Tonle Sap: the lake where life beats above and below the surface

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and choosing interesting places that should not escape your attention, definitely add Tonle Sap Lake in the Siem Reap area to your list. Tonle Sap, also known as Tonlé Sap, translates to Great Lake and is a true aquatic gem of all Southeast Asia, which will literally enchant you with its beauty.

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and also a place with one of the largest ecosystems in the world. It is home to a huge number of diverse animal and plant species. In 1997, it was registered – along with its surrounding areas – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The lake where life pulses

The lake truly has grand dimensions. It is 250 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide. Basically, we can call it an inland ocean. In many places, you cannot see the opposite shore at all! Nevertheless, the lake is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters in its deepest spots.

Besides representatives of fauna and flora, people have also settled on the lake and created numerous communities inhabiting floating villages. Each is a bit different, but what unites them is their dependence on the lake and its natural resources.

The most famous village is Chong Khneas, with a number of shops, houses, and schools floating on the water. This village is already somewhat touristy, but it is still worth a visit. However, you can visit many other villages, just arrange a boat trip on the lake. Keep in mind, though, that it is a trip lasting at least a whole day.

When to visit Tonle Sap?

The best time to visit the lake is during the rainy season, from June to October. During this time, the lake floods, overflows its banks, and creates a unique floodplain habitat. By boat, you can then reach many incredible places from where you can observe local mammals, birds, and amphibians. In the dry season, the lake level drops closer to the bottom, and some areas are not accessible by boat at all. The villages also do not have the same charm as during the flood season.

Are you interested in more tips on places you shouldn’t miss in Cambodia? Then you can happily dive into another travel article. This time we focus on our favorite area, Kampot. :-)