Top Attractions in Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake Essentials

Tonle Sap Lake is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This collection highlights its seasonal ecosystem, including the 9th-century Hindu ruins of Phnom Krom and the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, a critical breeding ground for rare storks and pelicans. The list features floating communities like Chong Kneas and the dense flooded forests near Kampong Phluk. During the monsoon, the lake expands six-fold, reversing the Tonle Sap River's flow and creating a unique landscape of submerged trees and stilted villages.

Deror_avi / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonlé Sap is a lake in the northwest of Cambodia. It belongs to the Mekong River system.

Harald Hoyer / CC BY-SA 2.0

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

Makes for a great one day trip out of Siem Reap. See the wonderful birds nestling and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Kazenelenbogen / CC BY 3.0

Phnom Krom Temple

The top of the hill is a site for a Hindu temple. The wonderful view and beautiful temple are worth the visit.

floating village

Communities built on buoyant platforms or high stilts to accommodate seasonal water level fluctuations of up to 10 meters. These settlements include homes, schools, and markets, primarily sustained by fishing and aquaculture within the lake's wetlands.

Flooded Forest

Adjacent to Kampong Phluk, this walkway is a magical place. Take a stroll through the Flooded Forest and adore the nature around you.

Chong Kneas floating village

Floating community consisting of approximately 1,000 families living in houseboats. The settlement includes floating schools and businesses accessible via boat tours.

Boattrail from Siem Reap to Battambang(7 hours in the dryseason!)

A scenic transit through the Sangkae River and Tonle Sap wetlands. The route passes remote stilted villages and bird-watching sites. Navigation depends heavily on water levels; during the dry season, the journey often involves navigating shallow, narrow channels.