Chong Khneas (Chong Kneas) Floating Village is located in the South of Siem Reap and has been home to over 1,000 families for about 300 years. These families make their living through fishing in the Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a rich fishing ground. However, it is important to note that Chong Khneas has become over-touristed and is not as picturesque and unspoiled as some of the other floating villages further away from Siem Reap.

Despite its historical significance, Chong Khneas has unfortunately turned into a tourist trap that exploits the local community and supports unethical practices such as the cruel crocodile skin industry. Visitors to the village often discover that their ticket sales do not benefit the community as expected. Instead, residents are frequently exploited for tourist photos, and what is advertised as a “floating market” turns out to be a souvenir shop and an unethical crocodile farm.

Due to these concerns, travelers are urged to think twice before visiting Chong Khneas and purchasing snake or crocodile leather goods from the village. It is important to support ethical tourism practices and prioritize the well-being of local communities when choosing travel destinations.

For those interested in experiencing the authentic charm of floating villages in Siem Reap, it is recommended to explore other options that are less crowded and more in line with sustainable tourism practices. There are several other floating villages located further away from Siem Reap that offer a more genuine and unspoiled experience. These villages provide an opportunity to witness the traditional way of life of the local communities and support their livelihoods without contributing to exploitative practices.