SIEM REAP – Rowing tourist boats has become the main source of income for elderly locals of the Kampong Phluk Ecotourism Community in Siem Reap province, with most of them being women.

Tourists can enjoy a unique and exciting experience as the boats navigate the mangrove forest on Tonle Sap Lake.

Currently, 95 percent of boat rowers are women aged between 40 and 70.

Un Ran, 77, is oldest and makes a living without depending heavily on her children. She sees it as daily exercise.

Depending on the number of visitors, she earns about 10,000 riels or about $2.50 per day.

“I feel excited to see more both local and international tourists visiting the community. I also enjoy having conversations with them,” Ran said.

Previously, Ran was a fisherwoman. But as she aged, she found rowing boats demanded less physical effort and offered more enjoyment.

Ban Bin, 56, has been making a living from rowing boats for about ten years after leaving his fishing career. He earns at least $6 per day depending on the number of tourists.

“I feel satisfied when I can contribute financially to my family through this career,” Bin said.

“I intend to see more national tourists supporting the boat tours, as I have observed that 80 percent of the tourists are foreigners.”

Bin said a boat ride costs $6 for two people and lasts more than 30 minutes.

Tourists can also experience dining at floating restaurants, plant tree saplings during the low tide season, staying at homestays, explore local life and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the lake.

Located 19km from Siem Reap city, the community is in Kampong Phluk commune. Lower water levels in the dry season is challenging for the community. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.