Tonle Sap - The Unique Lake in the Heart of Mekong

Brief Information About Tonle Sap 

• Location: Lower Mekong Basin, 15 km south of Siem Reap
• Length: 250 km
• Width: 100 km
• Type: Largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
• Best time to visit: Rainy season (May–October)

Tonle Sap Lake Overview

Why Is It Called Tonle Sap Lake?

In Khmer, tonle literally means large river, and sap is fresh or not salty. Thus, Tonle Sap can be understood as the large freshwater river. In Cambodia, the Tonle Sap Lake which is well-known as the Great Lake is a combination of a lake and a river system.

When to Visit Tonle Sap Lake?

The dimension of the lake changes when the flow of water changes, which can be seen clearly in two different seasons (the wet and the dry season). So the best time to visit Tonle Sap lake is during the rainy season, from June to October.

It’s time the huge amount of water flowing backward from Tonle Sap River fills the lake and brings alluvial and the rich biodiversity to this unique ecological hotspot. This is partly explained by the annual phenomenon. The snow in the Himalaya Mountains melting and flowing into the Mekong River will cause the Tonle Sap river to reverse its flow and run into the lake. This makes the size of the lake expand more than five-fold with surrounding floodplains and flooded forest.

A Vital Habitat for Wildlife

This area plays an important role in making homes for several kinds of birds, fish spawning and breeding babies, and many other mammals such as turtles, snakes, and crocodiles. In the dry season (from November to May), the lake is fairly small since the water will drain into the Tonle Sap river to flow to the Mekong River. Thanks to the diverse ecosystem, in 1997 Tonle Sap Lake was designated as a UNESCO biosphere.

This area plays an important role in making home for several kinds of birds, fish spawning and breeding babies as well as many other mammals such as turtles, snakes and crocodiles. In the dry season (from November to May), the lake is fairly small since the water will drain into the Tonle Sap river to flow to Mekong river. Thanks to the diverse eco-system, in1997 Tonle Sap Lake was designated as UNESCO biosphere.

Muse-see floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake

The Great Lake which has natural resources such as a large amount of fish and wetland is an ideal place for residents. The majority of people living around the lake earn their living from fishing and agriculture. Thus, there’s no doubt that visitors can find several stilt houses near the waterway or boat houses on the lake.

Chong Kneas

Considered as one of the best floating villages in Cambodia to learn more about local culture, Chong Kneas floating village is an accessible location from Siem Reap to discover the Great Lake. Since this village is home to Khmer, Cham and Vietnamese, travellers can have chance to explore the distinctive features in their household and to visit the lively floating market, fisheries, clinics, school and shops. In addition, the Gecko Environment Centre and crocodile farm in this village enable visitors to learn and get the information about ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.

» Read More: Siem Reap - The Ancient World in Cambodia

Kampong Phluk

Houses built on tall stilts within the floodplain are one of the outstanding features of this village. Kampong Phluk which means Harbor of the Tusks just likes the floating market in the wet season when the water is high and hide the stilt of the house. In the dry season, the water in lake shrinks and all the high stilt are exposed. This village allows you to take boat ride to explore the flooded forest easily in the wet season. The beautiful scenery and the unique life in this village capture the attention from many travellers.

Mechrey

Far 28km from Siem Reap town, Mechrey floating village is an amazing place for travellers to gain some new experience with the live on the lake and fishing activities. It’s fun to take boat ride and discovery the daily life of fishermen. Moreover, this rewarding village enables you to take the ox-cart to enjoy yourself with the fresh air and the beautiful countryside view with green field in the dry season.

Kampong Khleang

The largest and least visited of the Tonle Sap lake villages is Kampong Khleang, which is roughly 50 kilometers from Siem Reap. Towering stilt houses that rise sharply above dusty roads during the dry season demonstrate the extent of adaptation to seasonal flooding. The entire village changes during the rainy season as the water levels rise and boats take over as the primary means of transportation. With local markets, floating schools, and fishing activities all around, Kampong Khleang provides a genuine look into lakeside life, in contrast to more touristed locations. For tourists looking for a more subdued, immersive cultural experience, it's a fantastic option.

Discover a bird park in Tonle Sap

Prek Toal gains the nice fame with travellers as one of three Biosphere Reserves in Tonle Sap. Thanks to the flooded forest, it becomes home of several fishes and endangered birds such as Black-headed Ibis, the Greater and Lesser Adjutant, the Milky stork, Painted Stork. The diversity of birds attracts many bird watchers all over the world to come and visit this largest waterbird colony in South-East Asia. Dry season is recommended as the best time to see a large number of birds gathering on the wet land and observe several bird nests on the trees in flooded forest.

Moreover, you can spend time on visiting floating village in Prek Toal, enjoying the lifestyle of people living on the water and finding the unique features in this sanctuary.

Popular Ways to Explore Tonle Sap Lake

Boat Tour to Floating Villages

One of the most immersive ways to experience Tonle Sap Lake is by taking a boat tour to its iconic floating villages. Popular choices include Chong Kneas (closest to Siem Reap), Kampong Phluk (known for its flooded mangrove forest), and Kampong Khleang (less touristy and more authentic). You can witness daily activities like fishing, boat-making, and trading on water, gaining insight into a lake lifestyle.

Top Mekong Cruises hopes that you've already had some useful information about Tonle Sap. If you are interested in exploring this lake, you can consider our Cambodia River Cruises to get fascinating experiences in Tonle Sap with us!

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