“It is the largest and most highly traditional floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, noted for its use of towering wooden stilts over 10 meters”
Kampong Khleang Floating Village is one of the largest communities and home to several thousand fishermen on Tonle Sap Lake. the village is renowned for preserving its authenticity and massive size better than its counterparts. The key distinguishing feature of Kampong Khleang is its housing, which is built on the tallest stilts on the entire Tonle Sap Lake. These massive wooden stilts clearly stand over 10-12 meters high to cope with the dramatically rising water levels during the wet season (where the houses appear to float). There is also a distinct section of truly floating houseboats that relocate seasonally. During the low water season (approximately February to July), you can clearly see these sky-high stilts, giving the incredible illusion of a town lifted into the air. Because Kampong Khleang is situated in the Chi Kraeng District, which is further away from Siem Reap town, it receives significantly fewer tourists compared to closer villages like Kampong Phluk
A visit here offers a much quieter and more genuine touring experience. You will witness the authentic Khmer fishing lifestyle without the interruption of numerous tourist boats. This village attracts individuals interested in local culture, photographers keen to capture the unique, extreme stilt architecture, and those fascinated by nature’s resilience. It is a deeply impressive journey that provides both insight and visual spectacle. We invite you to visit Kampong Khleang to witness the marvel of houses adapting to the water and appreciate the strength of the Khmer fishing life sustained by the Tonle Sap.
How to Get There
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Hire a Private Taxi/Car: Travel from Siem Reap to the Kampong Khleang port approximate travel time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes. Then, board a local boat.
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Group Guided Tour: The most convenient option, as it covers both land and boat transportation
Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: The High Water Season approx. September - February is ideal, as the houses appear to be floating on the fully-risen water, offering the most picturesque view.
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Accessibility: Kampong Khleang is more remote. please plan your trip well and allow extra time for road travel.
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Boat Fare: Clearly agree on the price with the boat driver before departure.
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Authenticity: This village is highly authentic; therefore, tourist facilities may be limited. Be sure to bring your own water and personal supplies.
Admission Fee:
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Boat Fare: The estimated price is 20 - 25 USD per person for the boat trip.
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Note: The village entrance fee is usually included in the boat trip cost.
Operating Hours:
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Boats generally operate from approximately 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM (It is recommended to start the trip in the morning to maximize your time).