The Roulos Group & Kompong Phluk

Full day: Tuk Tuk $23 – Car $40

Roulos Group

These are some of the earliest permanent structures built by the Khmer people and date back to the 9th Century. At that time this was the capital of the Khmer Empire north of the Tonle Sap and can be found 13km outside of Siem Reap, on the way to the lake itself.

There are three major temples that feature at the site today – Preah Ko, Lolei and Bakong. These magnificent structures were built with a variety of materials including laterite, brick and sandstone. No visit to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to this site as its construction marked the beginning of a classical period of Khmer civilisation.

Kompong Phluk

The Tonle Sap is Asia’s largest lake and you really have to see it to appreciate its size. The lake rises several metres in the wet season and the houses of Kompong Phluk village open directly onto the water while in the dry season they tower above the visitor on stilts that are a good six metres in height.

Tourist boats take you out onto the lake itself where, once you are clear of the vegetation, you will see the vast body of water open before you. Perhaps the highlight of any trip to the lake is a transfer to a wooden canoe and a tranquil paddle though the flooded forest.

This amazing village is a great addition to a visit to the Roulos Group and makes a fabulous end to your day.