Go beyond Angkor Wat! If you’ve ever thought about discovering Cambodia beyond the typical tourist attractions, nothing compares to hopping on a tuktuk, being your own driver, and going around exploring the local communities. At tuktukrental.com, we provide you with more than just transportation, we offer you freedom and chance to fully experience Cambodia’s culture, and engage with the locals. Rent a local tuktuk with us and make a double impact, your ride supports locals, and your visit helps the community thrive!
Here are some of Cambodian’s remarkable communities waiting to be visited by your tuktuk adventure
Kampong Khleang Community (Siem Reap)
Kompong Khleang, about 55 kilometers from Siem Reap–សហគមន៍ទេសចរណ៍ធម្មជាតិ កំពង់ឃ្លាំង Natural Community-Based Tourism Kampong Khleang, is a vast traditional stilted village on Tonle Sap Lake, famous for its way of life. In contrast to the busier floating villages that are closer to the city, Kompong Khleang remains more authentic and less crowded due to its distance – but don’t worry, it is reachable by tuktuk. You can drive there and take a boat tour to see how the community living completely on the water, adapted to their environment.
Life in the village:
Seasonal changes completely transform the village. When the waters rise, homes appear to float and travel happens mostly by boat. Once the dry season arrives, the ground reappears, opening the way for walking and vehicle travel. To cope with the seasonal rise of the lake, many houses are built on high wooden stilts. In the dry season, the exposed stilts give the village a completely different look, while some families live in floating homes. As for the economy, most villagers make their living by fishing.
Contact their official facebook page for further information: សហគមន៍ទេសចរណ៍ធម្មជាតិ-កំពង់ឃ្លាំង (Kampong Khleang Community)
Bakong My Village Community (Siem Reap)
A community based tourism near Bakong Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia–Bakong My Village. They promote sustainable tourism, local culture, and community development through their corporate social responsibilities such as Tourism, Education, Environment, Charity, and Culture preservation. Bakong My Village is a leisure and dining spot offering a restaurant (including Khmer Cuisine), café, and a range of outdoor activities amid a lush, garden-style setting.
Outdoor Activities:
- Archery Field
- Air Run Shooting Rang
- Quad Bike
- Ox Cart Ride
- Fishing
- Boat Ride
- Khmer Traditional Custom
It takes about 15 minutes for a tuktuk drive from the city center and only 5 minutes walk from the Bakong temple, which makes it a perfect spot for resting after the temple tour.
Take a look at their website: Bakong my village!
Chong Khneas Community (Siem Reap)
Chong Khneas is another floating village on Tonle Sap lake in Siem Reap, Cambodia. With a distance of only 16 km, it’s much nearer to the city compared to Kampong Khleang–មសជ ចុងឃ្នៀស- LLC Chong Kneas, so getting there by tuktuk is hassle-free. Being the most accessible floating village near Siem Reap, it gives visitors a look into a distinct way of life, but it is also quite commercialized.
Life in the village:
Just like Kampong Khleang, houses in this community are built on high wooden. Some people even converted their boats into floated houses in order to adapt to the extreme seasonal shifts in the lake’s water levels. For most villagers, fishing is their main source of income. Issues like poverty, water contamination, and environmental changes affect the community, with declining fish numbers and disrupted flood patterns–which is a challenge for their traditional way of life.
Visitors can get a look at the daily routines of those whose lives are closely tied to the Tonle Sap’s seasonal cycles.
Banteay Chhmar Community Based Tourism (Banteay Meanchey)
The Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism which is known as CBT is a local community located in northwest Cambodian, Banteay Meanchey province–Banteay Chhmar CBT Office-BMC. Talking about Banteay Chhmar, most people only think about the Banteay Chhmar temple, but the area is full of other activities you won’t want to miss.
Visitor Activities:
- Homestays
- Dining and Meals
- Silk Center
- Village Tours
- Traditional Music
- Rice Flattening
- Events and Village Life
You can interact with the villagers there by volunteering in the school, library or village.
On top of that, if you time your trip right, you might catch one of Cambodia’s big celebrations, like Khmer New Year in April, Pchum Ben Festival in between September and October, Water Festival in November, or even find yourself invited to a local wedding. Skip the crowded place– drive your own tuktuk there and see the locals’ genuine smile!
Check Banteay Chhmar org. for more information!
Ou Choam Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) (Battambang)
Ou Choam Community-Based Ecotourism which is also known as CBET is an ecotourism site in Battambong province, Cambodia,Ou Choam Waterfall. It is about 100km away from Battambong city. If you’re adventurous and enjoy discovering hidden gems, take a tuktuk and drive to Ou Choam community. You can immerse yourself in local traditions, learn traditional crafts, and enjoy the charm of rural Cambodia.
Activities in the community include:
- Experiencing nature in a unique way at the heart of Samlot district
- Visiting the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking multi-tiered waterfalls
- Swimming
- Camping safely in designated areas
- Taste different local foods ( you can even get a chance to learn cooking it )
- Spending time with the local to learn more about the community and the culture
Reach out to this Facebook page Ou Choam Community-Based Ecotourism – សហគមន៍អេកូទេសចរណ៍អូរជាំ for more information!
Osoam Eco-Tourism & Cardamom Community (Pursat)
Osoam Cardamom Community Center (Osoam CCC) is an eco-tourism community located in the southwest of Cambodia, between Pramoay Veal Veng District, Pursat province and Koh Kong city –Osoam Cardamom Community Center, Cambodia. You can choose between volunteering, trekking, or just doing a simple tour there – Mr. Lim (Osoam CCC’s team) points of interests of Osoam and surroundings . It is a suitable place for relaxing and getting yourself involved with the locals. Whichever activities you choose, they can arrange accommodation and meals for you.
