Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake

  1. Waterfalls, Lakes & Rivers
    2. »
  2. Tonle Sap Lake
Address:
Tonle Sap Lake, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia, Siem Reap & Angkor
Description:

Believe it or not there is more to Siem Reap than temples. There is one particular wonder of nature that makes for a great day out and is one of the top Siem Reap tourist attractions – the Tonle Sap Lake.

Cambodia’s famous Tonle Sap lake and its adjoining river are a must see while in Siem Reap. This huge expanse of water with its floating villages and many boat tours are a box to be ticked on your travel itinerary.

Tonle Sap Lake and River

The lake is connected to the mighty Mekong River by the 125 kilometre long Tonle Sap River. The lake’s size and water volume vary consistently over the course of the year and the adjoining river is famed for flowing in opposite directions across each half of the year – the only river that does so.

In the green season, the lake expands to cover a large part of the country, and this is when fishing is most common. During dry season the waters retreat, and Cambodians resort to eating their favoured prahok or fermented fish.

things to do in siem reap tonle sap
Boat trips take you to the floating villages on the lake

This biodiverse ecosystem is of major importance for the survival of many local communities. One of the best places to see floating markets and communities on the lake is in the town of Kampong Chhnang.

Boat Trips Along the Tonle Sap

All in all a day out on the lake from Siem Reap is a great experience but don’t forget to check the weather forecast in advance, especially during rainy season. Most guesthouses can arrange pick up before you embark on your tour.

Taking the Boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Depending upon the time of the year it is possible to take a boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. There are also luxury cruisers that ply their way up and down the Tonle Sap.

Let the adventure begin.