Tonle Sap Lake, also known as Great Lake, is a gem of nature and the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Featuring floating villages, mangrove forests, and rich wildlife, it is a hotspot for fans of nature in Cambodia. And being close to Siem Reap—the gateway to Angkor Wat and other Khmer temples—it's an ideal day-trip destination. So, let's see why you should check out Tonle Sap Lake during your Siem Reap vacation.
Tonle Sap Lake Floating and Stilted Villages
There are four main floating villages near Siem Reap, and these are:
Chong Khneas—A Floating Village and Ferry Port
Chong Khneas is the nearest village to Siem Reap and the principal ferry port in the area. So, if you travel from Phnom Penh to Temple City by boat, you'll land there. Consequentially, it is the most touristy floating village of all.
Nevertheless, you'll see fishermen and other locals doing chores on the water. Moreover, you may see crocodile and catfish farms and a floating Catholic church as you get around. And if you are a fan of Korean food, pay a visit to one of the Korean restaurants.
For something more traditional, pay attention to the next chapter.
Kampong Phluk—A Traditional Khmer Riverside Settlement
Located east of Chong Khneas along the Tahas River, Kampong Phluk is authentic to its core. Moreover, mangrove trees surround the village that features floating and houses on stilts. While there, you'll notice that the travel industry hasn't affected the community and that the villagers lead a traditional life.
While visiting Kampong Phluk, take a paddleboat or a canoe and explore the mangrove forest. As you get around, you'll see the locals fishing and tourist sightseeing boats navigating the river.
Now, let's get to something entirely different!
Kampong Khleang—The Largest Floating Village on Tonle Sap
To find out what the local "metropolis" looks like, go to Kampong Khleang, east of Kampong Phluk. The largest Tonle Sap Lake settlement is a group of ten merged villages. As such, it is quite a bustling place, which remains authentic since fewer tourists wander this far from Siem Reap.
Moreover, it features facilities such as a medical center, market, three pagodas, even primary and secondary schools. However, don't expect to find souvenir shops or eateries catering to vacationers. So, come to Kampong Khleang only if you have a genuine interest in local life.
The community experiences transformation from the dry to the wet season.
When the water recedes, you'll find houses standing on stilts and cars and other vehicles driving along dusty roads. As for the boats, you'll see them stranded on dry ground. But, when the water returns, the village becomes its old self again.
Mechrey—An Entry Point Into Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Also spelled Meychrey, Mechrey is the fourth main floating village near Temple City. Located northwest of Chong Khneas, it has a Buddhist pagoda, school, crocodile farm, even floating pig farms.
However, the nearness of the Preak Toal Bird Reserve is the settlement's biggest lure. So, you may catch a glimpse of some bird species inhabiting the area during the dry season, in particular. Thus, eco-tourism becomes the primary focus of the villagers besides fishing.
Prek Toal Reserve—A Refuge for Endangered Bird Species
Prek Toal is a biosphere reserve and bird refuge located in the northwestern corner of Tonle Sap Lake. Birds, some of which are rare or endangered, start arriving at the beginning of the dry season, remaining there until its end. So, come to the wildlife sanctuary between November and May if birdwatching is your passion.
Some bird species colonizing Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary are:
- Grey-headed fish eagle
- Spot-billed pelican
- Milky and Painted storks
- Black-headed ibis
- Greater and Lesser adjutants
- And Oriental darter
Tonle Sap Lake Visitor Information
- Chong Khneas is the starting point for getting to other Tonle Sap Lake floating villages. Depending on the transport option, the one-way trip from Siem Reap costs from a few (moto) to over a dozen USD (tuk-tuk or taxi). From there, additional few dozen dollars will take you from Chong Khneas to other settlements.
- The entry fee for Chong Khneas, Kampong Phluk, and Mechrey is $20 per person. For visiting Kampong Khleang, the cost is $21 for lone visitors and $20 for those accompanied by someone. For the price, you have a boat tour in each floating community.
- You pay an additional $5 if you wish to explore a flooded (mangrove) forest from Kampong Phluk.
- To visit the Prek Toal Bird Refuge, you have to pay $30 per person. Also, a $10 mandatory donation applies.
- Most travelers, however, join guided Tonle Sap tours from Siem Reap for the sake of convenience. Also, individual holidaymakers reported that they were subjects to various scams involving emotional blackmail.
Tonle Sap Lake Quick Facts
- Located south of Temple City, Great Lake is 75 mi (120 km) long and 62 mi (100 km) wide between the most distant points.
- At the height of the rainy season, the maximum depth of the lake is 10 meters.
- Mekong giant fish, Siamese mud carp, and Walking catfish are some species inhabiting the largest Southeast Asian freshwater lake.
- Besides birds and fish, various amphibians and mammals live in the area. Turtles and rare hairy-nosed otters are some of them.
- For three days in October or November, the Water Festival takes place in Kampong Khleang.
The Great Lake Attractions and Activities Summary
To sum up, there are a lot of activities you can enjoy when visiting Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. And some of these are:
- Navigating floating or stilted villages, depending on the season
- Exploring dense mangrove (flooded) forest
- Watching various birds, including birds of prey, in Prek Toal during the high (dry) season
- Browsing floating markets, observing fishermen's activities, familiarizing with local life, and more
So, don't miss taking a day trip to this natural wonderland during your Siem Reap and Angkor temples tour. Also, check out other tourist destinations in Asia if you plan to visit more than one country during your vacation.
