to‑door comfort you can hire a private car to the pier and combine with a boat ride; useful for families or those on tight schedules.
- Bicycle ($1-$5/day) - $1-$5/day. Cycling around Siem Reap’s outskirts is possible in the dry season for independent travellers; beware dust and traffic on busier roads. Not a good option in wet season when floodplains are inundated.
- Organised tour / Guide ($15-$50) - $15-$50 per person depending on inclusions. Many visitors join a guided half‑day tour that bundles tuk‑uk, boat and a local guide - convenient and often includes entrance/boat fees. Check reviews and what’s included before booking.
- Walking - Once you arrive at the stilt‑village area short sections are easily explored on foot. Expect wooden walkways and uneven surfaces; wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for humidity and insects.
Where to Stay in Kompong Phluk#
Siem Reap (base for visits) - $8-40/night
Kompong Phluk itself has no hotels on the floating village; budget travellers stay in Siem Reap and take daily tours to the village by boat.
Shinta Mani Shack (Siem Reap) - Popular boutique with dorm and budget options.
Lub d Siem Reap - Well-known hostel near Pub Street.
Siem Reap (close to attractions) - $40-120/night
Mid-range travellers should base in Siem Reap where a wide selection of boutique and comfortable hotels provides easy access to Kompong Phluk tours.
Shinta Mani Shack - Design-forward boutique near Pub Street.
Rambutan Resort - Quiet mid-range hotel with pool.
Siem Reap luxury hotel zone - $120+/night
There are several high-end hotels in Siem Reap offering full services and convenient transfers; use Siem Reap as your base for Kompong Phluk excursions.
Sokha Angkor Resort - Large resort with pool and spa.
Park Hyatt Siem Reap - Upscale riverside hotel with refined rooms.
Shopping in Kompong Phluk#
Shopping is minimal - small stalls near the boat landings sell basic souvenirs and snacks to visiting tourists, but selection is limited compared with Siem Reap markets. If you want handicrafts or a wider range of goods, plan to shop in Siem Reap before or after your visit.
Nightlife in Kompong Phluk#
There is effectively no nightlife in the village - visits are daytime excursions focused on boat trips and sightseeing. For evening dining and bars return to Siem Reap.
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