Tonle Bati

Located about 35 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, Tonlé Bati lies in Takeo Province, in the southern part of Cambodia. This popular lakeside destination is renowned for its ancient Angkorian temples and picturesque lake. Ideal for picnics and group outings, it is considered one of the most peaceful tourist spots in the region—perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

Exploring Tonlé Bati

Tonlé Bati is primarily known as a leisure and picnic site, centered around a lake that shares its name. The area around the lake is dotted with ancient temples and recreation spaces, specially designed to welcome both tourists and locals seeking a relaxing getaway.

Tonlé Bati Lake

Located about 300 meters north of the Angkorian temples, Tonlé Bati Lake stretches approximately 5 kilometers in length and has an oval shape from east to west. On weekends and public holidays, it becomes a popular retreat for both locals and foreign travelers. Swimming and fishing are the most common activities, making it an ideal place for families and friends to unwind.

Peacefully built along the lakeshore, numerous bamboo huts are available for visitors. Whether in your own hammock or one rented on-site, you can relax while taking in the scenic surroundings. The area also features a variety of food and beverage stalls for convenient refreshment.

Angkorian Temples

The Tonlé Bati area serves as a guardian of ancient Angkorian history, architecture, and culture. It is home to several old temples that flourished during the Angkor period, most notably Ta Prohm and Yeay Pow, which were constructed during the same era as Bayon and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap.

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple was built in the 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII (1181–1201), the same king who commissioned Angkor Thom. Facing east, this Angkorian temple was built in the Bayon architectural style using brick and laterite, surrounded by lush vegetation. Today, only ruins remain, yet the site preserves a wealth of intricate carvings, statues, and sculpted figures.

Despite centuries of abandonment, the temple’s Hindu and Buddhist bas-reliefs have been remarkably well preserved, each illustrating the spiritual and cultural significance of the religions. The temple's main building consists of five rooms, each containing a statue of Buddha. Most of the structures are adorned with traditional Khmer carvings, including the iconic Apsara dancers. In the central chamber, visitors can still see damage inflicted by the Khmer Rouge on a sacred lingam.

Yeay Pow Temple

Located about 150 meters north of Ta Prohm, Yeay Pow Temple is another Angkorian-style tower. The temple is named after the mother of the prince associated with the legend of Ta Prohm. According to folklore, the prince, having forgotten his mother's face, returned to his native village and unknowingly fell in love with her. The temple features a stunning lintel adorned with exquisite Buddhist carvings.

Wat Tonlé Bati

Built around 1576, Wat Tonlé Bati is a Theravada Buddhist pagoda (“Wat” means pagoda in Khmer). Located near Yeay Pow Temple, it was partially destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime but remains a notable religious site.

How to get there

As there is no public transportation directly to Tonlé Bati, renting a motorbike or car is the most practical option. From Phnom Penh, visitors can take a bus to the Tonlé Bati area. Buses generally depart regularly starting from 6 :45 AM. 

Things to do

• Enjoy a peaceful picnic by Tonlé Bati Lake, away from the urban chaos 
• Visit Ta Prohm Temple to explore Hindu and Buddhist culture 

Admire ancient Angkorian architecture at Yeay Pow Temple