Tonlé Sap

Most travelers choose to experience Tonlé Sap by boat, whether en route between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh or during a daytime or sunset dinner cruise. Depending on the option chosen, a sightseeing boat ride might include a visit to Chong Khneas floating village of stilted houses, a fish and crocodile farm, and a meal at a traditional Khmer floating restaurant.

Those with an interest in the lake’s biodiversity can opt for a day trip to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve that’s home to more than 150 bird species.

• Tonlé Sap is a must-see for adventure travelers and first-time visitors.

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when cruising the lake.

• Many boat tours on the lake include hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Tonlé Sap day trips can last anywhere from four to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.

Most tours of the lake depart from Chong Khneas, located 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Siem Reap. The easiest way to get to the lake is on a guided tour.

From November to May—the country’s dry season—Tonlé Sap empties into the Mekong River, making the lake’s natural features much less spectacular. If you want to get out on the lake when it’s at its largest, plan to visit during the rainy season (August and September) when the waters reverse and the enormous lake forms. Water levels are at their lowest between April and June. The best bird viewing happens between December and April.

Spend some time on the lake, and you’ll quickly realize that most residents of the stilted houses and floating villages are fishermen. Many of these families are ethnic Vietnamese who’ve been in the trade for decades. For the most authentic view of life on the lake, head farther afield to the villages near Kampong Chhnang and Pursat.

The main attractions of Tonlé Sap are its floating villages, consisting of buildings on stilts and houseboats near the lake’s shores. Other highlights include its mangrove forests and the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, which are protected thanks to the lake’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Boat tours are the most common way to explore Tonlé Sap and can be booked online or from agencies in Siem Reap. There are various different types of tours available, ranging from daytime sightseeing to sunset dinner cruises. Many tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Visiting the floating villages on Tonlé Sap—such as Kampong Phluk—offers fascinating insight into local culture. Many boat tours pass through the villages and will feature commentary on how the communities live and work on the lake and how their unique homes are constructed.

Tonlé Sap is a registered UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has an abundance of wildlife living within and around its waters. The Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is home to an incredible array of bird species, including storks and pelicans.

Yes, Tonlé Sap is worth visiting for its remarkable scenery and its floating villages. Many tours are tailored to different interests: some focus on the villages and their surroundings, while others explore the area’s many natural wonders, such as the mangrove forests.

No, it’s not easy to explore Tonlé Sap on your own as you would need to organize a boat to travel, so booking a boat tour is generally recommended. Most tours depart from Chong Khneas, located 7.5 miles south of Siem Reap.