Nestled in the south of Siem Reap is the vibrant and captivating Chong Kneas floating village. With a community surviving in the floating buildings and markets, it is a unique way of experiencing Cambodian traditional life. Explore the people’s lifestyle as you navigate Lake Tonle Sap and admire the resilience and harmony of the life they have created in the ecosystem. Navigate the bustling market and witness the items and souvenirs being sold, savour the piping hot food cooked and served right in front of you as you enjoy the rhythm of the largest lake in Cambodia.
Chong Kneas Catholic Church
Image Credit: A. Omer Karamollaoglu for Wikimedia Commons
A floating church built amidst the hustle and bustle of the market stands the Chong Khneas Catholic Church. Built in 2002 by Vietnamese Catholic residents in Cambodia, this church is also a learning centre for the area’s kids. Being the only church accessible to the floating village’s population, it is a centre of spirituality and learning. You can stop on your way and spend some time in the serenity of the church.
Must Read: Temples In Cambodia
Chong Kneas Floating Village: Nearby Attractions
With various popular tourist destinations near the Chong Khneas floating village, you can never have a dull moment. We have wicked some of the best places you should visit for a cultural experience of Cambodia:
1. Angkor Wat
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Located 15 km from the Chong Khneas floating village in Siem Riep is the majestic temple which would transport you to another world. Built-in the 12th century under the Khyer empire, this iconic landmark is spread over a 400 square kilometre area. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu with its stunning grandeur, tall towers, vast main temple area, magnificent sculptures and carvings. Being the largest religious monument, the temple is now the abode of Buddhist monks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors from all over the world to witness the beauty of this temple.
- Visiting hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry fees: USD 37
2. Angkor National Museum
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Located 12 km away from the Chong Khneas floating village, the Angkor National Museum is proof of the beauty and power of the Khmer dynasty. The museum was established in 2007 and has artefacts and status of Lord Buddha. With multiple languages available for the audio explanation, the museum provides an insight into the lifestyle, history and weapons of the Khmer dynasty. The museum is also the centre of music and performances, offering a chance to experience Cambodia’s vibrant culture.
- Entry fees: USD 12
- Visiting hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Suggested Read: Pre Rup Temple
3. Bayon Temple
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Located 36 km away from Chong Khneas floating village, Bayon Temple was built in the 10th century under the reign of the Khmer Empire. Being the only Buddhist shrine in the city filled with temples dedicated to Hindu gods, Bayon temple’s architecture will leave you mesmerised. The most unique part of the temple is the huge smiling faces carved in the towers. With 37 towers in the complex and 216 smiling faces initially, these places are also known as the Mona Lisa of Asia. You can visit this temple and Angkor Wat as they are located nearby and can be covered in a day’s trip.
- Entry fees: USD 37
- Visiting hours: 5 AM to 5:30 PM
Other Famous Floating Villages In Cambodia
While visiting Chong Kneas Floating Village, many other authentic floating are nearby. If you are done with a trip to the Chong Kneas Floating Village, take a boat ride and go on to explore the beauty of the Tonle Sap Lake. You can get a more immersive and offbeat experience in these villages. Here are our top picks of nearby floating villages:
1. Kampong Phluk
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Located 30 km away from Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk consists of 3 villages and shows the intertwining of human and natural ecosystems at its best. The houses are built on stilts, and the population relies on fishing and aquaculture. Enjoy the greenery and the view of colourful houses set in the backdrop of the flowing water. In the wet season, the houses are only accessible by boats as the water level rises. The community is a testament to human resilience to survive in harmony with nature. Enjoy the sight of mangrove forests and savour
dishes cooked right in front of you in the boats.
- Entry fees: USD 20
- Visiting hours: 7 AM to 5:00PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Cambodia
2, Kampong Khleang
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Located 50 km away from Siem Reap, Kampong Khleang has both stilt and floating houses. The word Kampong Khleang means harbour warehouse and can be the ideal destination if you are looking for a less crowded market. You can pre-book a trip to the floating market and witness the unique stilted house built at 10 metres above sea level. With agriculture and fishery being the main source of livelihood, the village is untouched by modern society and technologies.
