Kompong Phluk Floating Village

August 05, 2016

Floating Village – Another World

The floating village of Kompong Phluk is one of the most bizarre places that I have yet laid eyes upon. In all its glory it is difficult for a Westerner to understand this way of life. Imagine living in a floating village. Something as simple as getting a cup of sugar from your neighbor could become a complicated task. You would need to get your boat ready and wade to your their house. Then ask if they have any sugar before disembarking. Though difficult to comprehend, this is the day to day life of around 3,000 people living at Kompong Phluk floating village.

Kompong Pluk Mangrove Forest

Houses on Stilts

Remarkably, the houses on are stilts. During the dry season, the houses are hovering 12-20 feet above the ground. But I have come during the wet season. So boat is the only way to get around the floating village and nearby forests. The boat takes me into the nearby mangrove forests. I focus on the environment around me and hear the croaks of frogs. Songs of birds chirping away on the tree tops as the boat passes.

I stare in amazement as I realize that instead of cars each house has a wooden boat. And instead of a garden, I see potted plants bobbing around in the water. I take in the beautiful scenery, the palm huts and flowers. And trees sprouting from the water as some large birds are catching fish in the distance.

Kompong Phluk’s House

Basket Fishing

The inhabitants are watch most catch my curiosity. Seeing the floating market where boats pass by vendors left me staring in wonder. Also seeing children fishing from the doorsteps was quite surprising at first. I learn that by setting basket traps into the lake, the fishermen are able to easily catch many fish.

Kompong Phluk literally translates as Harbour of the Tusks possibly due to its involvement in the ivory trade several centuries ago. I listen intently as our tour guide describes how twice a year the flow direction of the lake changes. Also, the size of the lake varies quite dramatically.

This location is definitely unlike any place I have seen before. And this Cambodian fairy tale is not one to be forgotten any time soon.