Yeah it is quite a surreal place, they have to rebuild these islands every year or so, as the reeds get waterlogged. But they seem to be happy there and can happily survive out there with the help of tourists for some income.
Although personally, if I was living on a floating home, my preference would be something with a hull, and a motor :>
I've been told by my wife that I've been talking completed cobblers (or something to that degree) - they do not in fact have to rebuild them every year or so, they simply pile new reeds on top of the existing islands.