SMALL TOUR WITH SUNRISE ITINERARY

Nestled on the edge of Cambodia’s great Tonlé Sap Lake, Mechrey is more than just a floating village—it is a living example of how natural community-based tourism can uplift local livelihoods while preserving a unique ecological and cultural heritage. Located around 25 kilometers from Siem Reap, Mechrey offers travelers an immersive journey into the rhythms of life on water. As the lake expands and contracts with the seasons, the entire village floats with it—homes, schools, shops, and even temples shift position depending on water levels. This remarkable adaptability speaks to the deep connection between the people of Mechrey and the natural environment. The community here largely depends on fishing for their livelihood, and tourism has become a sustainable secondary source of income. Unlike commercialized tourist sites, Mechrey remains relatively unspoiled, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic experiences that support the people who live there. Community-based tourism in Mechrey emphasizes local involvement, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Visitors are welcomed into the village by local guides, often born and raised in Mechrey, who share their knowledge about traditional fishing practices, floating agriculture, and the delicate balance of life on the Tonlé Sap. Boat tours offer stunning views of the flooded forests and provide access to the nearby Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a haven for rare and endangered water birds. These tours are not only visually breathtaking but also educational, shedding light on the importance of the lake’s unique ecosystem and the threats it faces from climate change and overfishing. What sets Mechrey apart is how tourism is integrated into the community in a respectful and mutually beneficial way. Proceeds from tours often go toward supporting local schools, healthcare, and conservation initiatives. Travelers can even take part in community activities such as cooking traditional Khmer dishes, visiting floating schools, or participating in environmental cleanup efforts. This kind of tourism creates meaningful exchanges between hosts and guests, fostering mutual understanding and respect. However, Mechrey is not without its challenges. Fluctuating water levels, plastic pollution, and limited access to resources make daily life difficult for residents. That’s why responsible tourism is so crucial here—it provides not just income but awareness and advocacy. Organizations and NGOs working in the area help train local guides, develop eco-friendly waste management systems, and empower villagers—especially women and youth—to take on leadership roles in tourism management. For travelers seeking more than just sightseeing, Mechrey offers the chance to witness resilience, ingenuity, and the power of a community united with nature. Visiting Mechrey is not just about observing a floating village; it’s about understanding a way of life and contributing, even in a small way, to its preservation. In doing so, we help ensure that places like Mechrey continue to float—not just on water, but on hope, dignity, and sustainable progress.

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and lifestyle of Cambodia with the Floating Village Kompong Pluk Adventure. This captivating tour offers an authentic glimpse into the lives of the local communities living on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tonle Sap Lake.

Kompong Pluk Floating Village

Begin your adventure with a journey to Kompong Pluk, a charming floating village located on the Tonle Sap Lake. Kompong Pluk is renowned for its stilted houses, which rise up to ten meters above the water, providing protection from the seasonal flooding. As you explore the village, you’ll witness the daily activities of the residents, who depend on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihoods. The unique architecture and vibrant community life offer a fascinating insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Mangrove Forest

A highlight of the Kompong Pluk Adventure is a visit to the nearby mangrove forest. During the wet season, you’ll glide through the submerged forest in a traditional wooden boat, navigating the labyrinthine waterways and soaking in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The mangrove forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including exotic birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Please contact our reception for more information.

The eagerly awaited “Smile of Cambodia” event will return to Angkor Wat on October 29-30, as part of the Visit Siem Reap 2024 initiative.

This annual celebration honors Khmer heritage through captivating performances, vibrant exhibitions, and culinary experiences, drawing both local and international visitors. The event aims to reinvigorate post-pandemic tourism while showcasing the country’s cultural wealth.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, with the support of the Khmer Artists Association (KAA) and other key partners, it serves as a homage to Khmer art and culture.

Seth Kimsoeun, advisor to the KAA, explained that this year’s event is spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, which is acting as the primary organizer, producer, and manager, in collaboration with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia [UYFC] in Siem Reap.

The festival promises a spectacular celebration with over 500 artists bringing to life the grandeur of the Angkorian Empire, particularly focusing on the royal deeds of King Jayavarman VII.

Opening with a formal ceremony at 7:30am on October 29, the event will include a full day of traditional Khmer performances, exhibitions, and a majestic parade honoring the past kings of the Khmer Empire, all set against the iconic backdrop of Angkor Wat.

Attendees will be treated to live reenactments depicting key moments from Cambodia’s ancient history, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural legacy.

In addition to the performances, visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing Khmer cuisine, traditional attire, and art. These exhibitions aim to preserve ancient artistic traditions while creating a lively, festive atmosphere. A special feature of the celebration will be the Ting Mong tournament, a traditional puppet performance unique to Cambodia.

A major attraction of the event is the focus on Khmer cuisine. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a variety of authentic Cambodian dishes, with international guests wearing traditional Khmer attire receiving complimentary food as a gesture of hospitality.

The event will also feature influencers and content creators who will help promote Cambodian heritage on social media, broadening awareness of the country’s rich cultural offerings.

As part of broader efforts to revive tourism in Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat temple, the “Smile of Cambodia” plays a crucial role in promoting cultural tourism.

Seth Kimsoeun noted that the event highlights two major activities: performances by more than 500 artists celebrating the Angkorian Empire, and the “Smile of Cambodia” program, which showcases Khmer arts, food, fashion, and culture, all while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The event aims to draw international attention to Cambodia’s cultural tourism sites and help boost tourism through the end of 2024 and beyond into 2025.

Running from 9am to 6pm on both days, the event promises an entire day of dynamic cultural experiences against the magnificent backdrop of Angkor Wat.

For visitors, the festivities offer a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Khmer art, culture, and cuisine, while contributing to the revival of Cambodia’s tourism industry.

The event is expected to provide an unforgettable blend of ancient history and modern cultural celebration, all in one exceptional experience.