Tonlé Sap

We had a great fun time cruising from Kampong Phluk all the way to Tonle Sap for the sunset viewing, it was extraordinary. If you are not used to riding on a boat ride, might get abit dizzy for you when the boat come into complete stop.

There are several floating villages around Tonle Sap Lake, where people have adapted their lifestyles to the changing water levels with houses, schools, and small shops scattered along the river and lake. It’s about a 40minute drive from Siem Reap city, a great spot to visit when you feel like taking a short break from the temples. During the dry season, some areas become too shallow or muddy for boats to enter, so it’s best to check the conditions before you go. The sunset over the lake was absolutely unforgettable.

A huge lake that shared with 5 provinces. We take a boat through Kampong Phluk, nearby Siem Reap. It took us around 30 minutes to reach here from the town. The lake is nice especially during sunset. You cannot see the shore of the other side from here. There are also few floating village that made for tourist attractions area and you can enter here for 22 usd. Totally an experience being here

This is the largest freshwater lake in southeast Asia, designated as a Reserve by the UNESCO. You need to buy a ticket to get to the port to take the boat to the lake. There are different sizes of boats to accommodate different group sizes. We took a middle size boat that accommodates 10/12 people. We enjoyed the trip very much. The trip was an adventure as small and medium size boats cross each other along the river leading to the lake. Water was low but the trip was fun. You will see interesting homes with long stairs leading to the river. Fishermen families have been living on the water houses for decades if not centuries. There are some floating restaurants that serve local dishes, specially crocodile meat. You may see in these restaurants small crocodile farms. The lake floating village includes a church, restaurants, community spaces and many homes, is worth the visit. This is definitely a place to visit while in Siem Rip.

Tonlé Sap is a stunning freshwater lake that changes dramatically with the seasons. The lake is home to floating villages that offer a glimpse into a rare way of life—but timing is key. In the dry season, water levels drop, and many “floating” houses sit on dry land. The sunset viewpoint is absolutely worth a stop, offering golden reflections over the water. While there are charming floating tea points scattered across the lake, expect high prices and limited choices. Visit during the wet season for the most authentic and beautiful experience.

Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap is a magical place, especially during sunset. Watching the golden hues spread across the vast waters while on a boat was a breathtaking experience. The sun seemed to dance on the rippling surface, painting the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple. The calmness of the lake, combined with the natural beauty of the setting sun, made the moment unforgettable and peaceful. What made the visit even more special was witnessing the unique lifestyle of the floating village. The houses, built on tall stilts, stand resilient against the seasonal changes in water levels. Families live, work, and thrive in this remarkable environment, relying on the lake for fishing and transportation. It was inspiring to see how they have adapted so beautifully to their surroundings, showcasing the strength and resourcefulness of human spirit.

It's the biggest lake in Southeast-Asia and it's definitely impressive. We visited during the dry season, so during our boat tour we got to see the way the houses on stilts were constructed. The sunset is stunning.

Highlight of my Siem Reap trip was visiting a floating village in Siem Reap. People there live outside the world of convenience. They use alum to filter lake water for cooking, drinking and washing. 😳. Visiting there was a reminder of all the things we have to be grateful for. 🫶