Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Also called Boeung Tonle Sap, it has one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems. There are different species of wildlife in and around the lake, which helped to sustain and grow the ancient Khmer civilization. It's also famous for its fascinating local communities and their floating villages.
Located in Siem Reap, the massive lake is 250 km in length and 100 km across at its widest point, making it seem like an inland ocean because it is impossible to see the opposite shore from ground level. Surprisingly, it's fairly shallow, with a maximum depth of only 10 meters.Tonle Sap floating villages
There are several so-called floating villages in and around Tonle Sap Lake and they are all somewhat different. Naturally, many of these villages depend on the lake for the natural resources it provides. You can book a tour of the area, which usually includes roundtrip transport, lunch and plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals.
Kampong Khleang
Being far from Siem Reap, it takes about 1 hours by car to reach there. There is an outer floating village and an inner stilted village. Kampong Khleang has the largest population of all the villages on Tonle Sap Lake and its remote location means that it receives fairly few tourists.
Kampong Phluk
Kampong Phluk isn't really a 'floating village' as the houses are built on tall stilts. During the dry season, the village is high and dry, with the tall stilted houses lining the road. When the water level is high, these stilts are submerged. This is also where you can enjoy boat rides through the flooded forest.