Situated approximately 35 km south of Phnom Penh, Tonlé Bati is located in Takeo Province, in southern Cambodge. It is a well-known leisure resort renowned for its Angkorian temples and picturesque lake. Perfect for picnicking and group outings, this destination stands as one of the region's most peaceful tourist spots, offering a welcome escape from the vibrant pace of city life.

Exploring Tonlé Bati

Tonlé Bati is foremost a leisure and picnic destination. For this reason, you'll find a lake bearing the site's name. The lake area and its surroundings are dotted with ancient temples and recreational spaces specially designed to welcome tourists and vacationers.

Tonlé Bati Lake

Located roughly 300 metres north of the Angkorian temples, Tonlé Bati Lake stretches approximately 5 km in length. Running east to west, the lake takes on an oval shape.

During weekends and public holidays, this place has become a retreat for both local residents and foreign travellers. Swimming and fishing are the most common activities on the lake. This is why the site is ideal for family outings or time with friends.

Quietly built along the lake's shores, numerous bamboo huts are available to accommodate tourists. From your hammock or those offered by rental services, you can truly unwind and admire the surrounding landscapes. Moreover, you'll also find many food and beverage stalls.

The Angkorian temples

The Tonlé Bati zone stands as a guardian of ancient Angkorian history, architecture and culture. It houses a great number of old temples, which flourished during the Angkorian era, including those of Ta Prohm and Yeay Pow. These two temples were constructed during the same period as Bayon and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap.

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple was built around the 12th century under the reign of Jayavarman VII (from 1181 to 1201), the builder of Angkor Thom. Oriented toward the east, this temple is indeed an Angkorian temple constructed in the Bayon architectural style. Built primarily of brick and laterite amidst lush vegetation, the temple stands today as ruins.

Despite the buildings' abandonment for several centuries, the carvings, statues, sculptures and various figures found within the site have been carefully preserved. These are Hindu and Buddhist bas-reliefs, each evoking and marking the significance of these religions.

The temple's main building features five halls, each housing a Buddha statue. The majority of structures found in this location are decorated with traditional sculptures. You'll also find the figure of Apsara, a carving typical of Khmer temples. In the central hall, traces of the Khmer Rouge devastation can be seen on a lingam.

Yeay Pow Temple

Located approximately 150 metres north of Ta Prohm, Yeay Pow Temple is also an Angkorian tower. The temple's name was inspired by the mother of the Ta Prohm king. However, the history of its construction is linked to that of a prince. The legend tells of a prince who, having forgotten his mother's face, fell in love with her upon returning to his native village. This temple also features a magnificent lintel decorated with exquisite Buddhist sculptures.

Wat Tonlé Bati

Built around 1576, Wat Tonlé Bati is a Theravada Buddhist pagoda. The Khmer word Wat means "pagoda". Located near Yeay Pow Temple, this pagoda was partially destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

Since there is no public transport to reach the site, it is more practical to rent a motorcycle or car. From Phnom Penh, you should take the bus to reach the Tonlé Bati area directly. Generally, buses depart regularly starting from 6:45 AM.

What to Do?

• Head to Tonlé Bati Lake for a picnic in an area completely removed from urban life
• Visit Ta Prohm Temple to discover Hindu and Buddhist culture
• Admire ancient Angkorian architecture by visiting Yeay Pow Temple