subject: Visit The Floating Villages Of Cambodia For An Exceptional Experience [print this page] If you plan your trip to Cambodia to appreciate the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, then you can easily explore yet another wonder that the country is know for, that is, its floating villages. Whoever comes to see the Angkor Wat almost always stays in Siem Reap, and just at a 30-minute drive from the famous Cambodian resort, you can find the most celebrated and famous floating village of the country, the Chong Khneas, which is located on the bank of Lake Tonle Sap. However, if you are starting your journey from the capital Phnom Penh, then you can easily find a ferry cruise to the place. But you can tell that it is much easier to access it from Siem Reap.
Fishing is one of the major occupations in Cambodia and considering that fact, it may not be a surprise to find floating villages in the country. Most of the population in Cambodia is concentrated around water bodies, which is probably the reason why water is so central to the Cambodian culture and society. In such a culture, floating villages only strengthen this bond, as people choose water over land for building their homes. Given their unique setting, it has become a popular tourist attraction over time.
Among the most important attractions of the floating village, the fish and crocodile farms are really popular. You can get very close and spectacular views of the crocodiles, which can offer you a good opportunity to take a snap or two to share with your family and friends. But obviously, it does not need any elaboration to caution you not to get too close. There is also a catfish farm next to the crocodile farm. Tourists often find it interesting to feed the crocodile and the catfish. You will hardly believe it when you would also see floating farms with chicken and pigs.
Another particular attraction of Chong Khneas, towards which the tourists have developed a special interest, is the local elementary school. But the real value of this attraction would be at the time of children leaving the school to their homes, and it is really a worth watching spectacle. Among other attractions, the Gecko Environment Center and the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary in the vicinity can really increase your knowledge about the habitat around the Lake Tonle Sap.
Probably the first sight that will await you in Chong Khneas is a crowd of boats along the banks of the river when you will arrive there from Siem Reap. While a boat ride is what visiting Chong Khneas is all about, many prefer to time their trip to enjoy a sunset boat ride. But a sunset boat ride could cost you more than a regular one. It is not difficult to find a boat ride at all, but if you go for better quality, such as a boat with meal and drinks, you will be charged quite a high fare. A ferry ride from Phnom Penh could cost you as much as $35, but the local boats can cost much less, especially the tak taks.
Chong Khneas is the most famous of the floating villages, but there are many more places like this to see as well. In fact, these days many tourists are not content with the crowded Chong Khneas, and are prepared to explore the floating villages deeper into the Lake Tonle Sap to find the ones which are more unadulterated and traditional. Just near the Chong Khneas, Kampong Kleang and Kompong Phluk are the best alternatives. On the other side of the lake, Kompong Luong is yet another spot in the Pursat province, which is gradually gaining popularity for a similar attraction.
