Tonle Sap – Cruising to the World’s Most Fascinating Ecosystem

When most people think of Siem Reap, the world-famous Angkor temples and unique Khmer culture are usually the first things that come to mind. However, for those looking to explore the region’s natural beauty and connect with local daily life, a visit to Tonlé Sap Lake is a must. This remarkable destination offers a different side of Cambodia that’s well worth including in your Cambodia tours.

Located just 15 km from Siem Reap, Tonlé Sap Lake is an ideal destination for a half-day tour, perfect for those looking to experience the region’s natural and cultural charm beyond the temples. It’s easy to book a local tour to the lake, where you can explore floating villages and observe daily life on the water. Alternatively, for a more immersive journey, consider taking a scenic cruise from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, combining the beauty of the lake with access to the majestic Angkor temples.

What is Tonle Sap?

Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, playing a vital role in Cambodia’s ecology, economy, and culture. What makes this lake truly unique is its seasonal transformation – with the shift between the dry and wet seasons, Tonlé Sap can dramatically expand or shrink. During the rainy season (June to November), the lake can grow to over 12,000 square kilometers, making it the ideal time to visit, as the famous floating villages become easily accessible and the scenery reaches its most picturesque.

The lake is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 200 species of fish, 100 varieties of birds, as well as crocodiles, turtles and snakes. A visit to Tonlé Sap offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing aquatic world, observing how local Khmer and Vietnamese communities live, work, and adapt to life on the water. From fishing boats to floating schools and markets, Tonlé Sap reveals a fascinating way of life that is both resilient and deeply connected to nature.

What to do at Tonle Sap?

– Visiting some floating villages

More than three million people, primarily of Khmer and Vietnamese origin, live along the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake, forming one of the most unique communities in Southeast Asia. These fishing villages are made up of families who live in stilted houses or on floating boats, adapting their entire lifestyle to the seasonal rhythms of the lake.

Visitors can catch a fascinating glimpse of daily life on the water – from fish catching and pig farming to rice harvesting on the nearby floodplains. Life here is simple yet resourceful, offering a powerful look into the resilience and traditions of people who have lived in harmony with the lake for generations. It’s an experience that gives real insight into Cambodia’s cultural and ecological richness.

1. Chong Kneas

This is the most famous village on Tonlé Sap Lake, offering a truly immersive experience of life on the water. As you cruise along, you’ll pass floating shops, schools, clinics and even temples and churches, all built to adapt to the lake’s changing water levels.

Take time to stop at a local souvenir shop, chat with friendly villagers and taste delicious fish dishes freshly prepared from the lake’s daily catch. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the community and experience the charm and warmth of life on Cambodia’s great lake.

2. Kampong Phluk

Less touristy than Chong Khneas, Kampong Phluk is a tranquil cluster of three villages where locals live in impressive stilted houses, built to withstand the lake’s dramatic seasonal changes. During the dry season, the village appears elevated, with towering wooden stilts exposed and roads accessible by foot or motorbike.

However, when the rainy season arrives, the waters rise and the stilts disappear beneath the surface, creating the magical illusion that the entire village is floating on the river. This seasonal transformation offers a fascinating glimpse into local life, far from the crowds and is perfect for travelers seeking a more authentic and peaceful experience on Tonlé Sap Lake.

3. Kampong Khleang

Located about 55 km from Siem Reap, Kampong Khleang offers a truly off-the-beaten-track experience for those exploring Tonlé Sap Lake. As the largest community on the lake, home to around 20,000 residents, this remote village provides a deeper and more authentic look into the daily life of the locals.

Because of its distance from the main tourist areas, Kampong Khleang sees fewer visitors, giving you a unique chance to interact with villagers, observe their traditional way of life, and soak in the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. With its expansive stilted houses, floating structures, and welcoming community, Kampong Khleang is ideal for travelers seeking a more immersive and culturally rich experience.

– Visiting bird sanctuary in Prek Toal

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is the most renowned destination for birdwatching among the three biosphere reserves on Tonlé Sap Lake. Located within the protected Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve, it is a haven for rare and endangered waterbirds, including storks, ibises, pelicans and more.

A boat trip from Chong Khneas to Prek Toal takes approximately two hours, offering scenic views along the way. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to May, when water levels recede and massive flocks of migratory birds gather in the area, making it an ideal time for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and eco-travelers.

With its lush wetlands, diverse plant life and vibrant bird population, Prek Toal is not only a natural paradise but also a vital conservation area that offers a truly unforgettable experience for anyone exploring Tonlé Sap’s rich biodiversity.

– Enjoying fish dishes

Local fish dishes in Tonle Sap will never disappoint you as the lake is the main source of fish in Cambodia. Freshwater fish such as snakehead, carp, and catfish are commonly used with curry flavor. Compared to Thai food, Cambodians use less sugar and spice, so don’t worry if you are not into spicy food.

– Seeing sunset on boats

Sitting on a boat and watching the sunset over Tonlé Sap Lake is the perfect and unforgettable way to end your journey. Many travelers say it’s their most cherished memory from the trip – and for good reason. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of gold, orange and pink, reflecting beautifully on the water’s surface.

The combination of the glowing lake, floating villages, and gently drifting boats creates a breathtaking scene that feels both peaceful and surreal. For photographers, it’s an unmissable moment – a perfect frame of Cambodia’s natural and cultural beauty, wrapped in golden light.

Interesting Tours to Tonle Sap

• Explore Cambodia Tours
• Cruising from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
• 6 days of Cambodia Highlight