Located on the Tonlé Sap Lake in Pursat Province, just north of Krakor, Kampong Luong is one of Cambodia’s most fascinating floating villages. Here, life unfolds entirely on water: houses drift on pontoons, boats double as taxis, shops, and kitchens, and even pagodas float gently with the lake’s movements. 

The community is large and diverse, blending Khmer, Vietnamese, Cham, and Chinese residents who rely on the lake for fishing, trade, and daily survival. The village is in fact made up of four separate floating hamlets, each with its own character. 

A trip through Kampong Luong reveals floating schools, markets, fuel stations, repair shops, and even restaurants, all bobbing together in a self-contained aquatic world. 

Almost everything needed for daily life can be reached with a quick paddle. Spiritual life thrives here too, with both Khmer and Vietnamese floating pagodas rising serenely above the water. 

For visitors, the experience is like stepping into a different rhythm of life, where the water isn’t just a resource but the very foundation of existence.

How to Get There

From Pursat town, take National Road 5 east toward Phnom Penh for about 35 kilometers until reaching Krakor District. From there, a short connecting road leads directly to the docking area for Kampong Luong, where boats can be hired for village tours. Travel time is roughly 40–50 minutes by car from Pursat.

Travel Tips

The best time to visit is between November and April during the dry season, when boat rides are easier to arrange. However, the wet season offers a more dramatic view of the lake at its fullest.

Hiring a local boat is the best way to explore the village, with prices usually reasonable when arranged directly at the dock. Bring essentials such as a camera, hat, sunscreen, and water, as shade is limited out on the lake.

When photographing residents, it is polite to ask permission first. Supporting the community by purchasing snacks, drinks, or souvenirs from floating vendors is also encouraged. Note that many villagers speak Vietnamese, though Khmer and some basic English are also used to welcome visitors.

Experience Highlight

Glide by boat through a living community on water, where floating homes, markets, and pagodas create a vibrant world unlike anywhere else on Tonlé Sap Lake.