Explore the Fascinating Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages in Cambodia
When it comes to a tourist destination in the world that combines the beauty of nature with a rich culture and a storied history, very few places come close to Cambodia. Cambodia is a country known for its rich heritage from cultures like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity and for boasting excellent diversity in its ecosystem.
From the beautiful Mekong River to the capital of Cambodia Phnom Penh, there is no shortage of excellent locations that tourists can enjoy themselves in. One of these excellent locations is the Tonle Sap Lake of Cambodia.
So, keep reading to learn what is there to explore in the fascinating Tonle Sap Lake and floating villages in Cambodia.
History Behind the Tonle Sap Lake
The history behind the Tonle Sap Lake goes back to the first forms of civilization in Southeast Asia. Multiple artifacts from the ancient civilizations that once resided close to the Tonle Sap Lake have been recovered since and their date of creation is estimated to be in the prehistoric era.
From these remnants, it is assumed that these prehistoric civilizations mainly survived on the fish and agriculture that was produced from the Tonle Sap Lake. Later in medieval history, this lake became a crucial natural resource for the Khmer Empire which once resided in Cambodia.
Since its discovery, the Tonle Sap Lake has been a symbol of resilience in Cambodia and is one of the most important places for Cambodia’s heritage and is considered a symbol of resilience.
The Size of Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is a natural wonder that can experience a drastic change in its size between dry and monsoon seasons. During the dry season which lasts from October to April, the Tonle Sap Lake only covers an area of around 2,500 sq. km
However, during the monsoon season which lasts from May to October, the size of the Tonle Sap Lake increases to more than 16,000 sq. km. The large size of the Tonle Sap Lake supports some of the best-looking natural scenery and exotic wildlife in Cambodia.
If you are wondering, what is the reason for such a drastic change in the size of the lake? The answer is due to the lake’s connection to the Mekong River.
During monsoon, the water of the Mekong River starts to overflow into the Tonle Sap Lake which drastically increases the area it covers during that season. This is a natural cycle that has been repeated for thousands of years and is responsible for shaping the cultures that once resided here.
Some Interesting Facts About the Tonle Sap Lake
- Tonle Sap Lake is a Biosphere Reserve protected by UNESCO. This lake is home to almost 200 different species of fish, as well as several species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
- The water of the Tonle Sap Lake flows from the Tonle Sap River which then takes the water to the Mekong River. However, this water flow direction reverses during the monsoon season which leads to the water of the Mekong River filling into the lake from the Tonle Sap River. This hydrological phenomenon is a unique feature of this lake.
- This lake’s surroundings are full of fertile wetlands which are used for the agriculture of several crops in Cambodia.
- The Tonle Sap Lake is most well-known for housing several floating villages in Cambodia. These villages are made of homes that rise and fall with the water level, making them one of the most adaptable settlements in the world.
Importance of Tonle Sap Lake
In modern times, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the most important places in Cambodia. The lake supports almost 75% of the country’s fish supply and the fertile lands around it are used to grow several crops that people of Cambodia consume on a daily basis.
As mentioned previously, the lake is very important to UNESCO as a biodiverse sphere, and it holds significant cultural importance in the history of Cambodia. It also acts as a natural flood control system during the monsoon season for the Mekong River as without it, the Mekong would flood the nearby settlements and cities.
The Best Time to Visit
If you wish to visit Tonle Sap Lake, the best time to visit is the dry season which lasts from October to April. The monsoon in Cambodia involves heavy rain that can last for many days, making exploration tedious and difficult to do. During the dry season, you can enjoy a beautiful afternoon sunset in the Tonle Sap Lake while also exploring the floating villages and their lifestyle and culture.
Tourist Activities Around the Tonle Sap Lake
There are plenty of activities tourists can indulge in during their visit to the Tonle Sap Lake. The best of the tourist activities are mentioned below:
Visit the Floating Villages of the Tonle Sap Lake
Possibly, the best activity you can indulge yourself in during your visit to the Tonle Sap Lake is exploring the floating villages that are the main attractions of this lake. Observe how these villages survive on the water from the lake either using it for agriculture or going fishing, to provide Cambodia its source of protein.
There are 3 floating villages that you can visit during your trip to the Tonle Sap Lake:
- Kompong Phluk - This village has houses built at tall heights that you can observe during the dry season. The tall height is due to the increase in the lake's height during monsoon when these houses float on the water.
- Kampong Khleang - Kampong Khleang is home to the largest floating village community in Cambodia, giving tourists a perfect opportunity to experience the authentic life of a floating village.
- Chong Khneas - This floating village is most likely going to be your first location on the Tonle Sap Lake. While you are here, enjoy some of the tasty cuisines that are made in these villages.
Go on a Boat Tour
The biodiversity around the area of Tonle Sap Lake provides some excellent views and picturesque moments which are best explored via the many boat trips that you can take to explore the natural wonders of the Tonle Sap Lake. Aside from enjoying the serene views, you can also indulge in the local methods of fishing in the lake.
Looking at the different kinds of fish that you can catch in the lake is one of the most fun activities in Tonle Sap Lake.
Cambodia is one of the most culturally diverse and naturally rich countries in all of Southeast Asia. It is a country where tourists can immerse themselves in some of the most picturesque views and interesting historical stories ever seen in the world. While the Mekong River and Phnom Penh are the main tourist attractions in Cambodia, the Tonle Sap Lake is not far behind.
Housing some of the most diverse species of fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles along with offering beautiful natural scenery, there is no shortage of points of interest in the Tonle Sap Lake. Couple this with the floating village communities of Cambodia and you are guaranteed to have a time that will be remembered for a long time.
So, if you wish to visit Tonle Sap Lake, start applying for your Cambodian tourist e-visa early and book all your reservations in advance.
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. Canadian citizens, Spanish citizens, Dutch citizens, Swiss citizens and British citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.