Mey Chrey is one of the only year-round floating villages in Siem Reap Province. This village, unlike many others, is made up of purely Cambodian residents making it one of the most authentic displays of Cambodian ‘floating’ culture available. When putting this tour together, we focused on finding a family our guests could visit and interact with in order to avoid the voyeuristic way that most tourists currently see this and other villages like this in Cambodia. This tour is designed to spread the money brought in by tourism a little further into the community. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase snacks from local shops and to be paddled around by their new local friends to get an in depth look at day-to-day life in this kind of village. This experience is unique as most tourists visit floating villages on large boats and don’t have the chance to meet the residents of the village.
A floating village on the northern reaches of the Tonle Sap, Mechrey is not the loveliest spot in the world, but it offers some great bird-spotting opportunities, as well as a chance to witness a unique way of life for those who live on the lake.
Of course, it’s not quite Prek Toal with its large colonies of waterbirds, whose populations are making a striking comeback according to a 2016 report issued by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Serious birders and nature lovers should certainly put that on their list of things to do. But it’s not as far away, nor as expensive to get to, either. We visited in early 2016, not the best time of year to enjoy the Tonle Sap admittedly, especially after two virtually dry rainy seasons, but we found much to enjoy nonetheless.
Mechrey is on the borders of Puok district, to the west of Siem Reap, and the journey there is in fact far lovelier than the destination. Do not nod off when your transport turns off the main road (National Route 6) onto a red dirt track, as there is some beautiful scenery along the 15 kilometre route that is flanked by waterways, rice fields and villages. We also spotted a huge group of storks whirling in the skies above along here, so keep your eyes peeled.
A community-based tourism station is at the edge of a long, human-built canal that connects with the Kambot River, which flows out into the Tonle Sap. Here communities mainly fish for a living from the ever-dwindling stocks of fish. The Tonle Sap is still the world’s most productive inland fishery, but the fish population faces dire and ever-growing threats. The profusion of fish is directly attributable to the rhythm of the lake, which rises and falls by up to 10 metres each year, and whose area increases six-fold from 2,500 square kilometres to 15,000 square kilometres during the wet.
The construction of dams upstream on the Mekong, and there are more in the pipeline, climate change, rampant over-fishing and conversion of lake areas to agriculture have all taken their toll. In 2015, it was reported that the Tonle Sap River scarcely reversed its flow the previous year; it would be unprecedented for it to not reverse flow, yet that grim prospect seems ever more likely. Without that life-giving rhythm, the future of the Tonle Sap, and the people who depend on it, which is more or less all of Cambodia, looks very murky.
The establishment of initiatives such as the one at Mechrey can’t strictly be called ecotourism, although it does give people alternatives to fishing as a source of income. But they are an opportunity to witness an extraordinary way of life that is also under threat, and to clock up some lovely birdlife.
The tour itself starts off in a pretty smelly artificial canal which you travel along for about a kilometre until the waterway opens out on to the main river and the floating village.
Here you glide by as life continues as it has long done: people shopping in floating markets, doing their laundry, catching a quick meal, going to school, sharing gossip with friends. You’ll be guided through it all, and then stop for a drink, or a meal of you wish, on one of the floating platforms. Lots of Cambodians also farm crocodiles, selling the meat and skins to Thailand, and you’ll get a chance to see one of the crocodile farms too.
Mechrey offers an opportunity to explore life as it is lived literally on the Tonle Sap Lake. It’s not as lovely a spot as the much further away Kompong Khleang, or offer as much cultural insight as Kompong Phluk, but on our visit, it did have the far greater opportunities to see birds. This may be thanks to its proximity to the waterbird colonies at Prek Toal, and also to the fact that it is less densely populated.
To get there, a tuk tuk will take you return for between $15 and $18. There is no entry fee as such, but the boats cost $20 to hire.
Address: Puok district | Siem Reap Province, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Salakamreuk Rd, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant or have drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 1.3 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Angkor Wat is 8 km from Solitaire Kamreuk, while Angkor Trade Centre is 1.2 km from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The property offer complimentary airport pickup services.
Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bath, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer provided.
Bike hire is available at this hotel and the area is popular for golfing.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Located in Siem Reap, New Bliss Villa offers peaceful and comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access in its public areas. Operating a 24-hour front desk, it features a garden and free parking on site.
The property is just 500 m from Angkor Night Market and 700 m from the famous Pub Street. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is accessible within a 7 km drive, while the iconic Angkor Wat Temple is 6.7 km away.
Simply furnished, air-conditioned rooms come with a desk, clothes rack and a seating area. Guests have access to either a shared or private bathroom with shower facility.
At New Bliss Villa, friendly staff can assist guests with luggage storage, laundry service, ticketing and tour arrangements. Airport transfers can also be provided at a surcharge.
The in-house restaurant serves a tasty selection of local dishes for guests to enjoy.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Near Sok San Road, Phum Taphul, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Set in Siem Reap, Grand Champei Residence has an outdoor swimming pool. This 4-star hotel features free WiFi and a garden. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk.
At the hotel, each room has a desk and a flat-screen TV. Grand Champei Residence offers some units that feature pool views, and all rooms have a private bathroom with a shower. The units will provide guests with a fridge.
A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. The restaurant at Grand Champei Residence specialises in Cambodian cuisine.
The hotel offers a terrace. Guests at Grand Champei Residence will be able to enjoy activities in and around Siem Reap, like cycling.
Pub Street is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while King's Road Angkor is 2.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International, 12 km from Grand Champei Residence, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
st 53, Stueng Thmei Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap City, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Located in Siem Reap, Klampuu Villa offers accommodations with an outdoor pool. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
Rooms at Klampuu Villa come with air conditioning, a seating area and a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
There is a 24-hour front desk and free shuttle services at the property. Guests can enjoy Khmer and Western dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Located on St 53, Angkor Wat can be reached within a 20-minute drive from the property. The famous Pub Street is a 5-minute walk from Klampuu Villa, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sala Kamreuk Village, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap City, Kingdom of Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Set in Siem Reap, Hillocks Hotel & Spa boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The hotel has a barbecue and guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is a 6-minute drive from the vibrant Pub Street, Old Market and Angkor Night Market. Angkor Wat is also a 20-minute drive away from Hillocks Hotel & Spa, while Angkor Trade Centre is a 5-minute drive away. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is a 21-minute drive from the property. The hotel offers complimentary pickups from the airport or bus station and shuttle services to the city centre.
Air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an electric kettle. Some units include a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Every room has a private bathroom equipped with a bath and bidet. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, toothbrushes and slippers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and luggage storage. A selection of activities are offered in the area, such as golfing, horse riding and cycling. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
The property's in-house restaurant, Green Hill serves up a variety of local Khmer cuisine as well as Asian and Western dishes. Refreshing cocktails and other alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed at the bar.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Steung Thmei, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Golden Temple Boutique offers 19 suites tastefully designed in a handcrafted stonework decor. Just 100 m from Angkor Night Market and 300 m from the vibrant Pub Street, guests can enjoy food at an in-house restaurant or relax at the spa. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Every suite comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a tea/coffee making facilities. Certain suites offer a seating area and a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the city. All suites feature an en suite bathroom fitted with shower facilities. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
A 24-hour front desk can be approached for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy swimming at the outdoor pool or indulge in massage treatments at Malis Spa. Other facilities include a business centre and a library.
A selection of Cambodian or International dishes can be enjoyed at Damnak AHA Restaurant. Guests can also have drinks at the on-site bar.
Golden Temple Boutique offers free use of bicycles for guests wishing to explore the surrounding area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 7 km away from the property, while Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 9 km away. The hotel offers complimentary round-trip transfer services from/to the airport, a bus station or a ferry dock.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mr. manzo giandomenico
Country: Italy
City: milano
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Blue Cruiser Speedboat
Tour Style:
Duration:
