In short
- Costs $5 per person in addition to the main boat ticket.
- Takes about 30 minutes in a small hand-paddled wooden canoe.
- Takes you into a quiet, shaded forest of submerged trees.
In this article
The main motorboat tour of Kampong Phluk shows you the stilted houses and the open lake. Midway through, the boat will stop at a floating platform near the mangrove trees. Here, local women offer a 30-minute ride in small wooden paddle boats. This part is not included in your main entry fee. Plan your visit
Is the flooded forest canoe ride included in the ticket?
No, the canoe ride is an optional extra that costs $5 per person.
You pay this fee directly at the floating platform where the paddle boats wait. The main ticket ($20-$25) only covers the motorized wooden boat that takes you through the village and out to the Tonle Sap Lake.
- Bring a $5 bill in cash.
- Small bills in Cambodian Riel are also accepted.
- You cannot pay this fee in advance at the main ticket office.
What do you see in the mangrove forest?
You will ride through a dense canopy of trees growing directly out of the water.
The paddle boat takes you away from the noisy motorboats into a quiet, shaded ecosystem. The trees rise high above the water line. If you are lucky, you might spot local water birds, fish, or macaque monkeys in the branches overhead. It is a peaceful contrast to the busy village waterway.
How long does the canoe ride last?
The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
The paddler rows you in a loop through the trees and back to the starting platform. This gives you enough time to take photos and enjoy the silence of the forest. The short duration means it easily fits into a standard 2 to 3 hour visit to Kampong Phluk.
Who paddles the boat?
Local women from the Kampong Phluk community paddle the canoes.
This is a source of extra income for the village families during the high water season. The paddlers use long wooden oars to navigate the narrow channels between the trees. They do all the work, so you can sit back and observe.
Is the $5 extra fee worth it?
Yes, if you want a quiet, close-up look at the unique lake ecosystem.
Many visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the engine noise. The $5 fee also goes directly to the local women rowing the boats. If you prefer not to pay the extra fee, you can wait on the floating platform and buy a drink until the rest of your group returns.
When is the best time to do the canoe ride?
The canoe ride is best during the wet season (August to January).
During these months, the water levels are high, and you paddle through the upper branches of the trees. In the dry season, the water drops drastically, and the boats may not be able to navigate the forest area. Always check recent water levels if visiting outside the peak wet season.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
Yes, you should wear a life jacket while in the small paddle boats for safety.
Are there any hidden costs during the paddle boat ride?
Some paddlers may ask for a tip or offer you a small souvenir to buy, but the official price is a flat $5. Small tips are appreciated but not required.
Can I paddle the boat myself?
No, the local guides handle the paddling. The boats are small and can be tricky to steer if you do not know the channels.
