🛶 Discover Chong Khneas Floating Village

🛶 Discover Chong Khneas Floating Village – A Unique Experience near Tonlé Sap Lake

Looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience during your stay at Sokchea Angkor Hotel? Just a short drive from Siem Reap, the **Chong Khneas Floating Village offers a glimpse into a way of life that exists nowhere else in the world.

🌊 What Is Chong Khneas?

Chong Khneas is a *floating community* located at the northern edge of Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here, entire neighborhoods – homes, schools, markets, and even pagodas – float on the water, moving with the rise and fall of the lake.

This unique village reflects the deep connection between the people and nature, where life is built around fishing, boating, and eco-friendly living.

📍 Why Visit Chong Khneas?

1. See Life on Water**
Residents live in colorful floating houses and travel by boat for school, shopping, and visiting neighbors. It’s a living village, not just a tourist site – giving you a real look at traditional Cambodian lake culture.

2. Sunset Boat Rides
The most magical time to visit is at sunset, when the golden light reflects off the water. It’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers.

3. Support Eco-Tourism & the Local Community
Your visit helps support local families and promotes sustainable tourism. Many boat tours are run by the villagers themselves.

4. Easy Access from Siem Reap
Chong Khneas is only about 30-45 minutes by car or tuk-tuk from Sokchea Angkor Hotel, making it a perfect half-day trip.

🧭 Tips Before You Go

*Best time to visit: Late afternoon, especially for sunset
*Bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera
*Transportation: We can help you arrange a private tuk-tuk or van
*Tour options: Choose guided boat tours for deeper insights into the culture and daily life
*Safety: Life jackets are provided on most boats; wear comfortable shoes

🌿 Responsible Travel Matters

At Sokchea Angkor Hotel, we encourage guests to explore Cambodia’s natural and cultural treasures responsibly. Chong Khneas is a fragile ecosystem. Your visit can make a difference by raising awareness and helping sustain this unique way of life.

📞 Want Us to Arrange Your Trip?

Ask our front desk team to help you plan your visit to Chong Khneas! We can recommend trusted guides and boat tours that respect the environment and support the local community.

Related Blog

Dining at Sokchea Angkor Hotel offers a unique culinary journey that blends the rich heritage of Khmer cuisine with the diverse tastes of international gastronomy. Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, the hotel’s restaurant captures Cambodia’s warm hospitality and presents it through exquisite flavors, elegant presentation, and an inviting atmosphere.

The dining experience begins with the essence of Khmer cooking—fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes such as Fish Amok, Khmer Curry, and Beef Lok Lak highlight the delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define traditional Cambodian cuisine. Each dish tells a story of the country’s cultural history, influenced by centuries of trade and tradition.

Complementing these local delights, the hotel also serves a variety of international dishes crafted by skilled chefs who understand the art of fusion. Guests can savor Western classics, Asian specialties, and creative desserts that cater to diverse palates. The blend of regional and global influences ensures that every guest—whether a traveler seeking authentic Khmer tastes or someone craving familiar comfort food—finds satisfaction in every bite.

The elegant ambiance, attentive service, and beautifully plated dishes elevate dining at Sokchea Angkor Hotel from a meal to a memorable experience. It is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of culture and creativity, where Khmer tradition meets the world’s culinary diversity in perfect harmony.

Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. While exploring the temples on foot is a must, there’s another unforgettable way to witness the beauty and grandeur of Angkor Wat—by taking to the skies on a hot air balloon ride.

The Angkor Hot Air Balloon offers a unique and breathtaking perspective of the temple complex and the lush Cambodian countryside. Unlike traditional hot air balloon rides that drift with the wind, this experience involves a tethered helium balloon that gently rises to about 120 meters (approximately 400 feet), giving visitors a safe yet spectacular panoramic view of the area.