- Entry fees: USD 20
- Visiting hours: 7 AM to 5:00 PM
3. Mechrey
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Located 25 km away from Siem Reap, Mechrey is another floating market based on the lake Tonle Sap. With the people leading simple lives navigating their livelihood through farming and fishing, you would see the raw beauty of Mechrey. Several boats are offering local dishes and handicrafts which would be excellent souvenirs for your friends and family. With a similar housing setup as other floating markets, Mechrey offers a glimpse into the daily life and cultural values of Cambodia.
- Entry fees: USD 20
- Visiting hours: 7 AM to 5:00 PM
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Important Information One Needs To Note While Visiting The Floating Village
To make the trip most memorable and heartworthy, One must get to know the information of whereabouts and best time to visit which are listed below.
Where Is Chong Khneas?
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Located 16 km south of Siem Reap, Chong Khneas floating village fascinates its visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, bustling markets. It is situated on the northern edge of Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, making it a popular day trip destination for visitors to the region.
Best Time To Visit Chong Kneas Floating Market
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Cambodia is situated in the tropical region and hence experiences hot and humid summers. Cambodia experiences two main seasons: wet and dry. The summer months have temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius and lasts from May to October. Sudden showers are common which might interfere with the trip plans. The dry months last from October to April in Cambodia and offer significantly cooler and pleasant days. With clear skies and minimum to no rainfall, you can explore several islands and enjoy the perfect beach vacation. The transport is also more convenient in the dry season hence it is considerably more crowded with surge rates in hotels and activities.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cambodia
How To Get To Chong Khneas Floating Village
Image Credit: Christine Zenino for Wikimedia Commons
Chong Kneas Floating Village Cambodia is a short ride from Siem Reap brimming with hues of market and houses built near the lake. You can use any of these listed modes of transport to reach Chong Kneas Village:
1. By Tuk-Tuk or Private Cab: You can book a private cab or tuk-tuk to reach Chong Kneas Floating Village with utmost comfort. The journey can take around 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. The roads are well-built for a comfortable ride. Enjoy the scenic views of the countryside of Cambodia on your way to the market.
2. By Organised Tours: To avoid the hassle of planning and exploring the market on your own, you can go forward with a guided tour plan by travel agencies. Multiple tours and travel agencies plan trips to the Chong Kneas Village and nearby attractions. This allows you to enjoy the tour without any hassle of planning the trip.
3. By Bus: Although there are no direct buses from Siem Reap to Chong Kneas Village, you can take a bus or minivan from the local bus stop and get off at the junction near Chong Kneas Floating Village. From the junction, you can cover the remaining 5 km by a tuk-tuk ride of 10 to 15 minutes.
Further Read: Resorts In Cambodia
Chong Kneas Floating Village is an eminent experience to add to your travel memories of Cambodia. Traversing through the waterways and experiencing the lifestyle of the people would widen your horizons and perspectives. If this guide about Chong Kneas Floating Village motivates you to book a trip, then here are some of the best packages for a trip to Cambodia. To explore the intriguing history, religion and beauty in the folklore of Cambodia.
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Cover Image Source: Christine Zenino for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Chong Kneas Floating Village
What to avoid in Chong Kneas Floating Village?
Avoid buying rice sold in the name of donation for children. The rice is sold at a much higher price and is not given as a donation.
What types of cuisines are available in the Chong Kneas Village?
You can savour dishes from the Khymer, Vietnamese and Western cuisines in the floating market.
What is the entrance fee of the Chong Kneas Floating Village?
You will have to pay USD 3 to enter the market.
What are the boat charges for a trip to the Chong Kneas Floating Village?
The boat ride is USD 20 per person.
What is the duration of the trip to Chong Kneas Floating Village?
Ideally, you would need around 3 to 4 hours to experience the whole village.
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