Tonle Sap Lake is located about 15 km south of Siem Reap. Tonlé Sap refers to a seasonally inundated freshwater lake and an attached river, the 120 km (75 mi) long Tonlé Sap River, that connects the lake to the Mekong River. They form the central part of a complex hydrological system, in the 12,876 km (4,971 sq mi) Cambodian floodplain covered with natural and agricultural habitats that the Mekong replenishes with water and sediments annually. The central plain formation is the result of millions of years of Mekong alluvial deposition and discharge.
The Lake is the largest fresh water in South East Asia. Its dimension changes depending on the monsoon and dry season. During raining season from June to October, the lake is filled by water flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in depth and expands the surface of 10,000 square Kilometers. In dry season from November to May its size 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth and water flows out from the Lake to the Mekong, in and out flowing is the natural phenomenon occurrences. The flooded forest surrounding the edge of the lake is the best shelter and also very important for all kinds of fishes spawned and breeding babies. This lake providing many of biodiversities, over 300 species of fresh water fishes, as well as snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles and otters. More than 100 varieties water birds including storks, pelicans, etc.
Five provinces circle the area of Tonle Sap Lake with more than three million population inhabiting the area in and around the bank of the Lake; 90% of which earn their living by catching fish and farming. Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating village at the edge of the lake. It takes only about 30 minutes by vehicle from Siem Reap to the boat dock where there are always boats waiting for visitors. The boat trip through the floating village takes approximately two hours. You will see and explore the different Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese floating households as well as the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists.
A must see, so what about you?
I will most happily be your guide and driver!
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