Chong Kneas
Cruise on Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake, the Tonle Sap, and enjoy a scenic ride with beautiful lotus at the edge of the lake, colourful fishermen boats bringing in their catch, and the whole community living in floating houses.
Chong Kneas is the most tourist-friendly floating village in Tonle Sap as it is the nearest and most accessible village from Siem Reap. You get to experience going around the community main points such as schools, hospitals, fish, and crocodile farms. You can visit the flooded forest during the wet season.
Location
Chong Kneas is located about 16 kilometres from downtown Siem Reap.
Opening Days and Hours
You can visit Chong Kneas any time of the day.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entry fee to Chong Kneas is free, but most tour fees include small contributions to the village from around USD 20 per person.
How to Get There
You can take a tuk-tuk or motokep to the Chong Kneas dock, which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Siem Reap.
Suggested For
Chong Kneas suits couples, groups of friends, and families with kids perfectly. Visiting Chong Kneas is ideal for visitors who want to see the floating village and cruise on Tonle Sap Lake but have limited time.
Time to Spend
About 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to see the floating village.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Chong Kneas is very popular among visitors as it is the nearest floating village to Siem Reap. The best time to go is before sunset so you can see the amazing view of the setting sun.
Activities
At Chong Kneas, you can have boat trips on the Tonle Sap to enjoy sunrise or sunset views with stilted houses as the background, see villagers go about their their daily lives, swing on a hammock at the observation deck and take in the views of the Tonle Sap. You can also take a selfie holding a python around your neck, feed fishes, and see crocodiles in the farms there.
Food
Most tour packages include a lunch at one of the villagers’ house. You can buy food from small food boats in the village but options are limited.
Safety and Fraud
Fresh water crocodiles have been sighted in the lake, so refrain from dipping your hands or feet into the lake during boat rides.
Nearby Attractions
The Rolous group of temples that are Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong are about a 15-minute drive away from the Tonle Sap Lake. You can wander around this area before the boat trip during sunset. Alternatively you can choose a full day boat trip to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary or Ang Trapeng Thmor Sarus Crane Reserve.
Stay
You have a wide choice of accommodation options that are friendly to your budget. You can opt for budget hostels, home stays, or luxury hotels at the downtown Siem Reap area.
Good to Know
Chong Kneas is infamous for notorious scammers trying to rip off money from visitors by asking them to donate to villagers or buy food at a ridiculous price for school kids. Despite that, there are still ethical guides that can bring you around the village. Just be prepared that some might incessantly attempt to ask for more money.
