Located about 30 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk is one of the most fascinating fishing villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. This unique community is home to hundreds of families who live in wooden stilted houses, rising up to 8 meters above the ground to adapt to the seasonal water levels.

During the dry season, you’ll see towering houses standing high above the dusty roads, while in the wet season, the village transforms into a floating world where boats become the main mode of transportation.

Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through the village, passing by schools, pagodas, and local homes, and then continue through the flooded mangrove forest, where fishermen cast their nets and children paddle to school.

A visit to Kampong Phluk offers a deep insight into the traditional lifestyle of Cambodia’s fishing communities, their resilience, and their close relationship with the ever-changing waters of Tonle Sap Lake.

Located about 65 kilometers east of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea Temple is one of Cambodia’s most enchanting and least-crowded temple sites. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II—the same king who constructed Angkor Wat—Beng Mealea follows a similar architectural style but remains largely unrestored, giving it a mysterious, “lost-in-the-jungle” atmosphere.

Massive sandstone blocks lie scattered among giant tree roots and creeping vines, creating a stunning harmony between nature and ancient architecture. Visitors can explore the temple’s collapsed galleries, dark corridors, and hidden carvings, offering a sense of adventure unlike any other temple in Angkor.

Surrounded by dense forest, Beng Mealea feels peaceful and authentic, perfect for travelers who wish to experience the raw beauty of Cambodia’s ancient heritage away from the crowds.