Angkor Hot Air Balloon in Siem Reap, Cambodia
 

A View Like No Other

From high above, you’ll see Angkor Wat’s majestic towers rising through the jungle canopy, with the early morning or late afternoon sun casting golden hues over the stone structures. The surrounding rice fields, palm trees, and distant mountains stretch out in every direction, creating a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photography or simply soaking in the moment.

Whether you’re visiting at sunrise or sunset, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical. The stillness of the balloon ride adds to the serenity, making it an ideal experience for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

Easy and Accessible

One of the great advantages of the Angkor Hot Air Balloon is its accessibility. Located just a few kilometers from Angkor Wat, the balloon site is easy to reach by tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap town. The experience is also suitable for all ages, making it a great option for those who may not be able to hike through temple ruins but still want to enjoy a spectacular view.

Because the balloon is tethered and doesn’t travel long distances, rides are relatively short—about 10 minutes in the air—but incredibly memorable. It’s also more affordable than a traditional hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour, making it an excellent value for a premium experience.

When to Go

The best times for a hot air balloon ride are sunrise and sunset, when the lighting is at its most dramatic and the weather is usually calm. Cambodia has two main seasons—dry (November to April) and wet (May to October). Balloon rides may be suspended during bad weather, so it’s best to check conditions in advance or consult with your local tour operator.

A Must-Do Experience in Siem Reap

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, don’t miss the chance to see Angkor from a different angle. The Angkor Hot Air Balloon ride is more than just a sightseeing activity—it’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment that stays with you long after you’ve come back down to earth.

For travelers seeking something special, this is truly one of the most memorable ways to experience the wonder of Cambodia.

We are delighted to introduce our sister property, Sokchea Kampot Hotel, located in the picturesque town of Kampot. Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers the same exceptional service and luxurious amenities as Sokchea Angkor Hotel, providing an ideal getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and charm.

Nestled in the charming province of Kampot, Cambodia, Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers a serene and comfortable base for visitors looking to explore the riverside town, its colonial heritage and surrounding countryside. Located at 668 Andong Khmer Street Nil, Krong Kampot 070804, the hotel is positioned in a quiet neighborhood near the river and within easy reach of the town centre.

Sokchea Kampot Hotel
Sokchea Kampot Hotel

The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by garden or pool-view rooms, which is a rare treat in the region and a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Every guest room includes modern amenities such as air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a safety deposit box, coffee/tea making facilities, and a private bathroom with hot water. The 24-hour reception, free bicycle rental and tour arrangement service further enhance the convenience for travellers.

Beyond the rooms and amenities, the hotel strikes a nice balance between being close enough to the town for convenience and far enough to offer peace and quiet. Guest reviews highlight the “beautiful oasis” feeling that the place provides, with regular mention of the pool, the staff’s kindness and the calm location.

Room Types

Sokchea Kampot Hotel offers a range of room types designed to serve solo travellers, couples and families. Here is a snapshot of the key categories:

  • Deluxe King: Approximately 36 m² in size, this room comes with a king-sized bed, a balcony (or ground-floor access), and views of the surrounding mountains. It includes air-conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV and free WiFi.

  • Deluxe Twin Room: Also about 36 m², this variant features twin beds, a balcony, and views over the pool, garden or mountains. Suited to friends travelling together or families needing separate beds.

 

 

  • Deluxe Premium King: Offers the same footprint (36 m²) but adds extra touches such as a terrace and a bath in the bathroom, catering to travellers wanting a bit more luxury. Mountain views are included. Sokchea Kampot Hotel

  • Deluxe Premium Twin: At around 47 m², this room gives more space and twin beds, with terrace access and a bath, making it a good choice for families or groups.

  • Deluxe Family Suite with Balcony: This suite is about 83 m², includes three double beds, terrace access, mountain views and all the modern amenities. Ideal for families with children or groups requiring more space.

  • Deluxe Family Suite: At 73 m², this version is slightly smaller but still provides a spacious setting for families, with balcony, mountain views, bath, terrace and free WiFi.

Family Room