Located at the brink of civilisation, Kampong Khleang stands as the most elusive gem among the floating villages accessible from Siem Reap. The voyage to this remote outpost is as enchanting as the destination itself: a village poised over water, distant noises of everyday life resonating over serene settings.

This untouched jewel of Cambodia waits for the audacious explorers to unlock its many secrets. Although this village receives the fewest footfalls among its counterparts, it radiates an untouched charm that captivates the rare wanderer who traverses its domain.

This is no ordinary escapade; it's a one-day chronological cruise through a living museum where the stilted houses rise like seasoned guardians of the past.

Read more: Apsara Traditional Cambodian Dance

Table of Content

1. History & Background
2. A Living Gallery of Culture
3. Interesting Facts
4. Local Food at Kampong Khleang
5. Top Things to Do at Kampong Khleang
6. How to Get There

Spending One Day in Kampong Khleang, Cambodia

Spending One Day in Kampong Khleang, Cambodia

Organising a day trip to this hideaway is an effortless affair as it is offered by many local travel agents. The travel clock ticks for a fleeting hour, as one is swathed in the raw beauty of untamed landscapes and peaceful waterways leading to Kampong Khleang.

Far from the humdrum of popular tourist trails, this is an adventure that promises intimate encounters with local culture, untouched wilderness, and a rewarding sense of discovery. As we say at Rolling Grace: it's all about experiencing the world in its vibrant, diverse glory - and Kampong Khleang is no exception.

Spending a day on a Kampong Khleang tour in Cambodia is highly recommended for those seeking to immerse themselves in authentic Cambodian culture.

Amidst the scenic beauty of Kampong Khleang, the unfortunate reality of heavy pollution, particularly with an abundance of trash, underscores the pressing need for environmental action.

History & Background

Kampong Khleang, which translates to the 'Harbour of the Tendons' in Khmer, is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Cambodia's cultural heritage. The village's timeline intertwines with the storied pages of the mighty Khmer Empire, with origins that possibly trace back as far as the grandiose era of Angkor Thom.

This large floating village is located near Tonle Sap - Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. It is approximately 50 kilometres from Siem Reap city and provides a vivid picture of the lush and traditional Cambodian way of life.

A Living Gallery of Culture

Wandering through the elevated lanes, one appreciates Kampong Khleang's architecture—homes designed to rise with the tides, evoking a timelessness now etched into history chronicles. Unlike its more frequented cousin, the Kampong Phluk floating village, Khleang stands out with authenticity that hasn't succumbed to the tourist makeover.

During your boat ride to Kompong Khleang, you can see for yourself the stilt-houses that move in sync with the water stream. The way of living here is unique, as there is no running water or internet access, yet life is nothing short of extraordinary. This boat trip will make you reflect about poverty and the difficult lives of Southeast Asian communities.

Spending One Day in Kampong Khleang, Cambodia

Dry season at Kampong Khleang

Kampong Khleang in Siem Reap, during the dry season

The bridge leading to Kampong Khleang

Interesting Facts

Did you know that Kampong Khleang residents adapt their fishing techniques according to the seasons? It's a life skill perfected over generations. Plus, a stone's throw away lies the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It harbours centuries-old mysteries within its massive stone faces and labyrinthine temples, including the iconic Bayon.

Just like Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang is located close to Tonlé Sap so houses are built on stilts to prevent flooding during the wet season. During this trip, we have had the chance to interact with the villagers as well as to have home cooked meal in one of the houses. The experience was amazing!

Embracing authenticity in Kampong Khleang, Cambodia, where every corner tells a story of resilience and community amidst the charming chaos of a floating village.

The ancestors of the elderly woman living here were Chinese, hence the red drapes and decor.

Local Food at Kampong Khleang

At first glance, Cambodian cuisine may seem to be the wallflower amidst a dazzling court of Asian dishes. Its simplicity, seemingly overshadowed by the spicy kick of Thai curry or Vietnamese Pho's aromatic broth.

While eating out here, challenge your preconceived condiment notions and gear up for a taste of what could easily be Sriracha's cousin from another continent—their equally vibrant chili sauce. A little hint of this adds an exciting twist to your meal, catapulting it from 'mildly interesting' to 'fooled ya' on the taste spectrum.

Ready to experience authentic local Cambodia dishes at Kampong Khleang?

Their pride and joy, Prahok, a fermented fish paste, dances the delicate line between pungent and flavourful, an audacious addition to any dish—and a culinary emblem of this incredible nation.

