Kampong Khleang: A Hidden Gem on Tonle Sap Lake

Kampong Khleang is the largest stilted village on Tonle Sap Lake, located about 55 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Less frequented by tourists than its neighboring villages, Kampong Khleang offers an authentic and tranquil experience of life on the lake, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Khmer people.

Key Features of Kampong Khleang

1. Stilted Houses and Architecture
   The village features towering stilted houses, rising 6 to 10 meters above the ground to adapt to Tonle Sap’s dramatic seasonal changes in water levels. During the rainy season (May to October), these homes appear to float on the lake, while in the dry season, their stilts are exposed, giving the village a strikingly different appearance. Many houses are vibrantly painted, reflecting the lively spirit of the community.
2. A Way of Life Connected to Water
   Life in Kampong Khleang revolves around fishing, which is the primary livelihood of the residents. The lake’s abundant fish supply sustains both the local economy and daily sustenance. Villagers also engage in fish processing, farming, and crafts, such as net-making, which are integral to their way of life.
3. Seasonal Changes
   Tonle Sap Lake undergoes a unique natural phenomenon: its size dramatically expands during the rainy season, flooding the area and transforming Kampong Khleang into a floating village. During the dry season, as the waters recede, the lakebed becomes accessible, exposing farmland and allowing residents to transition to farming activities.
4. Local Temples and Schools
   The village is home to Buddhist temples, pagodas, and schools that serve as centers for religious and communal activities. These structures, often adorned with traditional Khmer designs, play a crucial role in preserving the village’s cultural heritage.
5. Floating Village Community
   Unlike the stilted houses on land, Kampong Khleang also includes floating homes that move with the lake’s changing water levels. These floating communities are often inhabited by ethnic Cham families, who have their own unique traditions and practices, adding to the area’s cultural diversity.

Visitor Experience

Kampong Khleang offers an off-the-beaten-path alternative for travelers seeking a more genuine and less commercialized experience. Visitors can take boat tours through the village, observing daily activities such as fishing, cooking, and children rowing small boats to school. The expansive floodplains and nearby mangrove forests add a natural charm to the experience.

Cultural and Ecological Significance

As part of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Kampong Khleang is vital for maintaining the lake’s ecological balance. The lake supports a diverse range of aquatic species and birdlife, making it an important ecological hub for the region. The villagers’ way of life is deeply intertwined with the lake’s health, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.

Challenges and Preservation

While Kampong Khleang remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, it faces challenges such as fluctuating fish stocks, climate change, and the need for infrastructure improvements. Efforts are underway to promote eco-friendly tourism and community-based initiatives to support the villagers while preserving their cultural and natural environment.

Visiting Kampong Khleang is a journey into the heart of Cambodia’s rural life, offering a peaceful and enriching experience that highlights the beauty and resilience of life on Tonle Sap Lake.