2-Day Sambor Prei Kuk and Tonle Sap Floating Village Tour

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the earliest Khmer temple complexes from the 7th century
• 02 See more than 150 temple structures dedicated to Gambhireshvara, a form of Shiva
• 03 Visit the well-preserved 12th-century Spean Praptos at Kompong Kdei
• 04 Discover Kampong Khleang, the largest floating village community on Tonle Sap Lake
• 05 Marvel at the towering stilt houses that transform with the lake's wet and dry seasons

Explore the ancient temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, a 7th-century Khmer marvel built by King Isanavarman I, with more than 150 structures dedicated to Gambhireshvara, a reincarnation of Shiva. Along the way, see the preserved 12th-century Spean Praptos at Kompong Kdei and learn about the area's more recent history through bomb craters and formerly mined ground. The journey also takes you to Tonle Sap Lake and Kampong Khleang, the lake's largest floating village, where towering stilt houses and seasonal floating homes reveal a remarkable way of life.

The journey also takes you to Tonle Sap Lake and Kampong Khleang, the lake's largest floating village, where towering stilt houses and seasonal floating homes reveal a remarkable way of life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Siem Reap

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Visit the Ancient Temples of Sambor Prei Kuk

• On the first day of this tour, we'll drive out to Kampong Thom province to visit one of the earliest Khmer temples, known as Sambor Prei Kuk. It was built in the 7th century by King Isanavarman I and is located on the eastern side of Tonle Sap Lake. More than 150 temples were built on this site, and it was dedicated to Gambhireshvara, a reincarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. In more modern times, the area was heavily bombed by the United States, and you can still see the craters left behind. Local guerrilla fighters also heavily mined the area, which was only demined in 2008.

2

Day 02

Tonle Sap Lake, Spean Praptos, and Kampong Khleang

• On the way back to Siem Reap, we will take you to see the great lake called Tonle Sap.
• Our first stop will be at Kompong Kdei Naga Bridge, "Spean Praptos," which was built in the 12th century and is still preserved in good condition today.
• You'll leave Kampong Thom town around 8 o'clock in the morning and begin the drive to Kampong Khleang, a floating village situated on Tonle Sap Lake. It is more remote and less touristy than the other floating villages, and visitors are often in awe of the tall houses standing on high stilts, which are clearly visible in the dry season. During the wet season, these houses float on top of the lake. Kampong Khleang is the largest village and community on the lake, with a population around 10 times bigger than that of the other floating villages there.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Boat trip
• Entrance fee to the floating village
• Cool water and towels

What's Not Included

• Entrance fee (allow US$10.00 per person)
• Meals
• Accommodation
• Tipping and personal expenses
• All expenses not mentioned above

What to bring

• Camera
• Suitable walking shoes
• Mosquito repellent lotion

Know before you go

• Ask your hotel to prepare a breakfast box. If your hotel includes breakfast, this is usually provided at no extra cost.
• You must cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temples.
• You must always keep your entrance ticket with you.
• Entrance tickets are non-transferable.
• We also recommend that you take an umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season - May to October.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Khum, Preah Sihanouk Avenue, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tour start

Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.