Next, stumble upon a comforting Cambodian staple, the Bai Sach Chrouk, where grilled pork meets fragrant rice, with the zesty accompaniment of pickled cucumbers and daikon radish that elevate this humble staple to be an epicurean delight.

And when the morning sun peeks over Tonle Sap, delight in Nom Banh Chok, the "Khmer noodles." These slender rice noodles swimming in a green fish gravy and crowned with fresh blooms and beans offer an eye-catching start to your day.

Homecooked dishes at Kampong Khleang

Lunch was served!

A glimpse into the kitchen of a villager in Kampung Khleang.

Top Things to Do at Kampong Khleang

Embark on a cultural safari by sampan to observe local life along the Tonle Sap. Visit during the dry season when the village transforms into a sunbaked chessboard of houses on stilts. Involve yourself in community activities or simply relish a catch-of-the-day dish, blending the freshest flavours found only here.

Weaving through the daily rhythm, you’ll discover the locals crafting their fishing nets with a genius as old as the river itself, while fish, the star of their daily meals, tells of a relationship with the river that goes way back. It’s this simple yet beautiful way of life that truly captures the essence of Cambodia, as enduring and deep as the waters that cradle this floating haven.

You'll find the villagers enjoying their favourite pastimes, which range from lounging on hammocks suspended from home to home, to soulfully belting out tunes in impromptu karaoke sessions. As you delve further into this captivating place, you'll feel an increasing urge to understand every nuance, every idiosyncrasy, and for this, a guide is indispensable.

Angkor Thom

As the gentle rhythms of Tonle Sap fade into the background and the chatter of Kampong Khleang's day-to-day life becomes a hushed whisper, you'll find the threshold to ancient worlds beckoning seductively. It's here, a heartbeat away from the stilted serenity, that the grandeur of Angkor Thom looms.

Picture this: majestic stone faces of Avalokiteshvara staring down at you, their enigmatic smiles locked in time, whispering secrets of the once-mighty Khmer empire. Adventure pulses through the roots and ruins, and there's this tangible magic in the air—can you feel it?

Beng Mealea

Just when you believe the day can't unfold any grander richness, the entangled embrace of nature and architecture at Beng Mealea tempts you deeper into the realm of discovery. A mere tuk-tuk ride away lies this slumbering behemoth, draped in a tapestry of greens—a temple untouched, unrestrained, and unbelievably photogenic. With corridors that beg exploration and courtyards that demand a moment of awe, Beng Mealea is your personal Indiana Jones chapter waiting to be lived.

Photos to compare the condition of the village during the dry and wet season

We visited Tonlé Sap for the second time during the same trip, but this time around we were at a different community, which is mostly made up of Vietnamese fishermen and families.

A villager, sun-kissed and glowing, finds joyful respite from the balmy Cambodian day by embracing the refreshing embrace of the shimmering, inviting river.

A tranquil reflection of daily life in Kampong Khleang, where stilted houses stand gracefully above the water, creating a picturesque scene of Cambodia's floating village life.

Kampong Khleang floating village, Cambodia

How to Get There

Navigating to this secluded sanctuary is part of the charm. A smooth drive from Siem Reap and a short boat ride whisk you into another world. It's essential to confirm the Kampong Khleang price for the boat trip beforehand to ensure a seamless journey. Typically, a boat trip ranges from $20-$30, but prices may vary. Always check the latest rates.

Consider visiting the neighbouring temple of Beng Mealea, cloaked in an air of Indiana Jones-worthy ruins, before returning to Siem Reap.

Jetty to Tonlé Sap from Kampong Khleang

Kampong Khleang floating village in Cambodia can be reached by boat

The boat caption was about 13 years old, but thankfully, this little guy knew what he was doing.

Charting through Tonle Sap's watery maze, with a gentle splash here and a soft paddling echo there.

Your day at Kampong Khleang will leave your heart anchored even as you drift back to the present day.

As the sun dips, casting a golden glow over the Tonle Sap, you'll find something more than just travel photos. You'll carry home a mosaic of memories, filled with the smiles of locals and the palpable spirit of centuries.

Your one day in Kampong Khleang isn’t just a tick off the travel list; it's entering a chapter in the ongoing kompong khleang history. So, as you set your compass back to the familiar, remember, it's places like these that truly define the phrase 'hidden gem'.

We dream in dishes and destinations too, and we'd love to join your adventures vicariously! Remember to hashtag #RollingGrace or tag @rollinggrace on Instagram. May your travels be as delightful as your meals!