Tonle Sap Lake

TONLE SAP LAKE, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA | TOURIST ATTRACTION + TRAVEL GUIDE

Tonle Sap Lake: The Rich Biodiversity

The Tonle Sap Lake is situated in the middle of Cambodia. With its extensive coverage, it is sometimes mistaken as an ocean! It connects the two main rivers, the Mekong river, and the Tonle Bassac river. As the season changes, the flow of water also changes. Thus, this lake serves a particular purpose for the crops and the fish industry of the country.

The usual flow of water heads to the Tonle Sap river, and it connects the Mekong and Tonle Bassac river. On the other hand, the rainy season which usually begins in June contradicts the natural flow and fills the place into a massive lake. Thus, it makes it the biggest freshwater lake in entire Southeast Asia. When the dry season comes, people are celebrating their Water festival or also known as the Bom Om Touk or “boat festival.” This marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, which for them is the best time for tending their crops.

The floating school at Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake also holds the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary along with other mangroves, marshlands, tropical forests, and grasslands. Thus, the birth of many species was also possible. Some of the rare species such as crab-eating macaque, milky stork, Siamese crocodile, and spot-billed pelican are found in the area.  The Tonle Sam Water snakes as part of the endangered species are also available here. Sadly, there was an observed reduction in their number because people and animals are resorting to this as a food. In 1997, UNESCO declared the area as a biosphere reserve to protect all the species living in this massive place.

Settlers in the lake showed that about 40% of them are considered as poor. These are mostly Vietnamese or also known as Cham. The only sad thing about living in this lake is that it tends to isolate the people, making them less fortunate in terms of education and health care aspects. People here built their houses as mobile ones. Meaning to say, their homes could be moved and transported from one area to another. This is for safety purposes in times of the increase in water level during the rainy season. Thus, the floating villages are visible in the area. As for the way of living, they practice both fishing and farming with cattle. The fishes caught in this lake are transported in entire Cambodia and serve as a critical part of their economy.

Tonle Sap Lake

Recent studies reveal that there seems to be a decrease in water level in recent years, either it is the dry or rainy season. Meaning to say, if the same phenomena continue to persist in the coming years, it is expected that it will be a disastrous effect not only to the floating villages but to the entire country in general.

The continuous preservation and protection given to the lake, along with its rich biodiversity, serves as a gentle reminder that this place is a gift and a blessing. Therefore, it must be taken care of by all people.

Experience Kompong Phluk Floating Village |Tonle Sap Lake

Experience a different culture by booking Kompong Phluk/Tonle Sap Lake Tour.

BOOK A KOMPONG PHLUK/TONLE SAP LAKE TOUR HERE

How to Get to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Pick the most budget-friendly flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia via Cebu Pacific. The airline has regular flights for Manila-Siem Reap Route three times weekly.

Book your seat now, Cebu Pacific Manila-Siem Reap

Book a transfer from Siem Reap Airport to your chosen hotel on the links below:

BOOK A TUK-TUK FROM SIEM REAP AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL HERE

HOTEL TRANSFER FROM SIEM REAP AIRPORT (by private car)

5A Luxury Hotel and Spa. This 5 star property will surely be a perfect choice for lux travelers visiting in this part of Cambodia. Opeaning soon. For more, email: info@5acambodia.com

Crown Angkor Hotel , Siem Reap

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Before you go, make sure to book a room in Siem Reap here DISCOUNTED HOTEL ROOMS IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA 

There are souvenirs ready for any willing tourists at the Tonle Sap Lake 

Siem Reap Travel Guide

Tonle Sap Lake is part of our itinerary during our last visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia. If you find this place interesting, I have outlined a detailed Siem Reap Cambodia Travel Guide to give you more insights into creating your own itinerary.

Visit Siem Reap Cambodia Travel Guide

Must read, Cambodia Travel Guide

Tonle Sap Lake

Happy Trip Tips When Visiting Tonle Sap Lake

• You are on a  tour, so take your camera, extra batteries, and power bank handy.
• You will get thirsty along the way, so don’t forget your bottled water.
• The sun could be harsh, so use enough sunscreen.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses
• You can bring snacks for this tour, otherwise, there are restaurants offering food and beverages in the floating community.

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• White Temple Chiang Rai
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• Walking Street Market, Chiang Mai
• Elephant Ride
• Chiang Mai Products, What to buy
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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