Buzz
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia plays a vital role in the lives of Cambodian people. When talking about the land of temples, everyone knows that this place boasts a very large freshwater lake. Over time, this destination has sparked curiosity among many travelers. Visiting the lake, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the customs and way of life of the local people. To get a clearer picture, please read on below!
Introduction to Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is located in the province of Siem Reap. This place is about 25 km from the center of the Cambodian city. Tonle Sap is understood as the “great freshwater river”. “Lake” is how we Vietnamese commonly refer to the vastness of this lake. True to its name, the lake has a very large area. To the extent that you cannot see the shore.
The formation of Tonle Sap Lake dates back approximately 5,500 years BCE. It is the result of the collision between the Indian subcontinent and Asia. In 1997, UNESCO recognized Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia as a biosphere reserve of the world. It plays an extremely important role in regulating water levels in the lower Mekong River basin. This includes the area of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
A small corner of the scenery at the lake (Photo source: Collected)
Cambodia is a country directly influenced by the monsoon winds. Therefore, during the windy season, the area and shape of the lake will change. In the dry season, the lake level is relatively shallow, about 1 meter, with a lake area of about 10,000 m2. But in the rainy season, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia reverses its flow. This increases the lake area to about 16,000 m2. The average water level at that time is 9 meters.
What makes Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia special?
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is teeming with freshwater fish. The local people here make a living by catching fish using rudimentary tools. It can be said that the fish yield here sustains 3 million people. Along with that, it supplies 75% of freshwater fish and 60% of protein for the people of the land of temples.
An entire floating village on the river creates a unique and impressive scene (Photo source: Collected)
When visiting here, what impresses tourists is the floating villages on the river. All blending together to create a vivid picture. This has impressed countless tourists. Taking a wooden boat tour of the lake will help you understand more about the life of the local people here.
Exciting experiences at Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia has many wonderful experiences for you to explore. These activities are highly favored by tourists. Let Mytour suggest some things you should try! Your Cambodia tour will surely be fantastic.
1. Cruising to admire the scenery by boat
Taking a boat ride to admire the scenery at Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is an activity not to be missed. This is also a type of service highly favored by tourists. Most of the locals here have boats and rowboats. Just ask and they will row you around the lake for sightseeing.
You will experience the feeling of sitting on a small boat on the tranquil lake. Enjoy the cool breeze and admire the daily life of the locals here. The scenery is simple but it brings tourists a feeling of peace and relaxation.
Boat rides to admire the lake scenery are incredibly exciting experiences (Photo source: Collected)
The surrounding scenery will make you feel like you're in rural villages. Here, there are small houses clustered closely together, simple and humble. While cruising on the lake, you may see someone handling a snake. However, don't panic or be frightened, this sight is not uncommon and quite normal here.
2. Visiting floating fishing villages
You can spend time visiting some floating fishing villages at Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Such as Kampong Khleang or Kampong Phluk… Particularly, there are schools, hospitals… here which are more sophisticated compared to the houses on the lake. Life in these villages is not overly modern but rather simple and rustic. However, this will help you experience many interesting and authentic aspects.
There are numerous floating fishing villages here for tourists to visit (Photo source: Collected)
3. Explore the mangrove forest
Having cruised on wooden boats to admire Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, don't miss out on the mangrove forest! The lush green forest surrounding the floating fishing villages is a uniquely remarkable sightseeing spot. Mangroves play a crucial role in the protective forest.
A small boat floating down the stream into the mangrove forest (Photo source: Collected)
The growth of these trees in brackish water areas helps reduce damage to the mainland. And in this lake, there is such a mangrove forest for you to explore. This will certainly be an interesting activity to help you gain valuable knowledge.
4. Check-in at Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
If you are an animal lover, then you should visit Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. This location is located in the northwest of Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. This is where many rare bird species are preserved and protected, some of which are on the brink of extinction. Such as the grey-headed fish eagle, milky stork, grey-headed fish eagle…
A visit to the bird sanctuary brings you closer to nature (Photo source: Collected)
The bird sanctuary covers an area of over 30,000 hectares. When you come here, you will step onto the high platform to admire the natural landscape. The entrance fee to the sanctuary is around $25/person. If you go in a group, you'll get a discount! Don't miss out on this place when traveling with your group!
Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia will be a truly unique destination in your journey. The land of temples with many religious and historical landmarks increasingly attracts the attention of tourists. If you're looking for a 'breath of fresh air' for your travels, choose Cambodia. If you need to book a tour to Cambodia, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour now!
