The vast Tonlé Sap Lake

A boat tour on Tonlé Sap Lake is a must-do activity during a visit to Siem Reap or even when traveling through Cambodia. Located just a few dozen kilometers south of the city, Tonlé Sap offers a chance to experience the daily life of villagers and the wonderful ecosystem in this little fisherman's paradise.

Discovering Tonlé Sap Lake

Tonlé Sap literally translates to "the great freshwater river" or "the great lake," and this hydrological system is vital to Cambodia. It is a site of significant ecological, economic, social, and cultural importance. In 1997, Tonlé Sap was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Often, the lake and the river are confused, as they share the same name: Tonlé Sap. Indeed, it is impossible to clearly separate the river from the lake.

Geography

It is said that the lake occupies a basin formed by the collision between the Indian subcontinent and Asia. Thus, Tonlé Sap is defined as a freshwater body. Geologically, Tonlé Sap Lake and the Tonlé Sap River represent the present-day remnant of the lower Mekong basin's glacial period. The river, also called Tonlé Sap, is 120 km long and floods the lake, connecting it to the Mekong River. The confluence of the two rivers forms a complex hydrological system in a floodplain that spans 12,876 km².

Hydrography

Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater body in Southeast Asia. Its size changes with the seasons. During the rainy season, from June to November, the lake fills with water from the Mekong River. At this time, it reaches a depth of 14 meters and expands to 10,000 km². In contrast, during the dry season, from November to May, the lake shrinks to 3,000 km², with a depth of two meters. Thus, the lake serves as a reservoir during the dry season and a floodplain during the high water season. The lake also acts as a natural barrier, serving as a safety valve against Mekong floods.

Ecosystem

The Tonlé Sap ecosystem is home to a vast array of aquatic species and biodiversity. Over 100 species of aquatic birds, such as storks, pelicans, and more, can be found here. The floodplain forest bordering the lake is also an ideal area for fish farming. The lake hosts nearly 300 species of freshwater fish, as well as snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and otters. The fish are categorized into three groups: white fish (Trey pra ke), black fish (sand gobies), and small fish.

Economic Value

Tonlé Sap Lake is a crucial commercial resource. It supplies more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia. In fact, Tonlé Sap is considered the world’s most productive fishing area, providing over 75% of the annual freshwater fish catch and 60% of the food consumed by the Cambodian population. The floating villages, small houses on stilts, and large fish traps also attract many tourists from all around the world. When the water level drops, the sediment deposits left behind are beneficial for local agriculture.

Population

The lake mainly extends in the northwest of Cambodia. It is surrounded by five provinces, and more than three million people live around it. Ninety percent of the residents earn their livelihoods through fishing and farming. The population around Tonlé Sap is predominantly young. Children can be seen everywhere, playing and greeting passersby with warmth. In November, Cambodians celebrate the Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, where you can witness colorful boats racing on the Tonlé Sap.

Visiting the Floating Villages of Tonlé Sap

There are two villages that are very close and accessible from Siem Reap on Tonlé Sap: Prek Toal and Chong Khneas. The life on Tonlé Sap follows the rhythm of the villagers, who move by boat from house to house.

• Chong Khneas Village

Chong Khneas is a floating village located in the southern part of Siem Reap, about 15 km away. It takes 30 minutes by vehicle to reach the dock, where you can take a boat to the village, and the journey takes about two hours. Three types of households can be found in Chong Khneas: Khmer, Muslim, and Vietnamese. Like other villages, the floating village of Chong Khneas has clinics, schools, a basketball court, souvenir shops, snacks, and more. The most notable infrastructure in Chong Khneas is the Gecko Environmental Center. This government organization aims to raise awareness among the population and offers exhibitions and documents about the region’s ecology and biodiversity.

• Prek Toal Village

Prek Toal Village is located in the far north-west of Tonlé Sap and is one of the three major areas of the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve. The reserve covers nearly 42,000 hectares and is home to an important bird sanctuary, which is a major attraction for the village. Visitors can see various bird species, such as ibis, pelicans, cormorants, and more. Additionally, an endemic species, the Sloth Loris, the world’s smallest primate, can also be found here. It is recommended to visit the reserve early in the morning or late in the afternoon. To access the village, a pass accredited by the Wildlife Conservation Society is required. This organization oversees the site and charges an entrance fee.

Navigating Tonlé Sap Lake and discovering its beautiful scenery

If you're looking for an alternative to long car journeys, you can travel along the river from Siem Reap to reach Tonlé Sap. It’s worth noting that the main roads leading to other cities in the region are in very poor condition. Since the lake is also an important trade route, many goods arrive by water. The few hours spent on the lake will offer you beautiful images that will remain etched in your memory. The small houses on stilts, the numerous families living together and greeting each passerby, decorate the floating villages of Tonlé Sap. You will also see many small boats decorated with enormous eyes on their bows. The life of the inhabitants seems to be governed by the water and everything that takes place on it.

How to get there

Tonlé Sap Lake is located about 15 km south of Siem Reap. You can travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by speedboat to reach the dock of the villages, with a journey time of six to seven hours when the water level is high.

However, when the water level is low, the journey takes nearly nine hours. It is also possible to take the bus from the capital to Siem Reap, using the Sisophon road, and then reach the floating villages on the shores. The bus journey costs around 7 USD.

Best time to visit

• The best time to visit Tonlé Sap Lake is between June and November when the lake's waters rise. During this season, the boat ride is more pleasant. It is also the time when you can enjoy the scenery and see the daily activities of the villagers up close.