ITINERARY #4
IMMERSION INTO TRADITION
An overnight visit to the traditional floating village
of Prek Toal, OSMOSE projects and spending one
night in a community-based homestay
This tour is recommended when the lake's water level is too low
and it is not possible to reach the bird colonies, but it can be
organized at any season.
Program details
Day 1
13:30 Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Siem Reap, followed by a car or minivan transfer to the
port, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From there, a boat will take you on a 1 to 1.5-hour voyage
to Prek Toal floating village, passing through the flooded forest and the expansive lake. During the journey,
your OSMOSE guide will provide insights into the unique hydrological system, the lake's ecosystem, and its
flora and fauna.
Upon your arrival at the floating village, you will visit the water-hyacinth handicraft workshop. Here, you'll
have the opportunity to spend time with the women of Saray Tonle, the water-hyacinth handicraft
cooperative, and learn how to weave your own souvenir from your trip. These sessions play a significant role
in boosting the self-confidence of the weavers, and they also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to
engage with community members, even in the absence of a shared language.
16:30 Next, you will participate in a Khmer cooking lesson. Under the guidance of the cooking team from the
Community Restaurant in the floating village, you will learn how to prepare various types of Khmer dishes.
17:30 You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life on the lake and witness the breathtaking
sunset in the village. A traditional dinner will be served at the Community Restaurant before a boat
transports you to the family who will provide accommodation in their floating home.
Day 2
07:30 Breakfast ( can be earlier or later on request )
08.00 Onboard a traditional Khmer paddle boat, you will explore how the local community has adapted to their
ever-changing, floating environment. This includes visiting a family residing in a floating house to observe
their local customs and engage in conversations with the host about the challenges they face living on the
water. Your journey will then continue with visits to crocodile farms, fish farms, floating schools, and floating
gardens, providing a unique opportunity to experience an extraordinary way of life.
Afterward, you will visit the Environmental Research Station, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the
village.
10:00 Return to Siem Reap, back to your hotel at around 12:30.
Providing funds to OSMOSE environmental education project (covering around 1,000 children).
Directly supporting the villagers economies (employees of the CBT, community based village tour, the paddle boat group, motor boat group to the bird sanctuary, community cooking group, community based homestays, Saray Tonle women group etc....).
Providing funds to OSMOSE sustainable development project (schooling assistance,health assistance, water sanitation, floating garden, etc.).
Providing funds for conservation through the entrance fee to the Environmental Research Station.
Decent clothing to respect local customs and a light waterproof garment such as Kway in the rainy season (June to September).
Hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
Drinking water is provided.