Life of the community:
The main sources of income for the locals in Osoam Community come from illegal timber and wildlife trade, other forest products, and slash-and-burn farming. These ways of earning income are not so reliable since they are highly dependent on seasonal conditions which can leave the community extremely vulnerable. Plus, it also has negative impacts on the environment. If alternative sources are available, logging and poaching won’t be necessary. Osoam CCC are trying to improve their ways of living by focusing on creating a sustainable community through English and Computer education, Vocational training, Ecotourism, and Agriculture programs.The profit that they get from all your contributions will go directly to the community.
Contact them Osoam CCC and plan your visit!
Trapeang Sangke Fishing Community (Kampot)
Trapeang Sangke is a long-standing, community-run ecotourism initiative nestled on the coast just outside Kampot town. Unlike typical tourist spots, this fishing community has transformed its livelihood by focusing on mangrove conservation and sustainable tourism.
Life in the Community:
The local community, made up of Khmer and Muslim Cham families, focuses on sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and handicrafts. The ecotourism project provides an alternative income, reducing reliance on unsustainable practices.
Visitor Activities:
- Guided boat tours through the protected mangrove forests.
- Visiting the seagrass conservation areas.
- Learning about local life on the water and seeing the unique bamboo structures.
- Bird watching and mangrove planting.
- Accommodation in unique, community-built bamboo bungalows.
Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism (Kampot/Kep Region)
Located near the foothills of Bokor Mountain, this scenic ecotourism site offers a deep dive into the local forest ecosystem. It’s often cited as one of Cambodia’s most respected community-run conservation projects.
Visitor Activities:
- Hiking to a secluded waterfall and the “Blue Water Pool.”
- Taking a night boat tour to spot glowing fireflies along the riverbanks.
- Learning about rattan weaving and traditional crafts at the village center.
- Guided forest walks to spot local flora and fauna.
Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village (Kampong Cham)
A well-established ecotourism village just a few kilometers outside Kampong Cham city, this project is designed to give visitors an authentic experience of Cambodian rural life and traditional crafts.
Visitor Activities:
- Watching demonstrations of traditional silk weaving and carving.
- Learning about the process of making palm sugar.
- Witnessing rice cultivation (seasonal).
- Taking a guided tour through the local pagoda and village.
- Enjoying a traditional Khmer meal cooked by the villagers.
Kampi Dolphin Conservation Area (Kratie)
While not a single “village,” Kampi, about 15km north of Kratie town, is the central location where numerous local river communities have established a dolphin-watching and conservation hub.
Visitor Activities:
- Taking a boat tour from Kampi to responsibly spot the rare Irrawaddy River Dolphins.
- Opting for an eco-friendly dolphin kayaking adventure (offered by local operators like Dolphin Kayaking Adventures) for a more intimate, low-impact viewing experience.
- Visiting nearby Koh Trong Island (via a short ferry) to cycle through peaceful farms and villages.
Koh Han Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) (Stung Treng)
Have you ever heard of Koh Han and wonder if you can reach there by tuktuk? The answer is YES. You can drive your own tuktuk to Koh Han Community Based Ecotourism, located on Koh Han Island along the Mekong River, at Stung Treng Province, Cambodia –Koh Han Community Based Ecotourism. The purpose of this community is to conserve the area’s natural resources and support better living conditions for locals. Staying in a community-run homestay lets visitors experience traditional rural Cambodian life up close, from tasting local dishes to learning about the islanders’ customs and traditions.
Visitor activities:
- Village tour
- Boat trip
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Forest trekking
The island is famous for its flooded forests. When the dry season arrives, the water level decreases, revealing unique tree roots, sandy beaches, limestone landscapes, and scenic forests. It is also rich in wildlife, including numerous bird species and the Irrawaddy dolphin nearby.
Discover Koh Han’s breathtaking charm for yourself, contact: Koh Han Community Based Ecotourism សហគមន៍អេកូទេសចរណ៍សម្រស់កោះហាន !
Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake Community Ecotourism (Banlung)
This perfectly circular crater lake, only a few kilometers from the provincial capital Banlung, is a sacred site for the Tampuan indigenous community who manage the surrounding forest and tourism activities.
Life in the Community:
The local community manages the site, providing boat tours, keeping the grounds clean, and running small handicraft stalls. Your entrance fee directly supports their conservation and livelihood efforts, helping to protect the forest from encroachment.
Visitor Activities:
- Swimming in the clear, cool, volcanic lake waters.
- Taking a gentle 3km nature walk around the lake’s forested perimeter.
- Visiting the Tampuan community handicrafts stalls to buy traditional woven goods and baskets.
- Observing the unique burial grounds (in nearby villages) of the Jarai and Kreung people (often part of a broader local tour).
Mondulkiri Elephant Sanctuary / Elephant Community Project (Sen Monorom area)
The best way to engage with the local community is through an ethical elephant sanctuary that works directly with the Phnong community. These projects offer elephants a retirement from the logging and riding industries, and the Phnong are employed as mahouts (caretakers) and guides.
Life in the Community:
Your visit directly supports the Phnong community, providing an income that allows them to remain on their ancestral lands and conserve the forest. You learn about their animistic beliefs and deep connection to the elephants.
Visitor Activities:
- Spending a day hiking through the forest and river watching retired, rescued elephants roam freely (no riding).
- Hand-feeding the elephants and observing their social behavior.
- Learning about the Phnong people’s culture and traditional sustainable forest use.
Ready for an adventure where your ride makes an impact? Book your self-drive tuk-tuk today at Tuktukrental.com and start planning your authentic, ethical Cambodia journey! Drive Free. Do Good.